Pressure Cooker Explosions

A pressure cooker seals food and liquid inside a pot, then uses heat and pressure to cook it fast. Modern electric and stovetop models have locking and pressure-control systems. These are meant to keep the lid closed while dangerous pressure is still inside.

When a lid, locking part, pressure-release system, valve, sensor, seal, inner pot or other safety part does not work the way it should, very hot steam, liquid and food can come out toward anyone nearby. That can cause serious burns and other injuries.

An injury does not mean the cooker was defective. Some accidents have other causes. Finding out what happened can take a close look at many things, including:

• The pressure cooker itself
• The lid
• The locking mechanism
• The gasket (sealing ring)
• The pressure valves
• The inner pot
• The safety systems
• The model and serial number
• The recall history
• The instructions and warnings
• Photographs
• Medical records
• Purchase records
• Witness information

IMPORTANT: Preserve the Pressure Cooker

If a pressure cooker injured you, do not throw it away, repair it, take it apart or throw out damaged parts.

Keep the cooker, lid, inner pot, gasket, valves, electrical base, power cord, accessories, packaging, instructions and any pieces that broke or came loose.

If you can, keep the cooker in about the same condition it was in right after the incident. When it is safe to do so, take photos of the cooker and the area around it before you move or clean anything.

Do not clean the cooker just to get it ready for photos or an inspection. Cleaning can change its condition after the incident.

Safety comes first. Stop using a cooker you think is unsafe, and never use a cooker that CPSC has told consumers to stop using.

Preserve the Cooker. Tell Us What Happened.

Tell Us Your Story → (800) 476-2416

Why Preserving Your Pressure Cooker Matters

The pressure cooker you used may hold clues about how the incident happened. Photos help a great deal. But photos may not show everything that a careful look at the actual cooker could show.

Depending on what happened, an investigation may look at:

• The lid
• The lid-locking mechanism
• Safety interlocks
• Pressure-release valves
• Float valves
• Pressure indicators
• Gaskets and seals
• The inner cooking pot
• Fill-level markings
• Electrical parts
• Electronic parts
• Sensors
• Broken parts
• Loose parts
• Bent or warped parts
• Parts that came off
• Model information
• The serial number
• Manufacturing information

Keeping the cooker in the condition it was in after the incident can be important when looking into a possible product liability claim. Keeping it does not mean a claim exists. It means the evidence is still there to look at.

Pressure Cooker Evidence Checklist

Use this checklist to keep track of what to save. You do not need every item. Save what you can, and tell us about what you no longer have.

Preserve the Product

• Pressure cooker
• Lid
• Inner pot
• Gasket or sealing ring
• Pressure valves
• Float valve
• Electrical base
• Power cord
• Accessories
• Any broken or loose pieces

Preserve Product Information

• Original box and packaging
• Owner's manual
• Warning labels
• Model and serial number
• Manufacturing information
• Receipt
• Online order confirmation
• Credit card or bank statement
• Warranty information
• Product registration

Document the Scene

When it is safe and practical, take photos or video of:

• The cooker right after the incident
• The lid
• The locking mechanism
• The valves and seals
• Where the cooker was sitting
• Where the lid or parts landed
• Food and liquid that came out
• Damage to walls or cabinets
• Home or security camera footage
• Names and numbers of witnesses

Document the Injuries

Keep these, and keep adding to them over time:

• Photos of your injuries
• Photos as burns or scars change
• ER and hospital records
• Burn center records
• Follow-up treatment records
• Prescription information
• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation records
• Skin graft or surgery records
• Records of missed work

Preserve Communications and Digital Evidence

• Emails with the company or store
• Text messages about the incident
• Customer support messages
• Warranty claims
• Recall notices
• Photos or videos you sent anyone
• Online purchase history
• Product registration records
• Messages with an insurer
• Return or replacement messages

What Should I Do After a Pressure Cooker Explosion?

Medical care comes first. Once you and your family are safe and getting care, these steps can help protect the evidence.

1. Get appropriate medical care

   Serious burns can need prompt medical treatment. Follow the advice of a doctor or other medical professional. Call 911 in an emergency.

2. Preserve the pressure cooker

   Do not throw away the cooker, lid, gasket, valves, inner pot, electrical base or any broken parts.

3. Do not try to recreate the accident

   Do not pressurize or use the cooker again to see if it happens again.

4. Photograph the product and the scene

   When it is safe and practical, take photos of the cooker, lid, parts, the area around it and any visible damage.

5. Document your injuries

   Keep photos of your injuries over time, and keep your medical records and bills.

6. Find your purchase information

   Look for receipts, online orders, credit card records, product registrations, warranty papers, the box and the manual.

7. Save communications

   Keep emails, texts, warranty claims and messages with the manufacturer or store, plus any recall notices.

8. Consider speaking with an attorney before sending the product away

   Once the cooker leaves your hands, it may be hard to get it back or examine it later. A lawyer can talk with you about how to preserve it.

Before You Return, Replace or Throw Away the Cooker

After an incident, you may hear from a manufacturer, a store, a distributor, an insurance company, a warranty company, a repair company or someone else. They may ask you to return, replace, inspect, repair or throw away the cooker.

Always follow official safety instructions and recalls. But before you give up the pressure cooker, consider speaking with an attorney about preserving the evidence and recording the condition of the cooker. Once the original cooker leaves your hands, getting it back or examining it later may be harder.

Do Not Change the Condition of the Cooker

After an accident, try not to change the cooker on purpose. Where it is safe and practical:

• Do not try to recreate the accident.
• Do not pressurize the cooker again to see if the problem happens again.
• Do not repair the cooker.
• Do not replace parts you think are faulty.
• Do not take apart the locking mechanism.
• Do not throw away any single part.
• Do not run tests that could damage or change the cooker.
• Do not keep using a cooker you think may be unsafe.

Your safety always comes first. Follow CPSC recalls and safety warnings, and never use a product that authorities have told consumers to stop using.

Pressure Cooker Recalls and CPSC Safety Warnings

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced recalls and warnings for several pressure cookers. The hazards CPSC described have included:

• Lids that can open while pressure is still inside12
• Lids that can come off during use4
• Cookers that can build pressure when the lid is not fully locked4
• Wrong volume markings on the inner pot, which can lead to overfilling13
• Hot food or liquid pushed out under pressure13
• A float valve that is hard to see1

A recall or warning is a safety action. It does not by itself prove that a product was defective, that a company was negligent, or that the product caused a particular person's injury.

Gourmia pressure cooker warning (February 2026)

On February 24, 2026, CPSC warned consumers to stop using about 43,500 Gourmia GPC625 six-quart digital pressure cookers right away. This is a CPSC safety warning, not a recall. CPSC said the importer and Best Buy had refused to agree to an acceptable recall.1

CPSC said the lid can open while the cooker is still pressurized, which can spray hot contents out. It said the float valve can be hard to see inside the handle, so a person may think it is safe to open the lid when it is not. It also said the inner pot has wrong volume markings that can lead to overfilling.1

CPSC reported five incidents in which hot contents were pushed out under pressure, with severe burn injuries reported in four of them. CPSC also said at least two lawsuits had been filed by consumers alleging burn injuries. The cookers were sold from 2017 to 2020 at Best Buy, other stores and online for about $50 to $80.1

CPSC told consumers to stop using these cookers and to dispose of them, and not to sell or give them away.1 If a Gourmia cooker has already injured you, stop using it. Before you dispose of it, consider asking a lawyer how to store it safely so it can be preserved.

Sensio recall: Bella, Bella Pro Series, Cooks and Crux (August 2023)

On August 10, 2023, Sensio recalled about 860,000 electric and stovetop pressure cookers sold under the Bella, Bella Pro Series, Cooks and Crux names. CPSC said the lid can unlock and be removed during use, which can let hot contents splash out.2

Sensio received 63 reports of incidents, including 61 burn injuries. Some involved second- and third-degree burns to the face, torso, arms and hands. The cookers were sold from September 2015 through September 2020. The remedy was a refund.2

Insignia recall (October 2023)

On October 26, 2023, Best Buy recalled about 930,000 Insignia multi-function pressure cookers. CPSC said the inner pot had wrong volume markings. That can lead people to overfill the pot, so hot food and liquid can be pushed out when the cooker is quick-released or opened while still pressurized.3

Best Buy received 31 reports of contents being pushed out under pressure, including 17 reports of burn injuries. The remedy was a free replacement inner pot and floating locking valve. CPSC updated the notice on March 25, 2025.3

Crock-Pot Express recall (November 2020)

On November 24, 2020, Sunbeam Products recalled about 914,430 Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers in the U.S. CPSC said the cooker can build pressure when the lid is not fully locked, so the lid can suddenly come off while in use.4

Sunbeam received 119 reports of the lid coming off, resulting in 99 burn injuries from first-degree to third-degree. The remedy was a replacement lid.4

How to Find Your Pressure Cooker's Model and Serial Number

To check for a recall or tell us about your cooker, you will need the brand, model number and, if there is one, the serial number or date code. Where this is printed depends on the product. Look for it:

• On a label on the cooker itself
• On the side, back or bottom of the base
• On the box or packaging
• In the owner's manual
• On your receipt or online order

Some recall notices say exactly where to look. For example, CPSC said the Insignia model number is on a label on the side of the cooker,3 and the Crock-Pot model and date code are engraved on a prong of the plug and on the bottom of the base.4

Take a photo of the label before you do anything else. Then search CPSC's recall database for your brand and model.5

Check CPSC Pressure Cooker Recalls ↗ (opens in a new tab) Opens the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall database in a new tab.

Pressure Cooker Burn Injuries

Pressure cooking lets the water and food inside a sealed pot get hotter than they could in an open pot. If the pressure is released suddenly, someone standing nearby can be hit with very hot:

• Steam
• Water
• Oil
• Sauce
• Food
• Other contents

Scalds from steam and hot liquids are one of the most common causes of burns.6 Injuries from a pressure cooker incident may include:

• First-degree burns
• Second-degree (partial-thickness) burns
• Third-degree (full-thickness) burns
• Burns to the face
• Burns to the hands
• Burns to the arms
• Burns to the chest and torso
• Eye injuries
• Permanent scarring
• Changes in skin color
• Nerve damage
• Infection
• Injuries needing skin grafts
• Injuries from being hit by a lid or part

Burn degrees, in plain English

First-degree

Affects only the outer layer of skin. Causes pain, redness and swelling.6

Second-degree

Also called partial-thickness. Affects the outer and underlying layers of skin. Causes pain, redness, swelling and blisters.6

Third-degree

Also called full-thickness. Affects the deep layers of skin. The skin may look white or blackened and may feel numb.6

Not every pressure cooker incident causes a serious injury. This is general information, not medical advice. Ask a doctor about any burn.

Was My Pressure Cooker Defective?

An injury or accident does not by itself show that a pressure cooker was defective. It helps to keep two things apart: hazards that a government agency has already identified for certain models, and possible problems that would need to be investigated in your own case.

Hazards CPSC has identified in specific models

• Gourmia GPC625: lid can open while pressurized; float valve hard to see; wrong volume markings (CPSC warning)1
• Sensio (Bella, Bella Pro Series, Cooks, Crux): lid can unlock and be removed during use (recall)2
• Insignia: wrong volume markings on the inner pot (recall)3
• Crock-Pot Express SCCPPC600-V1: can pressurize when the lid is not fully locked (recall)4

Possible issues an investigation may look at

In an individual case, an investigation may look at whether any of these played a part. Each one would need to be checked against the facts and the evidence:

• Lid-locking system failure
• Safety interlock problems
• Pressure sensor problems
• Pressure indicator problems
• Pressure-release valve problems
• A faulty gasket
• Faulty seals
• Wrong fill markings
• A manufacturing defect
• A design defect
• Warnings that were not adequate
• Instructions that were not adequate
• The lid opening while pressurized
• Another part failing

Pressure Cooker Lawsuits and Product Liability Law

Product liability law covers injuries caused by unsafe products. Depending on the facts, a pressure cooker lawsuit may be based on:

• Defective design: the way the product was designed made it unreasonably unsafe
• Manufacturing defect: something went wrong when a particular unit was made
• Failure to warn: the warnings or instructions were not adequate
• Negligence: a company did not use reasonable care
• Breach of warranty, where it applies

Product liability laws are different in each state. Whether a particular claim can go forward depends on the facts of the incident, the product, the evidence that is available, the injury, the state and the law that applies.

Who may be responsible?

Depending on the facts and the law, the companies involved may include the:

• Manufacturer
• Importer
• Distributor
• Retailer or store
• Other companies that helped bring the product to market

A company is not legally responsible just because its product was recalled, was the subject of a safety warning, or was named in a lawsuit. That has to be shown with evidence.

Key Terms: Recalls, Warnings, Lawsuits, Settlements and Verdicts

News about pressure cookers uses many terms that sound alike but mean different things.

Allegation

A claim made by someone who sues. It has not necessarily been proven.

Lawsuit

A case filed in court. Filing a lawsuit does not prove anything by itself.

Verdict

A decision reached by a judge or jury at the end of a trial.

Settlement

An agreement that ends a claim. A settlement generally does not prove that anyone was at fault unless the settlement documents say so.

Recall

A product safety action, such as a refund, repair or replacement. A recall does not by itself prove liability in any one lawsuit.

Safety warning

A warning about a safety concern that has been identified or reported. A CPSC safety warning is not the same as a recall.

Reported injury

An injury someone reported to a company or agency. A report is not the same as a confirmed finding.

Government finding

A conclusion stated by a government agency, such as the hazard CPSC describes in a recall or warning notice.

CPSC has said that at least two lawsuits have been filed by consumers alleging burn injuries from the Gourmia cooker.1 Those are allegations, not findings. This page does not list verdict or settlement amounts. Past results in other cases do not predict the result in any other case.

Pressure Cooker Settlements and Compensation

What a person may recover depends on the facts, the state, how serious the injury is and the law that applies. Depending on the case, damages may include:

• Past medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Lost income
• Lost ability to earn in the future
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Rehabilitation
• Future medical care
• Other damages the law allows

No one can promise a settlement or a certain amount. There is no typical pressure cooker settlement value, because every injury and every case is different.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?

Every state sets deadlines for filing an injury lawsuit. These are called statutes of limitations. There is no single nationwide deadline. The deadline can depend on:

• The state
• The type of claim
• Who the claim is against
• The age of the injured person
• The date of the injury
• When the injury or its cause was discovered
• Other circumstances

Evidence can also get harder to find over time. Cookers get thrown away, receipts get lost and camera footage gets deleted. Keeping the cooker and your records now helps protect your options later.

What If I No Longer Have the Pressure Cooker?

Losing the cooker can make it harder to investigate what happened. But it does not mean the circumstances cannot be reviewed. Other evidence may still exist, such as:

• Photos
• Videos
• Purchase records
• Model information
• Serial number information
• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Messages with the manufacturer
• Warranty records
• Recall information
• Store records
• Insurance communications
• Product registration records

When you contact us, tell us exactly what happened to the cooker. For example, was it returned, thrown away, repaired or sent to the manufacturer? Whether or not you still have it, we can review what you do have. If you were seriously hurt, CBW Law also handles other personal injury claims.

Questions

Pressure cooker injury questions

Short answers to the questions people ask most after a pressure cooker incident.

Can a pressure cooker explode?

People often call it an explosion when a lid opens or comes off, or when hot contents burst out under pressure. CPSC notices describe events like lids opening while pressurized, lids coming off, and hot contents being pushed out. If this happened to you, keep the cooker and all its parts.

Why would a pressure cooker lid suddenly come off?

Possible reasons include a problem with the locking system, a cooker that builds pressure when the lid is not fully locked, or overfilling. CPSC has described each of these in recalls or warnings for certain models. In any one case, the actual cooker usually needs to be examined to know why.

Can a pressure cooker open while it is still pressurized?

CPSC has said this can happen with certain models. For example, it warned that the Gourmia GPC625 lid can open while still pressurized, and that some Sensio lids could unlock during use. Modern cookers are designed to prevent this.

What pressure cookers have been recalled?

Recalls have included Sensio's Bella, Bella Pro Series, Cooks and Crux cookers (2023), Insignia cookers (2023) and the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express (2020). CPSC also issued a safety warning, not a recall, for Gourmia GPC625 cookers in 2026. Check the CPSC recall database for others.

What should I do with the pressure cooker after an accident?

Stop using it, and keep it. Save the lid, inner pot, gasket, valves, base, cord and any broken pieces. Do not clean, repair or take it apart. Take photos when it is safe, and store it somewhere it will not be disturbed.

Should I send my pressure cooker back to the manufacturer?

Follow official recall and safety instructions. But before you give up the cooker, consider speaking with a lawyer about preserving it and documenting its condition. Once it leaves your hands, it may be hard to examine later.

Should I throw away a damaged pressure cooker?

If it injured someone, try not to throw it away before speaking with a lawyer, even if it no longer works. Never use it again. If CPSC has told consumers to dispose of a model, ask a lawyer how to store it safely in the meantime.

What if I already threw away the pressure cooker?

You may still be able to have the circumstances reviewed. Photos, videos, purchase records, the model number, medical records and witness statements can still matter. Tell us exactly what happened to the cooker.

Can I file a lawsuit if my pressure cooker burned me?

Maybe. Not every injury means the cooker was defective. Whether you have a claim depends on what happened, the product, the evidence, your injuries and your state's law. A lawyer can review the facts with you.

What injuries can pressure cooker accidents cause?

Hot steam, liquid and food can cause first-, second- or third-degree burns, often to the face, hands, arms and torso. Other injuries can include eye injuries, scarring, nerve damage, infection and injuries from being hit by a lid.

How do I find my pressure cooker's model number?

Look for a label on the side, back or bottom of the cooker or base. It may also be on the box, in the manual or on your receipt. Some models have it engraved on the plug. Take a photo of it.

Do I need the receipt to investigate a pressure cooker claim?

No, but proof of purchase helps. If you do not have a receipt, an online order, a bank or credit card record, a product registration or a warranty record may show when and where you bought it.

What evidence is important in a pressure cooker injury case?

The cooker and all its parts are often the most important evidence. Photos of the cooker and the scene, the model and serial number, purchase records, medical records, witness names and messages with the company also matter.

How long do I have to file a pressure cooker lawsuit?

It depends on your state, the type of claim and other facts. There is no single nationwide deadline. Evidence can also disappear over time, so it helps to keep the cooker and your records and to speak with a lawyer soon.

Injured by a Pressure Cooker? Tell Us Your Story.

If a pressure cooker burned or seriously injured you, keep the cooker and its parts if you still have them.

Try not to repair, take apart or throw away the cooker. Save your photos, purchase information, medical records and messages about the incident.

CBW Law can review what you tell us about the pressure cooker, what happened and your injuries, and talk with you about possible next steps. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Tell Us Your Story →

This page is general information about pressure cooker injuries and how product liability claims may work. It is not legal or medical advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Recall and warning details come from CPSC notices and can change, so check the CPSC notice itself for the latest information. No outcome can be promised in any case.