Instant Pot Explosion: Causes & Actions To Take (Apr 2025)

Why Do Instant Pots Explode?

It is possible for an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to explode. Explosions typically result from a malfunction of the pressure-cooking mechanism. These malfunctions can stem from defective seals, faulty gaskets, or poor venting. Any of these malfunctions can result in the Instant Pot bursting open and expelling hot steam and food.

In some cases, consumers have reported that their Instant Pot exploded even when it appeared to be functioning properly. This suggests that hidden defects, either in the manufacturing process or due to design flaws, may increase the risk of explosions. Some users have alleged that the safety mechanisms advertised by manufacturers did not engage as expected, leading to sudden and violent malfunctions.

Common Causes of Instant Pot Explosions

• Defective Seals and Gaskets: If the seal or gasket fails, pressure can build up beyond safe limits, causing the device to rupture.
• Faulty Safety Features: Some models may have faulty safety locks or pressure release mechanisms that do not function correctly, leading to explosions.
• Manufacturing Errors: Improper assembly or substandard materials can weaken the appliance, making it more prone to accidents.
• Lack of Adequate Warnings: Manufacturers may not always provide sufficient instructions or warnings about how to safely use the product, increasing the risk of user error.

Common Instant Pot Explosion Injuries & Their Treatments

When an Instant Pot blows up, it can damage anything nearby — including people. Severe injuries are possible as a result. Here’s a look at some of the most common Instant Pot explosion injuries and their treatments.

Burns

If you’re close to an Instant Pot when it explodes, there’s a good chance you’ll suffer a burn injury. Mild burns can often be dealt with at home. However, serious burns may need more involved treatments like these:

• Debridement (removing dead tissue for the burn)
• IV fluids to prevent dehydration
• Specialized wound dressings
• Skin grafts
• Pain medication
• IV antibiotics to prevent infection

If your burn site is over a joint, you may need physical therapy to help restore mobility.

Lacerations

When an Instant Pot explodes, it can send sharp pieces flying. Depending on the trajectory and the force of the explosion, these pieces can cause deep cuts that may need stitches.

Eye Damage

Flying pieces can cause cuts anywhere on your body and do major damage to your eyes specifically. In severe cases, you could even lose your eyesight or the eye itself altogether. If you have a piece of shrapnel embedded in your eye, you may need to see a specialist to have it removed.

Hearing Loss

Any explosion can damage your hearing, and major explosions can cause permanent deafness. While an Instant Pot explosion is unlikely to be loud enough to cause permanent damage, the sound could lead to temporary hearing loss.

Disfigurement

In severe cases, you may have permanent scarring that causes disfigurement. You may be able to see a cosmetic specialist to reduce the appearance of your scars. If you file a lawsuit and receive a personal injury settlement, that settlement might include compensation for disfigurement.

Some additional pressure cooker defects have caused injuries as well. In 2015, roughly 1,000 Instant Pots were recalled after it was discovered that a thermal probe defect could cause the entire pot to conduct electricity, creating an electric shock risk.

What to do After an Instant Pot Explosion

If you have experienced an Instant Pot explosion, your first consideration should be your health and safety. Immediately treat any injuries and visit a healthcare provider for a thorough examination.

Once you are able to do so safely, follow these steps:

• Document the Incident: Take photos of the area where the explosion occurred, any injuries, and the damaged Instant Pot. Gather your receipts, manuals, or warranties related to the appliance.
• Report the Explosion: Contact the manufacturer to report what happened. This may initiate a recall if a defect is identified.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep the Instant Pot and all related components as they are. Do not attempt to repair anything.
• Consult a Lawyer: Speak with a lawyer experienced in defective product cases to discuss your legal options.

Fill out the form on this page to get help today.

History of Instant Pot Product Recalls

Thousands of Instant Pots and pressure cookers have been recalled over the years after injured consumers complained or filed lawsuits against the manufacturers. These are some of the larger recalls:

• 2015 Breville Recall: Over 35,000 pressure cookers were recalled over findings that some appliances had incorrectly installed sealing gaskets.
• 2018 Double Insight Recall: Over 100,000 Instant Pot cookers were recalled after it was discovered that a manufacturer defect could cause the device to overheat and potentially start a fire.
• 2020 Crock-Pot Recall: Over 900,000 pressure cookers were recalled due to a defect allowing the device to pressurize without the lid fully locked, leading to possible explosions.
• Best Buy and Insignia Pressure Cooker Recall: Over 900,000 pressure cookers were recalled in 2023 because of incorrect markings leading users to overfill the pot, resulting in hot contents exploding from inside, some even causing second-degree burn injuries.

Instant Pot Lawsuits

Injuries caused by pressure cookers have led to hundreds of lawsuits against manufacturers. These claims have included class action cases and individual product liability lawsuits.

A recently filed defective product case illustrates common claims in Instant Pot lawsuits. Plaintiff in Doss v. Midea America Co. claims that he suffered severe injuries after his pressure cooker exploded. He claims that the pressure cooker contained a defect allowing the lid to rotate and open while still pressurized.

In court documents, Plaintiff claims that blame for his injuries falls on the manufacturer. He points out in his complaint that the pressure cooker manual assured consumers that the lid will stay secured once steam builds up in the cooker. Plaintiff claims that the defendant manufacturer was aware of safety defects in its product and failed to correct the defect or warn consumers of potential danger.

As is common in product liability cases, defects in the product design or manufacturing will be a major issue in this lawsuit.

Compensation Options for Victims of Instant Pot Explosions

If you have been injured by an Instant Pot explosion, you may be entitled to compensation. Victims often pursue product liability lawsuits to hold manufacturers accountable for defects. Compensation may cover:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may seek compensation for lost income or diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages may be awarded for physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma resulting from the incident.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where manufacturers are found to be grossly negligent, punitive damages may be sought to punish the company and prevent future negligence.

Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine which damages may apply in your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How to Prove an Instant Pot Explosion Was Due to a Defect

To win an Instant Pot lawsuit, you must be able to prove (1) the extent of your injuries and (2) the fact that a product defect was their proximate cause. These are some of the types of evidence that could support your claim:

• Photos of the broken Instant Pot
• Proof of purchase
• The broken Instant Pot itself
• Photos of your injuries
• An explanation of how the accident happened
• A record of any communications with the manufacturer
• Your medical records
• Records of any other expenses related to your injury

You can help your case by giving your lawyer any documentation you have. However, you aren’t responsible for building your product liability case. That’s your attorney’s job.

Should You Hire a Pressure Cooker Lawyer?

If you have been injured using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, speak with a lawyer familiar with product liability law. Defective products can cause severe injuries and emotional trauma, and seeking compensation can help with recovery costs and hold manufacturers accountable. Working with a lawyer to protect your rights can help ensure you are compensated fairly for your injuries.