Consumers who use a Cuisinart electric pressure cooker may be at risk for a steam explosion which can leave serious burns and other injuries.

Pressure cookers have become increasingly popular as small appliances, with many consumers purchasing them or receiving them as gifts. The appliances work by trapping steam in a sealed chamber and increasing the pressure inside. As the pressure increases in the chamber, the cooking temperature rises, which cooks the food inside.

However, some consumers have reported their Cuisinart electric pressure cooker exploded due to defects with the appliances.

The executive chef at the Culinary Center of Kansas City, Jill Garcia Schmidt, told FOX4KC.com that the most important thing to do with appliances like these is to read the directions. These directions are reportedly designed to protect consumers from potential injury.

“Steam is past the boiling point in order to make steam, so you’re talking anywhere from 180 degrees and up,” Schmidt said, according to FOX4KC.com. “And once it’s been going for an hour or so, it can be anywhere from 300 degrees or more, and that`s third-degree burn temperatures if you’re not careful.”

Many injuries occur after the Cuisinart electric pressure cooker or another appliance has seemingly stopped cooking. Some consumers report following the directions provided by manufacturers but still experience steam-related explosions. However, Schmidt says that there are a couple of options which may help prevent injuries.

“Either release the steam manually or let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, which will be recommended per recipe,” she instructs. “It will allow the steam to release naturally. And when you release the steam valve, instead of it going up like a geyser, it will just kind of (be) a calmer situation. You don’t have to worry about that lid flying off.”

Schmidt also recommends using a wooden spoon or utensil to maintain distance from the steam valve.

However, consumers allege that the Cuisinart electric pressure cooker and other small appliances have defects which cannot be avoided by following the manufacturers’ directions.

Some consumers have reported pressure cooker explosions with their Cuisinart electric pressure cooker and other appliances. These explosions occur when the lid to a pressure cooker suddenly blows off, spraying the scalding contents of the pressure cooker everywhere. Other consumers claim that pressure cooker explosions happen when they depressurize their pressure cookers as instructed.

Reports suggest that these explosions happen due to defective safety lock features on the lids of the Cuisinart electric pressure cooker and other appliances. Other consumers have reported that further defects with the lid result in steam rapidly escaping the seal in the appliance.

Both explosions and the rapid escape of steam can cause a variety of injuries including first-, second-, and third-degree burns. These injuries may prompt injured consumers to file a lawsuit or class action lawsuit against manufacturers, seeking compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, permanent disfigurement, lost wages, damaged property, and more. Even consumers who were not directly injured may have a case against manufacturers for distributing an allegedly defective product.

Join a Free Pressure Cooker Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you experienced a pressure cooker explosion and were injured and/or suffered other damages, you may have a legal claim. Filing a personal injury pressure cooker lawsuit or joining a pressure cooker class action lawsuit could help you recover expenses related to medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.

Fill out the form on this page now for a FREE case evaluation.

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