Sunbeam Crock-Pot Recall: What You Need to Know

In November 2020, almost 1 million Crock-Pots manufactured by Sunbeam were recalled due to a potentially dangerous manufacturing defect that may cause the appliances to open unexpectedly during use.

What Caused the Sunbeam Crock-Pot Recall?

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 914,000 Crock-Pot brand cookers sold in the U.S., and an additional 28,000 sold in Canada are affected by the recall. The recall began on Nov. 24, 2020 and includes Crock-Pot brand 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers. These appliances can be used for slow cooking, pressure cooking, sautéing, and steaming. However, when these devices are used on the pressure cooking setting, a dangerous defect may cause them to malfunction.

Pressure cookers are sealed appliances that capture steam and prevent it from leaking out during the cooking process. As the cooker heats, more and more steam is creating. The trapped steam creates a pressurized environment inside of the cooker, which allows cooks to create flavorful food in a short span of time. However, pressure cookers may be dangerous if they are not properly sealed.

The Sunbeam Crock-Pot recall notice states that these appliances are capable of becoming pressurized when the lid is not completely locked and sealed. When pressure builds in the improperly sealed appliance, it may result in the lid unexpectedly becoming detached. When this occurs, the steam and contents inside of the Crock-Pot may explode out of the appliance, injuring nearby people or causing damage to property.

According to Sunbeam, the company has received 119 reports of incidents where Crock-Pot lids detached during pressure cooking. 99 of these incidents resulted in injuries and burns, ranging from more minor first-degree burns to serious third-degree burns.

Third degree burns destroy both the outer and inner layers of skin, and may also damage bones, muscles, or tendons. The site of the burn is often painless, as the nerve endings have generally been destroyed in these cases. The tissue damage caused by third degree burns is permanent, and depending on how extensive the burns are, the damage could be life threatening. Burns caused by exploding pressure cookings may be considered major injuries, and could require medical attention including hospitalization, debriding, or skin grafts.

Which Products are Included in the Sunbeam Crock-Pot Recall?

The Sunbeam recall includes almost one million appliances that were sold at retailers including Walmart, Target, and Amazon between July 2017 and November 2020. These appliances cost between $70 and $100. The type of Crock-Pot affected is the 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cooker, with the model number SCCPPC600-V1. The model number can be located on the bottom of the appliance, along with a code indicating the date that the device was manufactured. The affected date codes include K196JN through K365JN and L001JN through L273JN. Consumers who believe they may own an affected Crock-Pot can verify whether their appliance is included in the recall online.

Consumers who own a Crock-Pot included in the recall may contact the company and request to be sent a free replacement lid. According to the company, these new lids are not defective and will be safe to use for pressure cooking. In the meantime, Crock-Pot has stated that recalled devices are still safe to use for sautéing and slow cooking, as long as the pressure cooking function is not engaged.

If you have been harmed by an exploding Sunbeam Crock-Pot, you may be able to speak with an experienced attorney about the details of your case. Some victims of Crock-Pot injuries may be eligible to join or file a class action lawsuit against the company, and pursue reimbursement for the defective product, as well as compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.

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