Class Action: Defective Locking Mechanism Can Cause Cuisinart Pressure Cookers to Explode

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A proposed class action filed in Connecticut details allegations that a defective locking mechanism found on certain models of Cuisinart CPC-600 series pressure cookers can cause the devices to explode without warning. 

According to the 28-page complaint, the defendant’s pressure cookers are supposedly sealed so tightly that, when in use, vitamins and minerals in foods cannot boil away under extreme heat and steam. Cuisinart, the suit says, emphasizes the safety of these devices by claiming they’re “absolutely safe, with a lid that has to be locked in place before pressure builds and stays locked until pressure is released.” In its product manuals, the case points out, Cuisinart states the pressure cooker lids “[are] double-locked and cannot be opened [when pressurized].”

The plaintiff alleges, however, that the supposedly double-locked pressure cooker lids can, in fact, be opened by a consumer when a device is in use. The suit says this can cause “scalding hot contents to burst and erupt from the appliance.”

“Regardless of whether the defect manifests itself,” the case states, “for all Pressure Cookers sold by Cuisinart, the Defect poses a serious safety risk to consumers and the public.”

Alleged problems with the product’s locking mechanism aside, the case goes on to say that Cuisinart’s pressure cookers pose another injury threat in that they can fully pressurize without the lid being securely attached, something the company claims the devices are unable to do. This, too, can lead to the contents of the pressure cooker erupting during the course of normal use, the lawsuit says.

As for Cuisinart, the lawsuit argues the homewares company knew or should have known of the defect yet concealed its existence from consumers while continuing to sell the pressure cookers.

Per the plaintiff, the case claims the South Dakota consumer was injured after her Cuisinart pressure cooker erupted with scalding hot contents inside. From the complaint: 

“At the conclusion of the cook cycle, the Pressure Cooker beeped to signal the cooking process was complete. Thus, according to the instructions in the Owners’ Manual, [the plaintiff] believed her Pressure Cooker was safe to open.

However, [the plaintiff’s] Pressure Cooker was not safe to open. Unbeknownst to her, the Pressure Cooker still retained a significant and dangerous amount of pressure inside the appliance. Turning the lid using one hand and exerting ordinary force as she had done on multiple prior occasions, [the plaintiff] began to open the pressure cooker’s lid. While she was turning, the Pressure Cooker exploded, spewing the scalding hot contents out. The hot chili, including meat, beans, tomatoes and other ingredients, sprayed all over [the plaintiff] (especially her right arm, chest, neck, and face), and her kitchen, including the floor, ceiling, countertops, refrigerator, and upper cabinets.

As a result of hot contents coming into contact with her skin, [the plaintiff] suffered burns on her arms, neck, chest, and face.”