Instant Pot is cautioning owners of its Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker to stop using the product after reports that they tend to get overheated. According to an article on Consumer Reports, the manufacturer of the popular line of electric pressure cookers said on its Facebook page that it has received a “small number of reports” about overheating, which resulted in “localized melting damage to the underside of the product.” The Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker is one of 14 models by Instant Pot and the only one that’s oval shaped. The device is said to perform eight different cooking functions including roasting, baking, steaming, slow-cooking, searing, rice cooking and warming.
Is a Safety Recall Warranted?
The problem is reportedly limited to five batch codes: 1728, 1730,1731, 1734 and 1746, according to a statement released by Instant Pot. The four-digit batch codes may be found on the silver label at the bottom of the pot. Before it closed comments on its Facebook page, Instant Pot was hearing from consumers who were frustrated about not being able to use their Instant Pot. One commenter wrote that the problems were not limited to a few cases.
Instant Pot has said they are working closely with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding the next steps to replace the defective multicookers. Advocates are saying that the company should do more than just warning consumers and telling them not to use the products. They say Instant Pot should do more to pin down the problem, identify which products are affected and clearly communicate to consumers the remedy for the issue and what steps they need to take to stay safe. If this is a safety defect, Instant Pot should, no doubt, issue a recall.
Dangerous and Defective Products
Based on this news report, it appears that these products are not only defective, but also dangerous because they can overheat. If they can get hot enough to melt components, they are hot enough to cause severe burn injuries. And based on the Facebook comments, it appears that there are a number of consumers who are experiencing similar problems with this Instant Pot product.
If you own one of these products, please stop using them and contact Instant Pot for a remedy. If you have been injured by these products, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages and losses. Contact an experienced product liability lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/instant-pot/instant-pot-gem-8-in-1-multicooker/
