The Instant Pot is one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years, with millions of users swearing by its convenience and versatility. However, given its immense popularity, some people have raised concerns about the safety of using Instant Pots. This has led to questions around whether Instant Pot has ever been recalled.
What is an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a multi-use programmable pressure cooker marketed by the Canadian company Instant Brands. It functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, sauté pan, steamer, and warmer. The Instant Pot consists of a stainless steel inner pot and an outer housing with embedded heating elements and electronic controls. It operates by creating a sealed chamber that allows pressure to build up inside, raising the boiling point of water and drastically speeding up cooking times.
Some key features and benefits of the Instant Pot include:
- Up to 70% faster cooking times compared to traditional cooking methods
- Energy efficient and convenient “set it and forget it” operation
- 14 built-in smart programs for specific foods like rice, chili, yogurt, etc.
- Saute, slow cook, keep warm, and pressure cook settings in one appliance
- Safety features like overheat protection and lid lock to prevent accidents
The Instant Pot was invented in 2008 by Robert Wang, a former employee of the mobile tech company BlackBerry. It was first introduced to the market in 2010 and has since become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in America and worldwide.
Has there been an Instant Pot recall?
There has never been an official recall issued for the Instant Pot by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Instant Pot is considered a safe kitchen appliance when used properly, according to the company and product safety experts.
However, there have been some isolated incidents and safety concerns with the Instant Pot over the years:
- In 2011, some first-generation Instant Pots were reported to overheat, leading Instant Pot to re-engineer the product for better thermal protection.
- In 2018, Instant Pot received a number of reports of their Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker overheating, melting exterior parts and presenting burn risks. Instant Pot issued a voluntary recall for this specific multicooker model.
- Some users have reported other problems like steam leaks, inaccurate pressure readings, or faulty lid seals. However, these seem to be isolated incidents not indicative of widespread issues.
Overall, while isolated incidents have occurred, there has been no major recall impacting the entire lineup of Instant Pot products. The brand continues to be popular and considered safe by most accounts when proper precautions and instructions are followed.
Instant Pot Recall History
Let’s take a more detailed look at the history of recalls for Instant Pot products:
2011 Overheating Issues
When the Instant Pot was first introduced to the market in 2010, some customers reported overheating issues with their units. This led Instant Pot to temporarily stop production while it identified and fixed the problem. It turned out that the overheating was caused by faulty wiring placement that allowed wires to shift and bend, creating a fire risk.
Instant Pot updated the product’s design in 2011, moving internal wires away from heat sources and adding more insulation and heat shields. They also updated the software that controlled temperature and pressure. No formal recall was issued, but the company invited anyone with an affected first-generation unit to contact them for a free replacement.
2018 Gem Multicooker Recall
In 2018, Instant Pot received 107 reports of their Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker overheating during use. This included reports of the product melting exterior parts, posing burn and fire hazards. There were 10 minor burn injuries reported, but no major injuries.
Instant Pot issued an official voluntary recall through the CPSC for this specific product model, which was sold exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide and online from July 2017 through January 2018. An estimated 104,000 units were affected.walmart
If you owned a recalled Gem 65 multicooker, Instant Pot advised you to immediately stop using it and contact the company for instructions on returning it for a free replacement. The recall did not affect any other Instant Pot pressure cooker models.
Other Safety Issues
Beyond those two major incidents, there have been other occasional reports of safety issues with Instant Pots over the years:
- A handful of reports of steam leaks around the lid while cooking.
- Some complaints of inaccurate pressure readings.
- Isolated reports of faulty or ill-fitting lids causing delayed pressure release.
However, these types of reports seem limited in scope and not indicative of widespread flaws or risks with the entire product line. Many have been addressed in subsequent product updates and new models by Instant Pot.
Are Instant Pots safe when used properly?
Yes, Instant Pots are generally considered safe kitchen appliances when users follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take proper precautions.
According to Instant Pot, key safety tips include:
- Carefully read the entire instruction manual before first use.
- Follow all guidelines on minimum and maximum fill levels.
- Do not fill past the PC MAX fill line when using pressure cooking functions.
- Only use Instant Pot accessories recommended for your specific model.
- Properly close and seal the lid before operating.
- Ensure pressure is fully released before attempting to open the lid.
- Use extreme caution when opening, as contents may be under pressure.
- Do not attempt to force open the lid while the float valve is still up.
- Do not operate near flammable materials or underneath cabinets.
- Unplug when not in use and before cleaning.
- Frequently inspect the lid, gaskets, and other parts and replace if damaged.
As long as you take proper precautions when using your Instant Pot, you can feel confident it is safe for regular operation. However, like any appliance, reasonable care and maintenance is required.
Have there been injuries associated with Instant Pot?
Only a small number of minor injuries have been reported in association with Instant Pots, mainly related to isolated product malfunctions or user errors:
- 10 minor burn injuries were reported in the 2018 Gem Multicooker recall.
- A few users have received steam burns when improperly opening the lid before pressure release.
- Some users got minor burns when their unit overheated due to malfunction or misuse.
- There have been isolated reports of broken lid glass due to sudden steam release.
Despite millions of Instant Pots sold, serious injuries are very rare. There have been no reports of any deaths or severe injuries directly caused by Instant Pots based on available consumer data.
What do consumer advocates say about Instant Pot safety?
Most consumer advocacy groups and product reviewers consider Instant Pots to be safe for ordinary home use provided they are operated properly. Some key assessments include:
- Consumer Reports – Tested several Instant Pot models over the years and rated them highly for safety based on performance evaluations.
- Good Housekeeping – Named the Instant Pot one of their top picks for pressure cookers after assessing numerous options for safety and effectiveness.
- Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) – Instant Pot carries a UL certification, meaning it meets applicable product safety standards in the US and Canada.
- Consumer Product Safety Commission – Has refrained from issuing any major recalls or warnings about Instant Pots despite some isolated incidents.
Overall, independent testing and reviews largely agree that Instant Pots are safe when operating instructions are followed correctly. The devices carry key safety mechanisms like lid locks, pressure releases, and overheat protection.
What do Instant Pot owners say about safety issues?
The vast majority of Instant Pot owners report being very satisfied with the safety and reliability of their Instant Pots during everyday use:
- On platforms like Amazon and Consumer Reports, most Instant Pot models have earned outstanding safety ratings and reviews from verified purchasers.
- Reviews highlight useful safety mechanisms like the lid lock that prevents opening the cooker while pressurized.
- Owners praise the clear operating instructions and low learning curve for using Instant Pots safely.
- Many mention they feel Instant Pots are safer than stove-top pressure cookers which can present more burn risks.
- Satisfaction rates and safety perceptions have steadily improved as Instant Pot continues updating and upgrading product designs.
However, as with any product, some people have reported isolated malfunctions or safety concerns with their Instant Pot:
- A minority of owners mention issues like steam leaks, overheating, or overly complex interfaces.
- Some report safety concerns due to user errors like over-filling or prematurely opening the lid.
- A few mention receiving minor burns from spewing steam or hot contents due to user mistakes.
Overall though, the vast majority seem confident in the safety of Instant Pots when instructions are followed and the devices are properly cared for.
Key Takeaways
- There has never been a major recall of Instant Pot cookers. The only recall was for a specific multicooker model sold exclusively at Walmart in 2018.
- Isolated issues have occurred over the years like overheating or steam leaks, but these were limited in scope.
- Independent testing and Instant Pot’s certifications confirm most models are safe when used as directed.
- Users and reviewers overwhelmingly rate Instant Pot’s safety highly, with proper operation being key.
- Injuries associated with Instant Pots are very rare and minor in nature.
- Like any appliance, reasonable care and caution is required for safe Instant Pot operation.
Conclusion
Based on Instant Pot’s recall history, safety certifications, design improvements, and overwhelmingly positive user experiences, Instant Pots remain very popular and safe for home use. While rare incidents can occur, the responsibility largely falls on owners to properly operate and maintain their cooker. Provided you follow Instant Pot’s guidance and don’t override safety features, you can feel confident using an Instant Pot in your kitchen.