Pressure cookers are popular kitchen tools used by people all over the world. It helps cook food quickly with the help of heat and pressure. While this kitchen item has been in use for hundreds of years, it has recently started showing up in the news due to the various lawsuits filed by people.
Due to manufacturing and design defects, pressure cookers have caused various accidents and caused severe injuries. Some common accidents include burns, splashed liquids, and explosions. A pressure cooker accident lawyer can look into the situation and fight for your compensation.
Why do pressure cookers explode?
One of the most common reasons pressure cookers explode is due to manufacturing and design defects. When a kitchen item is defective, it can cause problems. When water boils inside a pressure cooker, it releases heat, pressure, and steam that gets collected inside it.
The more the heat, the more the pressure and steam are. A properly designed and made pressure cooker can withhold this steam and pressure without malfunctioning. However, a cooker with a defective design may not be able to take so much pressure and explode.
Sudden explosions can result in the hot liquid splashing out and falling on your body. This can cause severe burns and even injure your eye.
Common defects found in malfunctioning pressure cookers
Some of the common defects often found in exploding pressure cookers include the following.
Inadequate venting:
If there is insufficient space for venting or no room for the excess steam to come out, the pressure cooker can explode.
Inadequate liquid seals:
Seals that do not properly close the lid can cause the inside content and liquids to splash out and burn your body.
Fault gaskets:
A faulty gasket can result in the premature opening of the pot and cause burns.
Ways to avoid explosions and injuries from pressure cookers
The best way to stay safe from exploding pressure cookers is to make sure the product you are buying is from a trustworthy brand. However, you may use the following tips on any pressure cooker to ensure your safety.
- Check whether your pressure cooker brand has announced any recalls recently.
- Clean your pressure properly after every use.
- Never add oils inside your pressure cooker, as it can cause materials like seals and latches to melt.
- Always buy a new pressure cooker from the market. Buying second-hand cookers can be dangerous as newer models are considered safer.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when handling the cooker, especially when removing the vent.
- Inspect your pressure cooker for damage before buying it.
Although pressure cookers are associated with dangers, you should not have to worry about getting injured while trying to cook for your family. In case you do, you deserve to get compensation for your injuries. Contact an attorney today.
