Over 2 million Ninja pressure cookers are being yanked from kitchens across America after more than 100 people suffered serious burns when scalding food erupted from defective units.
At a Glance
- SharkNinja is recalling 2 million Ninja Foodi pressure cookers in the US and Canada due to a dangerous defect
- The pressure cooker lids can be opened during cooking, causing contents to explode out and cause severe burns
- 106 burn injuries have been reported in the US, including over 50 second or third-degree burns
- 26 lawsuits have been filed against the company related to these injuries
- Affected consumers can continue using other functions but should contact SharkNinja for a free replacement lid
Made in China Kitchen Bombs
Another day, another massive recall of Chinese-manufactured products endangering American homes. SharkNinja is pulling nearly 2 million pressure cookers from the US market and an additional 184,240 from Canada after discovering a critical safety flaw that allows the lid to be opened while contents are under pressure. The defect in these Ninja Foodi OP300 Series Multi-Function Pressure Cookers essentially turns them into potential kitchen bombs, with scalding food and liquids erupting onto unsuspecting users.
The recall affects popular models retailing for around $200 that were sold at major American retailers including Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Amazon between January 2019 and March 2023. These 6.5-quart capacity units feature both pressure-cooking and air-frying capabilities, but only the pressure function is affected by the recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission made the announcement Thursday after receiving alarming injury reports.
Severe Injuries Mount
The toll of this product failure has been significant. According to the official recall notice, SharkNinja has received 106 reports of burn injuries from American consumers, with more than 50 victims suffering second or third-degree burns to their faces and bodies. These aren’t minor kitchen accidents – these are life-altering injuries causing permanent scarring and trauma. The mounting casualties have already spawned 26 lawsuits against the company, with more likely to follow as awareness of the recall spreads.
“SharkNinja is recalling 1.8 million pressure cookers due to 106 reports of burn injuries that have sparked more than two dozen lawsuits against the company, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sharkninja-recall-1-8-million-pressure-cooker-burns-walmart-amazon/
Interestingly, no injuries have been reported in Canada despite over 184,000 affected units being sold there. This disparity raises questions about whether Canadian consumers received better product information or if there are different usage patterns north of the border. Either way, the company is recalling units in both countries as the defect exists regardless of location.
Identifying Affected Units
The recall specifically targets Ninja Foodi cookers with model numbers OP300, OP301, OP301A, OP302, OP302BRN, OP302HCN, OP302HAQ, OP302HW, OP302HB, OP305, OP305CO, and OP350CO. Consumers who own these models should immediately cease using the pressure cooking function. The CPSC advises that other functions like air frying can still be used safely while awaiting a replacement lid.
“Consumers should immediately stop using the product’s pressure-cooking function and contact SharkNinja for a free replacement lid.” https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/2-million-pressure-cookers-recalled-dozens-consumers-suffer-injuries
SharkNinja has established a dedicated recall response, offering affected customers a free replacement lid. Consumers can contact the company by phone at 888-370-1733, by email at [email protected], or by visiting their website for detailed recall information. The company’s public stance emphasizes concern for customer safety, though the extensive injury reports suggest this recall may have come too late for many users.
Another Corporate Response Too Late
This recall follows a familiar pattern we’ve seen time and again with products that pose serious risks to American consumers. A company sells millions of units over years, collects significant profits, and only after dozens of people suffer life-altering injuries does a recall finally happen. The company’s statement that “The safety of our customers is a top priority” rings hollow when you consider the severity and number of injuries that occurred before this action was taken.
For the millions of Americans who trusted this product in their homes and particularly for the 106 individuals who suffered painful burns, this recall is overdue. While SharkNinja is now taking appropriate steps by working with the CPSC and Health Canada, many consumers will rightfully question why a design flaw of this magnitude wasn’t caught before these appliances were mass-produced in China and distributed throughout North America. The 26 lawsuits already filed suggest many victims feel the same way.
