Instant Pots have exploded in popularity in recent years as a convenient way to cook meals quickly and easily. However, certain models of Instant Pots have been recalled due to potential burn and fire hazards. In this article, we will look at which models have been recalled and why.
Overview of Instant Pot Recalls
There have been two major recalls of Instant Pot products over safety concerns:
- In February 2022, Instant Brands Inc. recalled over 1 million Instant Pot Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicookers.
- In April 2022, Instant Brands Inc. recalled over 100,000 Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Multicookers.
Both recalls were initiated after Instant Brands received consumer reports of the multicookers overheating and causing melting damage. There were around 150 reports of minor property damage and dozens of reports of minor burns. Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported.
Instant Pot Gem Recall Details
Here are the key details on the Instant Pot Gem recall:
- Name of Product: Instant Pot Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker
- Units Recalled: 1,103,000
- Recall Date: February 17, 2022
- Model Numbers: 65 (8 QT), 80 (6 QT), and Duo Crisp 95 (8 QT) with the batchcodes 42808, 42898 through 43068 and 43103.
- Hazard: The recalled multicookers can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.
- Incidents Reported: 104 reports of overheating, 5 minor burns, and dozens of reports of melting damage.
- Sold At: Amazon, Target, and other retailers nationwide and online from August 2020 through December 2021 for between $80 and $150.
The Instant Pot Gem is a more budget-friendly Instant Pot model. The specific flaw is that the Gem multicookers can overheat due to a faulty wiring issue in the lid. This can lead to localized overheating and melting in the appliance.
Instant Pot Pro Recall Details
Here are the details on the Instant Pot Pro recall:
- Name of Product: Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Multicooker
- Units Recalled: 105,000
- Recall Date: April 21, 2022
- Model Numbers: IP-PRO60 V2 (6 QT), IP-PRO80 V2 (8 QT), and IP-PRO90 V2 (10 QT)
- Hazard: The recalled multicookers can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.
- Incidents Reported: 81 reports of overheating, 5 minor burns, and dozens of reports of melting damage.
- Sold At: Target, Walmart, Amazon, and other national retailers from August 2020 through January 2022 for between $130 and $190.
The Instant Pot Pro is a more advanced Instant Pot model with enhanced programming. In this case, the flaw is a manufacturing defect with the sealing ring. This can lead to a faulty seal and cause overheating. The Pro models account for a much smaller percentage of recalled units compared to the Gem.
What to Do If You Have a Recalled Model
If you have one of the recalled Instant Pot models, you should immediately stop using it and contact Instant Brands for instructions on how to disable and return the unit for a full refund. This applies even if you have not experienced any issues with overheating.
You can contact Instant Brands and get more information about the recalls using the following methods:
- Online: Visit the recalls page at www.instantpot.com/recalls or www.instantpot.com and click on “Important Notice for Gem/Pro Series”
- By Phone: Call 1-800-828-7280 toll-free Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm Pacific Time
- By Email: [email protected]
When contacting Instant Pot, you will need to provide your contact information and the model and batchcode numbers of your multicooker. Instant Pot will provide prepaid shipping boxes or labels for returning the recalled unit. Refunds will be issued once the returned cooker is received.
Instant Pot Models Not Impacted by Recalls
While certain models have been recalled, many Instant Pot models remain available and unaffected by any recalls or known hazards. This includes some of Instant Pot’s most popular models:
| Instant Pot Model | Sizes Available |
|---|---|
| Duo | 3 Qt, 6 Qt, 8 Qt |
| Duo Plus | 3 Qt, 6 Qt, 8 Qt |
| Duo Nova | 3 Qt, 6 Qt, 8 Qt |
| Duo Crisp + Air Fryer | 6 Qt, 8 Qt |
| Duo Evo Plus | 6 Qt, 8 Qt |
| Lux | 6 Qt |
| Vortex Plus | 6 Qt, 8 Qt |
| Max | 6 Qt |
These models utilize different designs than the recalled Gem and Pro models. Instant Brands states these Instant Pots remain safe to use based on all internal testing and monitoring.
Key Takeaways on the Instant Pot Recalls
- Two recalls have been issued for certain models of Instant Pots after reports of overheating and minor property damage/burns.
- Over 1.2 million units have been recalled, including Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicookers and Pro 10-in-1 Multicookers.
- If you own a recalled model, stop using it immediately and contact Instant Brands for a refund.
- Many popular Instant Pot models have not been recalled and remain reported as safe to use.
- Check your model number and batchcode to determine if your Instant Pot is included in the recalls.
Conclusion
While problematic overheating in recalled Instant Pots is concerning, it appears Instant Brands has taken appropriate steps to remove hazardous units from the market and compensate consumers. As with any appliance, consumers should remain vigilant about using Instant Pots safely according to instructions.
Millions of Instant Pots remain in use with high consumer satisfaction and no issues. For owners of unaffected models, there is no reason to stop using your Instant Pot based on these limited recalls. As always, exercise caution, supervise use, and contact the manufacturer with any potential issues.