Pressure cookers have become increasingly popular due to their ability to cook food quickly and efficiently. In recent times, they are even more prevalent as many people are staying at home and looking for faster cooking methods for healthier meals. However, not all pressure cookers are created equal. It is essential to investigate the brand and model of the pressure cooker to ensure that the device does not have any underlying safety hazards.
Recently, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall for Faberware 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cookers due to flawed safety mechanisms. Read on to learn more about the recall and the potential dangers that the pressure cookers pose to consumers.
The Recall
On September 10th, 2020, the CPSC issued a recall for Faberware 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cookers due to a faulty lid that could cause explosions. The pressure cookers were sold exclusively at Walmart stores and online from August 2019 to September 2020. About 25,000 units were distributed throughout the United States, and the pressure cookers typically retailed for approximately $60.
Faberware 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cookers are hailed as a versatile device by the manufacturer, with features such as cooking rice, slow cooking, sautéing, and baking. However, the safety mechanisms of the pressure cookers are misaligned, and the lid is prone to opening before all the pressure has been vented. The excess pressure can result in hot food splattering out or steam-burns to the user.
Additionally, the pressure cookers come with a plastic gasket that can deform if conditions become too hot, causing the excessively pressurized contents to explode out uncontrollably. The defect makes them dangerous to use for cooking and poses a risk of injury to consumers.
What Should I Do If I Own a Faberware 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker?
If you own a Faberware 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker, CPSC strongly advises you to stop using it and immediately contact Sensio, the manufacturer, for a refund. You can contact Sensio by calling their toll-free number, 888-891-1473, or by visiting their website at www.prodprotect.com. When you contact them, they will request that you provide proof of purchase and will facilitate the refund process.
Conclusion
This recall offers a valuable reminder of how important it is to exercise caution and research potential safety hazards before purchasing products. While pressure cookers present an excellent way to cook food quickly and efficiently, consumers must ensure that they select a product from a reputable brand and model with a safe track record.
If you own a Faberware 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker, do not hesitate to contact Sensio for a refund promptly. In conclusion, take the time to investigate the safety measures of products before purchasing a new kitchen appliance. Your safety is paramount, and it is essential to make informed decisions and stay vigilant in terms of safety hazards.
FAQ
Why don t people use pressure cookers anymore?
Pressure cookers were once a staple in many home kitchens due to their ability to cook food quickly and efficiently. However, the use of pressure cookers has declined significantly over the years, and many people no longer use them in their everyday cooking. One of the main reasons behind this decline can be attributed to the advancements made in cooking technology and equipment.
The average chef doesn’t keep a pressure cooker in the kitchen anymore. This is mainly because of the scale of operations that they have to deal with. Chefs must cook large quantities of food at a time, and these quantities often exceed the capacity of the pressure cooker. As such, they have to rely on commercial-grade equipment that can handle large quantities of food and can cook it quickly.
Moreover, the rise of convenience foods has also contributed to the decline in the use of pressure cookers. In today’s fast-paced world, people are looking for quick and easy meal solutions. This has led to the popularity of microwave meals, frozen foods, and ready-to-eat foods. These foods don’t require the use of a pressure cooker to prepare, and as such, people no longer feel the need to invest in a pressure cooker.
Another reason behind the decline in the use of pressure cookers can be attributed to safety concerns. Pressure cookers work by trapping steam inside the pot, which increases the pressure. This increased pressure can be dangerous if the cooker is not used properly. Many people have had bad experiences with pressure cookers, either due to accidents or the fear of accidents. As such, they choose not to use them in their cooking.
The decline in the use of pressure cookers can be attributed to various factors, including advances in cooking technology, the rise of convenience foods, and concerns over safety. While pressure cookers remain a useful tool for certain types of cooking, they are no longer as popular as they once were. Chefs in commercial kitchens still use them, but for the average home cook, other cooking methods have taken their place.
How easy is it for a pressure cooker to explode?
Pressure cookers, like any other kitchen appliances, can be dangerous if not properly used and maintained. The risk of explosion, however, is not as high as some people might think. That being said, it is still possible for a pressure cooker to explode, especially if it is not used properly or if there are defects in the manufacturing or design.
Pressure cookers work by trapping steam generated by boiling water inside the pot. The steam pressure builds up, and this increases the temperature inside the pot, which helps cook the food faster. The lid of the pressure cooker is designed to lock in place and prevent steam from venting out during cooking. This creates a sealed environment that builds up pressure.
The safety features of pressure cookers are designed to prevent explosions. Most modern pressure cookers, like the popular Instant Pots, have safety features like overpressure release valves and lids that cannot be opened until the pressure inside the pot is released. These safety mechanisms are important, but they do not completely eliminate the risk of explosions.
An “explosion” in an Instant Pot can occur when there are faults in the manufacturing or design, such as if the lid is opened too quickly, if the steam release valve is blocked, or if the water level is too high or low. These issues can cause the pressure inside the pot to build up too quickly, which can cause the pot to rupture or the lid to be blown off. This can lead to serious injuries or damage to property.
To prevent explosions, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a pressure cooker. This includes being mindful of the amount of water you are putting in the pot, releasing pressure slowly and safely, and ensuring that the steam release valve is always unobstructed. It is also important to inspect your pressure cooker regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or dents.
Pressure cookers can be dangerous if not properly used and maintained, but the risk of explosion is not as high as some people might think. Modern pressure cookers have safety features that are designed to prevent explosions, but it is still important to use them properly and inspect them regularly. By following the manufacturer’s instructions and being mindful of potential issues, you can safely and effectively use a pressure cooker in your home cooking.
What happens when you use a pressure cooker at high elevation?
At high elevations, atmospheric pressure is significantly lower in comparison to that at sea level. It means that water boils at a lower temperature. To be more precise, at sea level, the boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius. However, as we ascend higher, the atmospheric pressure reduces, causing water to boil at lower temperatures, which leads to a slower cooking process.
When it comes to cooking, using a pressure cooker at high elevations can be very beneficial. By using it, you can compensate for the lower atmospheric pressure and higher elevation. A pressure cooker is designed to maintain a higher pressure than the atmospheric pressure as it cooks food. The cooking pot traps steam and creates a high-pressure environment that can quickly cook food.
The pressure inside a pressure cooker raises the boiling point of water by about 15 degrees Celsius. This increase in temperature significantly reduces the time required to cook food, making pressure cookers perfect for high altitude cooking. Cooking in a pressure cooker at high elevations also ensures that the food is evenly cooked and thus can prevent overcooking or undercooking.
It is essential to note that using a pressure cooker at high elevations requires some adjustments. At high elevations, the pressure inside the pressure cooker should be lowered so that it does not become too high and cause the food to overcook or even burn. Also, using a pressure cooker at high elevations may require increased liquid contents, more seasoning, or adjustments to cooking time.
Finally, it is important to always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you are using the pressure cooker correctly, especially when using it in high altitude cooking. using a pressure cooker at high elevations can be very beneficial as it reduces cooking time and ensures evenly cooked food.
