Context:

A U.S. safety alert warns that Gourmia Six Quart pressure cookers sold at Best Buy and other retailers posed burn hazards after incidents where the lid opened under pressure, with about 43,500 units sold between 2017 and 2020. The CPSC cites three defects—lid that can release under pressure, a problematic float valve, and incorrect volume markings—that can cause hot contents to spray out. Despite lawsuits and calls for a recall, Gourmia and Best Buy have resisted, while the devices were discontinued years ago and manufacture is traced to China. The warning urges immediate cessation of use and disposal, and consumer reporting of incidents. Looking forward, the focus is on accountability, potential recalls, and consumer redress through manufacturers and retailers.

Dive Deeper:

• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning on Feb. 24 advising customers who purchased Gourmia pressure cookers to stop using them immediately due to burn risks, including incidents where hot contents were expelled under pressure.

• Five incident reports have been filed, with four qualifying as severe burn injuries; several lawsuits have arisen as a result, linking the product to injuries dating back to 2020.

• About 43,500 units of the Gourmia Six Quart Pressure Cooker were sold from 2017 to 2020 through Best Buy, other retailers, and online outlets, with Best Buy accounting for roughly half of total sales.

• The CPSC identifies three design defects: a lid that can open while still pressurized, a float valve located inside the handle that may remain raised and go unnoticed, and incorrect inner pot volume markings that can lead to overfilling and ejection of contents.

• Gourmia, which imports under Steelstone Group, LLC, states the model GPC625 was designed to UL standards and stopped selling it six years ago; the company says it is reviewing the matter and maintains the product is safe when used as directed.

• Best Buy says it notified the CPSC and halted sales of the product when it first learned of the issue six years ago, and urges customers to contact the manufacturer for a resolution, noting that about half of affected units came through its stores.

• The affected cookers were manufactured in China, and consumer warnings emphasize disposal and prohibition on resale, with the CPSC encouraging reporting of incidents to SaferProducts.gov.