Kitchens are full of tools that help us cook, clean, and prepare meals. But some of those same tools can cause serious harm if they malfunction or are used incorrectly. Burns, cuts, and electrical shocks happen more often than you might think, and many times, it’s due to faulty products or a lack of proper safety features.
As personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen how injuries from everyday kitchen products can upend someone’s life. When a manufacturer puts profit before safety, you shouldn’t be left dealing with the consequences alone. Below, we take a closer look at five common kitchen items that pose serious risks—and what you can do to stay safe.
Pressure Cookers: A Recipe for Disaster
Pressure cookers are popular because they cook food quickly and lock in flavor. But they also use high-pressure steam, which makes them dangerous when things go wrong. Some models have exploded without warning, sending hot food and metal flying across the room. Others have lids that open while there’s still pressure inside, releasing a blast of scalding steam.
Common injuries include:
- Second- and third-degree burns
- Scalding to the face, hands, and chest
- Permanent scarring
In recent years, several pressure cookers have been recalled due to faulty safety valves and lid-locking mechanisms. When a defect like that causes harm, the manufacturer can be held responsible.
To lower the risk:
- Don’t overfill the cooker
- Inspect the gasket and valve regularly
- Never force the lid open
Hot Plates and Portable Stoves: Hidden Hazards
Hot plates and portable stoves are convenient, especially in dorm rooms or small apartments. But they often lack the safety features of full-sized appliances. They’ve been known to overheat, short-circuit, or catch nearby items on fire. Loose cords or unstable placement can also lead to accidents.
Typical injuries include:
- Burns from direct contact
- Electrical shocks
- Fires that cause property damage
Some fires have been traced back to poor design, like flammable casing or a lack of auto shut-off features. If an unsafe design causes an injury or loss, that’s not your fault, and you may have a product liability claim.
Use safely by:
- Keeping flammable items far away
- Using a flat, stable surface
- Unplugging after each use
Blenders: The Risk of Blades
Blenders seem harmless until a hand gets too close to the blades or the lid pops off mid-blend. Injuries often happen when someone tries to adjust or clean the blender while it’s still plugged in.
The most common injuries are:
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Severed tendons or nerves
- Hand or finger amputations
Some blenders have poorly designed safety locks or switches that don’t work as intended. In some cases, the motor starts unexpectedly while someone is cleaning the inside. That’s a serious design failure.
To reduce the risk:
- Always unplug before cleaning
- Keep hands clear of the blades
- Wait for the blades to fully stop before opening
Toasters: Fire Risks on the Countertop
Toasters are in almost every kitchen, but they can still be dangerous. Fires often start when crumbs build up at the bottom or when electrical components fail.
Common hazards include:
- Burns from reaching into a hot toaster
- Electrical fires
- Melting plastic and smoke inhalation
Some older or cheap models have been recalled due to overheating or faulty wiring. Fires can start in seconds if the toaster malfunctions while unattended.
You can lower the risk by:
- Cleaning the crumb tray regularly
- Never sticking metal utensils into the slots
- Unplugging when not in use
Electric Grills: The Shock Factor
Electric countertop grills are popular for quick meals, but they can be just as risky as larger appliances. Because they draw a lot of power, a damaged cord or overheating grill can easily lead to injury.
Injuries we’ve seen include:
- Burns from the heated surface
- Electrical shocks
- Small fires from grease or sparks
Some models lack insulation or don’t shut off automatically, making them dangerous if left plugged in. When design flaws like these lead to injury, we help hold manufacturers accountable.
Stay safe by:
- Keeping cords away from water
- Letting the grill cool before cleaning
- Checking for damage before each use
Contact Our Experienced East Bay, Alameda County, & Contra Costa County Product Liability Attorneys
Kitchen products should make your life easier, not put you in harm’s way. When manufacturers cut corners on safety, innocent people get hurt. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a faulty kitchen appliance, we’re here to help. At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we hold product manufacturers accountable. Contact us for a free consultation, and let’s talk about your rights.