What Does The SharkNinja Pressure Cooker Recall Mean For Consumers?

Pressure cookers have become a staple in many kitchens for their ability to prepare meals quickly and efficiently. However, when these appliances malfunction, they can cause catastrophic injuries. One of the most notable recent examples involves the SharkNinja Multi-Function Pressure Cooker recall—a recall that affects over 1.8 million units sold across the United States and Canada.

In this blog, we’ll explore the details of the SharkNinja recall, what makes pressure cookers potentially dangerous, the types of injuries victims may suffer, and what legal options are available to those who have been harmed by a defective pressure cooker.

What Prompted the SharkNinja Pressure Cooker Recall?

On May 1, 2025, SharkNinja, a well-known manufacturer of household appliances, issued a voluntary recall for its Ninja Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer models due to a serious safety risk. The recall was announced in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after it was discovered that the pressure cookers could be opened while still under pressure.

The Issue

The defect in these devices allowed users to unlock and open the lid while contents were still pressurized, which is extremely dangerous. Hot contents—such as boiling liquid, steam, or food—could eject forcefully, posing a serious burn hazard to users and anyone nearby.

Models Affected

The recall includes model numbers OP300, OP301, OP301A, OP302, OP302BRN, OP302HCN, OP302HAQ, OP302HW, OP302HB, OP305, OP305CO and OP350CO. These pressure cookers were sold between January 2019 through March 2025 at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

SharkNinja received dozens of reports of burn injuries, including some cases involving second- and third-degree burns.

Consumers are advised to stop using the product immediately and contact the company for a replacement lid or refund. Customers can contact SharkNinja toll-free at 888-370-1733 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Saturday, email at sharkninja@rqa-inc.com, or online at https://www.rqa-inc.com/client/SharkNinja/ or https://www.ninjakitchen.com/and click on “Recalls” under “Support” at the top of the page.

The Hidden Dangers of Pressure Cookers

Pressure cookers work by trapping steam inside a sealed pot, increasing the internal pressure and cooking temperature. While this mechanism is efficient, it can also be dangerous if not properly regulated or if the cooker is poorly designed, leading to serious pressure cooker accidents.

Common Pressure Cooker Hazards

1. Lid Malfunction: If the lid opens before the internal pressure has been released, the result can be an explosive discharge of hot contents.
2. Seal Failure: A broken or faulty seal can lead to pressure buildup in unwanted areas, potentially causing an explosion.
3. Faulty Safety Valves: Pressure cookers typically include safety valves to release excess pressure. If these fail, the unit can become a ticking time bomb.
4. Explosions and Ejection of Contents: When pressure builds up beyond what the cooker can contain, it may explode, sending metal fragments and scalding contents flying across the kitchen.

What Makes the Recall So Alarming?

Many consumers trust high-profile brands to deliver not only performance but also safety. The fact that so many units were sold and used by unsuspecting families across North America underscores how dangerous a design flaw can be—even when it originates from a reputable manufacturer.

Injuries from Pressure Cooker Accidents

Pressure cooker accidents can result in devastating injuries, especially burns. These injuries often require hospitalization, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation, and they may leave behind permanent scars or disfigurement.

Types of Injuries

• First-, second-, and third-degree burns
• Facial injuries and eye damage
• Nerve damage
• Lacerations from shrapnel or exploded parts
• Scald injuries from hot liquids
• Emotional trauma, especially in children

Real-World Examples

Pressure cooker injuries are not uncommon. In recent years, numerous lawsuits have been filed against various manufacturers, including Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, and Tristar (maker of the Power Pressure Cooker XL).

Some victims have suffered severe burns to their hands, face, chest, or arms after defective lids popped off or safety mechanisms failed. Several of these cases have involved children or bystanders who were not even handling the cooker directly.

Legal Recourse for Pressure Cooker Injury Victims

Victims of pressure cooker accidents—whether involving the SharkNinja models or other brands—may be entitled to compensation through a product liability lawsuit.

Grounds for a Lawsuit

There are generally three legal theories under which a product liability case may proceed:

1. Design Defect: The product was inherently dangerous due to poor design (e.g., the lid could open while under pressure).
2. Manufacturing Defect: A flaw occurred during the manufacturing process, making the product unsafe.
3. Failure to Warn: The manufacturer did not provide adequate warnings or instructions regarding the product’s risks.

In the case of the SharkNinja recall, the issue appears to stem from a design defect—the lid system allowed opening under dangerous pressure levels. Additionally, there may be arguments around inadequate warnings if the manuals or labels didn’t clearly convey the risks.

Types of Compensation

Victims of pressure cooker accidents may be eligible to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages if injuries prevented return to work
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement or permanent disability
• Punitive damages (in egregious cases)

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Defective Pressure Cooker

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a SharkNinja or any other pressure cooker, here are the steps you should take:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Burns can worsen quickly and require urgent care.
2. Preserve the Evidence: Do not throw away the pressure cooker. Take photos of the appliance, your injuries, and the scene of the accident.
3. Keep All Documentation: Save the purchase receipt, packaging, instruction manual, and medical records.
4. Report the Incident: File a complaint with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This helps regulators identify patterns and enforce recalls.
5. Contact an Illinois Product Liability Attorney: These cases can be complex and often involve going up against large manufacturers. An experienced Illinois defective product lawyer can help you assess your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Broader Trend of Pressure Cooker Recalls

The SharkNinja recall is just one in a long line of pressure cooker-related product recalls. These appliances, though convenient, are frequently associated with serious safety concerns.

Other Notable Recalls

• Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cookers were recalled in 2020 after multiple reports of lids detaching during use.
• Instant Pot Gem 65 8-in-1 models were recalled in 2018 due to overheating issues.
• Tristar Power Pressure Cooker XL has been the subject of numerous lawsuits and consumer complaints.

These recalls and legal cases reveal a broader issue:

Consumer Safety Tips for Using Pressure Cookers

While not all accidents can be prevented—especially in cases involving defective products—consumers can reduce risks by following these tips:

• Always use the correct settings for pressure cooking.
• Never force the lid open—wait until the pressure indicator confirms it’s safe.
• Inspect the safety valves before each use.
• Avoid overfilling the cooker with food or liquid.
• Replace worn gaskets or seals regularly.

And most importantly: Stay up to date on recalls. Check the CPSC website regularly, and register your appliances with the manufacturer to receive recall alerts.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Product Liability Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

The recall of over 1.5 million SharkNinja pressure cookers is a powerful reminder of the hidden dangers that can exist even in the most trusted kitchen brands. For families who rely on pressure cookers as part of their daily routine, these accidents are more than just inconvenient—they can be life-changing.

If you or someone you love has been injured due to a defective pressure cooker, you have legal rights. At John J. Malm & Associates, our award-winning Illinois injury attorneys can help you hold manufacturers accountable and pursue the compensation you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get justice.