Dangerous Kitchen Appliances That Pose Severe Injury Risks

According to World Metrics, 44% of adults have been admitted to a hospital because of some form of harm from kitchen appliances.

These kitchen appliances, made to make specific jobs easier, can sometimes cause severe injuries.

For example, pressure cookers —designed to cook faster— have an explosion rate of 15.6% due to defects and 81% due to user error. 

The worst part about kitchen appliance accidents is that you can never see them coming.

Therefore, it’s imperative to know which kitchen appliances are dangerous and treat them respectfully.

In this article, we will discuss several such appliances you need to handle carefully.

1. Instant Pot

Instant Pots are sophisticated kitchen gadgets designed to cook food faster using the pressure cooking method.

They work by trapping steam and building pressure to drastically reduce cooking time.

No wonder a recent study revealed that around 76% of people own an Instant Pot. 

However, the pressure cooking method and steam build-up inside an Instant Pot can be dangerous if improperly handled.

The intense pressure and scalding steam pose serious burn risks, especially during the release stage. 

What’s even more dangerous is an Instant Pot explosion, which could happen because of a faulty pressure cooker or a damaged pressure release valve.

One such case was Best Buy’s recall of Insignia Multi-Function pressure cookers.

These cookers had faulty lids and incorrect volume markings, leading to explosions and severe burn injuries. 

According to TorHoerman Law, there are active lawsuits against multiple brands like Bella, Breville, Costwaty, Crock-Pot, Cuisinart, and more.

According to the report, these companies have sold and recalled thousands of Instant Pots, multi-cookers, and pressure cookers due to defects and safety risks.

2. Blenders and Food Processors

Ask any chef; most professional recipes cannot be executed without food processors or blenders.

Hence, it’s no surprise that the residential food processor market is all set to explode to a global worth of  $1,200 million by 2028.

Having said that, there is a flip side to these culinary wonders as well.

If not handled properly, you might incur severe cuts or even lose a finger when using blenders or food processors.

Moreover, incorrect assembly or misuse can cause motor burnout, overheating, or food splattering, leading to explosions or severe burn injuries.

It’s advisable to always unplug the appliance before cleaning or changing the blades.

Additionally, securely fasten the lids on the container before operating the blender or food processor.

Use the pulse function for better control, especially when processing hard or chunky ingredients. 

3. Stoves and Ovens

You cannot cook delicious food without stoves and ovens in your kitchen.

As you already know, they might be a staple, but they also pose a significant injury risk to users.

Apart from the apparent fire hazard from open flame, stoves and ovens are also potential gas leaks.

A single spark from turning on a switch can lead to a house fire and explosions when there’s a gas leak. 

The best way to prevent mishaps is to keep your stoves and ovens serviced and maintained.

Ensure proper ventilation in the kitchen to avoid carbon monoxide buildup and escape from the gas in case of a leak. 

4. Deep Fryers

One of the most widely used frying methods in the world is deep frying.

This method makes food crisp and enhances its overall taste.

Many prefer industrial and residential deep fryers to cook crispy culinary delights, from beer-battered onion rings to crispy fried chicken.

However, these bubbling vats of hot oil pose a massive health risk, posing the danger of severe burns.

In fact, oil spattering and overheating are one of the leading causes of devastating kitchen fires.

NFPA reports that kitchen fires have caused 44% of home fires reported in the US. 

Additionally, recent data revealed that deep-fryer fires cause $15 million in property damage every year in the U.S.

Therefore, users must practice some caution when handling a deep fryer, such as never overfilling, monitoring oil temperature, and maintaining a safe distance.

It’s also advisable to have a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen to avoid a deep fryer mishap.

Final Thoughts

It’s said that the kitchen is the heart of any home, but if you are not careful, it can also have severe implications.

Understanding the risk associated with an appliance and diligently following the safety instructions will prevent a world of hurt.

Remember that these appliances are designed to enhance our culinary experiences, not endanger them.

Photo Credit: Depositphotos