Pressure Cooker Safety Alert Issued for Gourmia Model Sold at Best Buy
A federal pressure cooker safety alert is urging families to stop using a specific model sold at Best Buy and other retailers after reports of serious burn injuries have come to light.
The warning centers on the Gourmia Six-Quart Digital Pressure Cooker, model GPC625, which was sold between 2017 and 2020 for approximately $50 to $80.
According to federal safety officials, about 43,500 units are in circulation.
While pressure cookers are designed to lock tightly during use, officials say this model presents a significant Gourmia pressure cooker burn risk, due to possible lid and pressure control issues.
What Triggered the Warning
The CPSC pressure cooker warning is following at least five documented pressure cooker injury reports, four of which involved severe burns.
In these cases, hot food and liquid were expelled when the lid opened while the cooker was still under pressure.
According to safety findings, three design concerns contribute to the hazard:
The lid may unlock while pressure remains inside the unit.
The float valve, which signals internal pressure levels, is located inside the handle and may be difficult to see clearly.
Measurement markings inside the pot may allow for overfilling, increasing the likelihood that hot contents could be forced out during venting.
Federal officials say these issues may make it harder for people to accurately determine whether the pressure has fully released before opening the lid.
Where It Was Sold
The Best Buy pressure cooker recall warning mainly applies to units sold at Best Buy, though the model was also available through other retailers and online marketplaces.
Best Buy has stopped selling the model after becoming aware of earlier safety complaints and notified regulators at that time, emphasizing customer safety as its top priority.
What the Company Says
Gourmia, through its parent company Steelstone Group LLC, has disputed aspects of the federal warning.
In public statements, the company said the pressure cooker was designed and tested to meet UL safety standards and includes mechanisms that are intended to prevent the lid from opening while pressurized.
Gourmia also stated that the model was discontinued several years ago and maintains that the unit is safe when used according to instructions.
Company officials say they’re reviewing the matter and evaluating the data referenced in the federal notice.
Legal Action and Ongoing Concerns
This safety alert also follows at least two lawsuits tied to injuries involving the cooker.
One complaint filed in North Carolina alleges that a child suffered significant burns when the lid opened while the appliance was still pressurized.
That lawsuit references ten other legal filings with the company, some dating all the way back to 2020.
What You Should Do Now
If you own one of these units, federal safety officials say you should:
Stop using the cooker immediately
Dispose of the unit, rather than resell or donate it
Report incidents through SaferProducts.gov
Even if your cooker hasn’t malfunctioned, the potential danger could still exist.
Pressure cookers rely on controlled steam buildup to function safely. And, when pressure indicators are unclear or mechanical safeguards fail, hot contents can be released, causing serious injury.
A Reminder About Kitchen Safety
Most pressure cookers operate safely when they’re properly maintained and used as directed.
However, this situation underscores how important clear safety mechanisms are in high-pressure appliances.
If you own this specific model, your safest option is to stop using it. And, if you’re unsure which model you have, check the manufacturer's label on the base of the unit.
Kitchen tools are meant to make our lives easier, not risk injury. And, when credible safety warnings surface, it’s always worth taking a closer look.
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