Instant Pot warns consumers about the potential dangers of using one model of its popular line of multicookers.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the company said that it has received "small number of" reports that the Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker is overheating, leading to melting damage.
Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker
The product is one of 14 models of Instant Pot and is the only one with an oval shape. The device has eight functions, namely steam, roast, stew, bake, slow cook, sear/sauté, rice cooking, and warming.
"The design of the multi-cooker is ideal to allow you to easily transfer the ceramic-coated non-stick inner pot to your oven or dinner table. The rectangle shape of the inner pot lets you cook larger chickens, ducks or roasts," Instant Pot describes the product on its website.
Faulty Cookers
The melting and overheating problem affects five batch codes 1728, 1730, 1731, 1734 and 1746. The company said that it will have more information about replacing the affected products in the coming weeks as it urged owners of the faulty multicookers to stop using the product.
"We anticipate providing updated information and next steps regarding receiving a replacement Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker within the next few weeks," the company said. "In the meantime, we are asking all our customers with a Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker from batchcodes 1728, 1730, 1731, 1734, and 1746 to immediately stop use of the product."
The company also assured that safety and quality is its primary concern and that it takes problems with its products seriously.
Complaints From Instant Pot Owners
Consumers, however, pointed out that the issue affected more customers. They also complained that the advisory posted on social media on Feb. 18, has already been sent through e-mail a few months back, and owners of the affected cookers have been waiting for an update on product replacement
"It's not a few customers," a customer commented on Facebook. "There are countless people who have been waiting MONTHS since receiving this message as an email."
Instant Pot said that it is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for the replacement of the cookers.
Recall
William Wallace, from the Consumers Union of Consumer Reports, however, said that the company is not doing enough.
"It should pin down the problem, identify which products are affected, and clearly inform consumers about a remedy and what steps they should take to stay safe," he said. "If this turns out to be a safety defect, Instant Pot should call it one, and carry out a recall."
