Chinese-Made Instant Pot Multicooker Recalled Over Fire Hazard

(U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Instant Pot recalled its Multicooker models due to a potential fire hazard.

Although no injuries have been reported, there have been five reports of property damage, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Now, some models of the Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker are being recalled because of an overheating problem. In all, 104,000 of the items are being recalled across the United States. Affected batch codes include 1728, 1730, 1731, 1734, and 1746. The code is located on a silver label on the bottom of the item. The items were sold from August 2017 through January 2018 for around $80.

The Multicooker, made in China, was sold at Walmart locations. Namely, the affected item is manufactured by Foshan Linshine Technology based in Guangdong Province, China.

The label with the batch codes. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Double Insight, the firm that imports the devices from China, got more than 100 reports of overheating and melting.

“A manufacturer defect can cause the multicooker to overheat and melt on the underside, posing a fire hazard,” the CPSC says.

The agency added that “consumers should immediately stop using the recalled multicookers, unplug the unit and return it to Walmart to receive a free replacement.” One can also call Double Insight at 888-891-1473 or head to Instantpot.com.

“Now that the maker of Instant Pot has announced a formal recall, more people should get the information they need about the problem and the specific steps they need to take to stay safe,” said William Wallace, who is a policy analyst for Consumers Union, according to Consumer Reports. “At the same time, the company should investigate whether safety issues are limited to just the recalled products—and if there are other products affected, it should expand its recall and its warnings to consumers.”

Last month, Instant Pot told users to stop using the item.

“If you have an Instant Pot, you should check the number on the bottom of the pot to see if yours has been recalled,” added Wallace. “Anyone with a recalled Instant Pot should stop using it immediately, unplug it, and take it back to Walmart for a free replacement.”

To report a defective product, call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 or go to Saferproducts.gov.

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