Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker Lawsuit: What You Need to Know About Defective Design Claims

Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker Lawsuit: What You Need to Know About Defective Design Claims

Imagine preparing a simple meal, only to be met with a sudden explosion of scalding hot food and liquids. This is the reality faced by numerous consumers who allege they were injured due to a defective design in the Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker. If you or a loved one has experienced a similar incident, understanding the details surrounding these claims is crucial.

The Pressure is On: Understanding the Allegations

The heart of the Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker lawsuit revolves around claims of a defective design. Plaintiffs in these cases allege that the multi-cooker can be opened while still pressurized, even when safety mechanisms are engaged. This can lead to a sudden and forceful ejection of hot contents, resulting in severe burns.

Specifically, lawsuits point to two major design flaws:

  • Defective Pressure-Relief Valve: The valve allegedly provides inaccurate readings, leading users to believe all pressure has been released when it hasn’t.
  • Faulty Lid Gasket: The gasket purportedly allows the lid to be twisted open even while the pot is still pressurized.

These alleged defects have led to a series of lawsuits against Sunbeam Products, Inc., the manufacturer of Crock-Pot, and Newell Brands, its parent company.

A History of Incidents and a Recall

The concerns surrounding the Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker aren’t new. In November 2020, Sunbeam Products recalled approximately 943,000 Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Multi-Cookers (Model Number SCCPPC600-V1) due to the risk of burn injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that the recalled multi-cooker could pressurize when the lid was not fully locked. This could cause the lid to suddenly detach while the product was in use, posing a burn risk to consumers from hot food and liquids ejected from the product.

By the time of the recall, there were 119 reports of lid detachment, resulting in 99 burn injuries ranging from first-degree to third-degree burns. The recalled units were sold at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon between July 2017 and November 2020, for approximately $70 to $100.

Legal Battles and Outcomes

The Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker incidents have spurred numerous lawsuits, including class action suits and individual personal injury claims.

  • Class Action Lawsuit: In January 2020, a class action lawsuit was filed against Sunbeam Products by Kimberly R., a woman who suffered burns when her Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cooker exploded in January 2018.
  • Individual Lawsuits: Many individuals have filed lawsuits against Sunbeam, alleging severe burn injuries due to the defective design of the Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker.

These lawsuits often seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Recent Updates:

  • July 2025: Sunbeam is challenging a $9 million verdict in a Crock-Pot Multi-Cooker explosion lawsuit, arguing that the jury was unfairly influenced by graphic images of injuries suffered by other users.
  • June 2025: A federal judge reduced a Colorado jury’s $55.5 million verdict to $9.1 million in the case of Georgina Perez, who suffered severe burns when her Sunbeam Crock-Pot Express exploded. The court cited Colorado’s statutory cap on noneconomic damages.

Identifying a Recalled Unit

If you own a Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker, it’s essential to determine if it’s part of the recall. The recalled models are Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers with the model number SCCPPC600-V1, which is printed on a label on the bottom of the unit. These units were manufactured between July 1, 2017, and October 1, 2018, with date codes K196JN through K365JN and L001JN through L273JN. The date code is engraved on one of the prongs of the electrical plug and on the bottom of the base.

Consumers with recalled cookers were advised to immediately stop using the appliance in pressure cooker mode and contact Crock-Pot for a free replacement lid. The multi-cooker can still be used for slow cooking and sautéing.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured

If you or a loved one has been injured by a Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get immediate medical attention for your burns or other injuries.
  2. Preserve the Evidence: Keep the Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker, including all its parts, without cleaning it. Take photos of the appliance, the scene of the incident, and your injuries.
  3. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, lost income, and any other damages you’ve incurred.
  4. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: A lawyer specializing in product liability can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

Legal Considerations

Product liability law holds manufacturers responsible for injuries caused by defective products. To win a Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker lawsuit, you’ll generally need to prove the following:

  • The Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker had a design defect.
  • The defect made the multi-cooker unreasonably dangerous.
  • You were injured as a result of the defect.
  • You suffered damages as a result of your injuries.

Do You Have a Case?

If you’ve been injured by a Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Many law firms are currently accepting Crock-Pot burn injury cases in all 50 states. Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice and protect your rights.