How to Use a Pressure Cooker Safely and Avoid Burn Injuries

The pressure cooker promises fast, flavorful meals with minimal effort. But the recent recall of 1.8 million SharkNinja Foodi pressure cookers has left many home cooks feeling uneasy and for good reason. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), these popular devices can be opened while still under pressure, posing a serious burn hazard.

More than 100 injuries, including second- and third-degree burns, have been reported due to this malfunction. While these incidents are alarming, they also raise an important question: how can you safely use a pressure cooker recalled or not?

Pressure Cookers vs. Slow Cookers Know the Difference

It helps to first understand how pressure cookers differ from other countertop appliances. While slow cookers use low heat over many hours, pressure cookers work by creating a sealed environment where steam pressure builds, cooking food quickly at temperatures up to 257°F well above the 212°F boiling point of water.

That heat and pressure efficiency comes with some risk. “Burns are the biggest concern,” says Nicholas Kman, MD, emergency physician at The Ohio State University. “They typically happen when steam escapes unexpectedly or when a lid is opened too early.”

If You Own a Recalled Model

If your pressure cooker is part of the SharkNinja OP300 series (models include OP300, OP301, OP305, and others), the CPSC urges you to stop using the pressure cooking function immediately. You can continue to use other features, like air frying, but request a free replacement lid from SharkNinja before pressure cooking again.

The Main Risks of Using a Pressure Cooker

• Steam burns are the most common and can affect the face, arms, chest, or hands.

• Hot food splashes if the lid is opened too soon or the valve is malfunctioning.

• Device explosions, while rare, can happen if the pressure release mechanisms fail.

A recent study reported 32 cases of second- or third-degree burns linked to pressure cookers many involving users standing near the valve or lid during steam release.

5 Pressure Cooker Safety Tips You Shouldn’t Skip

Whether you’re using a newer model or holding on to an older one, here’s how to reduce your risk:

1. Always read the manual

It’s easy to skip, but understanding your specific machine’s functions and safety protocols is essential.

2. Inspect your pressure cooker before each use

• Look for cracks in the pot or lid.

• Check the gasket (the rubber seal in the lid) for any damage or wear.

• Ensure the pressure relief valve moves freely and isn’t blocked.

3. Never overfill the pot

Follow the fill line carefully. Overfilling can cause food or liquid to clog the valve, increasing the risk of burns or leakage.

4. Secure the lid and vent away from yourself.

Always double-check that the lid is properly locked before cooking, and position the pressure release valve so that steam will vent away from your face and hands.

5. Use protective gear when handling the cooker

Even after cooking, parts of the cooker can stay hot for a while. Wear oven mitts and use utensils to avoid burns from hot steam or condensation.

“If you’re still using an older model that doesn’t have modern safety features, it might be time to upgrade,” says McKenzie Dokter, chef-instructor at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Electric models often have multiple fail-safes built in, like locking lids and pressure sensors.

The Bottom Line

Pressure cookers can be safe and incredibly convenient when used properly. But like any powerful kitchen tool, they demand caution. The recent SharkNinja recall is a reminder that even modern devices can fail and that understanding how your cooker works is key to using it safely.

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