On the evening of April 30, 2025, a significant event occurred in the world of consumer safety, with a voluntary recall affecting over 1.8 million Ninja Foodi OP300 Series Pressure Cookers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed the recall, citing a serious burn hazard caused by a malfunction in the appliance’s lid. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the kitchen appliance industry, as well as among concerned consumers who may be affected by this defect. This decision followed numerous reports of injuries, some of which were quite severe, including second- and third-degree burns sustained by victims when the pressure cookers unexpectedly opened while in use, spilling hot contents and causing life-threatening injuries.
The announcement made by the CPSC outlines that the recall pertains to the Ninja Foodi OP300 Series Multi-Function Pressure Cookers, which feature a 6.5-quart capacity and are marketed as all-in-one appliances capable of both pressure cooking and air frying. According to the CPSC’s report, the defective lids can open while the pressure cooker is in use, leading to the sudden and uncontrolled release of hot food or liquid. This can result in burns that are not only painful but potentially disfiguring, and even life-threatening. Affected units are identified by the Ninja logo on the front of the appliance, and the pressure cookers were sold at major retailers such as Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, and Walmart, as well as through online marketplaces including Amazon and Ninja Kitchen.
The recall stems from a multitude of reports detailing injuries, including a staggering 106 reports of burn injuries related to the defect. Out of these reports, over 50 incidents involved second- or third-degree burns that affected victims’ faces or bodies. Such injuries have prompted not only a national recall but also a wave of legal actions, with 26 lawsuits filed against SharkNinja, the parent company of the Ninja brand, for their failure to identify and remedy the defect in a timely manner. In light of these legal battles, the company faces significant pressure to address the underlying issues with the product and to compensate victims of the injuries sustaine
The decision to initiate the recall follows several months of investigation into the malfunction and after a series of incidents were reported by consumers who had experienced burn injuries or who had witnessed such events. The danger arose from a design flaw in the pressure cooker’s lid, which allowed the lid to be released while the appliance was pressurized. This defect led to the unexpected release of hot contents, with significant potential for burn-related accidents to occur. For users, the failure of the lid to stay secure while cooking under high pressure is a life-threatening hazard. The CPSC and SharkNinja issued a joint statement emphasizing that while the air fryer function and other cooking features of the appliance remain safe, the pressure-cooking function should no longer be used until the lid is replaced. Consumers have been urged to immediately stop using the pressure cooker’s pressure-cooking function and contact SharkNinja for a replacement lid, which will be provided free of charge.
To ensure public awareness, SharkNinja has made efforts to reach out to consumers through various communication channels, including customer service hotlines and their official recall website. The company has also provided a direct contact for those who have inquiries or require assistance related to the recall process. Consumers who have purchased the recalled Ninja Foodi OP300 Series Pressure Cookers are advised to check the product’s model numbers, which are printed on a label located on the side of the appliance. The affected models are identified as OP300, OP301, OP301A, OP302, OP302BRN, OP302HCN, OP302HAQ, OP302HW, OP302HB, OP305, OP305CO, and OP350CO.
The recall serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers in everyday household appliances when their safety is compromised. It highlights the importance of manufacturers providing comprehensive safety checks and quality controls before products are placed in the market. While the voluntary recall is an essential step to mitigate further risk to consumers, many are concerned about how such a dangerous defect was overlooked in the first place. Given that millions of households across the country relied on the Ninja Foodi OP300 Series Pressure Cooker, this situation has raised questions about the overall safety protocols of the company and the regulatory oversight of such products.
The response from consumer rights groups has been swift, with many advocates urging for stricter regulations regarding the production and sale of pressure cookers and similar appliances that operate under high pressure. The tragedy of this recall has prompted some to call for greater transparency in the design, testing, and safety monitoring of kitchen appliances. While pressure cookers are widely used and considered efficient for cooking, their inherent risks require heightened scrutiny from both manufacturers and government oversight agencies to ensure consumer safety.
The families of those affected by the burn injuries have called for swift justice, including compensation for medical bills, pain, and suffering, as well as a reevaluation of manufacturing standards to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Medical professionals who have treated victims of these burns have underscored the severity of the injuries caused by such accidents. Severe burns can require extensive treatment, including skin grafts and long-term rehabilitation, making the emotional and financial toll on victims and their families substantial.
SharkNinja’s proactive recall has been met with mixed reactions. While some consumers appreciate the company’s quick response and transparency, others feel that the brand’s initial lack of action allowed the issue to escalate, leading to unnecessary harm. This situation emphasizes the need for companies to be vigilant in identifying product flaws and to act swiftly to correct them, especially when consumer safety is at risk. The question of whether the recall was swift enough remains a topic of debate, especially as legal proceedings and the potential for further investigations unfold.
For now, affected consumers are left with the task of navigating the recall process, which includes returning the defective lids and waiting for the replacement. Although SharkNinja has promised to replace the lids free of charge, consumers will need to be patient as they wait for the corrective measures to be put in place.
In conclusion, the recall of over 1.8 million Ninja Foodi OP300 Series Pressure Cookers serves as a critical reminder of the importance of product safety in the consumer appliance industry. While this action by the company is an important step toward protecting consumers, it also underscores the broader issue of oversight in product manufacturing. With so many injuries and legal actions resulting from the defect, the call for greater accountability and stronger safety protocols in the kitchen appliance industry will likely grow louder in the coming months. Consumers must remain vigilant and continue to monitor product recalls, while also demanding the highest standards of safety from the companies whose products they trust in their homes. The Ninja Foodi recall is a turning point in ensuring that future kitchen appliances meet the necessary safety requirements to protect all who use them.
