Nesco Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Claims Safety Defects Caused Serious Burn Injuries

Lawsuit alleges a Nesco pressure cooker unexpectedly became pressurized while operating in slow-cook mode, allowing the lid to blow off and spray a man with boiling tomato juice.

An Iowa man alleges his Nesco cooker became dangerously pressurized even though the pressure-cooking function was not in use, causing the lid to blow off when he opened the appliance.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Phillip Gatewood in Iowa District Court on August 5, naming Metal Ware Corporation, doing business as Nesco, as the defendant. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa on August 25.

Gatewood maintains the cooker was defectively designed and inadequately labeled to protect users from residual internal pressure, which allegedly caused the lid to release violently and resulted in serious burn injuries.

Pressure Cooker Injury Risks

The Nesco model used by Gatewood is a kind of electric device that has the ability to be used as a pressure cooker by trapping steam inside a sealed pot, creating elevated temperatures. Because the contents can reach dangerously high temperatures, these appliances typically feature safety mechanisms designed to prevent the lid from opening until internal pressure has been released.

However, a growing number of pressure cooker lawsuits claim those safety features may malfunction, allowing users to rotate or remove the lid while dangerous pressure remains inside the cooker.

When that occurs, built-up pressure can violently eject scalding steam, liquid and food toward anyone nearby. Such incidents have been linked to severe burns involving the face, chest, arms and hands, sometimes requiring hospitalization, skin grafts and prolonged medical treatment.

Nesco Pressure Cooker Explosion Allegations

According to the complaint, Gatewood placed tomatoes in his Nesco cooker to make tomato sauce overnight on October 3, 2024. He selected the “Slow Cook” function and specifically alleges he was not using the pressure-cooking function.

The filing indicates Gatewood checked and stirred the tomatoes the following morning. He replaced the lid and again selected “Slow Cook.” At some point afterward, the appliance allegedly became pressurized. However, Gatewood says the cooker provided no warning that had happened to the device or its contents.

As a result, the cooker allegedly accumulated pressure without warning. When Gatewood returned and opened the device, the lid blew off, spraying boiling tomato juice and the cooker’s contents throughout the kitchen and onto his body.

The lawsuit alleges Metal Ware knew or reasonably should have known the cooker could be defective and unreasonably dangerous when used as intended. Gatewood specifically accuses the manufacturer of failing to protect against manufacturing and design defects, provide adequate instructions for safe use or warn consumers about potential hazards.

“At all times relevant to this action, Defendants knew or reasonably should have known that the Cooker could be unreasonably dangerous and defective when used as directed and as designed.”

— Phillip Gatewood v. Metal Ware Corporation

The complaint raises allegations of negligence, strict liability and failure to warn. It seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of bodily function and lost income.

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