Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Explosion Lawsuit Alleges Safety Defect Caused Severe Burns

Lawsuit alleges design defects allowed the lid to be removed while the pressure cooker was still pressurized, causing a violent Ninja Foodi explosion that sprayed scalding hot contents onto a consumer.

A California man has filed a lawsuit alleging a defective Ninja Foodi pressure cooker exploded while it was being used in the normal and intended manner, spraying him with scalding food and liquid that left him with severe burns over large portions of his body.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Detovionte Small in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on August 11, naming SharkNinja Operating LLC as the sole defendant.

Small claims SharkNinja knew the pressure cooker was defective, but failed to recall the device or adequately warn consumers about the safety risks, as part of a continuing effort to place profits before the health and safety of consumers.

Pressure Cooker Explosion Risks

The case joins a growing number of pressure cooker lawsuits filed in recent years against manufacturers of popular brands such as Instant Pot, Ninja and Crock-Pot, alleging design defects can expose consumers to severe burn injuries.

Many of the claims stem from incidents in which pressure cooker lids opened before built-up pressure has been safely released, allowing hot food, steam and liquid to violently escape.

Plaintiffs allege defective lid-locking mechanisms and other safety features can result in explosions that cause severe burns, permanent scarring and life-altering injuries.

Pressure Cooker Injury Allegations

In the complaint, Small claims he was using a Ninja Foodi TenderCrisp Pressure Cooker to prepare food for his family on August 12, 2024. After the cooking cycle finished, he attempted to open the appliance, causing the lid to allegedly blow off and spray super-heated liquid, food and steam across his hands, chest and arms.

According to the lawsuit, the Ninja Foodi operating manual states that the lid will lock while the unit is pressurized and remain locked until the pressure is released. However, Small alleges the lid can actually be opened while dangerous pressure remains inside.

Small says he suffered significant and painful injuries as a result, requiring medical treatment and causing physical pain and mental anguish.

The filing claims SharkNinja knew or should have known about the defect based on other pressure cooker explosions involving the same alleged design, manufacturing and warning problems. Small maintains the company nevertheless continued selling the devices without adequately warning consumers, issuing a timely recall or remedying the defect.

Small also alleges economically feasible alternative designs could have prevented the lid from detaching under pressure, and he maintains the defect was inconsistent with the product’s safety certification as represented by SharkNinja.

“SharkNinja’s conduct, including the distribution of dangerous pressure cookers premised on the false representation that they are free from unreasonably dangerous defects demonstrates a conscious disregard or indifference to the life, safety, and rights of consumers, and constitutes gross negligence.”

— Detovionte Small v. SharkNinja Operating LLC

The lawsuit raises allegations of strict liability, negligence, breach of warranty and unfair and deceptive practices. It seeks damages for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, diminished enjoyment of life, lost time, disfigurement and permanent injuries.

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