Sunbeam Crock-Pot Recall: Were You Injured?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of nearly one million Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Multi-Cookers. The recall, issued on November 24, 2020, follows multiple reports of severe injuries attributed to malfunctioning lids. The appliance has the potential to pressurize if the lid is not correctly secured, resulting in a sudden lid detachment and potential harm to individuals in the vicinity.
This recall represents one of the largest kitchen appliance safety actions in recent years and affects units sold across multiple major retailers throughout North America. The severity of reported injuries and the widespread distribution of these units make this recall particularly concerning for consumer safety advocates and homeowners alike.
Key Information at a Glance
The scope and scale of this recall demonstrate significant manufacturing and safety issues that affect hundreds of thousands of households. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the situation:
- Total Units Recalled:
- United States: 940,000 units
- Canada: 28,330 units
- Total affected: Nearly 1 million units worldwide
- Affected Models:
- Primary Model: SCCPPC600-V1
- Secondary Model: SCCPPC600-V1-033
- Both models manufactured in China under Sunbeam Products specifications
- Manufacturing Timeline:
- Start Date: July 1, 2017
- End Date: October 1, 2018
- Affected Date Codes: K196JN through K365JN and L001JN through L273JN
- Retail Information:
- Price Range: $70 to $100
- Major Retailers: Walmart, Target, Amazon
- Additional Sellers: Various online and brick-and-mortar retailers nationwide
- Sale Period: July 2017 through November 2020
The Safety Hazard: In-Depth Analysis
The safety risk associated with these Crock-Pot units presents a serious threat to consumer safety, with documented cases of severe injuries. Understanding the full scope of the hazard is essential:
Mechanical Issues:
- The unit can pressurize even when the lid isn’t properly secured
- Internal pressure builds without visible warning signs
- Lid lid-locking mechanism may appear engaged when it isn’t fully locked
- Sudden lid detachment can occur during active cooking cycles
Injury Patterns:
- Total Reported Incidents: 119 lid detachment cases
- Confirmed Injuries: 99 burn cases documented
- Injury Severity Range:
- First-degree burns: Surface skin damage
- Second-degree burns: Deeper tissue damage
- Third-degree burns: Several cases of severe, deep tissue injury
- Impact Areas: Commonly affected areas include hands, arms, face, and torso
Were You or Someone You Know Injured?
Crock-Pot Response and Remediation
In partnership with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Crock-Pot® is voluntarily recalling and replacing lids for the 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cooker units manufactured between July 1, 2017, and October 1, 2018. The affected date codes are K196 through K365 and L001 through L273.
Crock-Pot® has identified that the lids of certain units may detach during use if not secured in accordance with the owner’s manual. To address this, we’ve:
- Designed a new lid with improved safety features and quick-reference instructions.
- Enhanced the design to ensure the unit will not start unless the lid is properly secured.
How to check your Crock-Pot and get a replacement
We urge all consumers to verify if their product is affected and, if necessary, request a free replacement lid. Review the Crock-Post recall page to confirm whether your pressure cooker was or was not part of the recall.
- https://recall.crock-pot.com/
- Call Crock-Pot: 1-800-323-9519
Immediate Actions
Redesigned Lid with Enhanced Safety Features:
- Developed a new lid with updated iconography and quick-reference instructions to help avoid common misuses.
- Introduced design changes that prohibit the unit from starting unless the lid is properly secured.
Updated Locking Mechanism:
- Improved the locking mechanism to ensure a secure fit during operation.
Improved Pressure Release System:
- Enhanced the pressure release system for added safety during cooking.
Enhanced Quality Control Measures:
- Implemented rigorous testing protocols to ensure consistent product safety and reliability.
Long-Term Solutions
New Manufacturing Protocols:
Introduced stricter safety and production standards to prevent future issues.Updated Safety Testing Procedures:
Enhanced testing measures to ensure all products meet or exceed industry standards.Improved User Instructions:
Provided updated user guides and labels for better clarity and ease of use.Enhanced Warning Labels and Documentation:
Added clear, detailed warnings to minimize misuse and promote safe operation.
Legal Implications and Consumer Rights
If you or a family member has suffered injuries from these defective units, you have specific legal rights under consumer protection laws:
Documentation Requirements:
- Detailed medical records
- Photographs of injuries
- Product purchase information
- Incident reports
- Communication records
- Witness statements
Legal Options:
- Individual claims
- Class action participation
- Product liability cases
- Consumer protection claims
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Crock-Pot while waiting for the replacement lid?
Yes, but with specific restrictions. You can safely use the slow cooking and sautéing functions. The pressure cooking function should not be used under any circumstances until you receive and install the replacement lid.
How do I obtain my replacement lid?
Contact Crock-Pot through multiple channels:
- Phone: 800-323-9519 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET, Monday-Friday)
- Website: Crock-Pot’s dedicated recall portal
- Email: Through the recall website Have your model number and date code ready when making contact.
What if I've been injured by this product?
Seek immediate medical attention and document your injury. Consider consulting with a legal professional about your rights.
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What documentation should I maintain if I've been injured?
Keep detailed records of:
- Medical treatment and bills
- Photographs of injuries
- Incident details and date
- Product information
- Purchase receipts
- Communications with manufacturer
How long does it take to receive the replacement lid?
Typically 2-3 weeks after contacting the manufacturer.
Contact Ramos Law
If you or a family member has been burned or injured by a faulty crockpot, We are accepts cases in all 50 states and offer a free case evaluation