Fans of the Instant Pot are expressing some apprehension and frustration following the company’s recent announcement that a model of the popular cooking gadget may be getting dangerously hot.
On Feb. 17, the company posted from its official Facebook page to the Instant Pot Community, warning users to keep a close eye on their countertop cooking devices.
“Dear Valued Customers,” the statement begins, “We have received a small number of reports of the Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker overheating, resulting in localized melting damage to the underside of the product.”
The batchcodes affected include 1728, 1730, 1731, 1734, and 1746.
The company advises consumers to “locate the 4-digit number located at the bottom right of the label. The batchcode is the 4-digit number located at the bottom right of the label.”
“We want you to know that we take any problem with our products extremely seriously as safety and quality are our primary concern, and we are working cooperatively with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),” the statement continues, adding that those who own a product from one of the faulty batches should “immediately stop use of the product.”
The statement also lists Instant Pot’s customer care team number (1-800-828-7280) and has apologized for the inconvenience.
Customers aren’t thoroughly reassured by the company’s promise of keeping consumers updated in coming weeks, however. One user commented on the post, noting that the statement is a “form letter” that has allegedly been used multiple times to placate concerned customers in the past.
“Now you are posting the same form letter you send when anyone asks what the next step is?” the customer wrote. “It was a few weeks, weeks ago. Stop resetting the clock and make this right.”
Instant Pot's warning post has been shared more than 275 times. A representative for Instant Pot was not immediately available for comment.
The Instant Pot first hit the market in 2010 and has won over both culinary novices and professional chefs alike for its versatility and durability since the cooking gadget has a number of settings that allow users to make everything from rice and stews, to soup and poultry. Though the company has issued a warning, Instant Pot has not officially recalled the Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker.