It’s easy to think that something so common as a kitchen utensil wouldn’t be responsible for ER visits, but it’s far more common than most people would believe. Kitchen utensils are responsible for a good number of accidental injuries occurring every year. These problems usually come from minor design flaws which include loose handles or unexpected sharp edges rather than irresponsible actions of the users.
Riveted food-processor blades that cracked and left metal in food
Brand involved: Cuisinart
Cuisinart had to do a mass recall when it found out riveted food-processor blades could crack. Small metal shards flaked off and found their way into food. Some people only noticed the problem after biting down on something hard and pointy. Millions of blades were part of the recall. Reports included mouth lacerations and damage to teeth.
Consumer pressure cookers
Brands involved: Ninja Foodi, Insignia, Ambiano
Several brands of electric pressure cookers were recalled due to a safety issue. The lid could open before the pressure released. Hot food and steam would then unexpectedly erupt from the device. Ninja Foodi alone recalled over a million units; over a hundred people reported burn injuries. Many consumers reported the cooker gave no warning prior to the eruption.
High-end blender cups that separated from the blade base
Brand involved: Vitamix
Vitamix has long been a brand you could count on. When this recall hit, many people were blindsided. Some blender jars and blade bases were separating unexpectedly. A few times this occurred when people were washing them. Blades were suddenly exposed. There were several reports of deep cuts to fingers. It was a shock for many loyal customers. They thought that paying more would eliminate that risk.
Portable electric car kettles
Brand involved: BLONGKY
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that consumers should immediately stop using particular portable electric car kettles. The kettles, which were sold under the name of BLONGKY, were associated with a burn hazard. Reports indicated they had the possibility to overheat and/or suddenly discharge hot liquid. The hazard of unexpected burns is likely increased given these kettles are frequently utilized within vehicles.
Deep fryers with weak basket handles
Brands involved: Various consumer fryer models
Several electric deep fryers had problems with flimsy basket handles. The handle could become loose with time and eventually fall off. If this occurred while the fryer was in use, the basket plunged straight down into the oil, splashing it up. Several people were burned on their hands and forearms. Many complained that there was no warning, as the screws could loosen inside the handle, where you couldn’t see it.
Garlic presses with detaching metal parts
Brand involved: IKEA 365+ VÄRDEFULL
IKEA’s 365+ VÄRDEFULL garlic press has been subject to a surprise recall. Reports were made that small pieces of metal were breaking off during normal use. Some people cut their hands, others were afraid of metal bits in their food. The press has no complicated components; it’s entirely manual. This was a complete non-starter: how can that be true?
Portable personal blenders that overheated
Brand involved: BlendJet
Consumers observed their blenders overheating, burning smells, or powering off. In a few cases the blades detached or were jammed. The travel-friendly size of these blenders made potential hazards particularly dangerous when they came close to hands and faces.
Milk frothers with flying attachments
Brand involved: CocoaVia
Mars Symbioscience has issued a recall for CocoaVia frothers because a spring at the end could come loose. Approximately 5,000 of the frothers were given out at a promotion in Colorado. The spring could become a choking hazard if it comes off during use. The company received a couple of reports of the spring coming off but no injuries. Customers were advised to immediately discontinue use, remove the batteries and return the frother for a coupon.
Carbonation bottles that exploded
Brand involved: Drinkmate
Consumers shouldn’t have to worry that a soda maker is going to be dangerous, but a small number of Drinkmate bottles were. Some would crack from the pressure and then explode with minimal warning. A few even shattered when being removed from the machine, hurling pieces of plastic everywhere. Consumers talked about cuts and near misses with their eyes. Drinkmate later conceded that some batches weren’t tough enough for carbonation, even with proper handling.
Vacuum sealers with electrical faults
Brand involved: Fresh Vacuum Sealer GM‑77
Fresh Vacuum Sealer GM‑77 was very dangerous. The plug left bare live wires exposed and it had no fuse. Someone might have received an electric shock from just touching it. Worse yet, the pins were improperly spaced and could damage sockets. Luckily, officials had it destroyed before it ever reached stores.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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