Warning: Nearly 1 million Crock-Pot cookers recalled over burn risk

November 25, 2020

By Kim Komando

The holidays might look a bit different this year, but one thing that hasn’t changed in the midst of the pandemic is a focus on food. Even if you’re not having the typical huge gathering, you can still enjoy quality family time virtually. Tap or click here to find out how to host the perfect virtual holiday party.

Whether you’re throwing together a full turkey dinner or going with an easier route, chances are you’ll be spending some time in the kitchen over the next few days. Before you do, though, there’s a massive kitchen tool recall you need to know about.

Surprisingly, this new recall isn’t related to turkey fryers, which have caused explosions and fires in years past. Instead, it’s related to a common kitchen gadget. One you may even have on your counter as we speak. Let’s take a look at what’s going on.

A massive kitchen-related recall

Were you planning to use a Crock-Pot for this year’s holiday meals? You may want to think twice about that. A massive new recall has been issued for over 900,000 Crock-Pots due to potential burn risks.

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The model that’s being recalled is the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cooker, a rival to the popular Instant Pot. This model can be used as a slow cooker, steamer or pressure cooker — which is where the issue comes in.

According to the recall notice, this model is being recalled due to an issue with the device’s pressurization. If the lid is not fully locked, the lid can suddenly detach while the Crock-Pot is in use, causing hot food and liquids to eject from the device. If this happens, there’s a risk of serious burns to anyone near it.

There have already been about 119 reports of lid detachment, according to the notice. Those incidences have resulted in 99 burn injuries ranging in severity from first-degree to third-degree burns.

Crock-Pot reps said, “All of our products are rigorously and routinely tested for consumer safety and are in full compliance with established industry standards. However, Crock-Pot^® has identified that the lids of select 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers can detach during use if not used in accordance with the owner’s manual.

‘We’ve made two changes to enhance our consumers’ experience with this product, based on their feedback. First, we developed a new lid with updated iconography and quick-reference instructions to help avoid these common misuses. Second, we made design changes to the new lid that prohibit the unit from starting unless the lid is properly secured.”

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Is my Crock-Pot model affected?

According to the recall notice, the recall involves Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers with model number SCCPPC600-V1. You can find the model number of your Crock-Pot on the label located at the unit’s bottom. 

These particular multi-cookers were manufactured between July 1, 2017, and Oct. 1, 2018, and have date codes K196JN through K365JN and L001JN through L273JN.  The date code is engraved on one of the prongs of the electrical plug at the base’s bottom.

This model was sold at Walmart, Target and other retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon and other online retailers from July 2017 through November 2020 for between $70 to $100. About 914,430 units were sold in the U.S., with another 30,000 or so sold in Canada during the same time frame.

If your Crock-Pot is one of the recalled units, you should stop using the pressure cook mode immediately. You can continue to use the pot for slow cooking and sautéing — but do not use it to pressure cook. 

As part of the recall, Crock-Pot is offering free redesigned replacement lids to owners with affected units. You can request a replacement by contacting Crock-Pot at 800-323-9519 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at recall.crockpot.com.

The notice also states that if you continue to use the multi-cooker in pressure cooker mode while waiting for the replacement lid, you need to ensure that the lid is securely turned to the fully locked position. You’ll know the lid is securely locked by aligning the arrow on the lid with the base’s lock symbol.

For more information on the recall or to check if your Crock-Pot is affected, visit the Crock-Pot recall site at https://recall.crock-pot.com/.