December 10, 2025 – A consumer has reported suffering severe burn injuries while using a Ninja Pressure Cooker, Model OP301. The incident involved hot liquid splashing onto the user’s abdomen and leg after the lid was opened, despite the safety lock appearing disengaged and the user following manufacturer instructions for pressure release.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On November 23, 2025, a consumer was preparing rib steak soup using their Ninja Pressure Cooker (Model OP301). According to the incident report, the user followed the manufacturer’s instructions by setting the timer and opening the pressure valve to release steam. The user then briefly left the kitchen. Upon returning, the safety lock on the cooker was observed to be in the “down” position. Believing that all pressure had safely dissipated based on this indicator, the user proceeded to open the lid. Immediately upon opening, hot liquid from the cooker violently splashed out, making contact with the user’s abdomen and leg. This resulted in a significant 13-inch burn on the abdomen and multiple smaller burns on the leg, despite the user’s adherence to the product’s operational guidelines.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights critical safety concerns associated with pressure cookers, particularly when safety indicators may provide misleading information:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is severe scalding and burn injuries from high-temperature liquid and steam. Such burns can cause intense pain, blistering, skin damage, and require immediate medical attention. The reported 13-inch burn indicates a significant area of impact, which could lead to complications.
- Long-Term Risks: Severe burns can result in long-term consequences including permanent scarring, skin discoloration, nerve damage, chronic pain, and limited mobility if the burn affects joints. Beyond physical trauma, victims may experience psychological distress, including anxiety, PTSD, and a fear of using similar appliances.
- Misleading Safety Indicators: If a safety lock or pressure indicator incorrectly suggests that all internal pressure has been released when it has not, it creates a false sense of security for the user. This can lead to premature opening of the lid, with catastrophic results.
- Who Might Be Affected: Any consumer using a Ninja Cooker Model OP301 or similar pressure cooking appliances is potentially at risk if safety mechanisms are prone to failure or provide inaccurate readings. Children or vulnerable individuals in the vicinity of the kitchen could also be at heightened risk if an unexpected expulsion of hot contents occurs.
- Property Damage Potential: While the primary concern here is personal injury, a sudden release of hot liquid can also cause damage to kitchen surfaces, cabinets, floors, and nearby electronics.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Ninja Cooker Model OP301 or similar pressure cookers should take the following precautions:
- Seek Medical Attention: If you or someone you know has sustained burns from this or any similar product, seek immediate medical attention.
- Verify Product Ownership: Check the model number of your Ninja Cooker to see if it is Model OP301. The model number is usually located on a label on the bottom or back of the appliance.
- Exercise Extreme Caution: Even if safety indicators suggest pressure has been released, always proceed with extreme caution when opening any pressure cooker lid. Consider allowing the unit to cool down naturally for a longer period than instructed, or use an additional method to verify the absence of pressure before attempting to open.
- Document Incidents: If you experience a similar incident, document it thoroughly. Take photos of the product, the injury, and any relevant details. Keep purchase receipts and instructions.
- Report the Incident: File a detailed incident report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. This helps the CPSC identify potential widespread issues and initiate investigations or recalls. You should also contact the manufacturer, SharkNinja Operating LLC, directly to report the incident.
- Retain the Product: Do not discard the product if it was involved in an incident. It may be needed for examination by investigators or legal experts.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of December 10, 2025, SharkNinja Operating LLC has not provided a response to this incident report.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.