CPSC Gourmia Pressure Cooker Recall – Serious Burn Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a safety warning for approximately 43,500 Gourmia pressure cookers following reports of serious burn injuries. The Gourmia Six-Quart Pressure Cooker Model GPC625 has been flagged for a hazard that allows the lid to open while the unit remains pressurized, causing hot food and liquids to spray outward. Federal authorities are urging consumers who own these units to stop using them immediately and dispose of the product.

Unlike a standard product recall, neither the importer Steelstone Group, which operates as Gourmia, nor retailer Best Buy have agreed to participate in a formal recall program that would provide refunds or repairs. This leaves affected consumers with limited options for recourse and heightened responsibility to ensure the dangerous appliance is no longer used.

Which Gourmia Pressure Cooker Models Are Affected by the CPSC Warning?

The Gourmia pressure cooker recall centers on a single model that was sold across major retail platforms for several years. Understanding the specific product details helps consumers identify whether they own a potentially dangerous unit.

Model Identification and Specifications

The affected model is the Gourmia GPC625, a six-quart digital pressure cooker featuring stainless steel and black plastic finishes. The unit includes a pressure lid, digital temperature and function display, and button controls. Manufacturing occurred in China, and the product was distributed primarily through Best Buy stores alongside other retailers and e-commerce platforms.

Consumers can identify the model by checking the rating label on the bottom of the base unit. The GPC625 designation should appear along with the Gourmia branding. The digital display and distinct six-quart capacity distinguish this model from other Gourmia pressure cookers in the product line.

Sales Period and Distribution

The Gourmia GPC625 was available for purchase from 2017 through 2020. Best Buy served as the primary retail channel, though the product was also sold through various other retailers and online marketplaces. The price range during this period fell between $50 and $80, making it an accessible option for home cooks seeking an electric pressure cooker.

Key Facts at a Glance

Key Insights

• The Gourmia GPC625 presents a serious burn hazard when the lid opens during pressurization
• Four documented incidents resulted in second-degree burn injuries requiring medical attention
• No refund or repair program exists because Gourmia and Best Buy declined to participate in a formal recall
• Federal law prohibits reselling these units
• Consumers should dispose of the product immediately rather than attempting to repair or sell it
• Two or more lawsuits have been filed by consumers alleging burn injuries from the product

Why Was the Gourmia Pressure Cooker Recalled by CPSC?

The Gourmia pressure cooker burn hazard stems from a fundamental design issue that compromises user safety during normal operation. The CPSC warning details specific mechanical failures that can occur during everyday use, creating conditions for severe injuries.

The Burn Hazard Explained

The primary danger involves the pressure cooker’s lid detaching or opening while internal pressure remains high. When this occurs, hot food and liquids are expelled forcefully outward, subjecting nearby users to severe thermal injury. The CPSC documented multiple incidents where consumers experienced this dangerous ejection of pressurized contents.

The hazard is particularly concerning because the pressure release can happen without warning, even when users believe they have properly depressurized the appliance. This creates an unpredictable risk environment for anyone in proximity during cooking or when attempting to open the lid.

Official Findings and Company Response

The CPSC issued its official warning in February 2026, specifically titled “CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Gourmia Pressure Cookers Due to Serious Burn Hazard; Multiple Burn Injuries Reported; Majority Sold at Best Buy.” The Gourmia importer, Steelstone Group LLC, objected to the public release of this safety information under provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act section 6(b), though the warning proceeded regardless.

Federal law explicitly prohibits the sale of these units given the identified hazards. Despite this prohibition and the severity of reported injuries, neither Steelstone Group nor Best Buy agreed to implement an acceptable recall plan that would provide consumers with refunds or replacements.

What Should You Do If You Own a Recalled Gourmia Pressure Cooker?

Given the absence of a formal recall remedy, consumers bear primary responsibility for ensuring the dangerous appliance is removed from service. The CPSC has issued clear guidance for owners of affected units, emphasizing immediate cessation of use and proper disposal.

Required Actions for Consumers

The CPSC directive is unambiguous: stop using the Gourmia GPC625 immediately and dispose of the unit. Consumers should not attempt to repair the pressure cooker themselves, nor should they offer the product for sale or give it to others. The federal prohibition on selling these units applies to private transactions as well as commercial resale.

Proper disposal should follow local guidelines for electronic appliances and pressurized containers. Before discarding, consumers may want to document the model number and purchase information in case these details prove relevant for any future legal proceedings or inquiries.

Reporting Incidents and Seeking Recourse

Consumers who experience incidents, observe defects, or sustain injuries connected to Gourmia pressure cookers should report this information to the CPSC through SaferProducts.gov or by calling 800-638-2772. Those using teletypewriter devices can reach the TTY line at 800-638-8270. These reports contribute to the agency’s ongoing safety monitoring and may support future regulatory actions.

Refund and Remedy Status

Unfortunately, no refund program exists for affected consumers. Because Steelstone Group and Best Buy declined to participate in a voluntary recall, there is no company-sponsored process for obtaining a replacement, repair, or monetary compensation through the manufacturer or retailer. Consumers should monitor CPSC.gov and SaferProducts.gov for any updates, though no remedy program currently exists.

For those seeking to address losses through legal channels, documentation of ownership, the incident, and resulting injuries becomes essential. Retention of original purchase receipts, photographs of the product and any injuries, and medical records documenting treatment all strengthen potential legal claims.

What Injuries Have Been Reported from Gourmia Pressure Cookers?

The Gourmia pressure cooker hazard has produced documented injuries that underscore the severity of the design defect. CPSC records and consumer complaints reveal a pattern of thermal injuries consistent with the identified mechanical failures.

Documented Incident Statistics

Authorities recorded five separate incidents involving hot contents expelling from Gourmia GPC625 units under pressure. Of these five events, four resulted in severe burn injuries requiring medical treatment. The documented burns were classified as second-degree thermal injuries, indicating significant tissue damage that typically requires professional medical care and can result in scarring.

The incidence rate, while seemingly small relative to the total units sold, represents a serious concern given the severity of potential outcomes. Second-degree burns affecting the hands, arms, face, or torso can require extended medical treatment, potentially including surgical intervention and rehabilitation.

Legal Actions Filed

At least two civil lawsuits have been initiated by consumers alleging burn injuries from Gourmia pressure cookers. These product liability claims seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the defective appliances. The existence of pending litigation suggests that affected consumers are actively pursuing legal remedies despite the absence of a voluntary recall program.

Legal experts note that product liability cases involving documented injuries and known design defects can proceed independently of any government recall action. Consumers who suffered burns may find that retaining experienced legal counsel improves their prospects for obtaining compensation.

When Was the CPSC Gourmia Pressure Cooker Recall Announced?

The official timeline of the Gourmia pressure cooker safety warning reveals a significant gap between when the product was sold and when the hazard became publicly known, leaving many consumers unaware they own a dangerous appliance.

1. 2017–2020: Gourmia GPC625 pressure cookers sold through Best Buy and other retailers nationwide, priced between $50 and $80 per unit.
2. During sales period: Incidents begin occurring as consumers use the product, with some resulting in burn injuries that would eventually be reported to safety authorities.
3. February 2026: CPSC issues official safety warning for approximately 43,500 Gourmia GPC625 units, identifying the lid detachment hazard and burn risks.
4. Post-announcement: Steelstone Group and Best Buy decline to participate in a formal recall program, prompting CPSC to urge consumers to stop using and dispose of units independently.
5. Ongoing: Consumers who purchased units during the 2017–2020 window may still own affected pressure cookers without awareness of the hazard or recall status.

The five-year span between active sales and public warning highlights the importance of product registration and monitoring official safety communications. Consumers who purchased Gourmia appliances during this period should verify whether their specific models fall within the affected production range.

What Is Known and Unknown About This Safety Warning?

Understanding the boundaries between confirmed information and outstanding questions helps consumers make informed decisions about their safety and potential legal options regarding the Gourmia pressure cooker warning.

The incomplete picture regarding international distribution raises questions for consumers who may have purchased the product through cross-border retailers or while residing abroad. Additionally, the absence of an agreed-upon remedy program leaves significant uncertainty about how affected consumers might recover their investment in the defective product.

What Is the Background of the Gourmia Pressure Cooker Hazard?

The Gourmia GPC625 recall emerges within a broader context of pressure cooker safety concerns affecting the home appliance industry. Electric pressure cookers combine high-temperature cooking with sealed pressure environments, creating inherent risks when design or manufacturing flaws compromise safety mechanisms.

Pressure cooker lid failures have been documented across multiple brands and manufacturers over the years, leading to ongoing refinements in safety standards and engineering practices. The specific issues identified in the Gourmia model—particularly the obscured float valve and inaccurate volume markings—represent preventable design flaws that regulatory agencies work to identify and address through safety warnings when manufacturers decline voluntary cooperation.

The CPSC’s decision to issue a public warning despite corporate objection reflects the agency’s consumer protection mandate. When companies refuse to participate in recall programs, the regulatory agency retains authority to inform the public directly about product hazards, as demonstrated in the February 2026 Gourmia warning.

What Are the Official Sources and Statements?

The primary authoritative source for this safety warning is the CPSC announcement dated February 2026. The full title of the official communication reads: “CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Gourmia Pressure Cookers Due to Serious Burn Hazard; Multiple Burn Injuries Reported; Majority Sold at Best Buy.” This document provides the official basis for consumer guidance and the prohibition on selling affected units.

The CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of Gourmia pressure cookers model GPC625 due to a serious burn hazard involving the lid detaching while pressurized. Multiple burn injuries have been reported in connection with this product.

— U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, February 2026

Steelstone Group LLC, operating as Gourmia, objected to the public release of safety information concerning the GPC625 pressure cooker under Consumer Product Safety Act section 6(b). Despite this objection, the CPSC proceeded with the warning given the severity of identified hazards and documented injuries.

Consumers seeking the most current information should monitor CPSC.gov and SaferProducts.gov for any updates regarding the Gourmia pressure cooker warning. These official platforms provide the authoritative record of product safety communications and any subsequent developments in the regulatory response.

Key Takeaways

The Gourmia GPC625 pressure cooker recall represents a serious consumer safety situation with confirmed burn injuries and no manufacturer-supported remedy. Consumers who own these units should stop using them immediately and arrange for proper disposal. Reporting any incidents or injuries to CPSC contributes to safety monitoring, and those who sustained burns may benefit from consulting legal professionals about potential compensation. For more guidance on product safety issues and reporting, explore our resources on health monitoring and safety reporting.

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