Air Fryer Recalls and Injuries

Air Fryer Recalls: What You Need to Know

Over the past three years, air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, celebrated for their ability to cook food quickly with less oil. However, several popular brands of air fryers have been recalled due to safety concerns, primarily fire and burn hazards. If you own an air fryer, it’s crucial to be aware of these recalls to ensure your safety and the safety of your home.

Recent Recalls and Safety Incidents

Several brands, including Insignia, Cosori, and others, have recently issued recalls:

• Insignia Air Fryers: Best Buy recalled over 250,000 Insignia air fryers and air fryer ovens in North America due to reports of the products catching fire, parts melting, and glass doors shattering. The recalled models were sold between November 2021 and November 2023. This wasn’t the first recall for Insignia; in April 2022, nearly 700,000 units were recalled for similar issues.
• Cosori Air Fryers: About 2 million Cosori air fryers were recalled due to faulty wiring and potential fire risks. These units were reported to catch fire, overheat, and smoke, with some cases resulting in minor burns and property damage.
• Other Brands: Other brands like Empower Brands, Secura, Magic Chef, and Corsi have also recalled thousands of air fryer units for reasons ranging from overheating to parts breaking during use, posing serious fire and burn hazards.

What Causes These Hazards?

Air fryers operate similarly to convection ovens, using hot air circulated by a fan to cook food. The incidents leading to recalls typically involve electrical malfunctions, such as poor wiring, design issues or overheating components, which can turn a convenient appliance into a serious hazard.

What Should You Do If Your Air Fryer Is Recalled?

1. Stop Using the Product: If you discover that your air fryer model has been recalled, discontinue use immediately to avoid potential hazards.
2. Check the Recall Details: Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website at cpsc.gov, or the specific recall page provided by the manufacturer. For instance, Cosori owners can visit recall.cosori.com, and Insignia owners can go to Best Buy’s recall page.
3. Follow Instructions for Replacement or Refund: Most recalls will offer a refund or replacement. For example, Cosori offers a free replacement unit or another product, and Insignia provides refunds in the form of a check or store credit. You’ll typically need to provide proof of destruction of the recalled unit, such as cutting the cord and submitting a photo.

Why It’s Important to Act

Ignoring a recall not only puts your safety at risk but also that of your family. Fires and burns can lead to severe injuries and damage to property. Moreover, being proactive in responding to recalls ensures you are using products that meet safety standards and are free of known defects.

While air fryers offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, it’s crucial to stay informed about product recalls and act swiftly if a product you own is affected. Keeping track of such safety notices ensures that your experience with these convenient kitchen gadgets remains both safe and enjoyable.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Recalled Air Fryer

Air fryers have been linked to various types of injuries, primarily due to fires, burns, or mechanical failures like shattering glass. If you or a loved one has been injured by an air fryer, it’s important to understand the steps you should take and your legal rights regarding compensation.

Types of Injuries

Injuries from air fryers can range from minor to severe and include:

• Burns: From minor surface burns to severe burns requiring medical attention, often caused by overheating components or hot surfaces.
• Cuts and Lacerations: These can occur from broken or shattering parts, such as glass doors of air fryer ovens.
• Smoke Inhalation: In cases where the air fryer catches fire, there is a risk of smoke inhalation, which can be serious.
• Fire Damage: In some cases, a defective air fryer could potentially cause a fire, resulting in damage to your home, property and injuries beyond the ones above from the unit itself.

Steps to Take After an Injury

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. For any injury, first seek medical care.
2. Document the Incident: Take photos of the injury and the air fryer, and gather any medical records or bills related to your treatment. These documents can be crucial for any claims.
3. Retain the Unit: if possible, keep the unit, even if it is damaged or destroyed. This is an important piece of evidence in your claim.
4. Report the Incident: Notify the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) about the injury. This can also help prevent further incidents to others.
5. Consult with a Product Liability Attorney: our attorneys focus on these types of cases and have vast experience across a wide range of products. Call us today if you’ve been injured.

Legal Rights to Compensation

If you’ve been injured by a defective air fryer, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Bills: Costs for treatment immediately after the incident and any ongoing medical care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages related to pain, trauma, and the impact on your quality of life.
• Property Damage: If the incident caused damage to your property.

The specifics of what compensation you might be eligible for can vary based on the details of the incident. It’s essential to speak with a legal professional who can provide guidance based on your circumstances.

Contact Alonso Krangle Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured by an air fryer, don’t wait to understand your rights. Contact Alonso Krangle LLP at 800-403-6191 today to discuss your situation with experienced professionals who can help you navigate the process of securing the compensation you deserve. Our team is ready to provide you with the support and guidance needed to address these challenging situations effectively.