CPSC Gourmia Pressure Cooker Recall: What You Need to Know

You bought a multi-cooker years ago thinking it would make weeknight dinners easier. Now a federal warning changes everything. In February 2026 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued an urgent alert about the Gourmia 6-quart digital pressure cooker. The lid can open while the pot is still under pressure, spraying scalding food and liquid and causing severe burns. About 43,500 units sold mainly at Best Buy between 2017 and 2020 are involved. This article explains the cpsc gourmia pressure cooker recall warning, the specific defects, what you must do right now, and how to protect your family and your legal rights.

Why the CPSC Issued This Safety Warning

The CPSC does not issue product safety warnings lightly. On February 24, 2026, the agency published Product Safety Warning Number 26-280. It told consumers to stop using Gourmia pressure cookers immediately and dispose of them. The reason is clear: the appliances pose a serious burn hazard.

Five incidents reached the CPSC in which hot contents exploded outward under pressure. Four of those cases produced severe second-degree burns. At least two lawsuits have already been filed by injured consumers. The agency took the unusual step of going public on its own because the importer and the main retailer refused to agree to an acceptable formal recall with a remedy program.

Most of the units were sold at Best Buy. Others appeared at additional retailers and on e-commerce platforms. They retailed for $50 to $80. The products were made in China and imported by Steelstone Group, LLC, doing business as Gourmia, of Brooklyn, New York.

This is not a typical voluntary recall in which the company offers refunds or repairs. No such program exists. The CPSC’s message is simple and firm: stop using the cooker and throw it away. Do not sell it or give it away.

Identifying the Affected Gourmia Model

The warning targets one specific model: the Gourmia Six-Quart Digital Pressure Cooker, model GPC625.

Look for these features:

Six-quart cooking chamber
Stainless steel and black plastic exterior
Pressure lid
Digital temperature and function display
Button controls on the front

The model number is printed on a label on the side or bottom of the unit. If you still have the original box or manual, check those as well. Other Gourmia pressure cookers are not covered by this specific warning, but you should always verify the exact model number before continuing use of any older multi-cooker.

If you purchased a 6-quart Gourmia digital pressure cooker at Best Buy or online between 2017 and 2020, treat it as potentially hazardous until you confirm otherwise.

The Three Design Problems Behind the Burn Risk

The CPSC identified three related defects that create the burn hazard risks.

First, the lid can open while the cooker is still pressurized. Pressure cookers rely on a secure locking system to keep the lid sealed until the internal pressure drops to a safe level. When that system fails, superheated food, liquid, and steam erupt outward with force. The result is often severe second-degree burns to the face, chest, arms, or hands of anyone standing nearby.

Second, the float valve sits inside the handle where it is difficult to see. The float valve is supposed to rise when pressure builds and drop when the pressure is gone. On a properly designed cooker, users can easily check this visual cue before opening the lid. On the GPC625 the valve is hidden. A person can reasonably believe the cooker is safe to open when pressure still remains inside.

Third, the inner pot carries incorrect volume markings. Overfilling is a known risk with pressure cookers. The wrong fill lines make it easy for users to put too much food or liquid in the pot. When the cooker is later vented with the quick-release method or opened while still pressurized, the excess contents can be ejected.

These three issues work together. A user who cannot see the float valve and who has overfilled the pot because of bad markings is more likely to open the lid at the worst possible moment. The combination turns a common kitchen appliance into a source of kitchen scalding injuries.

Real-World Impact: Injuries and Lawsuits

Four consumers have already suffered severe burns. Second-degree burns damage the outer layer of skin and the layer beneath it. They often blister, swell, and require medical treatment. Recovery can take weeks or months. Some victims face permanent scarring.

At least two product liability lawsuits have been filed. These cases typically allege design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn. Courts have seen similar claims against other multi-cooker brands. Verdicts and settlements in comparable pressure cooker burn cases have ranged from tens of thousands of dollars for moderate injuries to multi-million-dollar awards for catastrophic burns. Each case depends on the specific facts, the severity of injury, medical costs, and long-term effects.

The existence of lawsuits does not guarantee recovery for every owner. It does show that the hazard is real and that some injured consumers are pursuing their rights.

Immediate Steps Every Owner Must Take

If you own a Gourmia GPC625, act today.

Stop using the cooker at once. Do not finish the current meal cycle. Unplug it and let any remaining pressure release fully according to the manual, then set the unit aside.
Dispose of the unit. The CPSC instructs consumers to throw the pressure cooker away. Do not put it in a donation bin, sell it online, or give it to a friend or relative. Passing the hazard along only increases the chance of injury to someone else.
Document everything before disposal. Take clear photos of the model number label, the overall appearance of the unit, and any receipts or purchase records you still have. Keep these records in case a remedy program appears later or if you need them for a legal claim.
Report any past incidents. If the cooker ever expelled hot contents or injured anyone, file a report at SaferProducts.gov. The CPSC uses these reports to track hazards and protect other consumers.
Check the rest of your kitchen. Review other multi-cookers and pressure cookers for model numbers against current CPSC warnings. Kitchen appliance safety requires ongoing attention, especially with older units.

These steps take only a few minutes and can prevent serious injury.

Understanding Consumer Rights and Product Liability

When a product causes injury because of a defect, U.S. product liability law generally allows the injured person to seek compensation. Claims may rest on several theories:

Design defect: the product’s design makes it unreasonably dangerous even when used as intended.
Manufacturing defect: a particular unit left the factory in a dangerous condition.
Failure to warn: the manufacturer or seller did not provide adequate instructions or warnings about known risks.

In the Gourmia situation, the CPSC’s public findings about the lid, float valve, and volume markings provide strong evidence that a design problem exists. Retailers that sold the product, including Best Buy, may also face claims under some state laws.

If you or a family member suffered burns from a GPC625, gather medical records, photos of the injuries, and any remaining product documentation. Speak with a personal injury attorney who handles product liability cases. Many work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they collect a fee only if they recover money for you. Statutes of limitations vary by state, so act promptly.

Even if you have not been injured, the CPSC warning itself is important. It documents that the agency found an unreasonable risk and that the companies declined a voluntary recall remedy. That public record can support future claims if additional injuries occur.

For more guidance on filing safety reports, visit the official CPSC reporting page at SaferProducts.gov. For the full text of the warning, see the CPSC’s February 24, 2026 announcement on cpsc.gov.

Broader Lessons for Kitchen Appliance Safety

Pressure cookers and multi-cookers remain popular because they cook food quickly and efficiently. Most modern units include multiple safety interlocks. Yet older models and certain designs still reach the market with inadequate protections.

Key habits protect households:

Always verify that the lid is fully locked before starting a pressure cycle.
Never force a lid open. Wait until the float valve (or equivalent indicator) shows that pressure has dropped.
Follow maximum fill lines carefully. When in doubt, use less liquid and food rather than more.
Register new appliances with the manufacturer so you receive future safety notices.
Periodically check the CPSC website or sign up for recall email alerts.

The consumer product safety commission exists to reduce unreasonable risks. When companies refuse to act, the agency can still warn the public. Consumers who heed those warnings protect themselves and their families.

Similar warnings and recalls have affected other brands in recent years. Staying informed about dangerous kitchen appliance recalls is part of responsible home ownership.

What Best Buy and Gourmia Have Said

Best Buy stated that it first learned of the issue about six years earlier, alerted the CPSC, and stopped selling the product. The retailer has directed customers seeking resolution to contact the manufacturer, Steelstone Group. Gourmia has said the GPC625 was designed and tested to comply with UL standards and is safe when used as directed. The company also noted that it stopped selling the model years ago.

The CPSC’s position remains unchanged: the products present a serious burn hazard, the companies refused an acceptable recall, and consumers should stop using the units and dispose of them.

How to Stay Updated on This Warning

Safety information can evolve. Check the official CPSC page for the Gourmia warning periodically. New incident reports or company responses may appear. If a formal recall with refund or replacement is ever agreed upon, that change will be announced on the same site.

You can also subscribe to CPSC email alerts for kitchen appliances. Reporting any new incidents helps the agency decide whether additional action is needed.

Conclusion

The CPSC Gourmia pressure cooker recall warning is a clear call to action for anyone who owns a GPC625 model. The lid can open under pressure, the float valve is hard to see, and the volume markings are wrong. These defects have already caused severe burns. Stop using the cooker immediately, dispose of it safely, document the model number, and report any past problems. If you or a loved one was injured, consult a product liability attorney to evaluate your options. Kitchen safety starts with heeding official warnings. Take the steps outlined here today so your family stays protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an official recall with refunds for the Gourmia GPC625?
No. The CPSC issued a product safety warning because Steelstone Group and Best Buy refused to agree to an acceptable recall remedy. Consumers are told to stop using the units and dispose of them. No refund or replacement program is currently available.

How do I confirm I have the recalled model?
Check the label on the side or bottom of the cooker for model number GPC625. The unit is a 6-quart digital pressure cooker with stainless steel and black plastic finishes, a digital display, and button controls. Units sold between 2017 and 2020 are the ones covered.

What should I do if the cooker already burned someone in my household?
Seek medical care if needed. Photograph the injuries and the cooker. Keep medical records and any remaining product packaging or receipts. File a report at SaferProducts.gov and consult a product liability attorney promptly.

Can I still sell or donate my Gourmia pressure cooker?
No. The CPSC explicitly states that consumers should not sell or give away these hazardous pressure cookers. Disposal is the required action.

Are other Gourmia pressure cooker models affected?
This specific warning applies only to model GPC625. Other models are not covered by the February 2026 notice. Always verify model numbers against current CPSC listings.

Does Best Buy offer any help to customers who bought the cooker?
Best Buy has stated that it stopped selling the product years ago and directs customers to contact the manufacturer for resolution. No company-wide refund program has been announced.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit if I was injured?
Statutes of limitations vary by state and typically run from the date of injury or the date the injury was discovered. Contact an attorney quickly to preserve your rights.