Skip to main content

Melting pots: Some models of America’s favorite kitchen gadget are overheating

Instant Pot Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker melted model
Image used with permission by copyright holder

You might want to check the model number of your Instant Pot branded appliance, as apparently some of the appliances are overheating and melting.

Instant Pot recently confirmed that there have been reports of damage to some models and asked users to immediately stop using the product.

Instant Pot recently confirmed that there have been reports of damage to some models

“We have received a small number of reports of the Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker overheating, resulting in localized melting damage to the underside of the product,” according to a statement on Instant Pot’s Facebook page. “We want you to know that we take any problem with our products extremely seriously as safety and quality are our primary concern, and we are working cooperatively with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).”

The Gem 65 8-in-1, which are multi-tool devices that can slow cook, pressure cook, bake, steam, and more, are extremely popular. But users apparently started reporting damaged units months ago, with some posting images of mangled and melted bottoms. Users have complained that Instant Pot has been aware of the problem for a while but has done little more than ask users to stop using the device until the firm can fully investigate.

“It’s not a few customers tho <sic>,” user Raina Lincicum said in response to Instant Pot’s statement on their Facebook page. “There are countless people who have been waiting MONTHS since receiving this message as an email.”

A moderator turned off commenting after five comments, but the page has been shared more than 700 times on Facebook.

https://twitter.com/KTNV/status/966477891964825601

We’ve reached out to Instant Pot for a comment, and a spokesperson sent us a copy of the email the company has been sending to consumers.

“We can assure you, you will soon receive instructions on how to receive a free replacement Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker,” the letter said to users. “In the meantime, we again ask that you stop using your Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker.”

Although the affected devices haven’t officially been recalled yet, it’s probably a good idea to unplug your device for now. You can check to see if your machine could be faulty by looking at your Gem 8-in-1 pressure cooker’s batch code. The code is located on the bottom of your Instant Pot on a clear silver label. Check to see if your 4-digit batch code is among the following: 1728, 1730, 1731, 1734, or 1746. If you do have one of the affected devices, Instant Pot says to call customer support at 1-800-828-7280 or by emailing support@instantpot.com.

Instant Pot has dealt with similar issues in the past. A Bluetooth-enabled Instant Pot model was recalled a couple years ago after customers reported suffering an electrical shock during use.

Editors' Recommendations

Kim Wetzel
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before joining Digital Trends as Home Editor, Kim was an adjunct journalism professor at Linfield College and high school…
Instant Pot Duo vs. Viva
instant pot viva deal walmart cyber week multi use 9 in 1 6 quart pressure cooker

Multifunctional pressure cookers were once a best-kept secret, as few people knew all of the benefits of a cooker like an Instant Pot. Now, the perks of using an Instant Pot -- speed, ease of use, and cooking ingredients from frozen -- are pretty well known, so many people have come to enjoy what Instant Pots have to offer. If you’re in the market for an Instant Pot, you have quite a few choices when deciding which model to go with. You can opt for a tried and true model, like the Duo, or you could go with one of Instant Pot’s newer offerings, like the Instant Pot Viva. Which is better? We compare the Instant Pot Duo vs. the Viva side-by-side to find out.
Design: A new lid and color options

If you saw a six-quart Instant Pot Duo sitting next to a six-quart stainless steel Instant Pot Viva, the two pots would look very similar. So much so, it might be hard to tell the difference between the two pots at first glance. However, there are key design differences that set them apart.

Read more
The best Instant Pot alternatives
instant pot post christmas sales ultra 3 qt 10 in 1 multi  use programmable pressure cooker

If you’ve never tried an Instant Pot or a kitchen gadget like it, you really don’t know what you’re missing. Multifunctional pressure cookers make day-to-day meal preparation so much easier. You can cook meats from frozen, cut cooking times by at least half, and toss a bunch of ingredients in the pot and cook them simultaneously.

While Instant Pot is perhaps the most well-known name in multifunctional pressure cookers, it’s not the only player in the game. There are a variety of other options on the market. We’ve included some of the best Instant Pot alternatives below.
Mealthy Multipot

Read more
Rice cooker vs. Instant Pot
popular instant pot lowest price amazon featured

Over the last several years, countertop cooking devices like rice cookers and pressure cookers have increased in popularity. Instant Pot is perhaps the most well-known name in pressure cooking devices, and most people have had someone say to them: “You have to try an Instant Pot.”

If you’re not an Instant Pot fanatic or if you haven’t used too many standalone rice cookers, you may wonder what the difference is between an Instant Pot and a countertop rice cooker. They look fairly similar, and they’re both typically found in the same aisles in stores like Walmart or Target. Both cookers make a heck of a good bowl of rice, too. But, how exactly are the two kitchen gadgets different?

Read more