On March 14, 2024, Best Buy announced a significant recall of Insignia Air Fryers and Air Fryer Ovens due to severe fire, burn, and laceration hazards.
If you own one of these units, stop using it immediately to prevent potential injuries. This recall affects approximately 187,400 units in the U.S. and about 99,900 units in Canada, and it serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with defective kitchen appliances.
If you suffered injuries while using an Insignia air fryer, you may hold the manufacturer accountable in a product liability claim.
Why Are Insignia Air Fryers and Air Fryer Ovens Being Recalled?
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Best Buy initiated the recall after reports revealed that these air fryers could overheat, causing the handles to melt or break, posing a significant fire and burn risk.
Additionally, the air fryer ovens could overheat, and the glass on the door could shatter, presenting fire and burn hazards and the risk of severe lacerations.
So far, 24 incidents have been reported, including six cases where the air fryers caught fire. While no injuries or property damage have been confirmed, the potential for harm is real and serious.
Affected Insignia Air Fryers and Air Fryer Ovens
The recall encompasses several Insignia Air Fryer and Air Fryer Oven models:
- NS-AF34D2
- NS-AF5DSS2
- NS-AF5MSS2
- NS-AF8DBD2
- NS-AF10DBK2
- NS-AF10DSS2
These units, with cooking chamber capacities ranging from 3.4 to 10 quarts, feature plastic or plastic and stainless-steel bodies in black and stainless-steel finishes. The INSIGNIA brand name is prominently displayed on the top or front of each unit.
What Should You Do if You Own a Recalled Insignia Air Fryer?
If you own one of these recalled products, take action immediately to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Stop Using the Product: Cease all use of the air fryer or air fryer oven immediately.
- Visit the Recall Website: Visit www.recallrtr.com/airfryer for instructions on submitting photos of your recalled unit, including the model number and purchase receipt. The website also details how to safely destroy the unit to prevent further use.
- Request a Refund: Consumers can choose between a refund check or a Best Buy store credit. If you provide a purchase receipt, you will receive the full amount paid. If you no longer have the receipt, you will receive the average sales price for the model.
- Do Not Return to Stores: Do not attempt to return the recalled air fryers to Best Buy stores. The company handles all refunds and communications directly through the online recall platform.
Best Buy has contacted all known purchasers directly, but if you purchased your Insignia air fryer through a third-party seller, take proactive steps to ensure your safety.
The Dangers of Defective Products: Understanding Your Rights
Defective products like the Insignia air fryers pose significant dangers to consumers. Fires, burns, and lacerations are serious injuries that can lead to extensive medical bills, lost wages or income, and emotional distress. If a defective product has harmed you or someone you know, you must understand your rights and legal options.
The Broader Context: A Trend in Air Fryer Recalls
This Insignia recall is not an isolated incident in the world of air fryer safety. In February 2023, a similar situation unfolded with Cosori air fryers. That recall affected approximately 2 million units due to fire risks, with the CPSC receiving 205 incident reports, including 10 minor burn injuries and 23 instances of property damage.
The Cosori recall involved various models sold between June 2018 and December 2022 across major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Target. The company attributed the issue to the potential overheating of closed-end crimp connectors within the appliances.
These back-to-back recalls of popular air fryer brands underscore a worrying trend in kitchen appliance safety. As air fryers have surged in popularity due to their convenience and perceived health benefits, the rush to market may have compromised some manufacturers’ quality control processes.
Taking Legal Action: Holding Manufacturers Accountable
When a product is recalled due to safety hazards, manufacturers and retailers have a responsibility to ensure that consumers are protected. However, recalls often come after injuries have already occurred. If a defective Insignia air fryer harmed you or a loved one, you may recover compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
Filing a Product Liability Claim
Product liability claims hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for releasing dangerous products into the marketplace.
These claims typically fall into three categories:
- Design Defects: These occur when a product’s design is inherently unsafe, making it dangerous even when used as intended.
- Manufacturing Defects: These defects happen during the production process, affecting only some units of an otherwise safe product.
- Failure to Warn: This type of claim addresses inadequate instructions or warnings that fail to inform consumers of potential risks.
In the case of the Insignia air fryers, both design and manufacturing defects appear to be involved, as well as a potential failure to provide adequate safety warnings to consumers.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If a recalled Insignia air fryer injured you, a personal injury lawyer from Wilshire Law Firm can help you with the legal process.
They will:
- Investigate Your Case: Our skilled attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury, including whether the product was used as intended and whether there were any known defects.
- Gather Evidence: Your lawyer will collect critical evidence, such as medical records, product specifications, and recall notices, to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our experienced lawyer will negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court to seek justice on your behalf.
Stay Informed and Protect Your Rights
The Insignia air fryer recall highlights the importance of staying informed about product safety and taking swift action when a recall is announced. Defective products can cause significant harm, and manufacturers must be held accountable when their negligence puts consumers at risk.
If a recalled Insignia air fryer has injured you or a loved one, contact Wilshire Law Firm today at (213) 335-2402 or through our online form for a free consultation. Our powerhouse team of overachievers will fight relentlessly to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
