What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a significant recall involving Ambiano electric pressure cookers manufactured by Tempo USA. This action affects every single unit of specific models within the Ambiano line, regardless of whether you purchased them recently or have had the appliance sitting in your kitchen cabinet for some time. The scope of this recall is comprehensive, covering all inventory associated with three distinct model numbers: 93550 (KY-318B), 96775 (KY-318A), and 98527 (6L-PC). These are not limited to a single batch or a narrow production window; rather, the recall encompasses the entire run of these particular designs due to a fundamental safety defect in their operation.
To help you identify whether your appliance is part of this group, it is important to look closely at the physical product itself. Each recalled unit will prominently display the brand name "Ambiano" on its front exterior. More critically, you must check the permanent label affixed to the bottom of the cooker. This label contains the specific model number and a date code that confirms whether your unit falls under this recall. The electric pressure cookers come in two capacity sizes: six-quart and eight-quart. Both sizes include an inner cooker pot designed for standard home cooking tasks, but the underlying mechanism controlling the lid and steam release is identical across these capacities and thus equally affected by the defect.
While the manufacturer is Tempo USA, the primary distribution channel for these recalled items was the discount retailer ALDI. This means that if you bought an Ambiano electric pressure cooker from an ALDI store in the United States, there is a very high likelihood that your unit is included in this recall. The products were sold under the ALDI brand umbrella but manufactured by Tempo, which is why consumer contact options are split between the two entities. Consumers who purchased these items at other retailers should still verify their model numbers, as some inventory may have been distributed elsewhere, but ALDI remains the central point of sale for this specific recall event.
The timing of this recall is also notable. The official recall date was announced on October 9, 2025. This recent announcement underscores the urgency of the situation, as the CPSC and Tempo have received multiple reports of incidents linked to these cookers. If you own an Ambiano electric pressure cooker with any of the three model numbers listed above—93550, 96775, or 98527—you should treat this as a confirmed recall until proven otherwise by checking the date code and serial information on your device. The decision to recall all units of these models reflects a zero-tolerance approach to the burn hazard they present.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look at the basic mechanics of how an electric pressure cooker works and where that process can go wrong. These appliances are designed to create a sealed environment where water boils at a higher temperature than normal, allowing food to cook much faster. To achieve this, the lid locks tightly in place while steam builds up inside, creating significant internal pressure. Under normal circumstances, the cooker is engineered with multiple safety interlocks that prevent the lid from being opened until that pressure has dropped to a safe level. However, in the case of the recalled Ambiano units, this critical safety feature appears to be compromised.
The specific physical failure involves the lid’s ability to be opened prematurely. Even when there is still substantial steam pressure remaining inside the pot, the locking mechanism may fail to hold the lid shut or may allow it to be released. When a user lifts the lid under these conditions, the sealed environment is suddenly broken. This causes the superheated contents—water and food that are well above the normal boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit—to undergo rapid expansion. The pressurized steam escapes instantly, carrying hot liquid and solid food particles with it in a forceful spray or eruption.
This is not merely a messy spill; it is a high-energy event. Because the contents are under pressure, they exit the pot with considerable velocity and heat. For anyone standing nearby, particularly their hands, arms, face, or torso, this results in immediate contact with scalding hot material. This explains why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has classified this as a serious burn hazard. The intensity of the injury depends on the amount of pressure remaining and the proximity of the consumer to the pot, but the potential for deep tissue damage is significant.
The severity of this specific design flaw is underscored by the incident reports gathered so far. Tempo USA has documented eleven incidents involving these models, with eight of those cases resulting in severe burn injuries. These are not minor scalds from a splash; they are substantial injuries caused by the explosive release of pressurized steam and liquid. This pattern confirms that the risk is real, frequent enough to warrant attention, and dangerous enough to require immediate action. The hazard is inherent to the unit’s operation once the lid is manipulated while pressure remains, meaning any use of the cooker carries this latent danger until the device is addressed.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk consists of anyone who owns or operates an Ambiano electric pressure cooker with model numbers 93550 (KY-318B), 96775 (KY-318A), or 98527 (6L-PC). These units, which were sold at ALDI stores and carry the Tempo brand name on their permanent labels, are designed for everyday home cooking. However, the nature of this specific defect transforms a routine kitchen appliance into a potential hazard for any user who opens the lid while internal pressure remains high. While the mechanical failure can happen to anyone regardless of age or experience, the severity of the consequences varies significantly based on the physical resilience and protective instincts of the individual involved.
Children are particularly vulnerable in this scenario due to their smaller stature and developing coordination. If a child is standing near the counter when the hot contents are expelled, they may be at eye level with the escaping steam or directly in the path of the ejected food. Their skin is thinner and more delicate than that of adults, meaning that even brief exposure to high-temperature steam or boiling liquid can cause deeper, more severe burns. Furthermore, children may not instinctively react as quickly as an adult might; they might be startled by the sudden noise and force of the explosion, freezing in place rather than stepping back immediately. This delay, combined with their proximity to the appliance, increases the likelihood of significant injury.
Elderly individuals or those with reduced mobility also face heightened risks. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses some of its protective elasticity, making it more susceptible to tearing and deeper tissue damage from thermal injuries. Additionally, conditions such as osteoporosis or general frailty mean that a fall caused by the shock of a burn injury could lead to secondary complications like fractures. For seniors living alone, the delay in seeking medical attention for severe burns can exacerbate the outcome, turning what might be a manageable injury into a serious medical emergency.
Even healthy adults are not immune to the dangers posed by this defect. The recall data indicates that eight reports of severe burn injuries have already been documented. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts or long-term physical therapy. The suddenness of the event leaves little time for protective reflexes. When the lid gives way prematurely, the forceful ejection of pressurized steam and boiling food occurs instantly. An adult might attempt to shield their face or hands, but the chaotic nature of the release often makes it difficult to avoid contact entirely. This is why immediate cessation of use is critical for all users, regardless of their perceived safety awareness or physical condition.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you purchased an electric pressure cooker from ALDI in recent months, it is important to verify whether your specific unit is part of this safety recall before attempting to use it again. The recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) targets a very specific set of Ambiano brand appliances manufactured and sold by Tempo USA. Because these cookers look similar to many other models on the market, you cannot rely solely on the general appearance of the pot or the color of the exterior to determine if it is affected. Instead, you must locate the permanent identification labels affixed to the hardware itself.
First, confirm that the brand name "Ambiano" appears prominently on the front of the unit and on a permanent label attached to the product. The critical information you need to check is printed directly on the permanent product label located on the bottom of the cooker. This label contains both the model number and the date code. You are looking for one of the following three specific model numbers: 93550 (which corresponds to the KY-318B), 96775 (which corresponds to the KY-318A), or 98527 (which corresponds to the 6L-PC). If your unit bears any of these three model numbers, it is definitely part of the recalled group and should not be used.
In addition to the model number, please note the capacity of your inner cooker pot. The recall affects units that are either six-quart or eight-quart capacity. While the physical size alone does not confirm a recall, it helps narrow down the scope of the affected inventory. If your Ambiano electric pressure cooker matches one of the specific model numbers listed above and was sold at an ALDI retail location, it is subject to this immediate safety alert. Do not guess based on the date of purchase or the price paid; the model number on the bottom label is the definitive identifier for whether your appliance is included in this recall.
If you have already opened the packaging or used the item, please stop using it immediately. The risk associated with these specific models involves the lid potentially opening before steam pressure has fully dissipated. By carefully checking the permanent label on the bottom of your cooker against the model numbers 93550, 96775, and 98527, you can confidently determine if your unit is safe to keep or if it needs to be returned for a refund.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Ambiano electric pressure cookers, your immediate priority is to ensure the safety of your household. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Tempo USA have identified a serious risk where the lid can open while steam pressure remains inside, potentially spraying hot food and causing severe burns. Because this hazard involves high-temperature steam and pressurized contents, you must act quickly but calmly. Please follow these concrete steps to secure your home and resolve the issue. First, stop using the recalled pressure cookers immediately. Do not attempt to use the device for cooking, even if it appears to be functioning normally or if you believe you can manage the lid mechanism carefully. The defect is inherent to the unit’s design or manufacturing, meaning the safety feature that prevents opening under pressure may fail at any time. Put the appliance away in a place where children, pets, or other family members cannot accidentally turn it on or handle the hot components. This pause is critical because the reported incidents include eight cases of severe burn injuries, highlighting that this is not a minor inconvenience but a genuine physical danger. Next, determine which remedy option works best for you. You have two clear paths: returning the item to an ALDI store or processing a refund through Tempo USA. If you prefer the convenience of in-person service and live near an ALDI location, you can take the fully intact pressure cooker to any retail store for a full refund. This is often the simplest route if you want instant confirmation that the product has been removed from your home. However, if you do not have easy access to an ALDI store or prefer to handle the process from home, you can submit a claim directly to Tempo. To process the refund via email, you will need to prepare specific documentation as required by the manufacturer. You must send photos to Tempo at serviceusa@tempo.org. These photos should include two distinct images: first, a photo of the pressure cooker with the unplugged power cord visibly cut. This step is important because it permanently disables the appliance, ensuring it cannot be used again or resold, which protects other consumers from the same hazard. Second, you must provide a clear photo showing the model number and date code on the permanent product label located on the bottom of the cooker. These details are necessary to verify that your specific unit is part of this recall batch. Finally, seek confirmation and further information. After submitting your claim or visiting the store, keep records of your transaction for your reference. For additional questions or if you need guidance on other safety matters, you can contact ALDI toll-free at 800-325-7894 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. You may also visit their website at https://help.aldi.us/contact-form-product or navigate to the "Product Recalls" section at the bottom of aldi.us for official updates. Taking these steps ensures you are no longer exposed to the burn risk and that you receive the full remedy offered to all affected consumers.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you find that your Ambiano electric pressure cooker is among the recalled units, the most important thing to know right away is that there is no repair option available for this specific safety defect. The issue involves the lid’s ability to open before sufficient steam pressure has been released, a mechanical flaw that cannot be safely fixed by the consumer or a third-party technician. Because the hazard poses a serious risk of severe burn injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Tempo USA have outlined a straightforward remedy: a full refund. You do not need to keep the product, nor do you need to wait for permission to return it. The goal is simply to get the dangerous item out of your home as quickly and easily as possible.
You have two clear paths to claim your refund, and you can choose whichever method feels most convenient for your schedule and circumstances. The first option is to take the pressure cooker directly to a physical ALDI store. If you purchased the unit at an ALDI retail location, you can bring the fully intact pressure cooker to any ALDI store in the country. Store associates will process a full refund on the spot. This is often the fastest route if you are already planning a trip to the grocery store and prefer immediate resolution without waiting for mail or digital processing times.
If you cannot return the item to a physical store, or if you prefer to handle the process remotely, you can submit a claim directly to Tempo USA. This method requires you to prepare the unit in a specific way to verify it is indeed one of the recalled models and to ensure it is safe for handling. First, you must cut the power cord so that the plug is completely unplugged and detached from the main body of the cooker. This step is crucial for safety during shipping or mailing, preventing any accidental activation or electrical hazard while the item is in transit.
Next, you will need to gather digital documentation to support your claim. You must take a clear photo of the pressure cooker showing the cut power cord and the unplugged state. Additionally, you need another photo that clearly shows the model number and the date code on the permanent product label located on the bottom of the cooker. These details confirm that your unit matches one of the recalled model numbers: 93550 (KY-318B), 96775 (KY-318A), or 98527 (6L-PC). Send these photos via email to Tempo’s service team at serviceusa@tempo.org. Their representatives will review your submission and guide you through the final steps of receiving your refund.
If you have questions about either process, ALDI provides additional support channels. You can call their toll-free number at 800-325-7894 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. You may also visit aldi.us and click on "Product Recalls" at the bottom of the page for more detailed information, or use their online contact form at https://help.aldi.us/contact-form-product. The key takeaway is that you are fully covered under this recall, and your safety is prioritized over any cost concerns.