Ranalli v. Edro Motel Corp.

The opinion of the court was delivered by

BAIME, J.A.D.

The novel question presented in this appeal is whether a motel owner is strictly liable in tort for injuries caused by a defective cooking utensil supplied to a guest. We hold that product liability principles are not applicable.

I

In June 1991, plaintiff and his wife were weekend guests at defendant’s motel. The motel room was furnished with a kitchenette and an electric range. Defendant also supplied cooking utensils. While cooking dinner, plaintiff took a teflon frying pan from under the sink. After washing the pan, plaintiff poured…