Bodum USA has announced a recall of nearly 5.9 million French press coffee makers sold throughout the United States, following numerous consumer reports of burns and instances where glass carafes have shattered. This recall was made public on 29 October by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), with the company highlighting potential risks to consumers’ safety.
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The issue stems from the glass carafes that are prone to breaking unexpectedly during operation, particularly if they are already cracked or damaged. This defect carries a significant risk of serious burns to users, as evidenced by the 70 reports of breakages and 48 burn-related incidents received by Bodum. Consumers have been advised that using metal utensils, such as spoons, can further exacerbate the problem by causing additional damage to the carafe.
In an effort to ensure consumer safety, Bodum is urging users to steer clear of using metal utensils to stir coffee within the glass carafe. Instead, they have offered customers a free plastic stirring spoon and a warning label that advises against the use of damaged carafes. In a statement, the company reiterated that stirring with metal can lead to breakages during use and encouraged proper techniques to avoid such incidents.
The recall involves several Bodum coffee maker models, specifically the 8-cup and 12-cup options with replaceable glass carafes. Models included in the recall are the Bistro, Brazil, Caffettiera, Chambord, Crema, Java, Jesper, and Kenya. Most of these products are marked with the Bodum name on both the frame and inner lid, as well as engraved on the glass carafes.
These coffee makers were sold at major retailers such as Target and Walmart, alongside numerous coffee and home goods stores. Additionally, they were available online through Bodum’s website, Amazon, and other online marketplaces. The recalled items have been significantly priced, ranging from £15 to £65, and were sold from 1974 until October 2026.
Bodum, which prides itself as a family-owned business, has expressed its commitment to producing high-quality, affordable kitchen products, including coffee and tea makers. In their official statement, the company acknowledged the importance of maintaining consumer trust and satisfaction by adhering to stringent safety standards.
Despite the uptick in reported incidents, Bodum reassured customers that the incidence rate of carafe breakages is relatively low, especially considering the millions of units sold in the U.S. over the years. Nevertheless, the company deemed the precautionary recall necessary to further promote safe usage of their French press coffee makers.
While Bodum has been proactive in addressing potential safety concerns, requests for further comments from the company and leading retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon went unanswered. The recall serves as a reminder for consumers to remain vigilant about product safety and to utilise manufacturer-provided resources to minimise potential hazards.
For further information, consumers can access a dedicated recall website that features detailed photographs and specifics about the affected products. Bodum encourages all customers with these coffee makers to reach out for their complimentary plastic stirring spoon and warning label to ensure safe operation in the future.
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