Rechargeable Hand Warmers Recalled Due to Fire Risks

Two major brands of rechargeable hand warmers have been recalled due to fire risks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Kobayashi Consumer Products and Gobi Heat are recalling their products, which contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and catch fire.

The recalls affect about 82,000 hand warmers. Kobayashi's HotHands brand is recalling around 77,000 units, while Gobi Heat is recalling approximately 5,500 units. The recalled products were sold at various retailers nationwide, including Bass Pro Shops, Meijer, Target, and The Home Depot, as well as online through Amazon.

The CPSC warns that the lithium-ion batteries and electrical components in both products can overheat and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. No incidents or injuries have been reported so far, but customers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled warmers.

HotHands owners can contact Kobayashi for a full refund, while Gobi Heat customers can receive a full refund or store credit worth the purchase price plus an additional 20%. The CPSC advises consumers not to throw the recalled warmers in the trash or recycling bins, but instead dispose of them under local and state hazardous waste rules.