Bodum USA has issued a massive recall affecting 5.9 million French press coffee makers sold over five decades at major retailers including Target and Walmart, after receiving reports of glass carafes shattering and causing burn injuries to consumers across the country.
Widespread Safety Hazard Identified
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall following 70 reports of glass carafes breaking during use, with 48 incidents resulting in burn injuries to users. The Danish-Swiss company’s American subsidiary confirmed the defect affects multiple product lines sold between 1974 and October 2026, making this one of the longest-spanning recalls in recent consumer product history. Federal safety regulators determined the glass containers can unexpectedly shatter if damaged or cracked, a condition that commonly occurs when customers use metal spoons to stir their coffee.
The recall encompasses several popular Bodum models, including 8-cup French presses and 12-cup versions marketed under the Bistro, Brazil, Caffettiera, Chambord, Crema, Java, Jesper, and Kenya brand names. Products were distributed through Amazon, Target, Walmart, and numerous other retailers nationwide. The recall number is 27-055, and affected products can be identified through the company’s dedicated recall website.
No Refunds Offered to Customers
Despite the significant safety risk, Bodum USA will not provide refunds to affected customers, according to a company representative speaking to CBS News. Instead, the company is offering plastic stirring spoons as a remedy, instructing consumers to avoid metal utensils when using the French press makers. Bodum defended its limited response by noting the incident rate remains extremely low given the millions of units sold over decades of distribution in the American market.
Safety regulators issued specific guidance for owners of recalled products: immediately stop using metal utensils to stir coffee and discontinue use of any carafe showing visible cracks or damage. Consumers can request a free plastic stirring spoon by contacting Bodum through their toll-free number at 888-879-8213, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, or via email at Bodum3302@sedgwick.com.
Consumer Rights and Product Safety
The recall raises questions about manufacturer responsibility when products sold for decades suddenly prove hazardous. Federal safety standards require companies to address known risks, but the decision to offer stirring spoons rather than refunds or replacements represents a minimal corporate response to documented injuries. Families purchasing kitchen appliances expect basic safety assurances, particularly from established brands selling through trusted American retailers. Consumers retain the right to pursue legal remedies if they suffered injuries from defective products, regardless of voluntary recall programs offered by manufacturers.
Sources
Cbsnews: Millions of Bodum USA coffee makers sold at Target and Walmart recalled due to burn risk