Full Breakdown
Nationwide Recall of Rechargeable Hand Warmers Over Fire Hazard
By Drooid · · How we work
Recall Overview
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall covering more than 82,000 rechargeable hand warmers sold in the United States and Canada. The recall targets Kobayashi’s HotHands-branded units and Gobi Heat-branded units because the built-in lithium-ion batteries and electrical components can overheat, ignite, and cause fire or burn injuries. The devices were sold from July 2025 through August 2026 at major retailers—including Target, The Home Depot, Meijer, Bass Pro Shops—and online platforms such as Amazon. The CPSC’s notice instructs consumers to stop using the products immediately and to seek a full refund from the manufacturers.
Scope and Numbers
- Approximately 77,000 HotHands units were sold in the United States and about 77 in Canada.
- Roughly 5,500 Gobi Heat units were sold in the United States and about 47 in Canada.
- No injuries have been reported to date.
- HotHands units are identified by model number H163650; Gobi Heat units carry model number UT3053. Both brands display batch numbers on the underside of each warmer.
Official Guidance
The CPSC advises owners to contact Kobayashi’s recall hotline (866-534-9986, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET) or email Kobayashi5236@sedgwick.com to obtain a claim number and arrange a refund. Gobi Heat customers are directed to the company’s recall website for similar assistance. For disposal, the CPSC requires users to write “Recalled” and the claim number on the unit with a permanent marker, photograph the marked device showing the model and batch numbers, and then submit the image as instructed. The recalled batteries must be turned over to local or state hazardous-waste programs; they must not be placed in household trash, curbside recycling bins, or standard battery-recycling boxes because of the heightened fire risk.
Consumer Action Steps
1. Cease use of the hand warmers immediately.
2. Obtain a claim number through the manufacturer’s hotline, email, or website.
3. Follow the CPSC’s marking and photo-submission process.
4. Dispose of the device and its lithium-ion battery according to local hazardous-waste regulations.
Why It Matters
This recall underscores persistent safety challenges associated with consumer lithium-ion products and illustrates the CPSC’s role in coordinating large-scale product withdrawals across multiple retail channels. Proper disposal guidance aims to prevent future fire incidents and protect consumers from burn hazards.