Bodum Issues Massive Recall on French Press Coffee Makers
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a significant recall affecting approximately 5.9 million French press coffee makers sold by Bodum USA. The recall, which covers products sold over a 52-year period from 1974 through October 2026, was triggered by reports of glass carafes breaking unexpectedly during use, resulting in burn injuries to consumers.
If you own a Bodum French press from one of eight model lines, it is crucial to understand what prompted this action and what steps you should take immediately. This recall represents one of the largest product safety actions in the coffee brewing category and could affect a significant number of households across the United States.
Which Bodum French Presses Are Affected
The recall covers 8-cup and 12-cup Bodum French press models with replaceable glass carafes across eight different product lines: Bistro, Brazil, Caffettiera, Chambord, Crema, Java, Jesper, and Kenya. These coffee makers were widely available through major retailers including Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Bodum’s own website, with prices typically ranging from $15 to $65 depending on the model and capacity.
The affected units were manufactured in both Portugal and Thailand. You can identify a recalled model by looking for the Bodum name on the frame and inner lid, as well as on the glass carafe itself. The glass carafes also carry product warning labels from the manufacturer.
What Caused the Problem
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the glass carafes in these French press models can become damaged or cracked through normal use, particularly when owners use metal spoons or other metal utensils to stir their coffee. While the initial damage may seem minor, subsequent use of a compromised carafe can result in the glass breaking suddenly and unexpectedly, posing a serious risk of burn injuries from hot coffee and broken glass.
The commission received 70 reports of carafes breaking during use, with 48 of those reports specifically involving burns sustained by consumers. This injury history underscores the genuine safety hazard that prompted the manufacturers and regulators to take action. Whether you enjoy premium ground coffees or everyday blends, your brewing equipment needs to be safe and reliable.
What You Should Do Right Away
If you own one of the recalled Bodum models, stop using metal utensils to stir coffee in the glass carafe immediately. Inspect your carafe carefully for any signs of cracking, cloudiness, or damage. If you notice any compromise to the glass surface, discontinue use of that coffee maker entirely.
Bodum is providing owners with a remedy consisting of a plastic stirring spoon and a warning label, but notably, the company is not offering refunds or replacement coffee makers. While this may be disappointing for consumers, the priority is preventing injuries.
How to Request Your Remedy
To obtain the free plastic stirring spoon and warning label, you can visit Bodum’s dedicated recall website or contact the company by telephone at 888-879-8213. The company’s customer service hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
Having the correct accessories makes a difference in safe coffee preparation. Pairing your brewing equipment with quality mugs and proper accessories ensures a complete and safe coffee experience from brew to cup.
Key Takeaways for Shoppers
This recall serves as an important reminder that even well-established kitchen equipment can pose safety risks if used improperly or if manufacturing defects develop over time. The 5.9 million affected units represent a substantial portion of Bodum French presses in circulation, so it is worth checking your coffee maker against the recalled model list.
Use only wooden or plastic stirring implements with your French press glass carafe going forward. If you are in the market for a new coffee maker or looking for alternatives, consider exploring other brewing methods and equipment options that may better suit your needs and comfort level.
Stay informed about product recalls by checking official sources regularly. Your safety in the kitchen depends on both proper equipment use and awareness of known hazards affecting popular consumer products.
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