BlendJet’s Portable Blender Recall Involves Nearly 5 Million Products

BlendJet Inc., a reputable name in the industry, has announced a recall affecting approximately 4.8 million portable blenders. These blenders were previously sold in prominent retail outlets such as Costco, Target, and Walmart. This recall follows an alarming number of reports regarding malfunctions, including detaching blades, overheating, and in some cases, even catching fire.

The Benicia, California-based company has acknowledged around 329 episodes in which the BlendJet 2 Portable Blenders’ blades detached during operation. Add to that, 17 instances of overheating or fires, leading to property damage claims equivalent to roughly $150,000. This information comes directly from Thursday’s notice posted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

BlendJet also admits to receiving 49 reports of minor burn injuries and a single laceration injury due to these malfunctions. Despite no significant injuries or substantial property damage, the company has stepped up and upgraded its product design. The BlendJet 2 now boasts denser blades and a superior electrical configuration, improvements that were implemented several months prior, according to the company’s press release.

Contrary to the company’s proactive response, Consumer Reports has shed light on the issue with a more apprehensive tone. According to them, safety concerns regarding the recalled blenders were raised to both the Consumer Product Safety Commission and BlendJet back in August. Their report included an account of a customer who claimed their blender started smoking while plugged in, leading to the user’s son burning his finger upon unplugging it.

William Wallace, associate director of safety policy at Consumer Reports, has urged BlendJet to increase recall awareness in the coming year. He further emphasized the company’s responsibility to offer refunds to any customers feeling uneasy about receiving a replacement unit.

The recalled product, which was manufactured in China, was available across several nationwide stores and online platforms from October 2020 to November 2023. The price of these blenders ranged between $50 and $75, and they came in an array of colors and designs. All recalled blenders bear serial numbers, with the first four digits ranging from 5201 to 5542.

Customers are strongly advised to discontinue using these blenders immediately. BlendJet is offering a free base unit replacement. To take advantage of this, customers need to remove and slice the base’s rubber seal and share a photograph via email or the company’s website.

Owners of BlendJet 2 blenders with serial numbers beginning with 5543 or higher can rest easy, as these models possess the improved components and are exempt from the recall.