5.9 Million French Press Coffee Makers Sold Since 1974 Are Recalled After 70 Carafes Broke And 48 People Were Burned, And The Company Is Not Offering Refunds

Susan Parker

2 hours ago

If there is a French press on your kitchen counter, now is a good time to give it a look. Bodum USA has recalled about 5.9 million French press coffee makers because the glass carafe can break and cause burn injuries, and the recall covers products sold over a span of more than 50 years.

The recalled coffee makers have replaceable glass carafes, and the carafe can shatter without warning if it is damaged or cracked, according to the recall notice reported by CBS News.

Source: CBS News.

70 Carafes Broke, And 48 People Were Burned

The company has received 70 reports of glass carafes breaking. In 48 of those cases, someone suffered burns.

Breakage can happen when customers use metal spoons to stir the coffee, the report says. A metal spoon knocking against hot glass can create tiny cracks or chips, and a cracked carafe full of scalding coffee is an accident waiting to happen.

Sold Since 1974 At Target, Walmart And Amazon

Bodum USA is the American arm of a Danish-Swiss coffee hardware company. The recalled French presses were sold on Amazon.com, at Target, at Walmart and in other stores between 1974 and October 2026.

The recall covers 8-cup French presses and the 12-cup Bistro, Brazil, Caffettiera, Chambord, Crema, Java, Jesper and Kenya models. If you own a Bodum French press, check the name and size against that list.

The Company Is Not Offering Refunds, But There Is A Free Fix

Here is the part that surprises many customers. A Bodum customer service representative told CBS News the company is not offering refunds.

Instead, the fix is a plastic stirring spoon. Owners should contact Bodum to get one, and stop stirring with metal utensils.

Here is what to do today:

Check your model. Look for the Bodum name and compare it to the models above.
Inspect the glass. Hold the carafe up to a window and look for chips, scratches or cracks. If the carafe is cracked or damaged, stop using it.
Put away the metal spoon. Stir with wood, silicone or plastic instead.
Contact Bodum. Call 888-879-8213, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. You can also visit bodum.com and look for “Recall Information,” or email Bodum3302@sedgwick.com.

The Recall Is Huge Because These Presses Are Everywhere

With about 5.9 million units in the recall, odds are good that you or someone you know has one of these presses in a cupboard. They are a popular wedding gift, a staple in dorm rooms and a favorite for people who like a strong, rich cup without a fancy machine.

Many households keep a press for years, so the recall reaches back through decades of purchases. A press handed down from a parent, found at a yard sale or bought at a thrift store counts too if it is one of the listed models.

Because the date range is so long, the safest move is to check every glass-carafe press in your home, even an older one tucked behind the mugs. Take the plunger out, look closely at the base and the rim of the glass, and run a finger gently around the edge to feel for chips. If you find one, retire the carafe.

Why A Cracked Glass Carafe Is Worth Taking Seriously

Glass coffee makers feel sturdy, but heat and small impacts add up. A hairline crack may not look like much, yet hot liquid expands the weakness and can send the glass apart in a heartbeat. Everyone nearby, including kids who are curious about the kitchen, is within splash range.

That is why the instruction to stop using a damaged carafe matters more than any other step. If yours is chipped, do not wait for the replacement spoon to arrive before you retire it.

Burns from coffee are painful and can be severe. If someone is scalded, run cool water over the area for several minutes and seek medical care for anything beyond a minor burn. Keep small children out of the kitchen when you are pouring from any hot pot.

Smart Habits For Every Coffee Maker In Your House

This recall is a good reminder to give the rest of your coffee gear a once-over. A few simple habits can keep your mornings safe:

Use soft utensils. Wood or silicone stirrers are gentler on glass, ceramic and non-stick surfaces.
Do not shock the glass. Skip pouring cold water into a hot carafe, which can stress the material.
Retire damaged items. A chipped mug rim or cracked pot is not worth the risk. Swap it out.
Sign up for alerts. Recall notices are posted on government safety sites, and a quick check each season takes only a few minutes.
Keep your receipt or a photo of the model. It makes registering for a recall much easier.

If you have an extra French press you no longer use, do not donate or resell it until you have checked that it is not on the recall list. Thrift stores and online marketplaces get a lot of kitchen items this time of year, and a recalled carafe passed along to a new owner puts someone else at risk.

For most owners, the fix is a small plastic spoon and a little care. Take a minute to inspect your press, make the call if you own an affected model, and enjoy the next cup knowing the carafe is in good shape.