Popular Portable Blender Recalled Over Multiple Safety Issues
By Brian S. Kabateck
Nearly five million portable blenders are recalled after 329 reports of a blade breaking during use, plus 17 cases of fire or overheating that led to property damage claims of close to $150,000.
Nearly 50 injuries, including burns and at least one laceration, have also been reported, federal authorities said in late December.
BlendJet 2 portable blenders are sold at Costco, Walmart, and Target and are available online through BlendJet.com. The blenders, which retail for about $50-75, are small, lightweight, and USB rechargeable—designed to enable you to “make anything you want, anywhere in the world,” according to the company’s website. Marketed as a product that supports a healthy, active lifestyle, they’re available in dozens of punchy colors and prints.
What if I own a BlendJet 2?
The hazardous blenders, manufactured in China, were sold between October 2020 and November 2023, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and have serial numbers between 5201 and 5542 (first four digits). Consumers can find the serial number on the bottom of the blender’s base. H
BlendJet is offering owners of the recalled product a replacement base for the blender and a matching lid (not necessarily in the original color or pattern purchased) after the customer has completed a registration and verification process that involves removing and cutting up the unit’s silicone seal and “tak[ing] a picture of the destroyed rubber silicone seal piece and the base showing the legible serial number in the same photo.”
Consumers can check online to see whether they have a blender included in the recall.
Is BlendJet an unsafe product?
In a December 28th press release, Benicia, California-based BlendJet said, “While none of the reported incidents resulted in serious injury or significant property damage, out of an abundance of caution, our company updated the base of the BlendJet 2 to feature thicker blades and an improved electrical configuration.”
Adding that these improvements were incorporated months ago, BlendJet reassured consumers that it has proactively addressed the problem. “BlendJet 2 portable blenders currently available for purchase via the company’s retail partners and at BlendJet.com are not affected by this voluntary recall, as these blenders already feature updated components.”
However, as CBS News reported, Consumer Reports had a slightly different interpretation of how BlendJet has responded to concerns. The watchdog organization said it had raised safety concerns about the BlendJet 2 as far back as August 2023, including one complaint in which “a consumer reported that the blender started smoking while plugged in, and the complainant’s son reportedly burned his finger when unplugging it.”
In a statement provided to CBS, William Wallace, associate director of safety policy at CR, said, “BlendJet should get the word out about this recall as much as possible in the new year, and we urge the company to offer people a refund if they aren’t comfortable getting a replacement.”
But when CBS MoneyWatch asked about the possibility of refunds, a spokesperson for BlendJet maintained that the recall and part-replacement solution is “consistent” with its agreement with the CPSC.
Similar safety Issues with other blenders?
BlendJet is not the first blender company to face accident claims. Nutribullet, for example, maker of many models of high-speed blenders, has faced ongoing allegations since 2017—including a $10 million class action settlement in 2022. Users and their attorneys say its blenders can build up too much pressure and explode even when used as directed, causing severe burns and cuts. Nutribullet has maintained that its product is safe and that injuries were likely caused by misuse.
The seasoned product liability lawyers at Kabatek LLC are committed to holding companies accountable for unsafe products and helping injured consumers get the compensation they deserve when they’ve been harmed by a dangerous product.