WASHINGTON, DC — Federal regulators have recalled more than 82,000 rechargeable hand warmers sold through major retailers after warning that their lithium-ion batteries and electrical parts can overheat and ignite. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the defect creates a fire and burn hazard that could cause serious injury.
The recall covers two brands, Kobayashi’s HotHands and Gobi Heat, both sold in the United States and Canada. No injuries have been reported so far in connection with either product, but the agency said consumers should stop using the hand warmers immediately and contact the companies for a refund.
What the recall covers and where the hand warmers were sold
The HotHands recall affects about 77,000 units sold in the United States and about 77 sold in Canada. The Gobi Heat recall covers about 5,500 units sold in the United States and about 47 sold in Canada, according to the commission.
HotHands rechargeable hand warmers were sold at Bass Pro Shops, Meijer, Target, The Home Depot and Amazon from July 2025 through August 2026 for between $30 and $40. Gobi Heat versions were sold through GobiHeat.com from October 2024 through August 2026 for between $20 and $40.
The products were marketed as rechargeable, magnetically joinable warmers that come in packs of two and include a charging cable. Each device has a USB-C charging port, adjustable heat settings, LED indicator lights and a silicone lanyard.
How to identify the recalled HotHands and Gobi Heat models
The recalled Kobayashi’s HotHands units are white and orange. The model number, H163650, appears on the underside of the product along with the batch number, and the white HotHands logo is printed on the device and its packaging.
The Gobi Heat warmers are black and gray. Their model number, UT3053, is also located on the underside, while the brand name appears on the top of the item and on the packaging.
Consumers who have one of the recalled products should check the model information before deciding what to do next. The CPSC said the devices should not be used again because of the fire risk tied to the battery system.
Why regulators say the hand warmers are dangerous
According to the CPSC, the problem involves the lithium-ion battery and other electrical components inside the hand warmers. Those parts can overheat and ignite, which is why the agency framed the recall as a fire and burn hazard.
That warning is especially important for rechargeable products, which rely on battery systems that can become dangerous if they malfunction. In this case, regulators said the risk is serious enough to justify a full recall even though no injuries have been reported.
The agency also emphasized that the recalled units can pose problems during charging or normal use. Because of that, consumers are being told to stop using them right away rather than waiting for any visible sign of damage.
What consumers should do instead of throwing them away
The CPSC said the recalled hand warmers should not be thrown in household trash, curbside recycling bins or battery recycling boxes at retail and home improvement stores. Regulators warned that lithium-ion batteries require special handling because they present a greater fire risk than ordinary batteries.
Instead, the commission said a municipal household hazardous waste collection center may accept the recalled battery or device for disposal. Consumers are being urged to follow the disposal instructions carefully to reduce the chance of a fire during transport or drop-off.
Refunds and disposal rules for affected customers
Both companies are offering a full refund for the recalled hand warmers, according to the CPSC. Customers are being told to contact the respective companies for instructions on how to return or dispose of the products safely.
The commission’s notices make clear that the refund process should be paired with the disposal guidance, since the main concern is preventing a battery-related fire after the product leaves a home. Anyone who owns one of the listed models should confirm the brand, model number and appearance before moving forward with a refund request.
Leave a Reply