Millions of Americans use electric kettles every day but a growing number of models sold on Amazon are being recalled or flagged by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for a hazard most users would never expect: the kettles can pressurize and release boiling hot water or steam unexpectedly, spraying users and bystanders with liquid capable of causing severe burn injuries.
How Electric Kettles Become Dangerous
Defective electric kettles fail in two primary ways. First, some models can pressurize internally during heating and release steam or boiling water through the lid, spout, or a structural failure in the kettle body — burning anyone in range. Second, some models have internal heating elements or electrical connections that can malfunction, causing overheating, smoking, or fire. In both cases, the failure often occurs during normal, intended use with no prior warning signs.
Recently Recalled and Warning-Listed Electric Kettles
CPSC has issued a series of warnings and recalls against electric kettles in 2025 and 2026, including:
- Sekaer Portable Electric Kettles (models SY-618, SKE-833, SKE-840, and SKE-850, sold on Amazon by Sekaer Store) — can pressurize and release hot steam or liquid unexpectedly, posing a risk of serious injury or death from burn hazard. CPSC is aware of 116 reports of kettles releasing hot liquid or steam unexpectedly. The manufacturer has been unresponsive to CPSC recall requests.
Coffee makers have also been subject to similar CPSC warnings, with models recalled for clogging internally and releasing hot liquid or steam unexpectedly during use.
What You Should Do
- Check SaferProducts.gov to verify whether your electric kettle or coffee maker has been recalled or received a safety warning.
- When using any electric kettle, stand back and ensure no one is directly over the kettle when it reaches a boil or when the lid is opened.
- Never attempt to open a pressurized kettle. Allow it to cool and depressurize before opening the lid.
- Stop using any electric kettle that leaks, spits, or releases steam unexpectedly. Report it to CPSC and dispose of it.
- Purchase electric kettles only from established brands with verifiable safety certifications. Be especially cautious with low-cost kettles from unknown sellers on online marketplaces.
To report a dangerous electric kettle or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
