Target Recall: 12,000 Tea Kettles May Pose Fire, Burn Hazards

Shoppers exit a Target store during Black Friday sales in Brooklyn, New York

Target is recalling certain tea kettles because they may pose fire and burn hazards to users. Some 12,000 kettles are affected by the recall.

The problem with the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Tea Kettles is that the paint at the bottom may chip off, thus posing a fire hazard, according to the announcement on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. They may also pose burn injury hazards to users because the handles may also break off, while the spout can leak.

As of the recall date, there have been 27 incidents related to the issues with the tea kettle, with reports of leaking and wobbling on the stovetop while being used. One report involved a fire after the paint chipped off from the bottom of the kettle, the CPSC noted, adding that there have been no reported injuries.

As such, Target is advising those who are in possession of the recalled product to "take immediate action."

"Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled tea kettles and return them to any Target store for a full refund or contact Target to receive a prepaid return label to return the tea kettle by mail," Target said in its recall notice.

The recall affects the 1.75-quart stainless steel Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Tea Kettles that were sold at Target stores nationwide and online via Target.com from July to October 2021. They are white with copper-colored handles with a wooden grip. The lid is also white in color and has a wooden knob.

Its Target Item Number is 324-03-7894 while the Online Item Number is 81884939. Photos of the product are available at both the CPSC and Target websites.

In total, some 12,800 units of the tea kettles are affected by the recall.

Questions about in-store purchases may be directed at 1-800-440-0680. Those with questions about Target.com purchases may call 1-800-591-3869.

Burn and Fire Hazards

Accidents at home such as burns and fires tend to happen unexpectedly. In the U.S., they are actually "alarmingly common," with thousands of children reportedly getting injuries from burn- or fire-related events each year.

This is why it's important to take some important steps to reduce the risks of such injuries at home.

Some important safety measures against burns and fires include setting the water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid scald burns and never placing a hot container at the edge of a surface such as a table.

It's also important to install smoke alarms and to regularly make sure that they're working. Moreover, one should know how to use a fire extinguisher should a fire incident arise. Having a family escape plan is also a key part of fire safety at home.