Over one million dangerous countertop ovens sold for a decade at major retailers are now recalled after nearly 100 consumers suffered burns from overheating units that should have been caught by basic safety oversight.
Decade-Long Safety Failure Exposed
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of over one million Oster French Door Countertop Ovens in September 2025, affecting units sold continuously from August 2015 through July 2025. Major retailers including Walmart, Costco, Amazon, Overstock, and Bed Bath & Beyond distributed these hazardous appliances across the country for an entire decade. The extended timeline raises serious questions about regulatory oversight and corporate responsibility in protecting American families from dangerous products.
Nearly 100 Americans Burned by Defective Appliances
Federal regulators received 95 injury reports documenting burns suffered by consumers using these ovens during normal operation. The ovens can overheat unexpectedly or malfunction without warning, creating dangerous conditions in kitchens across America. These incidents occurred while families trusted major retailers and assumed basic safety standards were being maintained. The high number of documented injuries suggests the actual scope of harm may be significantly larger, as many consumers likely never filed formal reports.
Corporate Giants Failed Consumer Protection
The involvement of America’s largest retailers in this safety debacle demonstrates how corporate profit margins often take precedence over consumer welfare. Walmart, Costco, and Amazon continued selling these dangerous appliances for years while customer complaints mounted and injury reports accumulated. These retail giants have the resources and responsibility to ensure product safety but apparently failed to act decisively when warning signs emerged. This pattern reflects broader concerns about corporate accountability in an era of weakened regulatory enforcement under previous administrations.
Regulatory Response Raises Oversight Questions
The CPSC’s delayed response to this widespread safety issue highlights the need for stronger consumer protection enforcement. Despite receiving injury reports over multiple years, regulators allowed these dangerous ovens to remain on store shelves until September 2025. This reactive approach to product safety puts American families at unnecessary risk and suggests federal agencies need better protocols for identifying and addressing hazardous products. The recall announcement finally provides relief for affected consumers, but the extended timeline demonstrates systemic weaknesses in our product safety infrastructure that demand immediate attention.
Sources:
Recall Issued for Popular Countertop Ovens Due to Burn Hazards