255,000 Heaters Pulled After Overheating Reports

More than 255,000 Vornado tower heaters sold by major retailers across the United States have been recalled after dozens of reports linked the products to overheating, fires, and a smoke inhalation injury.

The recall affects Vornado SRTH Small Room Tower Heaters, which were sold for over a decade through retailers including Costco, Amazon, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and ACE Hardware, as well as directly by Vornado.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the company has received 32 reports involving overheating heaters. These incidents include eight reported fires and one case in which a consumer suffered smoke inhalation.

Safety regulators say the problem stems from a defect that can cause the heater’s fan blade to detach from the motor shaft. If the fan slows down or stops operating, the unit may overheat, potentially melting internal components and increasing the risk of fire.

The CPSC warned that in some cases the melted parts could ignite and breach the heater’s outer casing if built-in thermal safety mechanisms do not activate quickly enough.

Costco has notified customers who purchased the affected heaters and urged them to stop using the products immediately. The retailer’s recall notice explained that the detached fan blade can create a stalled-fan condition, leading to overheating and damage to the heater’s enclosure and internal components.

Consumers who own one of the recalled heaters are advised to discontinue use right away and contact Vornado for refund instructions. The company requires customers to provide photographs of the heater and proof that it has been destroyed before receiving a refund.

Vornado emphasized that customers should not continue using the heater while waiting for the recall process to be completed.

Affected consumers can contact Vornado’s recall team at 844-205-7978 during business hours or visit the company’s recall website for additional information and instructions.

While no deaths have been reported, federal safety officials are urging consumers to take the recall seriously. The incident highlights the risks associated with malfunctioning heating appliances, which remain a significant cause of residential fires, particularly during colder seasons.