Steam Espresso Machines and Lithium-Ion Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

The products have led to several consumer injuries.

The recalled MagSafe Wireless Power Pack Portable Power Bank. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Thousands of power banks and espresso makers are being pulled out of the market across the United States after the devices were found to pose serious safety risks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

New York-based Sensio Inc. is recalling roughly 12,300 units of Bella Pro Series and Cooks Steam Espresso machines, the agency said in a March 20 recall notice. The brew cup handles on the machines may “forcefully eject during use, shattering the glass carafe and posing a burn and laceration hazard,” the notice said.

On the same day, the CPSC announced that New York-based VC Group was recalling around 89,500 units of its MagSafe Wireless Power Pack Portable power banks. The withdrawal was initiated as the lithium-ion battery in the power banks can potentially overheat and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Both products were manufactured in China.

The Espresso machine recall is applicable to two model numbers—90195 and 22395—which were sold via JCPenney stores nationwide. Online sales were done through BestBuy and JCPenney, with the products sold between August 2023 and January 2025 for around $40–$60.

“The firm has received 18 reports of the handles ejecting, eight of which reported burn and/or laceration injuries,” the recall notice said. “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled espresso machines and contact Sensio for a refund.”

The power bank recall applies to model number ZHX-PB21. The item was sold online via Amazon and Velvet Caviar between November 2022 and October 2024 for roughly $65.

VC Group received “19 reports of the product overheating or catching on fire, resulting in 10 minor injuries,” the notice said. The company asked customers to cease using the item and contact it for a free replacement power bank.

It advised people to “dispose of the power banks in accordance with local and state regulations” as hazardous substances in the batteries must be handled differently than other batteries.

“Do not throw this recalled power bank in the trash. Do not deposit this recalled power bank in used battery-recycling boxes found at various retail and home improvement stores,” the recall notice said.

Multiple other recalls citing issues with lithium-ion batteries have been made over recent months.

Earlier this month, around 40,370 units of such batteries were recalled by California-based Sublue Technology Inc. after the company received 161 reports of thermal and swelling incidents.

This included “eight reports of fire, one report of injury, and two reports of property damage totaling $651,400,” according to the recall notice.

In December, Chervon North America Inc. pulled from the market lithium-ion batteries used in lawnmowers and other outside tools after receiving more than 100 reports of thermal incidents, including melting, overheating, and fire.

Lithium-Ion Battery Risks

The risk posed by lithium-ion batteries has led to authorities taking steps to counter these threats.

In New York, for example, the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) has set up a Lithium-ion Battery Task Force, which inspected 585 e-bike shops last year, an increase of 25 percent from 2023.

A recent report from UL Standards & Engagement and Oxford Economics found that New York City lost hundreds of millions of dollars over several years due to fires triggered by e-mobility devices that tend to use lithium-ion batteries. The analysis looked at data between 2019 and 2023.

“The number of e-mobility battery fires increased nearly 800 percent over the study period. In 2019, there were 21 e-mobility battery fires in New York City; in 2023, that figure dramatically increased to 187,” the report said.

“E-mobility fires cost New York City $518.6 million in damage and loss from 2019 to 2023. The report estimated the number of fatalities cost $257.9 million and injuries $220.7 million. Many of these fires resulted in structural property damage, costing an estimated $40 million.”

On March 13, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services issued an alert about the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries following an e-bike fire.

The incident, which occurred in an apartment building, resulted in one person suffering serious injuries. Officials determined that the fire began after the owner of an e-bike was carrying a lithium-ion battery pack outside when it suddenly exploded.

Holyoke Fire Department chief John Kadlewicz warned people that lithium-ion batteries trigger “serious fires” when they are overcharged, overheated, defective, or abused.

“Please store, charge, and dispose of them safely. And if you’ve got a larger device like a bike or scooter, it’s especially important to store it outside if possible,” he said.

“If you must store it indoors, keep it away from doors, windows, and stairways. These are your way out in an emergency and the way in for firefighters coming to help.”