Two Million Black+Decker® Garment Steamers Recalled by Empower Brands in Major Recall Expansion Due to Burn Hazard; Refund Now Offered

What was recalled

If you own a Black+Decker garment steamer, it is important to take a moment to verify whether your specific unit is part of this significant recall expansion. Empower Brands has announced the recall of approximately two million Black+Decker Model HGS011 Easy Garment Steamers due to safety concerns. This action represents a major expansion of a previous recall that was initially issued in November 2022. While the original recall focused on providing repairs, this new announcement changes the remedy to a full refund for all affected units, including those that were previously repaired under the earlier program. The scope of this recall is broad, covering every Black+Decker Model HGS011 Easy Garment Steamer regardless of its color or specific packaging variant.

To help you identify if your device is included, please look closely at the physical characteristics of your steamer. The name "BLACK+DECKER" is clearly located at the base of the unit. The steamer itself measures approximately 11 inches in height and 6 inches in width, featuring a large handle designed for grip. You can find the specific model numbers printed on the bottom of the steamer body as well as on all sides of the color package it came in. Additionally, UPC codes are printed on the sides, back, and bottom of the packaging. The affected models include the HGS011F, HGS011S, HGS011, and HGS011T, each with corresponding unique UPC identifiers such as 0 50875 82840 7 for the F model, 0 50875 82839 1 for the S model, 0 50875 82838 4 for the base HGS011 model, and 0 50875 00272 2 for the T model. These devices were sold in a variety of colors to suit different consumer preferences, which means visual inspection of the color alone is not sufficient to rule out the recall.

The decision to expand this recall and offer refunds instead of repairs stems from continued reports of safety incidents. Since the initial announcement in November 2022, Empower Brands has received 317 reports of hot water expelling from these steamers during use. More concerning is that these reports include 82 instances of burn injuries, with seven of those classified as second-degree burns. Notably, 94 of these incident reports involved units that had already been repaired as part of the original recall or models featuring an updated design. This data indicates that the previous repair solution was not fully effective in eliminating the risk, prompting the company to change course and offer a complete refund to ensure consumer safety. If your steamer matches the model number HGS011, it is included in this expanded recall, regardless of when or where you purchased it.

The hazard, explained

At its core, a garment steamer is a device designed to heat water until it turns into high-temperature steam, which then relaxes the fibers in your clothing to remove wrinkles without the direct contact of a hot iron. However, in the case of the recalled Black+Decker Model HGS011 Easy Garment Steamers, this fundamental mechanism has failed in a dangerous way. The primary issue is that these units can unexpectedly expel, spray, or leak hot water during normal operation. While steam itself is hot, liquid water at steaming temperatures carries significantly more thermal energy and adheres to skin differently than vapor, leading to more severe and immediate tissue damage.

This hazard is not limited to brand-new units alone; it persists even in devices that were previously addressed by the manufacturer. The recall expansion highlights a critical reality of product safety: early fixes do not always solve the root problem. Since the initial announcement in November 2022, Empower Brands has received reports indicating that units which were repaired—specifically those that received a replacement upper assembly—are still experiencing failures. This suggests that the underlying design or material flaw may be systemic to the entire production run of this model, rather than an isolated defect in specific batches. The fact that 94 incident reports involved repaired units underscores the severity and persistence of the defect.

The physical consequence of this malfunction is a direct burn hazard. When hot water sprays or leaks from the steamer head or body, it can come into contact with your skin, hands, or arms. According to the data collected by the agency, these incidents have resulted in 82 reported burn injuries since November 2022. Among these, seven cases were classified as second-degree burns, which involve damage to both the outer layer of skin and the underlying layer, often causing blistering, swelling, and significant pain. The risk is particularly acute because garment steamers are typically used while holding them close to the body or directing them downward toward clothes on a rack or hanger. A sudden spray of hot water can easily land on exposed skin, such as wrists, forearms, or fingers, which are often in the immediate path of the device.

It is important to understand that this is not merely an inconvenience; it is a serious safety failure. The combination of high heat and pressurized liquid creates a scenario where burns can occur instantly upon contact. For consumers who may have felt secure after receiving a repair in late 2022, this expansion of the recall serves as a stark reminder that the only way to guarantee safety with these specific units is to remove them from service entirely. The persistence of injuries across both original and repaired models indicates that no amount of partial repair can mitigate the inherent risk posed by the steamer's inability to contain its hot contents safely.

Who is most at risk

When we talk about who is most at risk from the recalled Black+Decker Model HGS011 Easy Garment Steamers, it is helpful to look at both who typically buys these devices and how the specific nature of this hazard affects different bodies. These steamers are popular household items often found in homes where people frequently travel, work from home, or simply prefer crisp, wrinkle-free clothing without the hassle of an ironing board and heavy iron. Consequently, the pool of potential users is quite broad. However, the risk is not distributed equally. The primary danger stems from hot water expelling, spraying, or leaking during normal use. This means that anyone standing directly in front of the steamer while it is operating is at immediate risk.

Children are particularly vulnerable to this type of injury for several physiological and behavioral reasons. Young children have thinner skin than adults, which means that heat penetrates to deeper tissue layers more quickly. A splash of hot water that might cause a minor redness or discomfort on an adult’s forearm could result in a severe second-degree burn on a child’s arm or leg. Furthermore, children are naturally curious and may not recognize the danger of steam or hot water until it is too late. They might reach toward the device while it is still warm or try to inspect the nozzle out of curiosity, placing their hands or face directly in the path of any potential spray. The report of seven second-degree burns among the 82 reported injuries highlights that this is not just a theoretical risk but a serious threat to younger users.

Elderly individuals and those with reduced mobility or sensory perception also face heightened risks. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making it easier to sustain significant damage from thermal exposure. Additionally, conditions such as diabetes can lead to neuropathy, where a person has reduced sensation in their hands and feet. Someone with diminished touch sensitivity might not feel hot water spraying onto their skin immediately, delaying their reaction time and allowing the burn to deepen before they realize what is happening. This group may also have slower reflexes, making it harder to pull away quickly from an unexpected spray of hot water.

It is also important to note that this hazard affects everyone who owns or handles the device, regardless of age. The recall expansion includes units that were previously repaired in November 2022, meaning that even if you thought your steamer was safe after a fix, it may still pose a danger. The fact that 94 incident reports involved repaired units underscores that no one is immune to this defect simply because they followed previous instructions. Whether you are a frequent traveler using the steamer in a hotel room or a home user tackling laundry day, the risk of sudden hot water expulsion is present. This universal vulnerability is why the remedy has been changed from repair to a full refund for all units, ensuring that no one continues to use a device that could unexpectedly cause harm.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action or contact the company, the most critical step is to positively identify whether your garment steamer is part of this specific recall expansion. Because Black+Decker products are widely available and sold in many variations, relying solely on the brand name or a general description can lead to confusion. The CPSC has specified that this recall targets one precise model: the BLACK+DECKER Model HGS011 Easy Garment Steamer. If your unit does not bear this exact model number, it is likely not included in this particular safety notice, though you should always verify against official sources if you are unsure.

To confirm you have the correct item, start by looking at the base of the steamer. The name "BLACK+DECKER" will be located there, but more importantly, you need to find the model number printed on the bottom of the unit itself. This is your primary identifier. The steamers in question measure approximately 11 inches high by 6 inches wide and feature a large handle. While these physical dimensions help narrow down the search, they are not unique enough to guarantee identification without the model number. It is also worth noting that these units were sold in a variety of colors, so the color of your steamer does not matter for determining eligibility.

If you have lost the original packaging or cannot clearly read the label on the device, check the box or color package where the steamer was originally sold. The model numbers are printed on all sides of the color package, and UPC codes appear on the sides, back, and bottom. You can cross-reference these numbers to ensure a match. The specific Model UPCs associated with this recall expansion include:

• HGS011F: 0 50875 82840 7
• HGS011S: 0 50875 82839 1
• HGS011: 0 50875 82838 4
• HGS011T: 0 50875 00272 2

A crucial detail in this recall expansion is that it applies to all units of the Model HGS011, regardless of their history. This includes units that were previously repaired as part of a prior recall announced in November 2022. If you received a replacement upper assembly for your steamer during that earlier safety campaign, your unit is still included in this new expansion. The remedy has now been updated to a full refund for everyone holding this model, so do not assume that a previous repair resolved the issue permanently. Take the time to locate your model number today; it is the only way to be certain you are covered by this safety notice.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled Black+Decker garment steamers, the good news is that the remedy for this issue is straightforward and consumer-friendly: you are entitled to a full refund. This is a significant update from the company’s previous actions. Originally, in November 2022, Empower Brands offered repairs by sending out replacement upper assemblies to fix the defect. However, because there have been continued reports of burn injuries involving units that were already repaired under that earlier program, the remedy has now been expanded and changed. The official stance is no longer just about fixing the unit; it is about giving your money back so you can safely dispose of the steamer or replace it with a different product entirely. This change applies to everyone who purchased the affected model, regardless of whether they participated in the earlier repair initiative.

It is crucial to understand that this refund offer covers all units of the Black+Decker Model HGS011 Easy Garment Steamer, including those sold in various colors and those with the large handle design. Specifically, if you are one of the many consumers who received a replacement upper assembly as part of the November 2022 recall, you must act again. The previous repair is no longer considered sufficient protection against the burn hazard. Therefore, you should contact Empower Brands to request a full refund for your unit, even if you already have a "fixed" version in your closet. This ensures that you are not left with a device that has previously demonstrated a failure to contain hot water safely.

To process your refund, you will need to reach out to the company directly through one of their designated channels. You can call Empower Brands at 800-990-5298 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may send an email to hgsrecall@brandprotectplus.com for assistance. If you prefer to handle this online, visit www.prodprotect.com/recall or go to www.blackanddeckerappliances.com and click on "Safety Notices" at the bottom of the page. When you contact them, have your product ready so you can verify the model number printed on the bottom of the steamer. This step-by-step process is designed to be as simple as possible, ensuring that you get your money back without unnecessary hurdles.

• Stop using the device immediately: Do not attempt to steam any more clothes with the recalled unit.
• Gather your information: Locate the model number (HGS011) and the UPC code on the bottom of the steamer or its packaging.
• Contact Empower Brands: Use the phone, email, or website listed above to initiate the refund process.
• Follow their instructions: The company will guide you through any necessary steps to return the item or verify your purchase for the refund.

This approach prioritizes your safety over keeping the product. By offering a full refund for all units, including previously repaired ones, Empower Brands acknowledges that the underlying risk of hot water leakage remains too high for repair alone. Taking advantage of this option removes the danger from your home and puts cash back in your pocket, allowing you to choose a safer alternative for your clothing care needs.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using your garment steamer. When you have a pile of wrinkled clothes waiting to be pressed, or when you are rushing to get ready for work or an event, the last thing you want to hear is that your favorite tool is unsafe. You might think that because the unit looks fine on the outside, it must be working correctly inside. Or perhaps you recall receiving a repair kit in November 2022 and assume that problem was permanently fixed. Ignoring this recall, however, carries significant physical risks that go far beyond a simple inconvenience.

The core danger here is not an electrical shock or a fire, but rather the sudden, uncontrolled expulsion of scalding hot water. These devices are designed to heat water and convert it into steam for fabric care. When the internal mechanisms fail, that pressurized hot water can spray directly onto your skin instead of just out of the nozzle toward your clothes. Water at steaming temperatures is roughly 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius). Contact with skin at this temperature causes damage almost instantly. This is not a minor splash; it is a high-pressure release of boiling liquid that can penetrate clothing and cause severe tissue damage.

The consequences of ignoring this warning are documented in real-world incidents. According to reports from Empower Brands, there have been 317 instances where hot water expelled from these units since the initial recall was announced. More concerning is that 82 of those reports resulted in actual burn injuries. These are not theoretical risks; they are happening now to consumers who continued to use their devices. Among these injuries, seven cases were classified as second-degree burns. Second-degree burns damage both the outer layer of skin and the underlying layer, often resulting in blistering, significant pain, swelling, and potential scarring that may require medical treatment.

A particularly alarming aspect of this recall is that the hazard persists even for those who believe they are safe. Ninety-four of the incident reports involved units that had already been repaired as part of the original November 2022 recall effort. This means that replacing a specific part did not resolve the underlying design flaw or manufacturing defect. If you have a repaired unit and continue to use it, you are still at risk of being sprayed with hot water. The fact that nineteen of those injured individuals had previously received repairs highlights that the danger is systemic to the model itself, not just a result of normal wear and tear.

Continuing to use this device also exposes your home to secondary risks. Hot water spraying near electrical outlets, power strips, or other appliances can create slip hazards on floors or potentially damage other electronics if the water reaches them. While the primary concern is personal injury, the potential for collateral damage to your belongings adds another layer of consequence to ignoring the recall notice.

Ultimately, ignoring this recall forces you to gamble with your physical safety for the sake of convenience. With a full refund now available, there is no financial penalty for stopping use immediately. The only true cost of inaction is the potential for painful, lasting burns that could have been entirely prevented by swapping out the unit today.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a critical defect in certain Black+Decker garment steamers, dealing with hot water and electricity requires a generally cautious mindset whenever you use any steam cleaning device. These appliances combine two powerful elements—heat and moisture—to remove wrinkles, which means the potential for injury is inherent to their function. To stay safe regardless of the brand or model you own, always ensure your hands are completely dry before plugging in or unplugging the unit. Water conducts electricity efficiently, and even a small amount of condensation on the plug or your skin can create a dangerous path for current, increasing the risk of shock or short-circuiting that could lead to further mechanical failures.

It is also vital to maintain clear awareness of your surroundings while the steamer is active. Hot water vapor and steam can cause severe burns on contact with skin, but it can also damage nearby surfaces. Always keep the nozzle pointed away from yourself, others, and delicate fabrics or electronics that could be ruined by stray moisture. When you are not actively steaming a garment, place the unit on a heat-resistant surface rather than leaving it upright on unstable furniture where it might tip over while still hot. This simple habit prevents accidental contact with the heated soleplate or internal components that may still be under pressure.

Regular maintenance is another cornerstone of safety. Over time, mineral deposits from tap water can accumulate inside the tank and nozzles of any steamer, leading to clogs, inconsistent pressure, or unexpected leaks. Consult your user manual for instructions on descaling your device using distilled water or manufacturer-approved solutions. Using hard tap water exclusively can accelerate wear and tear on internal seals, potentially causing the very type of leakage hazard seen in this recall. By keeping your equipment clean and functioning as designed, you reduce the likelihood of malfunctions.

Finally, make it a habit to check for recalls periodically. Manufacturers and agencies like the CPSC issue updates when new safety data emerges, often months after a product has been sold. You can sign up for email alerts on www.saferproducts.gov or visit www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/product-safety/recalls to stay informed about your specific appliances. Treating safety as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time event ensures that you and your family remain protected from both known defects and general household hazards.