What was recalled
In early February 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving two million COSORI® air fryers. This massive undertaking was initiated by Atekcity, the company responsible for selling these popular kitchen appliances. The scope of this recall is quite broad, affecting a wide variety of specific models that were marketed under the well-known Cosori brand. If you have been following recent home appliance news or have recently shopped for kitchen gadgets, you may have heard about this issue. It is important to understand exactly which products are involved so you can check your own kitchen appliances with confidence.
The recalled items are specifically COSORI® air fryers, identifiable by the brand name printed clearly on the front of each unit. These appliances come in several different capacities, primarily size 3.7 quarts and 5.8 quarts, catering to different household sizes and cooking needs. They were available in a variety of colors, including black, gray, white, blue, and red, which means the color of your appliance alone is not enough to determine if it is part of this recall. Instead, you must look at the model number printed on the bottom label of the unit and also verify it against the accompanying user manual.
The list of affected model numbers is extensive, covering many variations that might confuse consumers. The specific models included in this recall are CP158-AF, CP158-AF-R19, CP158-AF-RXW, CP158-AF-RXR, CAF-P581-BUSR, CAF-P581-AUSR, CAF-P581-RUSR, CP137-AF, CP137-AF-RXB, CP137-AF-RXR, CP137-AF-RXW, CS158-AF, CS158-AF-RXB, CS158-AF-R19, CAF-P581S-BUSR, CAF-P581S-RUSR, CAF-P581S-AUSR, CO137-AF, CO158-AF, CO158-AF-RXB, and CP258-AF. Because there are so many similar-looking codes, it is crucial to double-check the bottom label of your device against this exact list.
These air fryers were sold at various retail locations across the United States. While the recall notice does not specify every single store or website where they were purchased, the sheer volume of two million units suggests widespread distribution through major online and brick-and-mortar retailers. The recall was officially announced on February 23, 2023, but the products themselves may have been sold in stores or shipped to customers for some time prior to that date. If you bought a COSORI air fryer around this time or earlier, it is wise to verify its model number immediately to ensure your safety.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a specific electrical failure that transforms a convenient kitchen appliance into a serious safety risk. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified that a wire connection within these Cosori air fryers can overheat during normal operation. To understand why this matters, it helps to look at how an air fryer works. These devices are essentially powerful convection ovens; they use a heating element to generate intense heat and a high-speed fan to circulate that hot air around your food. This process requires significant electrical current to flow through internal wiring to keep the heating coil active for extended periods.
When the internal wire connection is compromised or improperly secured, it creates what engineers call high resistance. Imagine trying to push water through a kinked garden hose; the pressure builds up at the blockage. In electrical terms, that "pressure" becomes heat. As current struggles to pass through the faulty connection, energy dissipates as thermal energy rather than just powering the heating element. Over time, and especially during prolonged cooking sessions, this localized overheating can become extreme. The plastic components surrounding the wire, the insulation on the wires themselves, and nearby internal parts can begin to soften, melt, or degrade because they are not designed to withstand temperatures far beyond their rated limits.
This physical breakdown is what leads to the dangerous outcomes reported by consumers. Once the insulation melts away, bare wires can come into contact with each other or with grounded metal parts of the fryer’s casing. This creates a short circuit, which can instantly spark or arc. These sparks are more than just a nuisance; they are ignition sources. If they touch nearby flammable materials—such as built-up grease splatter, plastic housing, or even dust—they can start a fire. The reports confirm that this is not merely a theoretical risk but an active one, with units catching fire, smoking heavily, and melting under the user's eyes.
Beyond the immediate threat of a kitchen fire, there is a direct personal injury risk. Because these failures occur inside a sealed or semi-sealed cooking chamber, the heat builds up rapidly in a confined space. Users report that the exterior of the units can become dangerously hot, leading to burn injuries when touching the appliance or its cord. Furthermore, if the internal components melt or explode outward due to pressure buildup, hot plastic fragments or electrical debris could potentially eject from the unit, posing an additional physical hazard. The combination of open flames, extreme heat, and toxic fumes from burning plastics makes this a situation that requires immediate attention rather than cautious monitoring.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about who is most at risk with this recall, we need to look at two different groups: the people who are directly handling the appliance, and those who might be nearby when something goes wrong. The primary group at risk includes anyone who owns or regularly uses a Cosori air fryer from the specific list of models mentioned above. These units, which come in sizes of 3.7 and 5.8 quarts and were sold in various colors like black, gray, white, blue, or red, are popular kitchen appliances often used for quick, healthy cooking. If you have one of these units plugged in and turned on, you are in the zone of potential exposure to the internal electrical fault that causes the wire connection to overheat.
Within that group of owners, certain individuals may be more vulnerable due to how they interact with the device. For instance, caregivers or parents who use these air fryers to prepare meals for children or elderly family members face a dual layer of risk. Not only are they handling the hot appliance themselves, but they are also responsible for the safety of others in the kitchen. If the unit were to fail and emit smoke or ignite, the stress and urgency of protecting vulnerable dependents could lead to additional injuries or panic-induced accidents. The CPSC has documented 205 reports of incidents involving fire, burning, melting, overheating, and smoking, which underscores that this is not a theoretical risk but an active one affecting real households.
Furthermore, the nature of the hazard—specifically the potential for fire and severe burns—makes everyone in the immediate vicinity of the air fryer a person of concern. While 10 reports involved minor, superficial burn injuries to users, the possibility of property damage is significant, with 23 reports already logged. This means that anyone living in the household, including those who might not even be cooking but are simply in the room, is at risk from smoke inhalation or fire spread. Elderly individuals, who may have slower reaction times or thinner skin that burns more easily, and young children, who might wander into the kitchen area where a hot appliance sits, are particularly vulnerable to the secondary effects of such an incident. The defect involves a wire connection overheating, which can happen without warning during normal use, meaning there is often no time for evacuation if the appliance is left unattended or if the user is distracted. Therefore, the "at risk" population extends beyond just the operator to include all household members who share the space where these appliances are typically used: the kitchen.
It is also important to note that the risk is not limited to the moment of use. Because the defect involves an internal electrical component, there is a potential danger even when the unit is plugged in but turned off, depending on how the fault manifests. This adds another layer of concern for anyone who keeps their air fryer permanently plugged into a wall outlet. The fact that no receipt is needed to get a free replacement highlights that the manufacturer recognizes the severity of the issue across all units, regardless of when or where they were purchased. Thus, the most at-risk group is broadly defined as any household containing one of these specific Cosori models, with heightened concern for those who are physically closer to the appliance during operation or who have limited mobility or awareness to respond quickly to a fire emergency.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your kitchen appliance is part of this specific recall requires a careful check of several distinct physical details on the unit itself and its packaging. Because the recall involves Cosori® air fryers sold under various model numbers and configurations, simply recognizing the brand name is not enough to confirm safety. You must verify the specific model number, the capacity, and the physical characteristics of the device against the official list provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Cosori.
The first thing to look for is the brand identification. The recalled units are clearly marked with the brand name "Cosori" on the front of each unit. This branding is a primary indicator, but it is not sufficient on its own, as Cosori produces many safe models that are not part of this recall. To determine if your specific appliance is affected, you need to find the model number, which is printed on the bottom label of the air fryer and also included in the accompanying user manual. It is crucial to check both locations, as labels can sometimes wear off or become obscured over time.
The recall encompasses a wide range of model numbers due to variations in color, region, and specific design iterations. The affected models include CP158-AF, CP158-AF-R19, CP158-AF-RXW, CP158-AF-RXR, CAF-P581-BUSR, CAF-P581-AUSR, CAF-P581-RUSR, CP137-AF, CP137-AF-RXB, CP137-AF-RXR, CP137-AF-RXW, CS158-AF, CS158-AF-RXB, CS158-AF-R19, CAF-P581S-BUSR, CAF-P581S-RUSR, CAF-P581S-AUSR, CO137-AF, CO158-AF, CO158-AF-RXB, and CP258-AF. If your model number matches any of these codes exactly, your unit is included in the recall.
In addition to the model number, you can identify the recalled items by their size and color options. The units involved in this recall come in two sizes: 3.7 quarts and 5.8 quarts. They were sold in a variety of colors, including black, gray, white, blue, or red. While these features alone do not confirm a recall, they can help narrow down the possibility if you are unsure of the model number. If you have one of these Cosori air fryers and cannot locate the model number on the bottom label, check the original user manual or any remaining packaging for the specific code.
If you find that your unit matches one of the listed model numbers, it is essential to stop using it immediately. Do not attempt to repair the internal wiring yourself, as this poses a significant fire and burn hazard. Instead, proceed to the remedy steps outlined in the next section of this guide to ensure you receive a free replacement or another Cosori product without needing your original receipt.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Cosori air fryers, your first and most critical action is to stop using the appliance immediately. This is not a drill or a minor inconvenience; the internal wire connection can overheat, creating a genuine fire and burn hazard. Please do not test it to see if it still works, and do not let family members use it while you figure out the next steps. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet right away. Place it in a safe, non-flammable location away from curtains, cabinets, or other combustible materials until you are ready to dispose of it or send it back. Your safety is far more important than the appliance itself. Once the device is safely unplugged and out of the way, you need to register for your remedy. The manufacturer, Cosori, is offering a free replacement air fryer or another Cosori product of your choice. To get this, you must visit recall.cosori.com. This website is the official channel for handling these claims. You do not need to hunt down your original purchase receipt; the company has waived that requirement to make this process as easy and frictionless as possible for consumers. However, you will need to provide your contact information so they can reach you with shipping details or further instructions. During the registration process on recall.cosori.com, you will be asked to submit photos of the recalled unit. There is a specific instruction here that you must follow carefully: you must cut off the power cord before taking the photo. This step is crucial for safety during the return and inspection process, ensuring that no electrical current can reach the unit while it is being handled by logistics personnel or stored in a warehouse. Please ensure the photos clearly show the model number printed on the bottom label of the unit, as this helps them verify your specific device against the recall list. If you encounter any difficulties registering online, or if you simply prefer to speak with someone directly, you can contact Cosori’s dedicated support team. You can call their toll-free number at 888-216-5974. Their representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can send an email to CosoriRecall@Sedgwick.com. For additional information, you may also visit www.cosori.com and look for the "Important Voluntary Safety Recall. Learn More" banner at the bottom of the homepage. Taking these steps promptly ensures you get your safe replacement without delay and helps keep your home secure from potential fire risks.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When a product recall involves potential fire and burn hazards, the remedy is rarely just a simple check in the mail. In this specific case involving Cosori air fryers, the manufacturer has established a structured process to ensure that every affected consumer receives a safe resolution without financial burden. The core of the remedy is straightforward: you are entitled to choose between receiving a free replacement air fryer or another product from the Cosori lineup entirely at no cost to you. This approach prioritizes your continued satisfaction with the brand while immediately removing the dangerous unit from your home. It is important to understand that this is not a standard return for store credit; it is a voluntary safety recall remedy designed to protect users from overheating wires that pose serious risks.
To initiate this process, you must register directly through Cosori’s dedicated recall portal at recall.cosori.com. This step is crucial because the company needs to verify that your specific unit is part of the recalled batch before issuing any compensation. During registration, you will be required to provide your current contact information so they can coordinate the shipping of your new item. Additionally, you must submit clear photos of the recalled unit. There is one specific and non-negotiable safety condition for these photos: the power cord must be cut off before you take the picture. This requirement ensures that the hazardous component cannot be reused or accidentally reconnected by anyone else, including scrap collectors or well-meaning family members who might try to fix it later.
One of the most relieving aspects of this remedy is that no proof of purchase is required. You do not need to dig up your original receipt, search through email confirmations from years ago, or prove when and where you bought the appliance. Cosori has waived this requirement specifically to remove barriers to entry, recognizing that consumers should not be penalized for a manufacturing defect regardless of how long they have owned the item. If you prefer speaking with someone directly rather than navigating an online form, you can call their toll-free number at 888-216-5974. Their support team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, and can guide you through the registration process or answer questions about your specific model.
You may also reach out via email at CosoriRecall@Sedgwick.com if you have documentation or inquiries that are easier to convey in writing. For those who prefer navigating visually, visiting www.cosori.com and clicking on the "Important Voluntary Safety Recall. Learn More" banner at the bottom of the page will lead you to the same resources. The key takeaway here is that the path to a replacement is designed to be accessible and frictionless. By following these steps precisely—registering, cutting the cord for the photo, and submitting your details—you ensure that the dangerous unit is properly documented as destroyed and that your new, safe product arrives without delay.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a beloved kitchen appliance. The Cosori air fryer is designed for convenience, speed, and efficiency, and when it becomes part of your daily routine, the idea of unplugging it feels like an unnecessary interruption. However, ignoring this recall is not merely about missing out on a free replacement; it is about accepting a serious, escalating risk to your home and family. The core issue with these specific units is not a minor glitch or a temporary software error—it is a fundamental electrical failure. The internal wire connection can overheat during normal operation. When you continue to use the unit, you are essentially allowing that faulty connection to remain active, turning your countertop appliance into a potential ignition source.
The consequences of continuing to use these recalled air fryers range from property damage to severe personal injury. According to the official records from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there have already been 205 reports of these units catching fire, burning, melting, overheating, or smoking. These are not theoretical risks; they are documented events that have occurred in real homes. The heat generated by the failing wire connection can melt plastic components within the fryer, causing smoke to fill your kitchen and potentially triggering smoke detectors or starting a larger structural fire. For many, this results in minor property damage, such as scorched countertops or damaged cabinetry, but for others, it has led to more significant losses.
Beyond the threat to your home, there is a direct risk to your physical safety. The reports indicate that 10 individuals have suffered minor, superficial burn injuries while using these units. While these specific injuries were classified as minor, they serve as a stark warning of what can happen when electrical components fail under high heat. Imagine reaching in to check your food or remove the basket while an internal wire is sparking or glowing red-hot. The proximity required to use an air fryer means that a sudden flare-up or explosion of hot plastic and wire fragments can cause immediate harm. Furthermore, the risk of fire extends beyond the unit itself. A fire started by an electrical fault can spread rapidly to nearby curtains, wooden cabinets, or other combustible materials, turning a small kitchen incident into a major household emergency.
Ignoring the recall also means you are relying on luck rather than safety. Electrical fires do not always announce themselves with a dramatic explosion; they can smolder for minutes before igniting. By continuing to use the unit, you are gambling that the wire connection will hold together just one more time. But given that hundreds of failures have already been reported, the odds are not in your favor. The remedy offered by Cosori is straightforward and free, but it requires immediate action. Every day you delay is a day you are exposing your home to an unnecessary and preventable hazard. Do not wait for a smoke alarm or a burn scar to remind you of the importance of this recall. Taking five minutes to register for your replacement is the only way to ensure that your cooking remains safe, rather than becoming a dangerous gamble.