What was recalled
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a significant expansion of a product recall involving Cuisinart brand metal wire bristle grill brushes, managed by Conair. As of August 27, 2026, this recall now encompasses more than 3.6 million units, marking one of the largest consumer safety actions in recent history for kitchen grilling tools. The scope of this recall is vast because it includes not only specific model numbers previously identified but also a broader category of wire bristle brushes sold under the Cuisinart name prior to the year 2020. Essentially, if you purchased any Cuisinart wire bristle grill brush before 2020, it may be part of this recall, regardless of whether its specific model number appears on the initial list or not.
The affected products are characterized by their construction: they feature metal wire bristles attached to handles made from a combination of black plastic, stainless steel, and wood. The "Cuisinart" brand name is clearly stamped onto the handle of most identified models, which aids in visual identification. However, consumers should note that this branding stamp is absent on two specific model variants: FCB-501 and CCB-395, meaning these items must be identified by their model number alone rather than visible logo placement.
The recall covers a wide array of individual brush models and complete grill tool sets. The specific model numbers included in this expanded recall are CGWM-024, CGWM-059, FCB-501, CGS-W18, CCB-134, CGWM-061, CB-395, CCB-3001, CGWM-077, CGWM-058, CCB-012/021, CGWM-060, and FBH-51. Additionally, the following model numbers were part of previous recall phases and remain included in this expanded action: CCB-100, CCB-4125, CCB-5014, CCB-6450, CCB-8012, CCB-4114, CCB-W2, and CSBS-777. These individual brushes were often sold as part of larger premium grill sets, including the Premium Grill 10 Piece set (CGS-2010), the 13 Piece Wooden Handle Grill Tool Set (CGS-W13), the 14 Piece Deluxe Stainless Steel Grill Set (CGS-5014), and the 20 Piece Deluxe Grill Set (CGS-5020). If you have stored any of these tools in your garage or kitchen drawers from purchases made before 2020, they fall under this safety alert.
This expansion highlights the widespread nature of the issue, affecting millions of households that rely on these tools for outdoor cooking. The inclusion of older inventory and various bundle configurations ensures that nearly all Cuisinart wire bristle brushes sold in the specified timeframe are subject to this safety measure. Consumers are urged to check their existing tools against these model numbers immediately, as the hazard persists across all identified variants.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so critical, we must look at the physical reality of how these grill brushes are constructed and how they fail. The recalled Cuisinart metal wire bristle grill brushes rely on a dense cluster of thin, stiff stainless steel wires to scrub away burnt-on food. These wires are anchored into the brush head, typically held in place by a metal ferrule or base. Over time, and often after just a few uses, the mechanical stress of scraping against hot, rough grill grates can cause these individual bristles to loosen from their anchors. Once detached, they do not simply vanish; they become loose, sharp fragments of metal that readily adhere to the surface of your grill due to static electricity or residual grease.
The danger escalates when you begin cooking again. Because these detached bristles are small and metallic, they can easily stick to the food items you are placing on the grill—whether it is a steak, vegetables, or other proteins. When you take a bite, you may not notice the bristle at all. It is hard, sharp, and nearly invisible against the texture of cooked meat. This leads to the ingestion hazard that Conair has identified in its reports. The bristles do not dissolve in the stomach; instead, they act as foreign objects that can puncture or lacerate delicate tissues.
According to the recall facts, this is not a theoretical risk but a documented one. Conair is aware of at least 54 reports where wire bristles detached from these brushes. More alarmingly, there are three specific incidents where consumers swallowed bristles and required medical treatment to remove them from their digestive tracts or throats. Ingestion can lead to serious internal injuries, including perforations in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. Such damage often results in severe pain, bleeding, infection, and frequently requires surgical intervention to repair the tissue.
Even if you do not swallow a bristle, there is a risk of choking or oral injury. A detached wire can become lodged between teeth or in the soft tissues of the mouth, causing cuts that may become infected. The combination of the bristle's sharpness and its small size makes it particularly dangerous because it bypasses the body's natural defenses. Unlike larger objects that might trigger a gag reflex, these microscopic wires can slip past unnoticed until significant internal damage has occurred. This is why the mechanism of failure—bristles detaching and sticking to food—is so insidious; it turns a routine kitchen chore into a potential medical emergency without any obvious warning signs.
Who is most at risk
While any household that owns a Cuisinart metal wire bristle grill brush faces a potential danger, the severity of the risk varies significantly depending on who is using the tool and how those brushes are handled. The primary group at immediate risk consists of the individuals directly engaged in the grilling process—typically adults who are scrubbing hot grates to remove charred food residue. Because these brushes are designed for heavy-duty cleaning, they are often subjected to significant physical force. When a user scrubs vigorously against stainless steel or cast iron grates, the stress on the wire bristles increases dramatically. If the bristles have become loose due to wear, corrosion, or manufacturing defects, this vigorous action is the exact moment they can detach and embed themselves into the grill surface or onto the food being cooked.
However, the danger extends far beyond the person holding the brush. The most vulnerable victims in this scenario are often those who consume the food afterward. When a loose bristle sticks to a grill grate, it may not be visible to the naked eye, especially if it is thin or blends with the shadows of the cooking surface. A diner biting into a steak, burger, or vegetable that has been cooked on that contaminated grate faces the direct risk of swallowing a sharp piece of metal. This is particularly concerning for children, whose digestive tracts are smaller and more delicate than those of adults. A bristle that might cause minor discomfort in an adult could pose a much higher risk of perforation or severe obstruction in a child.
Elderly individuals also fall into a high-risk category due to natural changes in tissue elasticity and healing capabilities. As people age, the mucosal lining of the esophagus and intestines becomes thinner and less resilient. A metal bristle that might pass through a younger person’s system with minimal issue could cause significant tearing or become lodged in the digestive tract of an older adult, leading to serious complications such as internal bleeding or infection. Furthermore, individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcers, may be at heightened risk for severe injury from even small foreign objects.
Another often-overlooked group at risk includes those who share kitchen tools or buy second-hand items. Since this recall expands to include brushes sold individually and in sets prior to 2020, many households may have inherited these tools without knowing their history. If a person receives a used brush as a gift or purchases one from a thrift store or online marketplace, they are unaware of the potential defect. They are operating under the assumption that the tool is safe because it looks intact, making them unexpectedly vulnerable to the same ingestion hazards faced by original owners who have simply lost track of their product’s age and model number.
- Active Grillers: Those applying heavy pressure during cleaning face the highest likelihood of dislodging bristles.
- Diners: Anyone eating food prepared on contaminated grates risks ingestion, regardless of their role in cooking.
- Children and Elderly: These groups have smaller or more fragile digestive tracts, making internal injuries more likely and potentially more severe.
- Second-Hand Users: Buyers of used tools lack critical safety information about the item’s history and model status.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your grill brush is part of this massive recall requires a careful look at the physical product itself, as well as any packaging or receipts you might still have on hand. Because Conair has expanded this recall to include over 3.6 million units, the scope is incredibly broad, covering not just specific model numbers but virtually all Cuisinart brand wire bristle brushes sold individually or in sets prior to 2020. To determine if your item is affected, you need to check for specific physical markers and model identifiers.
First, examine the handle of the brush closely. For most identified models, the word “Cuisinart” should be stamped directly into the handle material. However, there are important exceptions to this rule: if your brush has a handle that is not stamped with the brand name, it may still be part of the recall. Specifically, model numbers FCB-501 and CCB-395 feature handles that do not have any stamping, so you must rely on other identifying features or purchase records to confirm their status.
The recalled brushes come in a variety of handle materials and colors, including black plastic, stainless steel, and wood. Therefore, the color or material of your handle alone will not tell you if the item is safe. Instead, you must look for specific model numbers printed on the product packaging, the box it came in, or potentially engraved or printed on the handle itself. The following model numbers are explicitly included in this recall expansion:
- CGWM-024
- CGWM-059
- FCB-501
- CGS-W18
- CCB-134
- CGWM-061
- CB-395
- CCB-3001
- CGWM-077
- CGWM-058
- CCB-012/021
- CGWM-060
- FBH-51
If you do not see these specific numbers, check if your brush is one of the previously recalled models: CCB-100, CCB-4125, CCB-5014, CCB-6450, CCB-8012, CCB-4114, CCB-W2, or CSBS-777. Additionally, be aware that many of these brushes were sold as part of larger grilling tool sets rather than individually. If you have a Cuisinart grill set purchased before 2020, check the set’s model number against this list: Premium Grill 10 Piece set (CGS-2010), 13 Piece Wooden Handle Grill Tool Set (CGS-W13), 14 Piece Deluxe Stainless Steel Grill Set (CGS-5014), and 20 Piece Deluxe Grill Set (CGS-5020). If your brush is a Cuisinart wire bristle type and was sold prior to 2020, it is safest to assume it is included in the recall unless you can definitively prove otherwise.
What to do — step by step
If you own any Cuisinart metal wire bristle grill brush, the first and most critical action is to stop using it immediately. This is not a matter of waiting for the next barbecue; the hazard exists every time the brush touches your grill grates or your food. The recalled brushes have black plastic, stainless steel, or wood handles, and while they may look functional and clean on the surface, their internal structure poses a serious risk. Small metal wire bristles can detach from the brush head during use. These detached bristles can stick to your grill surface or, more dangerously, adhere to the food you are cooking. Once ingested, these tiny metal fragments can cause severe internal injuries, potentially requiring surgery to remove them from your digestive tract or throat. Therefore, your immediate priority is to remove the source of danger from your kitchen environment entirely.
Once you have set the brush aside in a safe place where no one will accidentally use it, you need to initiate the remedy process with Conair, the company behind the Cuisinart brand. Conair has issued a comprehensive recall affecting over 3.6 million brushes and is offering consumers two distinct options for resolution. You may choose to receive a full refund of the purchase price. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep using Cuisinart products, you can opt for a credit that allows you to purchase a replacement at Cuisinart.com. This credit option is particularly generous: it provides a full refund of your original cost plus an additional 20% of that amount as a bonus credit toward future purchases. This incentive is designed to make the transition to safer alternatives easier and more rewarding for loyal customers.
To claim your remedy, you must contact Conair directly through one of their designated channels. You can call their toll-free number at 888-520-1304. Their customer service representatives are available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. This window allows for ample time to reach them during standard business hours if you need assistance with the process. Alternatively, you may handle this entirely online by visiting https://www.recallrtr.com/grillbrushes or going to www.cuisinart.com and clicking on “Product Recalls” at the bottom of the page. These digital portals are set up specifically to streamline the recall process for affected consumers.
During your contact with Conair, you will be asked to provide details about your product, such as the model number, which can be found on the packaging or sometimes stamped on the handle (though not on models FCB-501 and CCB-395). After verifying your eligibility, the company will guide you through the refund or credit process. Importantly, you will also be instructed to discard the recalled grill brushes. Do not donate them, sell them, or attempt to repair them yourself. The structural integrity of the bristle attachment is compromised by design flaw, and no amount of maintenance can eliminate the ingestion risk. Proper disposal ensures that these hazardous items do not re-enter circulation or cause harm to others in your household or community.
If you purchased your brush as part of a larger set, such as the Premium Grill 10 Piece set (CGS-2010), the 13 Piece Wooden Handle Grill Tool Set (CGS-W13), the 14 Piece Deluxe Stainless Steel Grill Set (CGS-5014), or the 20 Piece Deluxe Grill Set (CGS-5020), you are still fully covered. All wire bristle brushes in these sets are included in this recall expansion. You do not need to return the entire set; you only need to address the specific wire bristle brush component. By following these steps promptly, you protect your health and ensure that Conair can accurately track the scope of the recall. This is a significant safety issue affecting hundreds of thousands of units, and your cooperation helps keep the broader community safe from potential internal injuries.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that you own one of the recalled Cuisinart grill brushes, the good news is that Conair has established a straightforward and generous remedy to make this right for you. Because these brushes are not safe to use due to the risk of detached metal bristles causing serious internal injury, there is no repair option available. The only two paths forward are to return the item for a full refund or to accept store credit at Cuisinart.com. It is important to understand that Conair is offering more than just your money back; they are incentivizing you to stay within their ecosystem by providing an alternative that actually gives you more value than a standard cash return.
Your first option is the traditional full refund. If you contact Conair and request this, you will receive 100% of the purchase price back to your original method of payment. This is the most direct way to recoup your costs if you no longer wish to use Cuisinart products or simply want to take your business elsewhere. To initiate this, you will need to reach out to their customer service team via the toll-free number provided in the recall notice or through their online recall portal. They will guide you through the process of returning the item and issuing the reimbursement.
Your second option is often the more beneficial choice for those who still appreciate the brand. Conair is offering a credit at Cuisinart.com that equals 100% of your cash refund amount plus an additional 20%. For example, if you purchased a brush for $20, a standard refund would give you $20 back. However, if you choose the store credit option, Conair will effectively give you $24 worth of credit to spend on their website. This extra 20% is a significant gesture that acknowledges the inconvenience and demonstrates their commitment to customer satisfaction. This credit can be used for future purchases, allowing you to potentially upgrade to a newer model or buy other kitchen accessories without out-of-pocket expense.
Regardless of which financial remedy you choose, there is one non-negotiable step: you must discard the recalled grill brush immediately. Do not attempt to sell it, give it away, or keep it "just in case." The hazard—small metal wire bristles detaching and sticking to food—is a serious health risk that can lead to surgery or severe internal damage. Once you have contacted Conair at 888-520-1304 (available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET) or visited recallrtr.com/grillbrushes, follow their specific instructions for disposal. Typically, this means throwing the brush in the trash so that no one else can accidentally use it. By taking these steps, you protect your health and ensure that the dangerous product is removed from circulation.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to overlook a small defect when you are focused on getting dinner on the table, but continuing to use these recalled Cuisinart grill brushes carries risks that extend far beyond a simple cleaning inconvenience. The core danger lies in the mechanical failure of the brush itself: the metal wire bristles can detach from their anchor points and remain embedded in your grill grates or, more dangerously, stick directly to your food. When you ignore the recall notice, you are essentially choosing to gamble with your physical safety every time you light the fire.
The most immediate consequence of ignoring this warning is the potential for accidental ingestion. As noted in reports received by Conair and the CPSC, there have already been at least 54 instances where bristles detached during use. In three of those documented cases, consumers actually swallowed metal bristles, requiring medical intervention to remove them from their digestive tracts or throats. This is not a theoretical risk; it is an active hazard that has already caused harm. If you continue to use the brush, you increase the likelihood of being one of the next statistics. A detached bristle can slip onto a steak, chicken breast, or vegetable, and because these wires are thin and often silver-colored, they are nearly invisible against the charred surface of grilled food.
Beyond ingestion, the physical injuries associated with swallowing or inhaling these metal fragments can be severe and long-lasting. Metal bristles are sharp and rigid. If swallowed, they do not pass through the body like soft objects; they can puncture the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. This can lead to internal bleeding, infection, and peritonitis. In many cases, such injuries require emergency surgery to locate and extract the foreign object before it causes life-threatening complications. Even if the bristle does not penetrate deeply, it can cause significant abrasions, pain, and difficulty swallowing that may last for days.
There is also the risk of secondary injury during handling. If bristles are loose on the grill surface, they can easily transfer to your hands or utensils, potentially causing cuts or puncture wounds before you even take a bite of food. Furthermore, the psychological toll of discovering a metal fragment in your meal after eating it can be distressing and traumatic. By ignoring the recall, you are not just risking a minor inconvenience; you are exposing yourself and your family to the possibility of serious medical emergencies, surgical procedures, and lasting health complications. The cost of a refund or replacement is negligible compared to the potential cost of emergency room visits and hospital stays.
Ultimately, the decision to keep using the brush ignores the reality that these products have failed their primary safety function. The bristles are no longer securely attached; they are loose hazards waiting to detach. Whether you are grilling for yourself or hosting guests, the presence of unknown metal fragments in your food source is unacceptable. Ignoring this warning transforms a simple kitchen tool into a potential weapon against your own health, turning a routine meal into a gamble with outcomes that can range from painful injuries to life-threatening medical crises.