September 11, 2026 — Consumers are being alerted to a potential fire hazard involving the Gourmia GAF698 air fryer, sold at Costco. An incident report details an air fryer’s power plug overheating, leading to a melted power outlet and creating a significant fire risk.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On August 22, 2026, an incident was reported involving a Gourmia GAF698 air fryer, purchased from Costco. According to the report, the power plug of the appliance overheated severely during use. This overheating was intense enough to cause the power outlet into which it was plugged to melt. The melting of the electrical outlet indicates extreme heat generation, leading to a dangerous fire hazard within the consumer’s home.
Safety Concerns
The reported incident with the Gourmia GAF698 air fryer’s power plug presents several serious safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the risk of fire. Overheating electrical components can ignite nearby flammable materials, leading to house fires that pose a severe threat to life and property. Electrical fires can spread rapidly and are particularly difficult to extinguish.
- Long-Term Risks: Even if a full-blown fire doesn’t occur, persistent overheating can cause damage to household wiring, leading to hidden electrical hazards that could manifest later. Repeated stress on electrical outlets can also degrade their integrity, increasing future risks.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using this specific Gourmia GAF698 air fryer model is potentially at risk. The incident could affect homeowners, renters, and anyone present in the vicinity of the appliance when it’s in operation. Children and pets are especially vulnerable in the event of a fire.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond personal injury, the potential for property damage is significant. A fire started by an overheating appliance can destroy homes, personal belongings, and lead to substantial financial losses. Even localized melting of an outlet necessitates costly electrical repairs.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Gourmia GAF698 air fryer, particularly those purchased from Costco, should take the following precautions:
- Immediate Steps: If you notice any unusual smells (like burning plastic), smoke, sparks, or excessive heat coming from the air fryer or its power cord/plug, immediately unplug the appliance if it is safe to do so. Do not touch the hot components directly. If a fire starts, evacuate the premises and call emergency services.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Locate the model number on your Gourmia air fryer, typically found on a label on the underside or back of the unit. Confirm it matches “GAF698.”
- Prevention Measures: Always ensure the air fryer is plugged directly into a wall outlet, not into an extension cord or power strip, which can become overloaded. Inspect the power cord and plug regularly for any signs of damage, fraying, or discoloration. Ensure the outlet itself is not loose or showing signs of prior damage. Never leave the appliance unattended while in use.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar issue, stop using the product immediately. Report the incident to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. This helps the CPSC gather data to identify potential trends and initiate further action.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of September 8, 2026, The Steelstone Group LLC, manufacturer of Gourmia products, has provided the following statement regarding consumer concerns:
“Gourmia encourages consumers with any concerns about our products to contact us directly at customerservice@gourmia.com or by phone at 1-888-552-0033. Our products are UL Certified to applicable standards for such appliances. We strive to address consumer satisfaction.”
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.