October 27, 2026 — An incident report has brought to light significant safety concerns regarding the Chefmate RJ11-18-CTI-V3-CO electric kettle, sold at Costco. Issues include water trapping in the lid leading to mold and mildew growth, and an over-boiling defect that can cause severe skin burns.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On October 1, 2026, an incident was reported concerning the Chefmate RJ11-18-CTI-V3-CO electric kettle. The report details two distinct but equally serious safety concerns associated with the product. Firstly, the design of the kettle’s lid has been found to allow water to become trapped internally, creating a damp, enclosed environment highly conducive to the growth of mold and mildew. This compromises the hygiene and safety of the water being heated for consumption. Secondly, the kettle reportedly suffers from a critical functional defect where it over-boils, even when filled just below its designated maximum waterline. This over-boiling causes hot water to overflow from the kettle, posing a direct and immediate risk of severe skin burns to users or anyone nearby.
Safety Concerns
The reported issues with the Chefmate RJ11-18-CTI-V3-CO electric kettle present a range of serious hazards to consumers:
- Immediate Dangers (Scald Burns): The primary immediate danger is the risk of scald burns from overflowing superheated water. Hot water can cause rapid, painful, and severe burns, ranging from first-degree redness to second or even third-degree tissue damage requiring immediate medical attention, potentially leading to blistering, infection, permanent scarring, or nerve damage. Children, the elderly, and individuals with reduced mobility are particularly vulnerable to these types of injuries.
- Long-Term Risks (Mold Exposure): The presence of trapped water and subsequent mold/mildew growth within the kettle’s lid poses significant long-term health risks. Exposure to mold can trigger allergic reactions (e.g., sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rash), asthma attacks in individuals with asthma, and other respiratory problems. For sensitive individuals, such as infants, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing respiratory conditions, mold exposure can lead to more severe health complications.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using the kettle is at risk of both scald burns and mold exposure. Unsuspecting users may not be aware of the internal mold growth, or the tendency for the kettle to over-boil, leading to accidental contact with overflowing hot water. Children and pets in the vicinity of an over-boiling kettle are also at severe risk from accidental spills.
- Property Damage Potential: Over-boiling and overflowing hot water can cause significant property damage. Spilled hot water can ruin countertops, wooden surfaces, flooring, and can short-circuit or damage nearby electronic appliances, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Chefmate RJ11-18-CTI-V3-CO electric kettle, immediate action is advised:
- Immediate Steps: Stop using the Chefmate RJ11-18-CTI-V3-CO electric kettle immediately. Do not attempt to heat water or use the kettle for any purpose.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Locate the model number, which is typically found on the bottom of the kettle or its power base. Confirm that it matches “RJ11-18-CTI-V3-CO.” Visually inspect the lid for any signs of trapped water, discoloration, or visible mold or mildew growth.
- Prevention Measures: Since these issues appear to be inherent design or manufacturing defects, the most effective prevention measure is to discontinue use of the product entirely.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced similar incidents, sustained injuries, or observed mold growth or over-boiling with your Chefmate RJ11-18-CTI-V3-CO kettle, please report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. Your report helps to inform potential investigations and recalls.
Manufacturer’s Response
No manufacturer response has been provided in the incident report.
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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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.