Lifestyle · NEWS EXPLAINER
HotHands recalls 77,000 rechargeable hand warmers: check model H163650 and claim a refund
The recall covers the white-and-orange rechargeable two-pack, not HotHands air-activated warmers. Stop using it, document the model and batch, obtain a claim number before disposal, and use a local household hazardous-waste route.
Kobayashi has recalled about 77,000 HotHands rechargeable hand warmers sold in the United States after regulators said the lithium-ion units can overheat, creating fire and burn hazards. The recall is limited to model H163650, a white-and-orange rechargeable two-pack whose two warmers connect magnetically; it does not cover HotHands air-activated disposable warmers. Owners should stop using the recalled units immediately and keep them intact while they complete the refund process.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the warmers were sold from July 2025 through August 2026 for about $30 to $40 at Bass Pro Shops, Meijer, Target, Home Depot and Amazon.com. Kobayashi and CPSC reported no incidents or injuries involving this HotHands model, while the company said it uses lithium-ion battery and electrical components identical to recalled OCOOPA devices. That absence of reports does not remove the overheating hazard or change the stop-use instruction.
For a full refund, contact Kobayashi, register the product and obtain a claim number before disposal. The company’s process asks owners to write “Recalled” plus the claim number on the warmer and upload a photo that also shows the model and batch information; a purchase receipt is optional. After the claim evidence is accepted, follow local household hazardous-waste instructions for lithium-ion products—never put the warmer in household trash, curbside recycling or an ordinary retail battery-collection box.
Check whether your warmer is model H163650
Turn the unit over and look for model number H163650 on the underside. The recalled product came as two pocket-size warmers, one white and one orange, that attach to each other magnetically. Each unit has a USB-C charging port, indicator lights and a silicone lanyard. The HotHands name is printed in white. Air-activated HotHands packets are not part of this recall.
Why the units were recalled
CPSC says the rechargeable warmers can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards. Kobayashi says the model shares lithium-ion battery and electrical components with OCOOPA devices that were recalled for the same hazard. Regulators and the company reported no incidents or injuries involving the HotHands model at the time of the notices. The recall is preventive: owners should not wait for heat, swelling, odor, smoke or another visible warning before stopping use.
Claim the refund before you dispose of the product
Go to the HotHands recall page or contact Kobayashi to register the product. Save the claim number you receive. Write “Recalled” and that claim number on the warmer, then take the requested photo showing the marking as well as the model and batch information. Upload the image through the claim process. A receipt can support the claim but is not required. Keep a copy of the submission or confirmation until the refund is resolved.
Use a household hazardous-waste route
Do not throw the rechargeable warmer in household garbage, a curbside recycling bin or a standard retailer battery-recycling box. The recalled lithium-ion units require disposal that follows local rules for defective or recalled batteries. Contact your city, county or household hazardous-waste facility before traveling, tell them the item is a recalled rechargeable hand warmer, and ask whether they accept it and how it should be transported. Do not open, puncture, crush or otherwise dismantle the product.
What the official notices do—and do not—say
The CPSC notice covers about 77,000 units in the United States, and Health Canada lists 72 sold in Canada. The U.S. recall number is 27-011. The official notices identify an overheating-related fire and burn hazard but report no incidents or injuries for the HotHands model. They do not recall every HotHands product, and they do not replace local hazardous-waste instructions.
