The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a product recall on 29 September 2022 for the Optimus Gemini Portable 2-Burner Gas Stove, model number 8020872, after identifying a fire hazard in its gas regulator1. The recall covers stoves sold between January 2021 and August 2022, and the manufacturer has recalled the product from end users and withdrawn it from the market2.
The OPSS says an internal part of the gas regulator inside the body of the unit may have a burr which may wear or tear a hole in the seal, causing gas to leak out of the back of the regulator2. The product does not meet the requirements of the Gas Appliances (Enforcement) and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 20182. The OPSS records the risk level as low1.
The affected stoves are black metal with silver top burner surfaces, with "Optimus" printed on the side, measuring 12in (20cm) long and 4in (9cm) wide, and can be used with isobutane-propane fuels2. They were made in Romania2. The identifying details are:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Model number | 8020872 |
| Barcode | 0604375208728 |
| Serial numbers | RG000001 to RG006788 and RG023004 to RG023323 |
| Sales period | January 2021 to August 2022 |
| Country of origin | Romania |
The OPSS notice states:
"Owners should stop using their stove immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a refund."
The OPSS directs owners to the Katadyn Group website for further information about the recall2.
Why it matters for households
The recall affects households that bought an Optimus Gemini stove at any point between January 2021 and August 2022, including anyone who keeps one as backup cooking equipment for power cuts or gas interruptions. The OPSS advises owners to stop using the stove immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a refund2. The hazard is a gas leak from the back of the regulator that can ignite, so the risk arises when the stove is in use with gas connected2. Households unsure whether their stove is affected can check the model number, barcode and serial number against the recall details above2. The OPSS has not reported any injuries or incidents linked to the product in its notice1.
What happens next
The manufacturer has recalled the product from end users and withdrawn it from the market, and the OPSS notice remains the reference point for the recall2. Owners who need more detail are directed to the Katadyn Group website2. No closing date for returns has been reported.
Households reviewing backup cooking arrangements can find background in the guide to the Optimus Gemini II twin-burner gas stove and the wider heating and cooking hub, which also covers alternatives such as the Campingaz Camping Kitchen 2 CV and safe use of portable appliances in the guide to using a portable heater safely at home.
