July 18, 2024, 1:08 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Ikea is primarily known as a furniture store. However, you can buy many things there besides furniture: scented candles, kitchen knives–and power banks. The company is now recalling some of these devices. TECHBOOK explains the reason and which products are affected.
Power banks are especially popular in the summer. On vacation or just on a trip outdoors, these small energy storage devices are handy companions for charging your smartphone or portable speaker on the go. However, reports of power bank recalls have increased in recent weeks. Ikea is now joining this list. Some of the power banks marketed by the furniture chain have been recalled due to fire hazards.
Ikea Initiates Recall for Power Bank Models
Ikea is not alone in its power bank recall. Just over a week ago, TECHBOOK reported on two widely sold power bank models from the manufacturer Baseus that had to be recalled. Shortly before, the well-known manufacturer Anker issued a similar notice. This affected not only power banks but also speakers.
Now Ikea is proactively recalling some power banks. According to a recent statement from the company, certain power bank models from the Varmfront series pose an acute fire risk. Ikea urges all customers who have purchased such a device to be cautious. Specifically, it concerns Varmfront power banks with 10,400 mAh and the following date stamps:
- 2313
- 2316
- 2318
- 2319
Models with 5,200 mAh and the following stamps are also affected:
- 2318
- 2319
- 2322
The first two digits represent the year, and the last two indicate the corresponding week of manufacture. So far, it appears to involve products from the previous year only.
Caution, Fire Hazard! Manufacturer Anker Recalls Products
Anker Recalls Powercore 10000 Power Bank Due to Fire Risk
What Affected Customers Can Do
To check if your power bank is affected, you need to look closely at the back of the product. In the lower right corner, you will find the crucial four-digit number sequence.
Customers whose power bank is affected by the Ikea recall should first ensure they no longer use the product. Additionally, the power bank should be stored in a shaded area and not near flammable materials. Please do not simply dispose of the affected power bank in household waste! Power banks like the Varmfront models without additional functions should be taken to collection points for batteries or accumulators.
However, Ikea requests that the power banks be returned–for a full refund of the purchase price. For details, contact the Ikea hotline at 0800-2255453.
Fire Hazard
In its statement, Ikea cites an “isolated” manufacturing error as the reason for the recall. No further details are provided. It is also unclear whether any incidents involving the Varmfront power banks have occurred.
Devices with built-in batteries generally pose a certain fire risk; therefore, you should not charge your smartphone next to the bed or under the pillow. Especially with the current high temperatures, devices like power banks can overheat, increasing the fire risk. Extra caution is advised when charging.