VQQQ Recalls About 100 Gas Patio Heaters Over Fire and Burn Risk From Leaking Gas
As patio season gives way to chilly evenings, a new gas patio heater recall is a timely reminder that outdoor heating equipment deserves the same caution as anything else that burns fuel near people. On October 22, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and importer VQQQ announced the recall of about 100 VQQQ gas patio heaters because components can malfunction and release gas, creating a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards. The recall was processed under the CPSC Fast Track program and carries recall number 27-039.
What happened
The recall covers VQQQ natural gas patio heaters sold in models VQQQ-A1 and VQQQ-001. These are the familiar mushroom-style standing heaters: a bronze pole on a round base, topped with a silver, mushroom-shaped heating head that adjusts in height from 55 to 78 inches. A 24-foot gray gas hose attaches to the base. The brand name and model numbers appear on the purchase receipt rather than on prominent product labeling, which can make them harder to identify at a glance.
According to the CPSC notice, “components on the recalled patio heaters can malfunction causing gas to be released.” A gas release near an open-flame heater is a textbook fire and burn scenario, and the agency rates the potential consequences as serious injury or death. The heaters were sold on Amazon.com from July 2024 through August 2026 for about $346. The importer is listed as Shanxi Yuhe Sheng Maoyi Youxian Gongsi, doing business as VQQQ, of China. Importantly, the CPSC reports no incidents and no injuries tied to these heaters so far. This is a preventive recall, not a response to a string of accidents.
Why this gas patio heater recall matters for safety
A small unit count can still carry an outsized hazard. Only about 100 of these heaters were sold, but each one combines two of the most dangerous elements in any outdoor appliance: pressurized fuel gas and a live flame. When a component meant to contain or regulate that gas fails, the fuel can escape and ignite, or build up and flash. That is why the CPSC treats “gas can be released” as a death-risk hazard even without a reported injury.
The timing sharpens the point. Late October is exactly when households across the country drag patio heaters out of the garage to stretch the outdoor season a few more weeks. Restaurants, event venues, and backyard gatherings lean on these units through the fall and into the holidays. A heater that has sat unused for months, then gets fired up on a cold night, is precisely the situation where a hidden gas fault can turn into a fire. Seasonal equipment tends to get less scrutiny than daily-use appliances, which makes a quiet, preventive recall like this one easy to miss.
What you should do
If you bought a VQQQ patio heater on Amazon between July 2024 and August 2026, treat it as unsafe to operate until it is dealt with. The CPSC’s instructions are specific:
- Stop using it immediately. Do not light the heater again, even to “test” whether it still works.
- Shut off the gas. Close the valve at the portable gas source (the propane or natural gas supply the heater is connected to).
- Disconnect the hose. Detach the 24-foot gas hose from the base so the unit cannot be accidentally fueled.
- Contact VQQQ for a full refund. Reach the company by email at vqqqrecall@163.com to arrange the refund.
- Mark and document it. As requested, write “Recalled” on the heater’s base in permanent marker and email a photo of the marked unit, then dispose of the product.
What to do if you smell gas. If you ever notice a rotten-egg odor, hissing, or a persistent smell of gas near any fuel-burning heater, do not light a flame, flip a switch, or operate the unit. Move away, shut off the gas supply if you can do so safely, let the area ventilate, and only return when the smell is gone. A leaking gas appliance is an emergency, not a maintenance item.
Context and what’s next
This recall lands during the stretch of the year when the CPSC and manufacturers issue a steady run of heating-related pulls, and it fits a broader pattern of lower-volume products sold through online marketplaces being recalled before anyone is hurt. The Fast Track program lets a company work with the CPSC to announce a recall quickly, which is why you are reading about this one with zero reported injuries attached to it. That is the system working the way it is supposed to.
Beyond this specific model, gas patio heaters as a category reward a few basic habits every season. Use them only outdoors or in genuinely open-air spaces, never in a closed garage, tent, or partially enclosed porch, because incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide. Keep heaters on stable, level ground and well clear of walls, awnings, furniture, and anything flammable. Inspect the hose and connections for cracks or wear before the first use of the season, and check for leaks with soapy water rather than a flame. Store the fuel source outdoors and upright. None of that requires special tools, and all of it reduces the odds that a fuel-burning appliance becomes a fire.
For the latest status, affected owners should watch the official CPSC recall listing for recall 27-039 and follow VQQQ’s refund instructions directly. If you are unsure whether a heater in your possession is covered, check your Amazon order history and purchase receipt for the VQQQ brand name and the VQQQ-A1 or VQQQ-001 model number.
Disclaimer: This article is for general safety information only and is not legal, medical, or professional advice. Recall details, remedies, and contact information can change after publication. Always confirm the current recall status, eligibility, and instructions with the CPSC and the manufacturer before acting.
Sources: U.S. CPSC — VQQQ Gas Patio Heaters Recall (Recall 27-039); ConsumerAffairs — Product Safety Recall Roundup, October 23, 2026.
