Karmactive StaffA rechargeable portable blender sold at Kmart and Target has been urgently recalled after reports of injuries when the device activates by itself. If you’ve got one of these handy little blenders sitting in your kitchen right now, it’s time to stop using it immediately and keep it away from water.
This Isn’t Your Regular Kitchen Mishap
The ANKO portable blender, sold in white, blue, green, and lilac colors, has a serious safety defect that’s already caused injuries. When water touches the base, these blenders can suddenly switch on without anyone pressing the button.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) didn’t mince words in their recall notice: “If the base of the product is immersed in water, it may self-activate without pressing the ON/OFF button,” creating a “risk of serious injury, including laceration from the exposed blades, if the product self-activates.”
What makes this particularly risky is how most people use these devices – they’re often washed between uses or sit on countertops where water splashes happen regularly.
Official recall notice for the ANKO portable blender sold at Kmart and Target, highlighting the self-activation hazard when the base contacts water. Could your morning smoothie routine be hiding this unexpected danger? Source: Australian Competition & Consumer Commission/Product Safety Australia, Official recall notice for the ANKO portable blender sold at Kmart and Target, highlighting the self-activation hazard when the base contacts water. Could your morning smoothie routine be hiding this unexpected danger? Source: Australian Competition & Consumer Commission/Product Safety Australia, Official recall notice for the ANKO portable blender sold at Kmart and Target, highlighting the self-activation hazard when the base contacts water. Could your morning smoothie routine be hiding this unexpected danger? Source: Australian Competition & Consumer Commission/Product Safety Australia, Official recall notice for the ANKO portable blender sold at Kmart and Target, highlighting the self-activation hazard when the base contacts water. Could your morning smoothie routine be hiding this unexpected danger? Source: Australian Competition & Consumer Commission/Product Safety Australia,
Is Your Blender Among the Recalled Units?
This recall affects the rechargeable ANKO portable blenders sold between January 23, 2025, and September 3, 2025, both in-store and online. To check if yours is included, look for these model numbers:
Kmart SKU numbers:
- White: 43493081
- Blue: 43495474
- Green: 43495467
- Lilac: 43518364
Target SKU numbers:
- White: 70272727
- Blue: 70348156
- Green: 70348149
- Lilac: 70625486
These compact two-piece blenders were popular for their portability and USB charging feature, making them convenient for office use, gym smoothies, camping, and travel.
What To Do If You Have One
The ACCC and retailers are crystal clear on the next steps:
- Stop using the blender immediately
- Keep it away from water – store it somewhere dry
- Return it to any Kmart or Target store for a full refund
You don’t need your receipt for the refund, and stores are accepting returns even if someone gave the blender to you as a gift or you bought it secondhand.
If getting to a store is difficult, contact the retailers directly:
- Kmart: Call 1800 124 125 (Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 6:00pm AEST) or visit their website
- Target: Call 1300 753 567 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am-7:00pm AEST, Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm AEST) or contact them online
If you can’t return to a store, contact Kmart or Target — they will advise on return options for your situation.
Blender Safety Interactive Guide
Learn why water and blenders don’t mix – and how to stay safe
See What Happens When Blenders Get Wet
Click on the water tap to see what happens when water reaches the blender base. Interact with the hotspots to learn about safety hazards.
Why This Is Dangerous
When water reaches the electrical components inside a portable blender:
- It can create unexpected electrical pathways
- Safety switches can be bypassed
- The motor can activate without warning
- Exposed blades can cause serious injuries
This is exactly what happened with the Kmart/Target ANKO portable blender recall.
Portable Blender Safety Checklist
Click each item to mark as completed. Make sure you follow all these safety tips with your small kitchen appliances.
- Keep all portable blenders away from sinks and water sources
- Never immerse the base of any blender in water
- Check for recalls regularly through Product Safety Australia
- Be cautious of any appliance showing unusual behavior (overheating, strange noises)
- Store blenders with the jar attached to protect the blades
- Unplug rechargeable blenders when not in use
- Dispose of recalled or damaged appliances properly through e-waste facilities
- Keep instruction manuals and warranty information
Test Your Blender Safety Knowledge
Answer these questions to see how much you know about portable blender safety.
1. What should you do if you own a recalled blender?
2. Why are portable blenders particularly dangerous when wet?
3. What is the reference number for the ANKO portable blender recall?
4. What happened to BlendJet Inc. in May 2025?
Recent Portable Blender Recalls
Stay informed about the latest portable blender recalls to keep yourself and your family safe.
ANKO Portable Blender Recall (September 2025)
Affected products: Rechargeable ANKO portable blenders sold at Kmart and Target between January 23, 2025, and September 3, 2025.
Colors: White, Blue, Green, and Lilac
Hazard: Self-activation when the base is immersed in water, causing risk of serious injury from exposed blades.
What to do: Stop using immediately, keep away from water, and return to Kmart or Target for a full refund.
Reference: PRA number 2025/20628
View Official RecallBlendJet2 Portable Blender Recall (December 2023)
Update May 2025: BlendJet Inc. has gone out of business. The recall remedy is no longer available.
Affected products: BlendJet2 portable blenders with serial numbers between 5201-5542.
Hazard: Blades can break off during use, and units can overheat or catch fire.
What to do: Discard the product. Do not donate or resell.
View CPSC Recall
