The first chilly evenings of fall are when many people drag the patio heater out of the garage and fire it up for one last season of outdoor gatherings. This year, there is one extra step worth taking first. A gas patio heater sold on Amazon has been recalled because parts in it can fail and release gas.
It is a small recall, so this is a “check your patio” story and not a mass alarm. Still, gas is not something to be casual about, and the refund process has a few unusual steps that are worth knowing.
What Was Recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of VQQQ gas patio heaters on October 22, 2026. About 100 units are involved. They were sold on Amazon.com from July 2024 to August 2026 for about $346 each.
According to the notice, components in the heater can malfunction and cause gas to be released. That creates a fire and burn hazard. No incidents have been reported so far, which is good news, and the recall is aimed at preventing any from happening.
Because only about 100 were sold, most readers will not own one. But if you ordered a patio heater from Amazon in the last couple of years, it is worth looking at the brand name on the label.
What To Do If You Have One
The recall lays out a clear set of steps, and the order matters.
- Stop using the heater.
- Close the valve at the gas source. This shuts off the supply before anything else.
- Disconnect the hose.
- Mark the base of the heater clearly with the word “Recalled.”
- Take a photo of the base showing the marking, and email it to [email protected] to request a full refund.
- Dispose of the heater.
Marking the base with the word Recalled is the company’s way of confirming that the heater has been taken out of service. A permanent marker, a strip of tape or a piece of paper with large letters would show the word clearly. Make sure the photo shows both the word and the base of the heater.
Why Gas Equipment Deserves Extra Care
The recall warns about fire and burn risk from released gas, and that is a reason to handle the heater with care. Do not try to light it to test whether it works. Do not try to fix a recalled unit yourself.
If you ever smell gas near any appliance, shut off the supply if you can do so safely, move away, keep flames and sparks away from the area, and do not use anything that could spark. Leave the area and get help from your gas supplier or local emergency services if you are concerned.
A Seasonal Patio Heater Check
Even if your heater is not part of this recall, this is a good time of year to give it a once-over before the cold nights begin.
- Read the manual before you use it for the first time each season. It will tell you how to connect, light and shut it off.
- Look at the hose and connections for cracks, wear or damage.
- Keep the heater on level ground, well away from walls, awnings, umbrellas, trees and anything that can burn.
- Do not use a patio heater inside a garage, tent or enclosed porch unless the manual specifically says it is allowed.
- Keep children and pets back from the heater while it is on, and let it cool before moving or covering it.
- Turn off the gas at the source when you are finished, not only at the control knob.
Look Up Recalls Before You Buy
Many people buy outdoor gear online, often from sellers they have never heard of. Before buying, it takes only a minute to search the brand name and the word recall. After you buy, save your order confirmation and note the brand and model of the heater, so that if a notice comes out later, you can tell quickly whether it applies to you.
If you know someone who bought a patio heater from Amazon in the past couple of years, send them this story. A recall notice only helps if the owner hears about it, and with a product that sees use only in cold weather, many owners will not think about it until the first chilly night.
Keep Your Records
Hold on to the email you send, along with the photo and any reply you get. If the refund does not arrive, those records show what you did and when you did it. Write down the date you closed the valve and disconnected the hose, too. It only takes a moment, and it is the kind of detail that is easy to forget by the time a refund question comes up.
The Short Version
Check any VQQQ gas patio heater you bought on Amazon. If you have one, stop using it, close the gas valve at the source, disconnect the hose, write Recalled on the base, take a photo and email it for your full refund. If you do not have one, you have lost nothing by checking, and you can enjoy the season with a little more peace of mind.
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