The Optimus Gemini has been recalled by Optimus. Reason for the recall is that the gas regulator might malfunction with a fire hazard as result. In the video I explain the problem, what production dates and serial numbers are affected and what you should do with your stove.
When I tested the Optimus Gemini double burner gas stove a while ago I already spoke of some designs flaws. I am not going to repeat them here – just watch the review video – but I’ll name one.
More fire than I wished for
During testing outdoors and in my well ventilated shed to collect data, I always positioned the gas canister behind and next to the burners (see picture!). This is the natural way I guess. While finishing the first series of test runs in my shed, all of a sudden the whole stove, pot and lid went on fire. I turned on the camera immediately so we have footage on what I did to extinguish the fire but first I looked for what caused the blowpipe flame. It was a melted piece of gas hose. I unscrewed the gas canister – a little blowpipe flame from escaping gas as a result – and the fire died.
Why the recall?
Now back to the Optimus recall. The problem with the Optimus Gemini is the fact that an internal part of the gas regulator component may have a burr that may wear or tear a hole in the seal, causing gas to leak out of the back of the regulator, posing a fire hazard. The only thing one can do is unscrew the gas canister. When you do this a little bit of gas escapes and will catch fire too. When my accident happend, I was 100% convinced that not having a gas regulator on the part that connects the hose to the gas canister is a mayor design mistake. Taking to Optimus they came to the same conclusion.
Problem known for over a year
The problem with the burr and the seal is not new. Soon after the Gemini was introduced in spring 2021, a problem appeared: some stoves had a gas leak resulting in an extra flame on the side between the burners. Delivery of the stoves to shops and consumers was postponed and the ones that malfunctioned were investigated and exchanged. The problem was only occurring at a small amount of stoves and a total recall was not needed. This is the same issue that Optimus decided on now to do the recall. About 15 stoves have been diognozed by Optimus with this fault.
What serial numbers are effected?
It affects Optimus Gemini portable 2-burner stoves that have been produced between January 2021 and August 2022 and the serial numbers: RG000001 to RG006788 and RG023004 to RG023323. If you want to know if your stove is a problem stove, just look at the part that connects to the gas canister and the serial number on it.
What to do?
Since the effected part and the design of the stove does not allow for repair of the regulators, you should stop using the Optimus Gemini and return it to the original place of purchase for a full refund. Even if you don’t have the receipt you can still return the stove.
In case of questions
If you have any question about the recall and bringing back the stove, please contact Optimus directly. The contact details are below. You will also find a link to the Optimus website with the recall information.
Information
Optimus contact: Katadyn Deutschland GmbH at +49-6105-975123-21 Monday through Thursday, from 8 am to 4 pm GTM+1 or send an e-mail to customer service.
Optimus recall page: www.katadyngroup.com