Walmart Ozark Trail Stove Recall Refund Process
On November 28, 2025, Walmart recalled 201,000 Ozark Trail Tabletop 1-Burner Butane Camping Stoves due to explosion and fire hazards. The CPSC documented 26 incidents and 16 burn injuries.
If you own this stove, stop using it immediately. Walmart is offering full refunds at any store with no receipt required. The refund process is straightforward, and safe alternative stoves are widely available at similar prices.
Key Takeaways
- Only the BG2247A1 model is affected. Two burner Ozark Trail models are not part of the recall
- Full refunds are available at any Walmart customer service desk with no receipt needed
- Stop using the stove immediately if you own one and store it outdoors away from any ignition sources
The Recalled Mode
The recalled stove is the Ozark Trail Tabletop 1-Burner Butane Camping Stove, model BG2247A1.
It is a compact single burner design with a butane cartridge slot on the side and a simple control knob. Two burner Ozark Trail models and other 1-burner models are not affected.
How to Find the Model Number
The model number BG2247A1 is stamped on the bottom panel or rear section near the fuel cartridge compartment. Check the original box if you still have it.
If the label is worn or unclear, contact Walmart customer service with a photo of the stove. Staff can confirm the model visually.
Confusion with Other Models
Two burner Ozark Trail camp stoves are not recalled. If your stove has two burners side by side, it is safe to use. Make sure the model number is exactly BG2247A1.
★ Similar looking stoves with different model numbers are not part of this recall.
Get Your Refund
Walmart is processing refunds at customer service desks in all stores. You do not need a receipt but having one speeds things up.
- Locate the model number BG2247A1 on the stove body or packaging to confirm it is the affected model
- Go to the Walmart customer service desk, not the regular returns counter
- Tell staff the stove is part of the official CPSC recall for model BG2247A1
- Bring the stove itself as proof. A receipt is not required but helps speed up the process
- Receive your full refund immediately in cash or within 5 to 7 business days back to your card
If you paid by credit or with debit card, Walmart could look up your transaction using the card number even without a receipt. This makes the process much faster.
Refunds Without a Receipt
Walmart honors refunds for recalled products without proof of purchase. The stove itself and the model number are enough. If the label is faded, bring clear photos of the model number to the customer service desk.
Important
If you bought the stove secondhand, you are not officially eligible for a manufacturer refund. Ask to speak with a store manager as Walmart may process it as a goodwill gesture.
What to Do If Store Refuses
Most Walmart locations honor the recall without any issues but some stores have refused refunds. If this happens, escalate right away.
✦ Contact your state Attorney General and file a consumer complaint about the refund denial. Many states have rapid response teams for safety recalls that can force retailer compliance
✦ Call Walmart Corporate at 1-800-925-6278. Reference the CPSC recall and your store location. Ask for a supervisor if the first representative says no
✦ File a CPSC complaint at SaferProducts.gov or call 1-800-638-2772. Provide the store location and details of the refusal. The CPSC can pressure Walmart into compliance
Why These Stoves Explode
The BG2247A1 fails because of a defective butane regulator. The pressure valve that controls fuel flow degrades under sustained heat. When the seal fails, butane escapes uncontrolled and causes dangerous pressure buildup inside the fuel cartridge or a fuel line rupture.
Butane is highly flammable. Even small leaks create explosive vapor clouds that ignite instantly near the burner flame or any nearby heat source.
How the Pressure Valve Fails
During normal use the regulator maintains safe pressure by controlling butane flow from the cartridge to the burner. When the rubber gasket or metal seat degrades under heat, fuel releases without control and pressure inside the cartridge rises to dangerous levels.
Safe stoves from brands like Coleman, Kovea, and Iwatani include a secondary pressure relief valve that prevents catastrophic failure if the primary valve fails.
The BG2247A1 has no backup valve, which is why it is dangerous.
★ Hot weather and direct sunlight also increase cartridge pressure, making defective valves even more likely to fail. Stoves used in summer or in direct sun carry the highest risk.
Safe Storage Until Refund
Store the stove outdoors in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area while you wait for your refund.
Note
Never store it in a garage, shed, or any enclosed space. Butane vapor is heavier than air and can build up in enclosed areas creating an explosion risk.
Keep the stove at least 10 feet away from grills, fire pits, electrical outlets, and open flames. Do not remove the butane cartridge yourself as this risks fuel release. Leave it installed and store the stove as it is.
Red Flags to Watch For
Stop using the stove immediately if you notice any of these:
- Difficulty igniting after multiple attempts may mean the regulator is failing
- Hissing sounds from the regulator or fuel line mean pressure is escaping. Evacuate the area right away
- A strong butane smell similar to lighter fluid means fuel is leaking. Move the stove outdoors immediately
- Yellow, orange, or erratic flames indicate fuel pressure issues. Blue flame is normal
- A swollen or distorted butane cartridge means pressure has built up to a dangerous level
Safe Replacement Stoves
If you need a camping stove while waiting for your refund, buy a safe alternative. The price premium over the BG2247A1 ($20-25) is minimal, and the safety benefit is huge.
Top Butane Stove Alternatives
| Alternative | Description | Price | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Butane Stove (PerfectFlow) | Backup safety valve for extra protection | $25-35 | Walmart, Amazon, Target |
| Kovea Spider Stove | Great pressure control, trusted by campers | $30-45 | Amazon |
| Iwatani Primus Butane Stove | Multi-stage pressure relief, industry standard | $40-60 | Amazon, outdoor specialty stores |
Propane & Liquid Fuel Options
The Coleman Classic Propane Stove uses refillable propane canister instead of disposable butane. Propane is heavier and less prone to vapor accumulation. Price: $35-50.
Coleman Liquid Fuel Stove (white gas) is the safest option. Uses pressurized liquid fuel with no cartridge explosion risk. Requires priming but extremely reliable. Price: $50-80. Ideal for car camping or base camps.
Legal Rights
Retailers must refund or replace recalled products under FTC rules. Walmart can’t force you into store credit or delayed refunds. They’re required to notify consumers, process refunds without pushback, and pull the product from shelves.
If you’re injured while waiting for a refund, you may be able to sue both the manufacturer and Walmart for damages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Most states give you 2-3 years from the injury date to file.
Keep receipts, photos of the stove, records of your communication with Walmart, and medical records if injured. This documentation strengthens any claim. If injured, file a report at SaferProducts.gov and consider consulting a product liability attorney, many offer free consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are 2-burner Ozark Trail stoves also recalled?
No. Only the 1-burner model BG2247A1 is affected. Verify your model number before returning.
How long does the refund take?
Immediate refund (cash) or 5-7 business days (card). Confirm the timeline with the cashier at time of return.
Is there a deadline to claim the refund?
CPSC recalls remain valid indefinitely, but Walmart may set an internal deadline. Return as soon as possible to avoid complications.
What if I bought the stove secondhand?
Secondhand buyers aren’t officially eligible, but Walmart may process as a goodwill gesture. Try returning to Walmart first; escalate if denied.
