Consumers who purchased certain handheld steamers allege that the products can expel scalding water during normal use, posing a risk of burns and rendering them unsafe for their intended purpose. The complaint was filed by Sarah Brannon on March 6, 2026, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against Aterian, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of consumer home goods.
According to the filing, Brannon brings this case individually and on behalf of others who bought PurSteam Mighty Lil Steamer (Model PS-550) or PurSteam Elite Travel Steamer (Model PS-510) manufactured between December 2020 and January 2024. The complaint references a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall issued on February 5, 2026, which affected nearly 119,000 units of the Mighty Lil Steamer and 75,400 units of the Elite Travel Steamer due to reports that these devices could propel hot water during ordinary use.
The plaintiff alleges that Aterian failed to ensure the safety and proper functioning of these products before selling them online through its own channels as well as major e-commerce retailers such as Amazon.com and Walmart.com. Brannon states she personally experienced her steamer expelling hot water during normal use after purchasing it for home and travel purposes. The complaint highlights that there were at least 94 reports of similar defects with over 40 reports involving burn injuries associated with these models.
The legal arguments presented include breach of implied warranty of merchantability under New Jersey law, unjust enrichment, violation of the New Jersey Products Liability Act, violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, and negligence for failure to warn consumers about known hazards. The complaint asserts that “Aterian breached the implied warranty of merchantability because the Class Steamers are not fit for their ordinary purpose” and further alleges that “the defect will expel hot water exposing the consumers to a burn hazard and physical injury.”
Brannon also claims that Aterian continued to sell these steamers despite being aware—or having reason to be aware—of repeated complaints regarding nozzle defects both before and after acquiring the PurSteam brand in December 2020. Citing data from CPSC recall notices, she notes there were “80 reports of hot water being expelled from the PurSteam Elite Travel Steamer model PS-510, including 14 reports of burn injuries,” as well as “392 reports” involving the Mighty Lil Steamer model PS-550 with “40 reports of burn injuries,” two described as second-degree burns.
The lawsuit seeks certification as a class action covering all U.S. purchasers of these two steamer models since December 2020. It requests damages for diminished product value, compensation for personal injuries where applicable, restitution for unjust enrichment by Aterian from sales proceeds, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys’ fees, costs associated with litigation, notification expenses for potential class members, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. Additionally, Brannon demands a jury trial on all triable issues.
Attorneys representing Sarah Brannon and proposed class members are Joseph Lipari from Sultzer & Lipari PLLC in Poughkeepsie, NY; Paul J. Doolittle from Poulin | Willey | Anastopoulo LLC in Charleston, SC; with contact information provided in court documents. The case is identified as Civil Action No. 2:26-cv-02381.
Source: 226cv02381_Brannon_v_Aterian_Inc_Complaint_District_New_Jersey.pdf
