Consumer group Which? has issued a 'don't buy' warning for several products in its 2026 list, including a child car seat that failed crash tests, a stroller with a detaching wheel, a blood pressure monitor giving false readings, and an air purifier that struggled to remove particles.
Kinderkraft car seat scores 0% after serious safety failure
The Kinderkraft Mink Pro 2 and Mink FX 2 Isofix Base, costing £79 with the base, was put through a crash test exceeding legal requirements. The seat shell came loose from the Isofix base and flew through the test vehicle, prompting Which? to give it a 0% score. 'This represents a real safety risk for your baby in the event of a crash,' Which? said. When installed using the vehicle seatbelt, the seat scored 50%. The product has not been recalled, but Which? advises owners to contact the retailer or manufacturer for a replacement or refund.
Red Kite stroller wheel falls off during durability test
The £95 Red Kite Push Me Explor Stroller scored 43% after one of its wheels came off during durability testing on uneven surfaces. Which? recommended the Joie MyDrift (74% score, £250) as a 'great value' alternative that performed well in safety and ease-of-use tests.
Braun blood pressure monitor gives false readings
The £80 Braun ExactFit 5 Connect Blood Pressure Monitor was found to provide false high or low readings, potentially causing unnecessary anxiety or misdiagnosis. Which? recommended the £35 Boots Multi-User Blood Pressure Monitor, which delivered accurate readings in under a minute.
Silentnight air purifier fails to remove small particles
The £69 Silentnight Airmax 800 Air Purifier scored only 37%. While quiet, it struggled to remove small particles compared to other products. The £59 Blueair Mini Max achieved 65% after performing well in removing dust, pollen, and smoke.
Manufacturer responses
A Kinderkraft spokesperson said the Mink Pro 2 and Mink FX 2 comply with Regulation R129, confirmed by tests before and after launch, and they are offering exchanges or refunds. A Braun spokesperson disputed the analysis, stating their product undergoes rigorous independent testing. A RedKite spokesperson said their products passed independent BS EN 1888 standards and they are investigating urgently. A Silentnight spokesperson noted the Airmax 800 is designed for HEPA filtration, not for removing volatile organic compounds.
Which? editor comments
Harry Rose, Which? Magazine Editor, said: 'Shoppers shouldn’t have to gamble on whether a product will perform as promised. Our 2026 Don’t Buys show that a well-known brand or premium price tag is no guarantee of quality, safety or performance.'
