Consumer watchdog Which? has issued an urgent 'do not buy' warning for four products that failed their rigorous independent safety and performance tests in 2026. The products include a child car seat that detached during crash testing, a stroller with a wheel that came off, a blood pressure monitor that gave inaccurate readings, and an at-home cholesterol monitor that failed to align with clinical measurements.
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. Independent testing is more important than ever, helping people avoid wasting money on products that simply don't make the grade.'
Car Seat Failure: Kinderkraft Mink Pro 2 and Mink FX 2 Isofix Base
The Kinderkraft Mink Pro 2 and Mink FX 2 Isofix Base (£79) received a score of zero in Which? tests. The seat shell detached from the Isofix base during crash tests, posing a serious risk of injury in a collision. Although not recalled, Kinderkraft is offering replacements or refunds. A spokesperson said: 'We declare full compliance with Regulation R129, confirmed by numerous verification tests before launch in early 2025 and after. Customer safety is of utmost importance, and we are committed to meeting expectations even though our product fully complies with R129 standards.' Which? recommends the Maxi-Cosi Pebble S and FamilyFix S Base (£260), which earned an 83% Best Buy rating for excellent crash protection.
Stroller Wheel Detachment: Red Kite Push Me Explor Stroller
The Red Kite Push Me Explor Stroller (£95) scored 43% after a wheel detached during durability testing on uneven surfaces. It was also difficult to push over gravel and sand. A spokesperson stated: 'We take product safety extremely seriously. The product has passed independent testing to BS EN 1888 standards, and we have received no reports of issues in everyday use. We are investigating urgently.' Which? recommends the Joie MyDrift (£250), which scored 74%.
Blood Pressure Monitor Inaccuracy: Braun ExactFit 5 Connect
The Braun ExactFit 5 Connect Blood Pressure Monitor (£80) failed tests for accuracy against the AAMI/ISO Universal Standard and British and Irish Hypertension Society criteria. False readings could cause unnecessary anxiety or misdiagnosis. A Braun spokesperson said: 'Our clinical testing follows the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol. This product has been on the market for over six years with a complaint rate related to accuracy of less than 0.05%.' Which? recommends the Boots Multi-User Blood Pressure Monitor (£35), which passed tests and is cheaper.
Cholesterol Monitor Failure: Konsung Pro Dry Biochemical Analyzer
The Konsung Pro Dry Biochemical Analyzer At-Home Cholesterol Monitor (£450) was branded a 'Test Fail' after its data consistently failed to align with clinical reference measurements. Which? recommends the London Medical Laboratory Cholesterol Test (£39), a postal kit that provides reliable lipid readings within 48 hours.
Other Products Flagged
Which? also highlighted the Silentnight Airmax 800 Air Purifier (£69), which scored 37% for poor particle removal despite quiet operation, and the House of Marley Jammin Speaker (£30), which scored 42% for lacking sound clarity. Silentnight said the purifier is not designed to remove volatile organic compounds, and Which? suggests the Blueair Mini Max (£59) and Tribit XSound Plus 2 (£49.98) as alternatives.
