Electric Toasters Recalled

QVC and Salton Inc. have recalled approximately 5,200 "Cook's Essential" electric toasters because of their potential to turn on "spontaneously" and cause fires. Some damage has been caused by these toasters, and customers are urged to stop using them.

According to a press release issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on Tuesday, the recall involves approximately fifty-two hundred toasters, which are the "Cook's Essential CET 401" four-slice model. They can be identified by a plate on the bottom reading "Cook's Essentials Classic Look Toaster, Model: CET401", and they measure 12" (length) x 13" (width) x 8" (height) inches. They were manufactured in China and distributed by Salton Inc. They were primarily sold by QVC on its television channel, by telephone, at its outlet, employee and Studio stores, and through its web site. Some may have also been sold at other retailers. They were priced at $63-69 with approximately eight dollars in shipping/handling costs, and were sold January-June 2003.

The problem with these electric toasters is that they are capable of "spontaneously" turning on without any bread inserted in their slots, possibly causing a fire. It has been reported to QVC that ten toasters turned on in this manner, and one caused a fire which damaged kitchen cabinets. Two toaster covers were also burned. Fortunately, they are not aware of any injuries caused by the recalled toasters.

The press release advises customers to immediately cease using the toasters and disconnect them from the electrical outlet. QVC television or web site customers should cut the power cord off where it enters the toaster, and mail the cord to QVC using a pre-paid envelope they should have received, or contact QVC (at (800) 367-9444, 7:00 AM - 1:00 AM Eastern all week), seven days a week) to receive this envelope. QVC store customers should return the toaster to the store, and those who purchased these toasters elsewhere should contact Salton at (800) 233-9054 (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Mon-Fri). Customers can also visit the QVC or Salton web sites for more information.

According to a report (PDF) issued by the CPSC on the causes of fires in 1998, toasters and toaster ovens caused about 2,200 fires during that year, which is less than ranges and ovens (51,800) were responsible for, but more than microwaves (1,500), dishwashers (600), coffee makers (300), or hot plates (200) caused in the same time period. They also caused just over thirteen million dollars in property damage.

Sources:

1. Consumer Product Safety Commission, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08001.html
2. CPSC, http://www.cpsc.gov/library/fire98.pdf