Electric Simmer Pots

CPSC Recall #08-255 — April 23, 2008

Recall Summary

Recall Number08-255
Recall DateApril 23, 2008
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 830,000
ImporterWaxcessories® Inc., of Dracut, Mass.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Gift and novelty shops nationwide from April 2002 through April 2008 for between $17 and $25.

Product

Electric Simmer Pots

Description

The electric simmer pots were sold in a variety of styles and were designed to melt scented wax in a ceramic cup. The cup sits on a ceramic base that contains a 40-watt bulb, socket and electric cord. The recall includes all designs of the electric simmer pots and all item numbers. The words "ELECTRIC SIMMER POT" and the design name are printed on the bar code label, which is located on the bottom of the base. For a complete list of individual item numbers and photos, visit the firm's recall Web site at www.simmerpotrecall.com.

Hazard

The simmer pots have wire connections that can become loose, posing a risk of fire and electric shock to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

There have been 161 reports of discolored cords, loose wires, and wires separating from the pot. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the simmer pots immediately and contact Waxcessories for instructions on receiving a free replacement product.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.