Model 8781 Hi-Speed Toasters

CPSC Recall #95-149 — July 24, 1995

Recall Summary

Recall Number95-149
Recall DateJuly 24, 1995
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units Affected6,775
ManufacturerTEFAL Corporation of Pine Brook, N.J.

Product

Model 8781 Hi-Speed Toasters

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, TEFAL Corporation of Pine Brook, N.J., is voluntarily recalling 6,775 Model 8781 Hi-Speed Toasters. The toaster's heating unit may not turn off, presenting a potential fire hazard. TEFAL received 11 reports of the toaster overheating. In some instances, food items caught fire; and in one instance, a fire from the toaster caused damage to a kitchen. The white plastic toasters measure approximately 14 inches long, 6 inches high, and 4.5 inches wide. The words "TEFAL Hi-speed Thick 'n' Thin" appear on the side of the toaster. A dial with six control settings is located in the bottom right hand corner of the front of the toaster. Various retailers sold the toasters nationwide from June 1994 to December 1994 for $29.99. Consumers who own a toaster manufactured by TEFAL should disconnect it and check the model number located on a metal plate on the bottom of the toaster. Consumers who have a Model 8781 toaster should contact TEFAL at (800) 395-8325 to arrange for a replacement or refund. CPSC and TEFAL are not aware of injuries involving this product. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Hazard

The toaster's heating unit may not turn off, presenting a potential fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

TEFAL received 11 reports of the toaster overheating. In some instances, food items caught fire; and in one instance, a fire from the toaster caused damage to a kitchen. CPSC and TEFAL are not aware of injuries involving this product.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who own a toaster manufactured by TEFAL should disconnect it and check the model number located on a metal plate on the bottom of the toaster. Consumers who have a Model 8781 toaster should contact TEFAL at (800) 395-8325 to arrange for a replacement or refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund, 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 (Refund, 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.