Krups Espresso/Cappuccino Machines, model number 963

CPSC Recall #95-051 - December 20, 1994

Recall Summary

Recall Number95-051
Recall DateDecember 20, 1994
Remedy TypeNew Instructions, Repair
Units AffectedAbout 1,472,000

Product

Krups Espresso/Cappuccino Machines, model number 963

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Krups North America Inc. of Closter, N.J., is voluntarily offering stickers and corrected operating instructions for about 1,472,000 model number 963 Espresso/Cappuccino Machines. While these coffee machines were distributed to retail stores nationwide from 1985 through 1992, some of the machines may still be on sale. To date, Krups has received 57 reports of the carafes on the coffee machines shattering, injuring 15 people. Consumers should note that the letters "min" on the filter holder locking mechanism do not refer to the strength of the coffee, but rather to the position of the filter holder. If the filter holder is set far to the left of "min," steam pressure may build up with enough force to cause the holder to fly out of the coffee machine. This can happen when the filter holder is moved while the machine is in operation. If the filter holder falls down, it can hit the glass carafe, causing the glass to shatter. Flying pieces of metal, glass, plastic, coffee grinds and hot coffee can cause serious cuts or burns to people standing nearby. Consumers should rotate the filter holder to the "max" position and call Krups at (800) 526-5377 to receive a sticker to put over the "min max" position and revised instructions on how to properly use the machine. Krups is offering a $5 rebate good for any Krups products to consumers who request the sticker and instructions. Krups espresso/cappuccino machines manufactured after 1992, which are marked "Lock," are not involved in this recall.

Hazard

If the filter holder is set far to the left of "min," steam pressure may build up with enough force to cause the holder to fly out of the coffee machine. If the filter holder falls down, it can hit the glass carafe, causing the glass to shatter. Flying pieces of metal, glass, plastic, coffee grinds and hot coffee can cause serious cuts or burns to people standing nearby.

Incidents & Injuries

To date, Krups has received 57 reports of the carafes on the coffee machines shattering, injuring 15 people.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should rotate the filter holder to the "max" position and call Krups at (800) 526-5377 to receive a sticker to put over the "min max" position and revised instructions on how to properly use the machine. Krups is offering a $5 rebate good for any Krups products to consumers who request the sticker and instructions.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a New Instructions, Repair 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 (New Instructions, Repair) 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.