Model 7000 "Great American Frying Machine" mini electric deep fryer

CPSC Recall #78-042 - June 4, 1978

Recall Summary

Recall Number78-042
Recall DateJune 4, 1978
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units AffectedApproximately 260,000

Product

Model 7000 "Great American Frying Machine" mini electric deep fryer

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 5) -- American Electric Corp., Culver City, Calif., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary replacement, refitting and refund program involving two styles of its model 7000 "Great American Frying Machine," mini electric deep fryers, because they may pose an electric shock hazard. CPSC is aware of one alleged electric shock incident involving each fryer style out of approximately 260,000 marketed. Both styles retailed for about $14.95, and were sold nationwide. This program does not apply to model 7000A fryers. One of the model 7000 styles has two white plastic carrying handles and stands on three black plastic legs. It is encased in a two-tone metal housing with a black top half and a gold bottom half. This style was marketed between January and April 1977. The company will replace this style free of charge. The second style is similar to the first, except it has a black plastic circular base and a single bucket-type plastic handle. This style was marketed between April and December 1977. The company will refit this style with additional electrical insulation. The company warns consumers to immediately stop using these mini fryers and return them to American Electric Corp., 9937 W. Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, Calif. 90230, Attention: Consumer Relations Department. CPSC believes that these two styles of mini deep fryers may, in some instances, pose a potential shock hazard because of the possibility that internal wiring may move during use and contact the metal casing. Any consumer who wants a refund for either style must send the unit to the American Electric Corp., along with proof of purchase indicating the price. Consumers will be reimbursed for postage costs. Consumers who desire information about this program should contact the Consumer Relations Department of the American Electric Corp. at the address cited above, or call the company at (213) 871-2222. To verify the model number, contact CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772.

Hazard

CPSC believes that these two styles of mini deep fryers may, in some instances, pose a potential shock hazard because of the possibility that internal wiring may move during use and contact the metal casing. 

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC is aware of one alleged electric shock incident involving each fryer style out of approximately 260,000 marketed.

Remedy Instructions

Any consumer who wants a refund for either style must send the unit to the American Electric Corp., along with proof of purchase indicating the price. Consumers will be reimbursed for postage costs.

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.

No, you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.

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.