Heating Elements from Electric Rotisseries

CPSC Recall #02-561 — September 8, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-561
Recall DateSeptember 8, 2002
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 37,500

Where It Was Sold

Television infomercials and web sites sold these rotisseries
manufactured in October 1999
nationwide from November 1999 through May 2000.

Product

Heating Elements from Electric Rotisseries

Description

PRODUCT: Electric Rotisseries - Popeil Inventions Inc., of Chatsworth, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 37,500 electric rotisseries manufactured in October 1999. These model number 4000 Showtime Rotisseries have a serial number beginning with ST-AAKa, located on the back, near the bottom of the units. "Ronco Showtime BBQ" is written on the front glass and the model number is printed on the back. Television infomercials and web sites sold these rotisseries, manufactured in October 1999, nationwide from November 1999 through May 2000. PROBLEM: Certain units have been found to leak current from the heating element, posing a risk of electric shock.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: The firm has received reports from 17 consumers, some of whom allegedly have suffered electric shocks while using these rotisseries. No serious injuries have been reported. WHAT TO DO: Repair to the Model 4000 Showtime Rotisseries bearing serial numbers beginning with ST-AAKa is necessary to assure continued safe operation. To receive the free repair, that includes the cost of shipping, call Popeil Inventions Inc. toll-free at (800) 274-7417 between 8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's web site at www.ronco.com Popeil Inventions Inc. was able to notify all customers by direct mail and through notice posted on its web site.

Hazard

Certain units have been found to leak current from the heating element, posing a risk of electric shock.

Incidents & Injuries

The firm has received reports from 17 consumers, some of whom allegedly have suffered electric shocks while using these rotisseries. No serious injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Repair to the Model 4000 Showtime Rotisseries bearing serial numbers beginning with ST-AAKa is necessary to assure continued safe operation. To receive the free repair, that includes the cost of shipping, call Popeil Inventions Inc.

What Should You Do?

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