Home soda-making machines

CPSC Recall #01-151 — May 9, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number01-151
Recall DateMay 9, 2001
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 4,000
Manufactured InSweden

Where It Was Sold

The soda makers were sold at state and county fairs and conventions between 1990 and 1996 for about $200 to $250.

Product

Home soda-making machines

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Drinkmaker of Sweden AB is voluntarily recalling about 4,000 home soda-making machines. Components inside the soda machine can break apart, posing a serious risk of lacerations to consumers who can be struck by shrapnel.There have been three reports of incidents: a 7-year-old boy suffered lacerations to the neck and arms that required hospitalization; a 44-year-old man suffered multiple fractures and a laceration to his right hand; and a 52-year-old man suffered lacerations to his right hand and chin, a fracture of the little finger and contusions to the stomach. The recalled soda machines are shaped like coffee makers, with a white exterior and a black lid, under which a carbon dioxide container and mixing ingredients are placed. The model name, "Drink Master," "Drink Maker," "The Drink Machine," or "The Carbonator" is printed in black on the front of the machine. Under the lid are the words "Made in Sweden." The soda makers were sold at state and county fairs and conventions between 1990 and 1996 for about $200 to $250.Consumers should stop using these soda machines immediately and call The Soft Drink Company, of Seattle, Washington, toll-free at (877) 438-7632 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to receive a free repair. Unused machines should be discarded to prevent the possibility of injury.Soda machines sold after 1996 are not being recalled.

Hazard

Components inside the soda machine can break apart, posing a serious risk of lacerations to consumers who can be struck by shrapnel.

Incidents & Injuries

There have been three reports of incidents: a 7-year-old boy suffered lacerations to the neck and arms that required hospitalization; a 44-year-old man suffered multiple fractures and a laceration to his right hand; and a 52-year-old man suffered lacerations to his right hand and chin, a fracture of the little finger and contusions to the stomach. 

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these soda machines immediately and call The Soft Drink Company, of Seattle, Washington, toll-free at (877) 438-7632 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to receive a free repair. Unused machines should be discarded to prevent the possibility of injury.

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.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.