Proctor-Silex, Sears and J.C. Penney brand automatic drip coffeemakers
CPSC Recall #90-139 - August 22, 1990
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 90-139 |
| Recall Date | August 22, 1990 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | Approximately 800,000 |
Product
Proctor-Silex, Sears and J.C. Penney brand automatic drip coffeemakers
Description
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Proctor-Silex, Inc. today announced the voluntary recall of certain discontinued Proctor-Silex, Sears and J.C. Penney brand automatic drip coffeemaker models manufactured in 1985/86 which present a potential fire hazard. The recall includes certain Proctor-Silex coffeemakers with model numbers that begin with A4 or A5 and series numbers that end with 58 or 68. Recalled Sears Counter Craft and Sears Kenmore coffeemakers are models 360.480293 and 360.480272 (last digit may vary). Recalled J.C. Penney coffeemakers have the model number 784-2178H (or G) and a "C" number ending in 58 or 68. (See step-by-step instructions and full listings attached.) Coffeemakers manufactured after 1985 with model numbers beginning with A6 are not being recalled. Owners of these coffeemakers should call a toll-free number, 1-800-341-3333, to determine whether their coffeemakers are included in the recall, and to get instructions on how to return them and to obtain reimbursement for shipping. The recalled coffeemakers are not repairable, and owners should unplug and stop using them immediately. Proctor-Silex will send each owner a new coffeemaker free of charge. Consumers are being asked to check the automatic drip coffeemakers at their place of work, as well as at home, to see if they have been recalled. The company believes that thermostats and thermal fuses purchased by Proctor-Silex for use in the coffeemaker may both malfunction causing overheating and a potential fire hazard. Proctor-Silex has received approximately 181 reports that their coffeemakers caught fire, including a number with property damage and a report of one minor burn injury that occurred when an owner attempted to pick up an overheated unit. Proctor-Silex estimates that approximately 800,000 of these coffeemakers are still in use. Owners of other Proctor-Silex, Sears Counter Craft, Sears Kenmore and J.C. Penney coffeemakers, which are not being recalled, should not call the 800 number. The lines need to be kept open for the owners of the recalled coffeemakers. Grocery stores nationwide and retail outlets who sold these coffeemakers have been provided detailed information available to consumers to assist them in the identification of the recalled units.
Hazard
The company believes that thermostats and thermal fuses purchased by Proctor-Silex for use in the coffeemaker may both malfunction causing overheating and a potential fire hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
Proctor-Silex has received approximately 181 reports that their coffeemakers caught fire, including a number with property damage and a report of one minor burn injury that occurred when an owner attempted to pick up an overheated unit.
Remedy Instructions
Owners of these coffeemakers should call a toll-free number, 1-800-341-3333, to determine whether their coffeemakers are included in the recall, and to get instructions on how to return them and to obtain reimbursement for shipping. The recalled coffeemakers are not repairable, and owners should unplug and stop using them immediately. Proctor-Silex will send each owner a new coffeemaker free of charge.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a 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 (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.