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Recall: Frigidaire Clothes Washers Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Crosley®, Frigidaire®, Kelvinator®, Kenmore®, Wascomat®, and White-Westinghouse® clothes washers

Units: About 35,000

Distributor: Frigidaire, of Cleveland, Ohio

Hazard: An internal defect in the washer’s drain pump can cause heat to build up, posing a fire hazard to the consumer.

Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Crosley®, Frigidaire®, Kelvinator®, Kenmore®, Wascomat®, and White-Westinghouse® top load washers, 3.1 cubic foot front load washers and laundry centers.

Product Type Brand Model Serial Number
Top Load Washer Crosley, Frigidaire, Kelvinator,
White- Westinghouse
CTW100FW GLWS1749FS SWS833HS
FTW3011KW KWS1349DS SWX703HQ
FTW3014KW MWS939AS SWX703HS
FWS1233FS SWS1233HQ WWS833FS
FWS933FS SWS1233HS WWTW3000KW
GLWS1439FC SWS1339HS
GLWS1439FS SWS1649HS
XC90306228 to XC91606302
Front Load Washer Crosley, Frigidaire, Wascomat,
White- Westinghouse
CFW2000FW FTF530FS WE17N
FCCW3000FS GLTF1570FS WTF330HS
FTF1240FS WE17M
XC90501765 to XC91607678
Laundry Center Crosley, Frigidaire, Kenmore,
White -Westinghouse
97812 CLCE900FW GLET1142FS
97912 FEX831FS GLGH1642FS
97962 FGX831FS GLGT1031FS
C97812 FLGB8200FS GLGT1142FS
C97912 GCET1031FS MEX731CFS
C97962 GLEH1642FS SWSG1031HS
CLCE500FW GLET1031FS SWXG831HS
XE85104013 to XE91603486

*Not all serial numbers within these ranges are affected.

Model and serial numbers can be located as follows:

Top load washer = open the product’s lid, and the model and serial number are located inside the product’s lid, on the top, right hand corner.

Front load washer = open the door, and the model and serial number are located with other information at the top, center.

Laundry center = open the door to the dryer, and the model and serial number are located on the outer edge of the door nearest the door’s handle.

Sold by: Sears and other retailers nationwide from February 2009 through May 2009 for between $300 and $1100.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the machine. Consumers should contact Frigidaire or Sears (if unit was purchased there) to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Frigidaire at (800) 734-4519 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.laundrypumprecall.com. For consumers who purchased their product at Sears, call Sears toll free at (888) 549-5870 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, or visit Sear’s Web site at www.sears.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell them about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

Recall: Fiesta to Repair Gas Grills Due to Fire, Burn Hazards

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Name of Product: Blue Ember Gas Grills
Units: About 88,000 units in the United States (47,000 gas grills were previously recalled in October 2008) and 25,000 in Canada
Importer: Fiesta Gas Grills, of Dickson, Tenn.
Manufacturers: Unisplendor Corp., of China and Keesung Corp., of China
Hazard: The hose of the gas tank can get too close to the firebox and be exposed to heat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Fiesta has received 161 reports of grill fires, resulting in nine injuries, including two incidents of major burns on different parts of the body, six incidents of minor burns, and an incident involving temporary hearing loss.

Description: This recall involves Blue Ember liquid propane (LP) outdoor grills with model and serial numbers listed below. The cabinet style grill has two doors and is silver and black or silver and gray. “Blue Ember” is printed on the grill’s hood. The model and serial numbers are printed on a rating plate label on the rear of the grill.

MODEL NUMBERS SERIAL # RANGES
FG50045
FG50057
FG50069
07000003 thru 07010912 07057153 thru 07060224
07015613 thru 07018300 07062217 thru 07062344
07064221 thru 07064604
07029021 thru 07031580 07065373 thru 07065500
07032093 thru 07038876 07039261 thru 07039743 07067165 thru 07073548
07039837 thru 07039964 07074189 thru 07074316
07040221 thru 07042332 07074573 thru 07074828
07043013 thru 07043112
08K000001 thru 08K000640
07046416 thru 07046465 07049362 thru 07050897 07056257 thru 07056896 mnorman@fiestagasgrills.com or visit the company’s Web site at www.blueembergrills.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://209.217.71.106/PR/recall-retrait-e.jsp?re_id=807

Paint Your Appliance Pink Contest

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PartSelect.com is pleased to announce the launch of its Paint Your Appliance Pink contest which runs from July 1, 2009 – September 1, 2009. Contestants can enter to win 1 of 3 Pink Prize Packages valued at $369.97 and help PartSelect donate up to $10,000 to Breast Cancer Research.

Breast Cancer is the second most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death in women. It is so common that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.

For each valid contest entry received, PartSelect will donate $25.00 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, up to a maximum of $10,000.

The contest is easy to enter. Simply paint a pink ribbon on any major home appliance and send a photo of it to PartSelect. The ribbon can be located anywhere on the appliance and only needs to be big enough to be visible in the photo. A valid entry consists of one pink ribbon painted on one major appliance. Contestants can enter once per appliance.

Each contestant will be entered into 3 monthly draws to win 1 of 3 Pink Prize Packages valued at $369.97. The Pink Prize Packages consist of a Pink KitchenAid Stand Mixer, Pink Stand Mixer Cover, Pink Silicone Spatula, Pink Silicone Heart Pan, Pink Measuring Cups and Spoons Set, and a Cook For The Cure Apron. Draws will take place on August 3, 2009, September 3, 2009, and October 3, 2009.

The official contest webpage and rules can be found at Paint Your Appliance Pink.

What to do with Your Old Refrigerator – or Not

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Here’s a blast from the not too distant past – FridgeHenge. Adam Horowitz created the public art work in Santa Fe, New Mexico, composed of over 100 used refrigerators. In the Spring of 2007, after it had been around for about twelve years, it had become an eyesore and was torn down.

When it was first constructed, it was a statement about American consumerism, but it became a tourist destination and drew visitors from around the world. Time and strong wind took their toll on the sculpture which was dismantled when it became a public health and safety hazard.

It started out as a statement about American consumerism and waste, and then it sort of became waste itself,” City spokeswoman Laura Banish said.

Exactly, Horowitz said.

“I always had debated with the bureaucrats who would ask, ‘Is it art or is it garbage?’ and I’d say, ‘Yes, that’s the point,”‘ he said.

KitchenAid Introduces High Performance Commercial Style Cooking Line

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KitchenAid’s new Commercial-Style series includes high performance cooktops, dual-fuel ranges and powerful ventilation hoods, all designed to enable chef-worthy results at home, according to Debbie O’Connor, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid.

Premium features in the new collection include KitchenAid’s 20,000 BTU Ultra Power Dual Flame Burner, the most powerful burner among leading manufacturers. Its dual-flame stacked burner design with two flame levels is versatile enough to handle both the high temperatures needed for quick searing and the precise, low temperatures required for gentle simmering. Additional burners found on all models include 15,000 BTU professional burners and 5,000 BTU simmer/melt burners that can be lowered to as little as 500 BTUs.

Cooks will also appreciate an Even-Heat True Convection System that combines a 1600-watt hidden oven element and unique bow-tie shaped baffle design to promote more even airflow. This system allows for consistent temperatures and even cooking whether using one or all three racks simultaneously in the oven.

Steam-assist technology offers yet another way to help cooks achieve professional results in a full size oven. The easy to use Auto Steam function introduces steam into the oven at precise intervals and offers preprogrammed settings for everything from meats, fish and vegetables to desserts.

“The steam-assist function makes it even easier to achieve professional results at home by eliminating the need for manual steps like spritzing and basting for breads and roasts or having to use a water bath to evenly and gently cook cheesecakes and other custard-based desserts from center to edge,” notes O’Connor.

A new Even-Heat Chrome Electric Griddle option features a chrome-infused steel surface with a 1320-watt element that provides even heat distribution at temperatures of 150ºF to 500ºF. The durable chrome finish, similar to commercial restaurant quality material, is easy to clean, retains its bright appearance after use and creates less radiant heat to help keep the kitchen cooler. An 18,000 BTU Even-Heat gas grill option combines a log burner, flame spreader and wave tray to provide powerful and even heat distribution. Blue indicator lights on both the griddle and grill show when desired temperature is reached.

All the cooktops feature low-profile grates with a new single grate design for easier lifting when cleaning. Additional design features include die-cast metal knobs with precise alignment and a commercial style handle with die-cast end caps. A full-width oven door on the ranges has a large window for easier viewing of foods as they cook. A glass-touch menu-driven LCD display provides an easy-to-use interface.

Scheduled to begin shipping to retailers in the second quarter, the new dual fuel ranges and cooktops will be offered in 30-, 36- and 48-inch configurations. Options for a grill or griddle will be offered on 36- and 48-inch cooktops and 36-inch ranges. The 48-inch model ranges will be available with a

griddle option. All sizes of the new dual fuel ranges will offer the option of the KitchenAid brand’s dual fan convection with steam-assist technology and the 48-inch range will offer the industry’s only double oven range with steam-assist technology available in both ovens. Suggested retail prices will range from $4,099 to $9,299 for the dual fuel ranges and from $2,099 to $3,399 for the cooktops.

New Commercial-Style ventilation offerings will include wall-mount canopy hoods available in 30-, 36-, 42- and 48-inch sizes, and island-mount canopy hoods available in 36-, 42- and 48-inch sizes. Commercial-Style wall and island canopies will feature powerful exhaust systems with 3-speed fan control ranging from 600-1200 CFM. Select models will include two warming lamps to help keep cooked food warm while plating to serve. Other features in the latest KitchenAid ventilation line include an all metal Pro Motor, halogen lighting for better visibility and heavy-duty dishwasher-safe filters. Available in stainless steel, suggested retail prices will range from $2,099 to $2,999.

Hannspree’s New LCD TV

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From TWICE Hannspree North America introduced Monday a 25-inch FullHD 1080p LCD TV as the first offering in its mainstream ST series line.

Model ST251MKB, which carries a $400 suggested retail, will be available exclusively at Costco and will be followed by larger models later this year.

Hannspree’s ST-series LCD televisions feature an all-black design with a glossy front bezel.

Included with the set will be a 6-foot HDMI cable and universal remote control.

The televisions will also include a PC input for use as a large-format computer monitor.

“Hannspree has delivered high-end, very unique televisions to the design-focused users. With the launch of ST series, now mainstream, value-minded users can benefit from our superior design, functionality and quality of our televisions,” said Wynn Yiu, Hannspree North America president.

Recall:Black & Decker Spacemaker Coffeemakers Due to Burn Hazard

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Name of Product: Black & Decker® brand Spacemaker™ Coffeemakers

Units: About 584,000

Distributor: Applica Consumer Products Inc., of Miramar, Fla.

Hazard: The brew basket can shift out of alignment allowing hot water to overflow. This poses a scalding and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 235 reports of hot water overflowing and contacting consumers, including 10 reports of second-degree burns.

Description: The recalled product is the Black & Decker-branded Spacemaker™ coffeemaker. The product has an under-cabinet mount, programmable digital clock/timer, removable water reservoir, and either a 12-cup glass carafe or an 8-cup thermal carafe. Only model numbers ODC440, ODC440B, ODC450 and ODC460 are included in the recall. The model number can be located on the back of the coffeemaker.

Sold at: Major retailers nationwide, including K-Mart, Kohl’s, Target, Wal-Mart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Amazon.com, from March 2006 through March 2009 for between $60 and $70.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled coffeemaker immediately and contact Applica for a free replacement brew basket.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Applica toll-free at (866) 668-4442 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.acprecall.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell them about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

Recall: Viking Range Corporation Built-In Refrigerators Due to Injury Hazard; Doors Can Detach

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Name of Product: Viking Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator/Freezers and Refrigerators with Bottom Freezers

Units: About 45,000

Manufacturer: Viking Range Corporation, of Greenwood, Miss.

Hazard: The refrigerator’s doors can detach, posing an injury hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Viking has received about 57 reports of doors detaching, including four reports of injuries involving bruises, broken toes/fingers, and strains. Also, several incidents of minor damage to floors and counters have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Viking built-in 48-inch wide side-by-side refrigerator/freezers and the built-in 36-inch wide refrigerators with bottom freezers with model and serial numbers with date codes listed below. The refrigerators come in stainless steel and various colors and wood finishes and are built into the kitchen cabinetry. “Viking” is written on the front of the refrigerator. The model and serial numbers are located either behind the produce drawer or on the ceiling of the interior of the refrigerators. The 42-inch wide or freestanding refrigerators are not included in this recall.

Model Numbers Starting With Date Codes
VCSB481, VCSB482, DDSB482, DFSB482
DTSB482, DDBB362, VCBB360, VCBB362
DFBB362, DTBB362, DTBB363 All units
VCSB483, DDSB483, DFSB483, DTSB483 Date codes before 030104
VCSB483D, DDSB483D, DFSB483D Date codes before 030105
VCBB363 Date codes before 102005
DDBB363 Date codes before 112305
DFBB363 Date codes before 041006

The first six numbers in the serial number are the manufacture date of the unit in [mm][dd][yy] format, e.g., serial number 051903G0000000375 was manufactured on May 19, 2003 and serial number F01250210170 was manufactured on January 25, 2002.

Sold by: Appliance and specialty retailers nationwide from July 1999 through April 2006 for between $4,725 and $6,400.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers with recalled refrigerators should contact Viking immediately to schedule a free in-home repair. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled refrigerator if the door isn’t sealing properly, is sagging, or fails to open and close properly. If the door is functioning properly, consumers may continue to use the refrigerator until it has been repaired.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Viking toll-free at (888) 345-2650 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit Viking’s Web site at www.vikingrange.com

Recall: Starbucks Barista Blade Coffee Grinders Made by Tsann Kuen

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Name of Product: Starbucks Barista® Blade Grinders and Seattle’s Best Coffee® Blade Grinders

Units: About 530,000

Importer: Starbucks Coffee Co., of Seattle, Wash.

Manufacturer: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co. Ltd. (“TKL”), of China

Hazard: The grinder can fail to turn off or can turn on unexpectedly, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 176 reports of grinders that failed to turn off or that turned on unexpectedly, including three reports of hand lacerations that occurred when the grinders turned on unexpectedly during cleaning.

Description: This recall includes the Starbucks Barista® Blade Grinders and Seattle’s Best Coffee® Blade Grinders with the following colors and SKU numbers:

Brand Color SKU #
Starbucks Barista® Blade Grinder Stainless Steel 171884
Starbucks Barista® Blade Grinder Green 195234
Starbucks Barista® Blade Grinder Pink 195235
Starbucks Barista® Blade Grinder Orange 220623
Starbucks Barista® Blade Grinder Teal 220624
Starbucks Barista® Blade Grinder Cranberry 242275
Starbucks Barista® Blade Grinder Olive 344476
Starbucks Barista® Blade Grinder Black 454482
Seattle’s Best Coffee® Blade Grinder Brown Metallic 474881

Sold at: Starbucks and Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide from March 2002 through March 2009 for about $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the coffee grinders and contact Starbucks to receive a free replacement grinder.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Starbucks toll free at (866) 276-2950 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. MT or visit the company’s Web site at www.starbucks.com

Jenn-Air’s Newest Refrigerator Line

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Jenn-Air, is introducing a new collection of high performance built-in refrigerators; available configurations in the new fully-integrated flush built-in refrigerator collection include 36-inch bottom-freezer and popular side-by-side door models along with an industry-first 42-inch French door bottom-freezer model offering the widest interior space available in any flush refrigerator currently on the market.

Created with the design-conscious consumer in mind, the thinner exterior door provides a flush fit with custom cabinetry for a seamless exterior, while the interior features greater usable cubic space than similar flush refrigerators. High performance vacuum insulation panels help maintain energy and keep food fresher, longer. The articulated hinge is equipped with a multi-pivot arm mechanism for smooth opening and closing. This hinge allows the refrigerator door to swing beyond a 90 degree angle.

All refrigerators in the new line feature Advanced Climate Control Technology which allows customized drawer storage at lower temperatures than the refrigerator for highly perishable foods through independently controlled Advanced Climate Control bins. Four settings provide more precise control of different temperatures including deli, produce, meat and Quick Chill. The Quick Chill setting lowers the bin temperature below liquid freezing point for a period of one hour, ideal for quickly chilling white wine, sparkling water or other beverages. . An industry exclusive removable water filter conveniently located at the base grill is easily accessible and features PUR® filtering technology.

Launching this spring, style options include the sleek Euro-Style Stainless and the commercial look of Pro-Style® Stainless. Beginning this fall, the warm hued tones of Oiled Bronze and the contemporary Floating Glass in both black and white will be added to the collection and all finishes will be available with updated style options. For consumers who may redecorate frequently, the exterior panels of the refrigerators are designed as separate pieces and can be easily switched out with a different style panel without having to replace the refrigerator. The overlay model accepts custom panels and handles, allowing the refrigerator to blend seamlessly with existing cabinetry. The refrigerators are available in 36-inch bottom-freezer, 42-inch French door bottom-freezer, and 42-inch and 48-inch side by side non-dispensing configurations.