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Recall: Atico International USA Personal Blenders Due to Laceration Hazard

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Name of Product: Signature Gourmet™ and Crofton® Personal Blenders

Units: About 124,000

Importers: Atico International USA Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (for the Crofton® model) and East West Distributing Co., of Deerfield Ill. (for the Signature Gourmet™ model)

Hazard: While placing the cup on or off the base of the blender, the blender can be inadvertently turned on, activating the blade. This can pose a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 14 reports of lacerations, including 11 that required medical treatment and stitches.

Description: This recall involves the Signature Gourmet™ (item number W14A3691) and the Crofton® (model number SB-19) personal blenders. The blenders are white and have 3 components parts – a base containing a power button, a blade assembly, and a blending cup. Signature Gourmet™ or Crofton® is printed on the front of the base of the unit. “SB-19” or “W14A3691” is located on a label at the bottom of the unit.

Sold at: The Signature Gourmet™ blenders were sold at Walgreens stores nationwide from July 2006 through March 2008 for about $16. The Crofton® blenders were sold at Aldi stores nationwide from May 2007 through March 2008 for about $13.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled blenders immediately and call Atico International USA for instructions on returning the product for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Consumers should call Atico International USA toll-free at (877) 546-4835 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the company’s website at www.aticousa.com

Recall: Fire and Burn Hazards Prompt Recall of Gas Grills Sold at Lowe’s Stores

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Name of Product: Perfect Flame Double Lid Four Burner Gas Grills

Units: About 24,000

Retailer: Lowe’s Home Centers, Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C. and Lowe’s HIW, Inc., of Tukwila, Wash.

Manufacturer: Lucas Innovation Inc., of China

Hazard: The cooking chamber of the grill can melt and/or ignite, posing a risk of fires and burn injuries to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 175 reports of grill fires and 25 reports of grills melting, some of which resulted in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Perfect Flame brand grills, Model GAC3615 four burner LP gas grills. The grill has two lids. “Perfect Flame” is printed on the larger lid. The model number, serial number, and date code are printed on a label on the right side cart frame panel. The following serial numbers and date codes are included in this recall.

Model Number Date Code Serial Number
GAC3615 KU
(July 07)		 000001 – 001278
001282 – 001423
KV
(Aug. 07)		 001424 – 001849
001855 – 005404
KW
(Sept. 07)		 005405 – 006540
006548 – 009671
010299 – 010440
KX
(Oct. 07)		 010005 – 010297
010441 – 014305
014322 – 017164
KY
(Nov. 07)		 017165 – 020714
020715 – 022856
KZ
(Dec. 07)		 022859 – 023284
024301 – 025862

Sold exclusively at: Lowe’s stores nationwide from October 2007 through July 2008 for about $300.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled grills, disconnect the propane tanks, and return the grills without the propane tanks to any Lowe’s store to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lucas Innovation toll-free at (877) 385-8226 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.gac3615grillrecall.com

Recall: DEWALT Cordless Brad Nailers Due to Injury Hazard

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Name of Product: DEWALT DC608 Cordless Brad Nailers

Units: About 14,000

Manufacturer: DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md.

Hazard: The nailer can operate when the lock-off (safety) is in the locked position. Also, the nailer can operate when the trigger is not pulled and the contact trip is depressed. The unexpected ejection of a nail poses a serious injury hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: DeWALT has received two reports of nailers operating when the lock-off (safety) was in the locked position. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the DEWALT DC608 18 Volt Cordless 2” 18 Gauge Straight Brad Nailer with date codes 200728 through 200821. “DC608” is located on the right side of the magazine. The date code can be found on the underside of the handle, once the battery pack is removed. Units stamped with an “M” following the date code are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Wholesale distributors and retailers from October 2007 through May 2008 for about $280.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the nailers and contact DEWALT for the location of the nearest service center to receive a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact DEWALT toll-free at (866) 220-1481 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.DEWALT.com

Recall: Log Splitter Engines By American Honda Motor Co. Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Engines used in SpeeCo and Huskee Brand Log Splitters

Units: About 5,600

Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: The engine’s fuel tank can crack and leak, posing a risk of fire or explosion.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves Honda engines (model type GCV160LA N1A) used in Split Master by SpeeCo and Huskee brand log splitters. Only engine serial numbers between 5547012 and 6880908 are included in the recall. The serial number is located below the upper shroud near the oil dip-stick. The following models of log splitters are affected by the recall and are either silver/black or red/black colored.

Huskee Log Splitter SpeeCo Split Masters
LS401227TS (22 Ton)
LS401228NO (27 Ton)		 LS401228SP (22 Ton)
LS401227NO (22 Ton)
LS401225NO (25 Ton)

Sold at: The log splitters with the recalled engines were sold at outdoor power equipment dealers and Tractor Supply stores nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $1,150 and $1,500.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the affected log splitters and contact any Honda Lawn and Garden dealer or Honda Engine dealer for a free repair. Registered owners of the recalled log splitters will be mailed a notice.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honda at (800) 426-7701 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hondapowerequipment.com

Recall: Dirt Devil Vacuum Accessory Tools Due to Laceration Hazard

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Name of Product: Dirt Devil Vacuum Power Brush Attachment Tools

Units: About 987,000

Manufacturer: TTI Floor Care North America, of Glenwillow, Ohio

Hazard: Plastic pieces inside the vacuum tool can break apart and be ejected, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: TTI Floor Care has received 140 reports of incidents involving the recalled vacuum tool, including 12 reports of injuries. Those consumers reported minor eye or skin injuries and one thumb injury.

Description: The recalled Dirt Devil Turbo Tool/Power Brush attachment was sold as an accessory with the following Dirt Devil vacuum models. Only vacuum tool accessories with date codes J7060 through J7365 and have a C-clip connector are included in this recall. The date code is located on the underside of the vacuum accessory. The Turbo Tool/Power Brush tools are about 6 ½ inches long by about 5 inches wide and come in a variety of colors that match the color of the vacuum. The housing of the tool was made in clear, red, green, or light blue with clear, light blue, dark blue, red, purple, or black turbine fans with matching brush rolls.

Dirt Devil Vacuum Models
Reaction Purpose for Pets Ultra Swivel Glide     
M110000 M140000 M086020
M110000HD                  M140000CA  
M110001B    
M110002 Envision Wide Glide      Swerve
M110003 M086700WCA M086030
M110006 M086710 M086030CA
M110008    
M110008CA Action Upright Royal Commercial
M110009 M110020CAB RY6100

Sold at: Mass merchandisers, home improvement stores and other retail stores nationwide from April 2007 through April 2008 for between $60 and $170 for the vacuum cleaner, including accessory tools.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Dirt Devil accessory tool and contact the firm to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact TTI Floor Care at (800) 245-2296 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.dirtdevilturbotool.com

 

Food Safety and Your Refrigerator

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We all know how important it is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables everyday.   One of the easiest ways to do that is to keep the fridge produce drawers stocked with your family’s favorites .  The problem arises with how most people maintain those drawers.  The details of how a refrigerator is cleaned and its temperature, along with how food is prepared and stored were discussed by a panel of experts meeting in New Orleans this June.

Vegetable bins in home refrigerators contain the highest percentage of bacteria,” said Sandria Godwin, a food scientist with Tennessee State University and part of a four-member panel that presented its findings on consumer refrigeration trends.

“You don’t have to go to a party or a restaurant to get food poisoning,” she said. “We are all looking for someone to blame when it comes to food safety, but there are things we can do to reduce the risk, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly, infants and children.”

Poor refrigerator cleaning, mixing unwashed vegetables with uncovered raw meats in the storage bins, failing to install a refrigerator thermometer, and not maintaining the recommended refrigerator temperature of 40 degrees are all food spoilers and bacteria multipliers.

While less scientific than some of the other findings, uncertain economic times have also forced consumers to view raising the temperature in the refrigerator as a way to save on their energy bill, panelists said. It has also made consumers less likely to throw away food that is past its recommended self date.

Consumers with a higher income are less likely to keep their refrigerator clean, Godwin said. She cited busy lifestyles and time constraints as the cause.

We have a big challenge because it’s hard to change behaviors,” said Danielle Schor, senior vice president of food safety with the nonprofit International Food Information Council in Washington, D.C.

“People think food-borne illness is something you just get over,” Schor said. “It’s not a stomach ache; it can cause a lot of damage, but people don’t always see the immediate consequence so they don’t realize the danger.”

The 68th Annual Meeting and Expo of The Institute of Food Technologists, has attracted about 15,000 food scientists and others in the food technology industry, including representatives from the academic, private, nonprofit and government sectors.

Dacor’s Newest Cooktop

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Dacor introduces its newest Renaiss-ance Gas Cooktops, available in 30 and 36 inches.  The SimmerSear burners give  up to 18,000 BTUs to simmer and sear at ultra-low and ultra-high temperatures.  These new gas cooktops also have Dual-Stacked sealed burners for simmering.

For an ultra cool look, and an added safety feature, the Illumina burner controls glow Dacor signature flame-blue when the burners are on.  Extra-wide continuous  grates provide plenty of room for oversized pots and pans.  And Dacor’s exclusive bead-blasted finish on the spill tray and sealed burners make cleaning up easier than ever.

Recall: Lawn Mowers by American Honda Motor Corp. Due to Laceration Hazard

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Name of Product: Honda Lawn Mowers

Units: 20,500

Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: The lawn mower’s rear shield can break off allowing debris to be thrown toward the operator, which poses a laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: American Honda has received one report of a shield breaking off the lawn mower. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves HRX walk-behind lawn mowers with model numbers HRX217(K)2HXA and HRX217(K)2HMA. The model and serial number are printed on a label located on the upper rear of the mower deck. Serial numbers included in the recall are MAGA-1500001 through 1520532. The recalled lawn mowers are red with “HONDA” written on the bag.

Sold by: Authorized American Honda Motor Corp. dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from October 2007 to June 2008 for about $900.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawn mowers and contact their local Honda Lawn and Garden dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners of the recalled lawn mowers have been contacted by direct mail notification.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honda at (800) 426-7701 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit Honda’s Web site at http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/recalls/

       

KitchenAid Introduces its Quietest Dishwasher Yet

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KitchenAid is now offering its quietest dishwasher ever. Featuring the new EQ™ Wash System and Whisper Quiet Ultima Sound Insulation System, this latest KitchenAid undercounter dishwasher is exceptionally quiet with a sound rating of only 48 dBA, or decibels, a level close to that of a quiet room (40 decibels) and well below a moderate rainfall (60 decibels).

The EQ™ Wash System provides optimal cleaning performance and noise reduction while also saving water and energy. The system features a true variable speed motor that helps to minimize operating noises by starting slowly and adjusting its operating capacity to deliver the power needed based on the wash cycle. Alternating wash zones focus the washing action while using less water and energy for high performance cleaning. A three-stage filtration system captures food particles as the water circulates within the dishwasher to maximize efficiency of its pump. For enhanced drying performance, the interior of the dishwasher is heated by a dedicated drying element.

“In addition to being our quietest, our latest dishwasher is 58% more efficient than

Energy Star standards,” notes Debbie O’Connor, Senior Manager of Brand Experience for KitchenAid. “Beyond being Energy Star qualified, it also has an efficiency designation from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), making it eligible for energy rebates in select states.”

Additional features include a welded tall tub with a stainless steel interior, a premium feature found throughout the entire KitchenAid dishwasher line. Other innovations include a ProScrub® Option that provides concentrated cleaning during the normal wash cycle for harder to clean items like casserole dishes with baked on food. An Optimum Wash Sensor adjusts the wash cycle to specific water conditions for maximum cleaning efficiency.

A culinary tool rack, an adjustable and removable upper rack, fold-down cup shelves, an extra-large silverware basket with three lids and a Sure-Hold® Small items pouch offer great versatility in accommodating a variety of dishwasher loads.

Available in stainless steel, white, black or a panel-ready model for a custom panel, the new dishwasher model will carry suggested retail prices of $1,449 for the stainless steel model,
$1,299 for the black or white models and $1,399 for the panel ready model.

Sometimes You Really do Get Customer Service

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Here at Appliance.net we get a lot of comments (read: complaints).  People want to vent their frustration about their broken dishwasher, inept repairman and customer service that isn’t.  Our forums are great place to share what has worked for you and of course, what hasn’t.  Sometimes we find a tip that just needs to be shared.

Customer Service representatives have a responsibility to both the customer and to their employer. They are the link between consumers and the manufacturers.  Here’s a great story from a woman who called Kitchenaid’s customer service department regarding her stand mixer:

Hi, just thought I’d share my experience for the benefit of those who just ran into problems with their KA.

 I had a KA Ultra Power, purchased about 15 years ago.  Used it on and off through the years, but really cranked up use the last three months or so when I discovered bread baking.  I prefer whole grain breads so have been experimenting with these heavy doughs.  My machine started to smell funny about a month into my bread baking venture and has been sounding funny ever since.

 Last weekend, I basically resigned myself to saying sayonara to an old friend.  I called up KA because I wanted to see if it could be fixed first.   I had planned on getting a Bosch, but the price tag just made me heartsick.  I described to the rep how I had been using my machine.  Even though my machine was 15 years old, the rep said that she was concerned about the smell my machine was emitting.  She offered to replace the machine…granted with a refurbished one, but that’s better than having to buy a whole new one outright!  She upgraded me to an Artisan level machine with a choice of colors. 

Customer service, not always the oxymoron we might think it is.