Archives for 2007

Recall: Yamaha Recalls AC Power Adaptors Due to Electric Shock Hazard

November 11, 2007 By Appliance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Yamaha AC Power Adaptors

Units: About 49,000

Distributor: Yamaha Corporation of America, of Buena Park, Calif.

Hazard: The housing of the power adaptor can separate, posing an electric shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Yamaha has received five reports of units separating. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Yamaha PA-3C power adaptor with a date code of 0624. The adaptor is used with Yamaha keyboards and digital drum sets. The model number is written in white print on the front of the plug of the adaptor and the date code is etched into the plastic at the bottom of the plug panel. The adaptor can be purchased as part of a set or separately.

Sold at: Musical instrument retailers nationwide from July 2006 through September 2007 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled power adaptor immediately and contact Yamaha to return the power adaptor and obtain a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Yamaha Corporation of America toll-free at (866) 509-0320 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.yamaha.com/warranty_safety.asp

Picture of Recalled AC Power Adaptor
Yamaha PA-3C power adaptor

Recall: American Honda Motor Corp. Recalls Lawn Mowers Due to Fire Hazard

November 11, 2007 By Appliance

Name of Product: Honda HRX217KHXA and HRX217KHMA Lawn Mowers

Units: About 22,000

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

Hazard: Due to a manufacturing defect, a crack can occur in the fuel tank causing a fuel leak. If gasoline leaking from the fuel tank is ignited, a fire or explosion can occur.

Incidents/Injuries: American Honda Motor Corp. has received six reports of fuel leakage. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves HRX walk-behind lawn mowers with model numbers HRX217KHXA and HRX217KHMA. Only serial numbers from 1400001 through 1453714 are included in the recall. The model and serial number are printed on a label located on the upper rear of the deck. The lawn mower is dark gray with a red engine cover.

Sold at: Honda Lawn and Garden dealers nationwide, including The Home Depot stores, from January 2007 through September 2007 for between $800 and $900.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these recalled lawn mowers immediately and contact any Honda Lawn and Garden dealer to have the fuel tank replaced. Registered owners of the recalled lawn mowers 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

Picture of Recalled Lawn Mower

Recall: Coby Electronics Recalls DVD/CD/MP3 Players Due to Fire Hazard

November 10, 2007 By Appliance

Name of Product: Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Players

Units: About 12,000

Importer: Coby Electronics Corp., of Maspeth, N.Y.

Hazard: The portable DVD/CD/MP3 players can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Coby Electronics Corp. has received three reports of the units overheating, one of which involved minor property damage from a fire. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves two different portable DVD/CD/MP3 players:

Product	Model Number	Description
5” TFT Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player with TV Tuner and Digital AM/FM Tuner	TF-DVD170	Product is spherical in shape with a 5” TV screen in front. The name “COBY” is written above the screen. The model number can be found on the bottom of the unit.
5.6” TFT Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player and NTSC TV Tuner	TF-DVD176	Product is spherical in shape with a 5.6” TV screen in front. The name “COBY” is written above the screen. The model number can be found on the bottom of the unit.

Sold at: Discount, electronics, music, toy, and office supply stores, as well as distributors of electronics products, nationwide from May 2006 through October 2007 for between $140 and $170.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the portable DVD/CD/MP3 players and contact the firm for information on returning the units and receiving a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Coby Electronics Corp. toll-free at (877) 231-9240 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.cobyusa.com

Picture of Recalled Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player

You Probably Don’t Need That Extended Warranty

November 9, 2007 By NightOwl

Straight from PR Newswire: J.D. Power and Associates Reports: High Reliability of Major Home Appliances May Reduce Need for Extended Warranties

According to J.D. Powers and Associates 2007 Major Home Appliance Study, most major appliances these days are quite reliable, yet many consumers continue to purchase extended warranties.

The study measures customer satisfaction in nine segments of major home appliances: dishwashers; free-standing ranges; built-in cook-tops and wall ovens; freezer-on-top style refrigerators; side-by-side and French door-style refrigerators; clothes washers; clothes dryers; over-the-range microwave ovens; and counter-top microwave ovens. The study, now in its third year, examines customer satisfaction with microwave ovens for the first time. Customer satisfaction is measured based on performance in six factors: operational performance (including how well the appliance functions, noise level and energy efficiency); operational features (such as the number of settings available and appliance capacity); ease of use; styling and feel; price; and warranty.

The study finds that during the first two years of ownership, approximately one in 10 consumers report some kind of problem with their major appliance. However, many of these problems can be resolved by following instructions in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s Web site. Relatively few problems actually require a service visit.

Despite this high degree of reliability, many consumers purchase an extended warranty for their appliances. Among owners of refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers and laundry appliances, approximately 25 percent report purchasing an extended warranty, while approximately 15 percent of microwave oven owners do so.

“Extended warranties certainly provide a degree of peace of mind,” said Dale Haines, senior director of the real estate and construction industries practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “With some appliances — particularly those with complex electronics and potentially high repair costs — purchasing an extended warranty may make sense. However, major appliances tend to be very reliable, and consumers should consider very carefully — depending upon their circumstances — whether an extended warranty is worth the additional cost.”

In satisfying customers with major kitchen and laundry appliances, Bosch, GE Appliances, Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool and Whirlpool Gold rank highest in various segments.

“Particularly strong performers include Bosch, LG and Samsung, which have achieved consistently high satisfaction levels in consecutive years,” said Dale Haines, senior director of the real estate and construction industries practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “For two consecutive years, Bosch has ranked highest in the dishwashers segment and LG has ranked highest among clothes washers, while Samsung has earned an award in a refrigerator segment for three consecutive years. This is especially impressive considering the high levels of quality and reliability that many appliance manufacturers attain.”

The 2007 Major Home Appliance Study is based on 22,637 responses from consumers who purchased one or more new major home appliances through a retail store, their new-home builder, or received one through other means (such as a gift) during the previous 24 months.

Maytag Refrigerator Woes- An Update

November 8, 2007 By NightOwl

Last September I wrote here about my mother’s horrible experience with a brand new Maytag refrigerator. She spent endless hours on the phone and weeks waiting for service for a fridge that was clearly a lemon. We have had feedback that shows she is not alone. I thought readers might be interested to know the end of the story.

The defective refrigerator was never repaired properly, Maytag refused to speak with my mother further, and the store she purchased it from would not take it back. It now sits (safely sealed for the protection of small children) in my parent’s garage while we try to dispose of it. We thought maybe it could be repaired and used by a shelter or that an occupational school could use it for practice. No one wants this new, yet defective fridge.

At this point, it looks like it is headed for the recycling heap. At least it won’t be adding too much to the landfills. That is the best I can say about it.

Recall: Hunter Fan Recalls Humidifiers for Fire Hazard

November 7, 2007 By Appliance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Warm Mist Carefree Humidifier

Units: About 84,000

Manufacturer: Hunter Fan Co., of Memphis, Tenn.

Hazard: Water used in the humidifier can leak into the unit’s electrical compartment, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Hunter has received four reports of incidents involving a water leak, including one report of a fire resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Warm Mist CareFree humidifiers sold in white and black with blue or green tinted water tanks. “Hunter” and “NiteGlo” are printed on the humidifier. Model numbers are listed on a white label on the bottom of the humidifier. Model numbers and tank sizes are listed in the chart below.

Model Numbers	Name	Size	Description
36200	Carefree® Humidifier Warm Mist	2 Gallon	White plastic with a blue tinted water tank
35201, 36201	Carefree® Humidifier Warm Mist	2 Gallon	White plastic with a blue tinted water tank
35202, 36204	CareFree® Humidifier Warm Mist	2 Gallon	White plastic with a blue tinted water tank
35203, 36203, 37203	CareFree® Humidifier Warm Mist	2 Gallon	White plastic with a green tinted water tank
35207, 36207	CareFree® Humidifier Warm Mist	2 Gallon	White plastic with a blue tinted water tank
35253, 36253	CareFree® Humidifier Warm Mist	2.5 Gallon	Black plastic with a blue tinted water tank

36200

35201
36201

35202
36204

35203
36203
37203

35207
36207

35253
36253

Sold at: Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, discount and hardware stores nationwide, as well as through mail order catalogs and Web retailers from September 2005 through February 2007 for between $40 and $65.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and unplug the recalled humidifiers. Consumers should contact Hunter Fan to receive a free replacement humidifier or refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hunter Fan Co. toll-free at (877) 288-1145 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hunterfan.com

Recall: Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps Recalled by Carrier Due to Fire Hazard

November 7, 2007 By Appliance

Name of Product: Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) and Heat Pumps (PTHP)

Units: About 185,000

Manufacturer: Carrier Corp., of Farmington, Conn.

Hazard: An electric heater in the unit can break, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Carrier has received five reports of electric heater failures, resulting in fires contained to the unit. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Carrier-brand packaged terminal air conditioners (PTAC) and packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHP) manufactured between 2001 and 2005. Model numbers included in the recall are 52C, 52P, and unbranded model 84 units sold through the Bryant and FAST channels. Serial and model numbers are located on the rating/data plate on the right front of the unit, underneath the removable front panel. A complete list of the serial numbers involved in this recall can be found at www.carrierptacrecall.com. The units were sold with 208/230 and 265 volts, and have capacities of 7,000, 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 BTUs.

Sold by: HVAC dealers and factory-direct sales from January 2002 through December 2006 for between $425 and $675.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the heating mode of the recalled units until they are inspected in accordance with Carrier’s inspection instructions, which can be found at www.carrierptacrecall.com. Consumers should contact Carrier to receive a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Carrier at (800) 761-8492 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.carrierptacrecall.com

Picture of Recalled Air Conditioner

Cooking in Full Color

November 7, 2007 By NightOwl

Homeowners who add high end appliances to their kitchens have for years acknowledged stainless steel as the premium finish for appliances according to appliance magazine. But now “more consumers are daring to commit to vibrant color on kitchen fixtures, and colorful alternatives to stainless ranges are becoming common.”

Dacor launched a colored-glass front on its wall ovens three years ago, and for 2007, it expanded the colored glass to a full line of appliances under the Preference brand name. At this year’s Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, the was an exhibition by Viking Range Corp., which is relaunching the St. Charles brand of kitchen cabinetry. This all-steel line of cabinets will be offered in 24 planned colors, and Viking’s kitchen appliances will come in matching colors.
Prizer-Painter Inc., once a contract manufacturer of commercial appliances for Garland and other brands, launched BlueStar commercial-style appliances for the residential market in 2002. Prizer had a history of finishing expertise, and in the 1990s it developed a significant two-coat/one-fire powder-coating system. In 2007, that finishing expertise gives it the ability to offer 190 color choices in its BlueStar ranges—the most of any range OEM. If that’s still not enough, BlueStar will finish a range in custom colors as well.

European ranges can have sophisticated color choices. For example, La Cornue’s handmade Château ranges can be finished in rich shades such as British racing green and Eggplant.

Tecnogas, a member of the Antonio Merloni Group based in Italy, is taking a more lighthearted approach to the Allegro Fornello, or “cheerful gas cooker,” a freestanding range launched in June. The range aims to bring more cheerfulness into the kitchen through the innovative use of color. A combination of lids and flame diffusers in different colors and materials is interchangeable with the Series II gas burners supplied by Sabaf. The appliance even allows the homeowner to change out these cooker elements to match changing kitchen décor.

Appliance makers seem eager to supply this colorful addition to today’s kitchens.

Laundry Trends Around the Globe

November 6, 2007 By NightOwl

Washer and dryer manufacturers around the world all recognise that the demands of the consumer drive their designs. The latest trends are for energy efficiency, quietness and, especially in North America, size.

In Globalizing Laundry, David Simpson of Appliance Magazine writes:

Consumers are more aware that efficient models are less costly to operate, their awareness advanced by public information programs and rankings of washers’ energy and water efficiency.
Quietness is another important multinational design goal. More homes have laundry appliances sited close to living areas than in the past, and washer and dryer noise is less tolerated by consumers.

“The trend toward moving the laundry closer to the living areas of the home seems to be happening in all our markets,” observes Scott Davies, product manager at Fisher & Paykel. “Our customers want good-looking products that are quiet enough to use at night without waking the family.”

Despite these near-universal laundry appliance design trends, regional preferences add variety to the market. In North America, larger capacity is more important than elsewhere. Different regions and countries have preferences on top-loading versus front-loading washers. Manufacturers also continue to cater to specialty appliance needs with products like nontumble dryer cabinets, combination washer/dryers, and even top-load tumble dryers.

Other interesting coming offerings are steam drying, which would help fight wrinkles and Silver ions that are used in SilverCare washers from Samsung Electronics America. The ion system is designed to kill bacteria and clean without the potential clothes damage that can result from immersion in hot water and bleach.

So, while the drudgery of laundry will remain, we may be able to get through it faster with larger more energy efficient, quieter machines.

Sometimes You Just Need 13 Dozen Cookies

November 3, 2007 By NightOwl

This week we’ve been testing the KitchenAid Professional Series 600 Lift Stand Mixer (in onyx black). I may not be a professional baker, but I’m no stranger to flour. Most months I bake at least 16 loaves of bread, 4-6 quick breads and unreasonable amounts of cookies and brownies. Crazy yes, but with four kids and lots of drop in neighbors, I like to keep my kitchen stocked with something freshly baked. After 20 years of baking, I know the feel of a well kneaded bread dough. So needless to say, I’ve been looking forward to testing the current crop of mixers.

The KitchenAid Professional Series 600 Lift Stand Mixer is an extremely powerful machine. Although the manual warns that the motor can get hot, I had it knead 13 cups of bread flour without it even breaking a sweat. The new PowerKnead dough hook plowed through close to 5 pounds of flour easily. Using the wire whip, I was able to bring 12 egg whites to stiff peaks in under 4 minutes on my way to a pretty decent chocolate angel food cake. I made a large batch of chocolate chip cookies without having to soften the butter. Just as suggested in the manual, I used the flat beater to cream it with the sugar.

The Professional Series 600 gets its strength from its old style construction. It is a durable metal machine with solid steel gears, an industrial strength motor and no plastic in sight. This is a machine your grandkids just might inherit from you.

But with power comes size. The mixer is over 17 inches tall, with a 16 by 12 footprint. The standard bowl holds six quarts. That six quart bowl carrying a full load of bread dough can reach 10 pounds or more. To handle the load, the Professional Series 600 has a bowl lift mechanism that will lever the bowl and its contents up to the mixer blade or dough hook. Unfortunately, when you lower it to empty the bowl, you still need to wrestle 10 pounds of dough up and out of the bowl for rising. Even with smaller loads, it’s a cumbersome operation to scrape batters from the 6 quart bowl.

Because the mixer is so large and powerful, I wouldn’t recommend it for making one loaf of banana bread. If you’re planning on outfitting the school bake sale, or doing your christmas baking, you could produce 8 loaves or abundant cookies with ease.

One of the things this mixer does do, is morph beyond a standard stand mixer. You can add a sausage stuffer, pasta maker, ice cream maker, citrus juicer, grain mill, food grinder, rotary slicer/shredder. That powerful motor doesn’t have to sit idly on your counter waiting for your next birthday cake.

In the final analysis, the professional series 600 stand mixer is exactly that. It’s a professional piece of equipment. This big, powerful tool is a great addition to a catering kitchen, although overwhelming and a bit unwieldy for daily use in a typical family kitchen. But, if you want to be able to make 3 pounds of fudge, hundreds of cookies, or a big pile of bread at the drop of a hat, this is the machine to get it done.

If you want to see a demonstration video, there are two nice ones on this product page

CAPACITY:
KitchenAid’s marketing liturature identifies The Professional 600 Series as the most powerful stand mixer in their product line. It is able to churn through 14 cups of flour per batch. Enough to make 8 Loaves of White Bread, 13 Dozen Cookies, or 8 Pounds of Mashed Potatoes. It features a 10-speed slide control ranging from a very fast whip to a very slow stir. New with this model is the PowerKnead™ spiral dough hook that replicates hand-kneading to handle 20% more dough than previous models.

DESIGN

Stand Mixer – Removable bowl on a permanent stand
Bowl-lift Mixer Style -A lever raises bowl into mixing position, or lowers it for removal
Multi-purpose Attachment Hub – Attach pasta maker, grinder etc. to connector on the mixer’s front
All-Metal Construction, direct drive transmission, steel gears, and commercial motor protection for lifelong reliability

PERFORMANCE
575 Motor Wattage
14 Cups Flour Power
6 Quart Mixing Bowl Capacity
67 Point Planetary Mixing Action
Electronic Speed Sensor – 10 Mixing Speeds

INCLUDES
Professional Wire Whip
Burnished Flat Beater
Clear Pouring Shield
6 Qt. Stainless Steel Bowl w/Handle
Burnished PowerKnead™ Spiral Hook

Available for $399, with lots of 50 dollar rebates.

Stay tuned for our review of the 5 quart KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer.