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Recall: Viking Range Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Viking dishwashers

Units: About 2,000

Manufacturer: Viking Range Corporation of Greenwood, Miss.

Hazard: An electrical component in the dishwasher can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Viking has received 21 reports of incidents, including five reports of property damage from fires. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes Viking 24″ Professional, Designer and Custom Panel dishwashers manufactured between May and September 2010. They were sold in black, white and 24 other custom colors, stainless steel and with custom wood panels. The name “Viking” appears on the control panel at the top of the door. The model and serial number are located on the identification plate mounted on the inside on the left side of the dishwasher door opening. The first six numbers in the serial number are the manufacture date in mmddyy format, e.g., serial number 052610 was manufactured on May 26, 2010. Model and manufacture dates included on this recall are:

Model Numbers
Starting With*:		 Date Codes – first six digits
of serial number:
DDB325
DFB450
VDB325
VDB450		 052610 through 091510

* Model numbers ending with an E are not included on the recall.

Sold at: Appliance and specialty retail stores nationwide from June 2010 through March 2012 for between $1,425 and $2,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers and contact Viking’s hotline for a free in-home repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Viking toll-free at (800) 241-7239 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or visit Viking’s website at www.vikingrange.com

viking dishwasher recall serial numbers 4-12

Viking dishwasher recall wood grain 4-12

Recall: Husqvarna Grass and Hedge Trimmers Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Grass and Hedge Trimmers

Units: About 19,500 grass trimmers and 6,500 hedge trimmers

Importer: Husqvarna Professional Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.

Manufacturer: Husqvarna Machinery Manufacturing Co. Ltd., of Shanghai, China

Hazard: Fuel can leak from the rubber spacer holding the fuel lines in the fuel tank, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Husqvarna has received seven reports of fuel leaking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Husqvarna Grass Trimmer Model 122C with serial numbers that range from 2011 17 00001 to 2011 52 99999. “Husqvarna” and the model number are written on top of the tool. The serial number is located on a black plate on the bottom of the muffler side of the tool. The recalled Husqvarna Hedge Trimmers are Models 122HD60 and 122HD45 with serial numbers that range from 2011 17 00001 to 2011 52 99999. “Husqvarna” and the model number are written on top of the tool. The serial number is located on a black plate on the gear box, which is on the lower portion of the tool.

Sold at: Lowes, Sears and Husqvarna dealers and distributors nationwide for between $150 and $320 from May 2011 to January 2012.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to the place of purchase for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Husqvarna toll-free at (877) 257-6921 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit the firm’s website at www.husqvarna.com, or e-mail recalls@husqvarna.com

Husqvarna grass trimmer recall 4-12

Recall: Meijer Touch Point Fan Heaters Due to Fire, Shock Hazards

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Name of Product: Forced Air Heater

Units: About 6,102

Importer/Retailer: Meijer Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Hazard: Exposed and unshielded electrical components can cause the heater to overheat and melt, posing fire and electrical shock hazards.

Incidents/Injuries: Meijer received one report of a unit’s base burning, melting and damaging the carpet beneath it. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Touch Point brand oscillating forced air fan heaters with model number HW-218 and date code 0811. The model number and date code are on a silver sticker on the bottom of the heater. Universal Product Code (UPC) 7-13733-30927-1 is on the bottom of the packaging. The heaters are white, 12 inches tall, 9 inches wide and 8 inches deep. They have two round control knobs and a red warning light on the top front, and a black on/off switch on the front base that controls the fan’s oscillation. The words “Touch Point” appear on the right front of the heater’s base.

Sold exclusively at: Meijer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio from September 2011 through November 2011 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and return them to any Meijer store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Meijer at (800) 927-8699 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.meijer.com

Recall: Tassimo Single-Cup Coffee Makers by BSH Home Appliances Due to Burn Hazard

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 Name of Product: Tassimo Single Cup Brewers

Units: About 835,000 in the United States and an additional 900,000 in Canada

Manufacturer: BSH Home Appliances Corp., of Irvine, Calif.

Hazard: The plastic disc, or T Disc, that holds the coffee or tea can burst and spray hot liquid and coffee grounds or tea leaves onto consumers using the brewer and onto bystanders, posing a burn hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 140 reports of incidents with the brewers spraying hot liquid, coffee grounds or tea leaves onto consumers, including 37 reports of second-degree burn injuries. One incident involved a 10-year-old girl from Minnesota who received second-degree burns to her face and neck and had to be hospitalized.

Description: This recall involves Tassimo brewers with the Bosch brand name and Tassimo Professional brewers. The brewers use plastic T Discs that are filled with coffee or tea to brew hot drinks. “BOSCH” and “TASSIMO” are printed on the front of the brewers. “TASSIMO PROFESSIONAL” is printed on the front of the professional model. The Bosch-brand brewers were sold in black, white, anthracite, gray, silver, red, titanium and white/gray colors. The Tassimo Professional brewers were only sold in black. The following model numbers and date codes are included in this recall. The model number and date code are located on the bottom of the brewer. No other Tassimo brewer is included in this recall.

Brand Model Numbers That Begin With: Date Codes Beginning with FD and Within the Range of:
Bosch® TAS100 FD 8806 through 9109
TAS200
TAS451
TAS46
TAS651
Tassimo Professional TAS6512CUL FD 8905 through 9109

Sold at: Department, mass merchandise and home improvement stores nationwide and on various websites, including www.tassimodirect.com, from June 2008 through February 2012 for between $100 and $250. The Tassimo Professional model was sold directly to hotels and food service providers and they are being contacted directly.

Manufactured in: Slovenia and China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Tassimo brewers and contact the firm to order a free replacement T Disc holder for the brewing mechanism.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit www.tassimodirect.com/safetyrecall to order a free replacement T Disc holder or contact the firm toll-free at (866) 918-8763 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET Saturday.

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1529

 

Picture of Recalled Coffee Maker Model TAS100x/TAS451x/TAS46x
TAS100x/TAS451x/TAS46x		 Picture of Recalled Coffee Maker Model TAS651
TAS651		 Picture of Recalled Coffee Maker Model TAS200x
TAS200x

Picture of Recalled Coffee Maker Tassimo Professional
Tassimo Professional

Picture of Recalled Coffee Maker Model Showing T Disc
T Disc

Picture of Recalled Coffee Maker Label showing model number and date code

 

Recall: Fire Concerns Prompt York International to Reannounce Recall of Gas Furnaces for Manufactured Homes

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Name of Product: Coleman, Coleman Evcon and Red T Gas Furnaces for Manufactured Homes

Units: About 223,600 in the U.S. and 2,400 in Canada (previously recalled in November 2004)

Manufacturer: Unitary Products Group (UPG), a division of York International Corp., of York, Pa.

Hazard: The furnace can overheat and cause the heat-exchanger to crack and create openings that allow flames to be exposed. When this happens, drywall and other nearby combustibles are exposed to the flames, posing a fire and smoke hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received reports of 393 incidents, including some involving extensive property damage that could be related to these hazards, 366 of those reports were received after the November 2004 recall announcement. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves Coleman, Coleman Evcon and Red T brand furnaces. The furnaces are silver with white access panels. “Coleman,” “Coleman Evcon” and “Red T” brand names are located on the middle of the front access panel. The model number is written on a faceplate, found by removing both front access panels. The faceplate is found mounted on the left inside surface behind the lower panel. Models included in the recall are:

DGAM075BDD
DGAM075BDE
DGAM075BDF
 DGAT070BDD
DGAT070BDE
DGAT070BDF
 DGAT075BDD
DGAT075BDE
DGAT075BDF
 DLAS075BDD
DLAS075BDE
DLAS075BDF

Sold by: Nationwide between 1995 and 2000 as original equipment in manufactured homes and as replacement furnaces in manufactured homes.

Manufactured in: U.S.A. between 1995 and 2000

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the furnace until it has been inspected and repaired. Consumers should contact UPG to schedule a free inspection and repair of any furnace involved in the recall.

Consumer Contact: For more information, including information about installation issues that may lead to the hazard, contact UPG toll-free at (888) 665-4640 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit their website at www.dgatprogram.com. UPG Technical Services is also conducting a comprehensive notification and communications program and working with its distributors to locate owners.

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1416

 

Recall: HP Fax Machines Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

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Name of Product: HP fax 1040 and 1050 machines

Units: About 928,000 in the U.S. and 240,000 in Canada and Mexico

Importer: Hewlett-Packard Co., of Palo Alto, Calif.

Hazard: The fax machines can overheat due to an internal electrical component failure, posing fire and burn hazards.

Incidents/Injuries: Hewlett-Packard is aware of seven reports of fax machines overheating and catching fire, resulting in property damage, including one instance of significant property damage and one instance of a minor burn injury to a consumer’s finger. Six incidents were reported in the U.S. and one in Canada.

Description: This recall involves HP Fax 1040 and 1050 models. The HP logo and the model number are printed on the front of the fax machine. The fax machines are dark gray and measure about 11 inches high x 14 1/2 inches wide.

Sold at: Electronics, computer and camera stores nationwide, and online at www.shopping.hp.com and other websites from November 2004 through December 2011 for between $90 and $120. Some of the recalled fax machines were replacement units for a previous recall involving HP fax model 1010 in June 2008.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled fax machines, disconnect them from the electrical outlet and contact HP for a rebate on the purchase of an authorized replacement HP fax machine or a partial rebate of certain HP ink jet printers.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact HP toll-free at (888) 654-9296 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at http://www.hp.com/go/faxrecall/US-en

Jenn – Air’s “Designer Dialog”

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Jenn-Air is offering those planning or considering a kitchen remodel a fresh way to get professional advice and answers to their kitchen design questions. Designer Dialog, a newly-launched discussion tab on the Jenn-Air Facebook Brand Page, allows visitors to tap the expertise of a rotating lineup of  kitchen designers recruited from throughout the country.

“Input from a professional kitchen designer can make the difference between a good and a great kitchen,” notes Juliet Johnson , Senior Manager of brand experience for Jenn-Air. “Beyond offering stylish, high performance appliances, we see providing access to design expertise as another way to help make great kitchens possible.”

Professionals moderating Designer Dialog discussions are members of the Jenn-Air Design Advisory Council, a group that meets regularly to share insights on industry trends and product design.  East Coast designer, Morton Block , and , Juditch A. Neary from the West Coast are the first two moderators sharing input on the page. Morton Block is a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD), holds professional status in the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS). Judith A. Neary is a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD).

“This is a forum that lets consumers ask seasoned professionals their design questions and get different perspectives from designers with diverse experience,” says Neary. “Anyone embarking on a design project will appreciate this resource and should take advantage of it.”

Block recommends that prior to beginning a kitchen redesign the first step should be conducting research to understand the extent of the project and the costs involved with what you want to achieve.

“Many consumers today begin a kitchen research project by doing online research,” notes Block. “When new appliances are part of that plan, the Jenn-Air Designer Dialog provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to tap into the knowledge of veteran design professionals and obtain  advice to ensure a successful project is achieved.”

In addition to being on hand to answer specific questions, moderators will share ideas and insights on a new design topic each month. To join the conversation, click the Designer Dialog tab on the Jenn-Air Facebook Brand Page.

 

Recall: Kaz USA Recalls Honeywell Portable Electric Heaters Due to Burn Hazard

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Name of Product: Honeywell Surround Select Portable Electric Heaters

Units: About 19,000

Distributor: Kaz USA Inc., of Southborough, Mass.

Manufacturer: Ningbo SMAL Electrics Co. Ltd., of China

Hazard: The heater’s internal housing, including the fan, heating element and circuitry, can detach, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: This recall includes Honeywell Surround Select Series portable electric heaters with model numbers HZ-420, HZ-430, and HZ-440 and five-digit date codes that have 11 as the last two digits. The heaters are black or white cylinders with a handle on top. The model number is stamped into the plastic on the bottom of the heater. The date code is located on the metal prongs of the heater’s electrical plug. “Honeywell” and “Surround Heat” are printed on the front of the heaters. This heater was distributed by Kaz USA under license from Honeywell.

Sold at: Best Buy, Meijer and Walmart stores nationwide from July 2011 through December 2011 for between $50 and $70.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the heaters and contact Kaz for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kaz at (800) 370-8137 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.kaz.com/recall

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (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 your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov

 

Check Your Cart at Sears.com

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Is Sears.com tacking on added purchases without your consent? Automatically adding on a service package is up-selling and Sears.com may have been doing just that.

Edgar Dworsky, a nationally-respected consumer advocate and founder of the website ConsumerWorld.org, says he went on the site on Black Friday weekend looking for a refrigerator. He found a model he liked, put it in his cart and noticed that a five-year service contract for $469 had been added without his consent.

Dworsky points out that the charge for the service plan is easily removed from the cart if the customer spots it. If not, they could overpay from $110 to $550.

“How many shoppers have in their mind, ‘Oh, I’d better check the cart just to make sure they haven’t slipped something in there that I didn’t order?'”

Dworsky shopped for various appliances on Sears.com and he says the same thing happened every time: an expensive five-year extended warranty turned up in the shopping cart.

After Mr. Dworsky contacted Larry Costello, Sears’ public relations director, who says the company has received “very little negative customer feedback” about its up-sell policy,the company says it will change the way its website operates. Sears will now make their extended warranties an optional add-on, just as other major appliance sellers do.

Frigidaire Gets Most Efficient Label for Washers

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“ENERGY STAR Most Efficient” is a new EPA program designed to identify and advance highly efficient products in the marketplace. The effort will call out the most efficient products among those that qualify for the ENERGY STAR in particular product categories.

Frigidaire offers eco-friendly washers that use up to 82% less energy and 60% less water than washers from just ten years ago. Plus, the Energy Saver Option further reduces energy use up to 60%.

Many Frigidaire washers have been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as three of the most efficient ENERGY STAR washers on the market. Look for the certification on most of the Affinity models.

Frigidaire’s new collections of kitchen and laundry appliances include ENERGY STAR qualified appliances in every product category, where applicable, offering a variety of appliances that are from 10% to 80% more energy-efficient than non-ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. The line features washers that use up to 82% less energy and 60% less water along with refrigerators and freezers that use at least 10% less energy and dishwashers that use at least 41% less energy and 40% less water than was used just 10 years ago.