The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·02189·Announced 2002-06-27

In-Sink-Erator Recalls Instant Hot Water Dispensers Due to Fire Hazard

In-Sink-Erator is recalling about 252,200 instant hot water dispensers because water leaks can cause electrical arcing and fire. Consumers should unplug units and check serial numbers.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with a reported kitchen fire causing nearly $7,000 in property damage, which meets the rubric criteria for 'Severe' (significant property-damage reports).

Plain-English summary

In-Sink-Erator, of Racine, Wis., is recalling about 252,200 instant hot water dispensers. The recalled products are half-gallon capacity models made in the USA and sold under various brand names, including In-Sink-Erator®, ISE®, Steamin' Hot®, Emerson®, Dayton™, ACE™, Kenmore® and Kohler™. One-third gallon capacity instant hot water dispensers manufactured by In-Sink-Erator are not involved in this recall.

The recall is due to a fire hazard. Water can leak from the metal holding tank, wet insulating material, and cause electrical arcing and heat build-up. In-Sink-Erator has received three reports of holes in the electrical insulation or outer cover of the hot water dispenser. One report involved a kitchen fire that caused nearly $7,000 in property damage. No injuries have been reported.

These instant hot water dispensers were sold by plumbers, building contractors, home centers, and hardware stores from January 1972 through December 1996 for between $100 and $250. The serial number (S/N) is printed on a specification plate attached to the metal holding tank. This recall involves units with serial numbers (some begin with two letters) 999-10 or those that fall between 1000 and 3084000.

Consumers should unplug their hot water dispensers immediately, check the serial number, and contact In-Sink-Erator if their unit is part of the recall. Consumers with affected units will receive a replacement insulation shield. For more information and a complete list of brands, consumers can contact In-Sink-Erator at (800) 295-8727 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.insinkerator.com.

The recalled product

Product
Hot water dispensers
Manufacturer
In-Sink-Erator, of Racine, Wis.
Category
Consumer Product — Appliances
Hazard
Affected units
252,200

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

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