The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·03160·Announced 2003-07-17

Hamilton Beach and Proctor-Silex Recall Slow Cookers with Breaking Handles

CPSC and manufacturers recall 2.7 million slow cookers because base handles can break, causing hot food spills and burns.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect in a household appliance that has resulted in reported injuries requiring medical attention, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex are recalling approximately 2.7 million slow cookers. The recalled units were sold under the Hamilton Beach and Proctor-Silex brand names, which are printed on the front of the base. The cookers are round or oval, available in solid white or various print designs, and have a capacity of 3.5 to 6.5 quarts. Specific model numbers include Hamilton Beach 33390, 33475, 33575, 33590, 33675, 33690, 33725, 33850, and 33860; Hamilton Beach/Portfolio 33680; and Proctor-Silex 33320, 33320FD, 33325, 33375, 33380, and 33625A. Series codes A through D are printed on the bottom along with the model number.

The recall is due to a defect where the handles on the base of the slow cookers can break. This poses a risk of burns if hot food spills onto consumers. The company has received approximately 4,700 reports of handles breaking, including two reports of consumers who required medical attention for burns.

The slow cookers were sold at discount department stores nationwide from January 1999 through December 2002 for between $15 and $45. Consumers should stop using the recalled units and contact Hamilton Beach toll-free at 800-851-8900 or visit the company's website at www.hamiltonbeach.com or www.proctor-silex.com to receive a replacement slow cooker base.

The recalled product

Product
Slow Cookers
Manufacturer
Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, of Glen Allen, Va.
Category
Consumer Product — Kitchen Appliances
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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