General Electric Cool Touch Slow Cookers Recalled for Burn Hazard
CPSC and Wal-Mart are recalling 146,000 General Electric Cool Touch slow cookers because the heating element can melt through the plastic shell, posing a burn risk.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (burn hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.
Plain-English summary
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. are recalling approximately 146,000 General Electric Cool Touch 6 Quart Slow Cookers. The recalled units feature a removable blue ceramic bowl with a glass lid and a plastic outer enclosure. The GE logo is located on the front of the unit underneath the temperature control knob, and the model number 168945 is printed on a silver label on the bottom of the base.
The recall was initiated because the heating element inside the slow cooker can drop to the bottom of the unit and melt through the plastic outer shell. This defect poses a burn hazard to users. Wal-Mart has received 27 reports of scorched or damaged countertops, but no personal injuries have been reported.
The slow cookers were sold at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from June 2003 through May 2004 for approximately $28. Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to Wal-Mart for a full refund. For assistance, consumers can call Wal-Mart at (800) 925-6278 from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday, or visit www.gehousewares.com.
The recalled product
- Product
- General Electric Cool Touch Slow Cooker
- Manufacturer
- Select Brands, Inc., of Lenexa, Kan.
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 146,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same manufacturer · Select Brands, Inc., of Lenexa, Kan.
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