The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·04175·Announced 2004-07-13

Elkay Hot and Cold Bottled Water Coolers Recalled for Fire Hazard

Elkay Manufacturing is recalling 145,000 hot/cold bottled water coolers because they can overheat and present a fire hazard. No injuries have been reported.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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 fire hazard with 14 reports of overheating but no reported injuries, which aligns with the rubric for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Elkay Manufacturing Company is recalling approximately 145,000 hot/cold bottled water coolers. The recall includes five design names: Classic, Legend, Eclipse, Sentry, and Legend Countertop. Most units are white, though some are granite colored, and they feature the name "Elkay" on the serial number plate on the back. The recall also includes a small number of point-of-use water coolers sold for commercial use.

The recalled 115-volt electric water coolers can overheat, presenting a fire hazard. There have been 14 reports of overheating, but no injuries have been reported. The coolers were sold or leased by bottled water companies and other businesses in the U.S. and Canada from 1997 through 2002. Additionally, the units were sold at BJ's Wholesale Club and Sam's Club stores nationwide from 1999 through October 2003 for prices ranging from $139 to $149.

Consumers should unplug the recalled water coolers immediately. To determine if a unit is affected, consumers can visit www.coolerfix.com and enter their serial number, or call Elkay at (800) 260-6640 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. Commercial customers who lease or own these units should also check their coolers and unplug them if recalled. Elkay will provide information about a free repair.

The recalled product

Product
Elkay hot/cold bottled water coolers
Manufacturer
Elkay Manufacturing Company, of Oak Brook, Ill.
Category
Consumer Product — Water Coolers
Hazard
Affected units
145,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

See all →

Similar recalls