The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·05162·Announced 2005-04-27

Heat & Glo Recalls Gem 36 and 42 Gas Fireplaces for Shattering Risk

Heat & Glo is recalling about 7,800 Gem 36 and Gem 42 gas fireplaces because gas accumulation can cause the glass window to shatter, posing burn and laceration risks.

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 (shattering glass causing burns/lacerations) with reported minor injuries but no fatalities or serious injuries, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has been reported but is not severe.

Plain-English summary

Heat & Glo, of Lakeville, Minn., is recalling approximately 7,800 HEAT-N-GLO® Gem 36 and Gem 42 direct vent gas fireplaces. The recall includes Gem 36 fireplaces that recently received a replacement burner assembly. The model number is located on the rating plate inside the unit on the base pan in front of the gas control, which can be accessed by removing the lower grille.

The hazard exists because gas can accumulate in the fireplace prior to burner ignition. When ignition takes place, the pressure can cause the glass window to shatter, creating a risk of burns or lacerations from broken glass. Heat & Glo has received 21 reports of shattered glass, including four minor injuries.

These fireplaces were sold by dealers and distributors of Hearth products nationwide from July 2002 through April 2005 for between $2,380 and $2,700. Consumers should stop using the fireplaces immediately and contact Heat & Glo to make arrangements for a free repair. To ensure no one uses the fireplace by mistake, consumers should shut off the gas supply by removing the lower grille and turning off the ball valve (red lever) on the gas supply line. For assistance, contact Heat & Glo at (800) 215-5152 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit www.gem3642.com or www.heatnglo.com.

The recalled product

Product
HEAT-N-GLO® Gem 36 and Gem 42 gas fireplaces
Manufacturer
Heat & Glo, of Lakeville, Minn.
Category
Consumer Product — Fireplaces & Accessories
Hazard
Affected units
7,800

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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