The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·08001·Announced 2007-10-02

Salton and QVC Recall Electric Toasters Due to Fire Hazard

Salton Inc. and QVC are recalling about 5,200 Cook's Essentials electric toasters because they can turn on spontaneously and ignite items, posing a fire hazard.

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 reported property damage (kitchen cabinets) but no reported injuries, fitting the High severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Salton Inc. and QVC are recalling approximately 5,200 units of the "Cook's Essentials" four-slice wide slot electric toasters, model CET 401. These stainless steel toasters measure 12 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches high. The model number is printed on a plate located on the underside of the appliance. The toasters were manufactured in China.

The recall is due to a fire hazard. The toasters can turn on without bread in the slots and ignite items placed on top of them. QVC has received information that ten toasters reportedly turned on spontaneously. This includes one incident of fire damage to kitchen cabinets and two incidents where toaster covers were burned. No injuries have been reported.

The toasters were sold by QVC through its television station, website, toll-free number, outlet, and employee and Studio stores from January 2003 through June 2003 for between $63 and $69, plus shipping and handling. Some recalled toasters may have been sold at various other retailers.

Consumers should stop using the toaster immediately, unplug it, and cut off the power cord where it enters the body of the toaster. Consumers who return the power cord in the prepaid envelope provided will receive a full refund. Those who purchased from QVC television or online were sent a mail package with refund instructions; if not received, they should call QVC or visit their website. Purchases from QVC stores should be returned to the store of purchase. For non-QVC purchases, consumers should contact Salton.

The recalled product

Product
Cook's Essential Electric Toasters
Category
Consumer Product — Small Kitchen Appliances
Hazard
Affected units
5,200

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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