The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·14195·Announced 2014-05-29

Sunbeam Recalls Holmes Ceramic Heaters Due to Fire Hazard

Sunbeam is recalling about 151,600 Holmes ceramic heaters because they can overheat and pose a fire hazard. Consumers should stop using the units and contact Sunbeam for a refund.

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 fire hazard with reported property damage (burned flooring) and one report of smoke inhalation, meeting the criteria for 'Severe' (significant injury/property-damage reports).

Plain-English summary

Sunbeam Products, Inc. is recalling about 151,600 Holmes oscillating ceramic heaters, model number HCH1823M. The heaters are rectangular, approximately 12 inches tall, 8 ½ inches wide, and 5 ½ inches deep, and were sold in black, purple, red, blue, and white. The "Holmes" logo is located on the bottom front of the unit, and the model number is printed on a label on the bottom. The units feature two knobs on top for controlling the fan and thermostat, with settings for high heat, low heat, and fan only.

The recall is due to a fire hazard, as the ceramic heaters can overheat. The firm has received 132 reports of units that unexpectedly stopped working and/or overheated. These incidents resulted in one report of smoke inhalation and ten reports of property damage involving burned flooring.

The heaters were sold at Fred Meyer, Target, Walmart, and other retailers nationwide from August 2013 to March 2014 for about $30. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heater, unplug it, and contact Sunbeam Products, Inc. at (800) 834-0056 or online at www.holmesproducts.com to obtain a full refund.

The recalled product

Product
Holmes Ceramic Heaters
Category
Consumer Product — Home Appliances
Hazard
Affected units
151,600

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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