The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·82025·Announced 1982-06-01

Gimbels Party Fondue Sets Recalled Due to Fuel Leak Fire Risk

Gimbel Brothers is recalling approximately 3,046 Party Fondue Sets sold in four cities because a fuel leak can cause flash fires and burns.

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 risk-of-harm product (fire/burn) where injury has been reported (one complaint of burn injuries), but no fatalities or serious injuries are documented, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products with reported injury.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Gimbel Brothers, Inc. are voluntarily recalling approximately 3,046 Party Fondue Sets. These sets were sold in Gimbels stores in New York City, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia between June 1978 and October 1, 1980. The products were made in Japan and sold for retail prices ranging from $15.99 to $19.99.

The recall is due to a fuel leak at the seam of the alcohol-burning fuel cup. If the cup is filled above the seam, alcohol fuel may leak out and cause a flash fire when the heating element is ignited. Gimbel Brothers has received one complaint of burn injuries sustained by a person attempting to extinguish a flash fire in October 1980.

Owners are urged not to use the fondue sets until they have obtained a replacement fuel cup. Consumers who own one of these sets may exchange the alcohol-burning pot for a solid Sterno-burning pot or receive a refund at the Gimbel stores where they were purchased.

The recalled product

Product
Gimbels Party Fondue Sets
Manufacturer
Gimbel Brothers
Category
Consumer Product — Kitchen Appliances
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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