The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·84024·Announced 1984-04-12

Microtronics Microwave Ovens Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Microtronics recalled Astro Chef, Classic, and La Chef microwave ovens due to a fire hazard caused by self-starting and heat concentration.

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 hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, meeting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning regarding a fire hazard associated with microwave ovens manufactured by Microtronics Ltd., Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The affected models include the Astro Chef, Classic, and La Chef microwave ovens. The manufacturer is no longer in business and is unable to conduct a formal recall.

The hazard arises from a failure in the stirrer mechanism, which may allow microwaves to concentrate. This can cause the unit to self-start while unattended, generating sufficient heat on the cabinet to ignite combustible materials stored on top or adjacent to the unit. Since at least 1978, 57,645 units were sold nationwide in the last three years at a retail price of approximately $300. While 48 complaints have been received regarding self-starting, no serious injuries or fires have occurred.

Consumers are urged to unplug the unit when not in use and keep combustible materials away from the oven. If uneven cooking occurs or discoloration is noted on the cabinet, consumers should discontinue use. For further information, consumers may call the CPSC toll-free hotline at 800-638-CPSC or the teletypewriter number (301) 595-7054.

The recalled product

Product
Classic, Astro Chef microwave ovens
Manufacturer
Microtronics
Category
Consumer Product — Microwave Ovens
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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