The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·86010·Announced 1986-02-26

Sunbeam Recalls 8,000 Flavor-Lock Drip Coffeemakers Due to Fire Hazard

Sunbeam is recalling 8,000 under-cabinet drip coffeemakers because a loose heating element can cause the plastic shell to ignite, posing a fire and burn risk.

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 and a minor injury, which aligns with the rubric criteria for 'Severe' (significant injury/property-damage reports).

Plain-English summary

Sunbeam Appliance Company is voluntarily recalling 8,000 under-cabinet Model 15306 Sunbeam Coffeemaker Flavor-Lock drip coffeemakers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall affects units with date codes GJA, GJB, and GJC stamped on the metal plate on the back of the appliance. These coffeemakers were distributed nationwide to retailers in September 1984 and sold for approximately $34 to $44.

The recall is being issued because the heating element in some of these units can loosen with use and shift position, creating a hot spot. Under certain conditions, this can cause the plastic shell of the coffeemaker to ignite, creating a fire hazard. Sunbeam received fifteen reports of the model catching fire between January 1985 and the date of the recall announcement. These incidents involved property damage to nearby combustibles and one minor hand burn reported in Illinois in January 1986. No other injuries were reported.

Owners should discontinue use of the recalled coffeemakers immediately. To obtain a free replacement, owners should return the unit via parcel post to the Sunbeam Appliance Company address provided in the official notice. Sunbeam will replace the recalled unit with an upgraded deluxe model featuring a digital clock and a 24-hour timer. Consumers are advised to insure the product against loss during shipment, as Sunbeam will reimburse the cost of mailing and insurance for eligible units.

The recalled product

Product
Sunbeam Coffeemaker Flavor-Lock under-cabinet drip coffeemakers
Manufacturer
Sunbeam
Category
Consumer Product — Small Appliances
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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