The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·87018·Announced 1987-03-17

General Housewares Recalls Magnalite Professional Saucepans Due to Burn Hazard

General Housewares is recalling Magnalite Professional saucepans because tight-fitting covers may explode or be difficult to remove, posing a burn risk.

What this means for you

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 (burn hazard) with reported injuries (six burn injuries) but no reported deaths or hospitalizations, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

General Housewares Corporation is voluntarily recalling one, two, and three-quart Magnalite Professional saucepans in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall involves saucepans produced between September 1984 and July 1985 that have covers fitting too tightly. If excessive pressure accumulates due to the tight fit, the cover may explode from the saucepan or become difficult to remove.

The company has been advised of nine incidents related to this defect, six of which reportedly involved burn injuries and two of which reportedly involved property damage. The affected saucepans are dark grey cast aluminum with the word MAGNALITE impressed on the bottom, and the covers have an aluminum metallic shine. These items were sold for between $54.00 and $80.00 in better department stores and gourmet cookware shops.

Consumers can test for a tight fit by placing the pan on a stable surface, putting the cover on, and pushing down firmly; if the saucepan lifts with the cover, the fit is too tight. Alternatively, consumers can place the cover firmly on the saucepan and turn it 360 degrees; if it locks in place while turning, it is too tight. Affected saucepans and covers can be returned to General Housewares for a free replacement, with the company bearing shipping costs.

The recalled product

Product
Magnalite Professional saucepans
Manufacturer
General Housewares

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.