Proctor-Silex Recalls 1985-86 Automatic Drip Coffeemakers Due to Fire Hazard
Proctor-Silex is recalling specific 1985-86 automatic drip coffeemakers sold under Proctor-Silex, Sears, and J.C. Penney brands due to a potential fire hazard caused by malfunctioning thermostats.
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 one minor burn injury, meeting the criteria for 'Severe' (significant injury/property-damage reports) under the rubric.
Plain-English summary
Proctor-Silex, Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain automatic drip coffeemakers manufactured in 1985 and 1986 in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall covers specific models sold under the Proctor-Silex, Sears Counter Craft, Sears Kenmore, and J.C. Penney brands. The affected units include Proctor-Silex models with model numbers beginning with A4 or A5 and series numbers ending in 58 or 68; Sears Counter Craft and Sears Kenmore models 360.480293 and 360.480272; and J.C. Penney model 784-2178H (or G) with a "C" number ending in 58 or 68. Coffeemakers manufactured after 1985 with model numbers beginning with A6 are not included in this recall.
The recall is being issued because thermostats and thermal fuses used in these coffeemakers may malfunction, causing the units to overheat and posing a potential fire hazard. Proctor-Silex has received approximately 181 reports of coffeemakers catching fire, including instances of property damage and one report of a minor burn injury sustained when an owner attempted to pick up an overheated unit. The company estimates that approximately 800,000 of these coffeemakers are still in use.
Owners of the recalled coffeemakers should immediately unplug and stop using the units, as they are not repairable. Consumers should call the toll-free number 1-800-341-3333 to determine if their specific unit is included in the recall and to receive instructions for returning it. Proctor-Silex will provide a new coffeemaker free of charge and reimburse shipping costs. Consumers are also advised to check coffeemakers at their place of work to ensure they are not using a recalled unit.
The recalled product
- Product
- JC Penney automatic drip coffeemakers
- Manufacturer
- Sears
- Hazard
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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