Recall: Masterbuilt Manufacturing Inc. Recalls Electric Smokers for Fire Hazard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2006
Release #06-173
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 489-1581
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Masterbuilt Manufacturing Inc. Recalls Electric Smokers for Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Electric Smokehouse Smokers

Units: About 10,700

Manufacturer: Masterbuilt Manufacturing Inc., of Columbus Ga.

Hazard: Smoldering wood chips used in the wood chip box can ignite into flames when the door of the unit is opened, posing a risk of burn injuries to users and property damage to nearby combustibles.

Incidents/Injuries: Masterbuilt has received two reports of units that were damaged as a result of wood chip flare-ups. No injuries or property damage were reported.

Description and Models: The smokers cook food slowly at lower temperatures and use wood chips to produce smoke inside the unit for flavor. Wood chips are placed inside the smoker and heated using an electric burner element to produce smoldering coals. The electric smokehouse model ESQ30B has a black powder coated outer shell with the Masterbuilt Electric Smokehouse logo on the front door. The electric smokehouse model ESQ30S has a stainless steel outer shell with the Masterbuilt Electric Smokehouse logo on the front door. The model number is located on a metal plate on the back of the unit.

Sold at: Sporting goods stores sold these smokers nationwide from July 2005 through May 2006 for between $200 and $250.

Manufactured In: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these smokers immediately, and contact the firm to receive free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Masterbuilt at (800) 489-1581 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.masterbuilt.com

Picture of Recalled Smoker