Recall: In-Sink-Erator Recall of Instant Hot Water Dispensers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 27, 2002 Release # 02-189

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 295-8727 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

CPSC, In-Sink-Erator Announce Recall to Repair Instant Hot Water Dispensers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), In-Sink-Erator, of Racine, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 252,000 half-gallon instant hot water dispensers. Water can leak from the metal holding tank, wet insulating material and cause electrical arcing and heat build-up. This poses a fire hazard.

In-Sink-Erator has received three reports of holes in the electrical insulation or outer cover of the hot water dispenser. One report involved a kitchen fire that caused nearly $7,000 in property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled hot water dispensers are half-gallon capacity models, made in the USA and sold under various brand names, including In-Sink- Erator®, ISE®, Steamin' Hot®, Emerson®, Dayton™, ACE™, Kenmore® and Kohler™. The serial number (S/N) is printed on a specification plate attached to the metal holding tank. This recall involves instant hot water dispensers with serial numbers (some begin with two letters) 999- 10 or those that fall between 1000 and 3084000.

Plumbers, building contractors, home centers and hardware stores sold these instant hot water dispensers from January 1972 through December 1996 for between $100 and $250.

Consumers should unplug their hot water dispensers immediately, check the serial number and contact In-Sink-Erator if their unit is part of the recall. Consumers with affected units will receive a replacement insulation shield. For more information and a complete list of brands, consumers can contact In-Sink-Erator at (800) 295-8727 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.insinkerator.com.

One-third gallon capacity instant hot water dispensers manufactured by In-Sink-Erator are not involved in this recall.