Consumer Product Safety Commission Orders Recall of Toasters Sold Through QVC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, has announced a voluntary recall of Cook's Essential Electric Toasters. The recall involves about 5,200 units. The reason for the recall is that the toaster can turn on without bread in the slots and anything that is resting on top can catch on fire. The retailer is QVC Inc., of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and they have received information about ten of the toasters that turned on by themselves. In one incident, there was fire damage to kitchen cabinets and another two incidents, the toaster covers burned. So far, there have been no reports of any injuries.

The toaster is distributed by Salton Inc., of Lake Forest, Illinois and is made in China.

The product is called the "Cook's Essential." It is a four-slice wide slot electric toaster and the model number is CET 401. They are made of stainless steel and measure 12 inches long, 13 inches wide and 8 inches high. You can find the model number on a plate on the bottom of the toaster. It will say "Cook's Essentials Classic Look Toaster, Model: CET401."

QVC has sold the toaster through its television station as well as its Web page and its toll-free number, outlet, and its employee and Studio stores. It was sold from January 2003 through June 2003 and cost between $63 and $69 plus about $8 for shipping and handling. There is a chance that some of the recalled toasters could have been sold in retail stores.

If you have one of these toasters, stop using it immediately, unplug it and then cut off the power cord where it enters the toaster, so no one can plug it in again. You will be provided with a prepaid envelop and just return only the power cord, providing it was cut exactly like it says, and you will get a full refund.

Anyone who bought one of the toasters from one of the QVC's television program, or at the web site, QVC.com have been sent a package that has all of the information about how to get a refund. If you have not received the information, call QVC at (800) 367-9444, from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, seven days a week or you can visit QVC's Web site at www.qvc.com.