Defective Coffeemakers Recalled for Burn Hazard

Applica Consumer Products Inc. is recalling 584,000 Black & Decker Spacemaker Coffeemakers because of a serious burn hazard. According to a consumer alert released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Applica Consumer Products issued a voluntary product recall for these defective coffee makers because its brew basket can shift out of alignment allowing hot water to overflow. This poses the risk of serious burn injuries and scalding to consumers. So far, the company has received 235 reports of hot water overflowing and burning consumers. There were 10 reports of consumers suffering second-degree burns.

Coffee Makers Affected

This defective product recall involves the Black & Decker Spacemaker brand coffeemaker. The product has an under-cabinet mount, programmable digital clock and timer, removable water reservoir and either a 12-cup glass carafe or an 8-cup thermal carafe. Model numbers ODC440, ODC440B, ODC450 and ODC460 are included in the recall. The model number can be located on the back of the coffeemaker. These coffeemakers, which were made in China, were sold at major retailers nationwide including K-Mart, Kohl’s, Target, Wal-Mart, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Amazon.com from March 2006 and March 2009 for between $60 and $70.

Consumers who have these Black & Decker coffee makers are asked to stop using them immediately and contact Applica for a free replacement brew basket. If you’d like more information about this product recall, please contact Applica at 1-866-668-4442 or visit www.acprecall.com.

International Quality Control Lacking

This report is another example of how many of our country’s importers lack quality control procedures when it comes to products that are manufactured outside the United States. Products that are made outside the country are still subject to the same standards and requirements as products that are made in the United States. But so far, we’ve seen numerous violations of these safety standards.

We use a number of tools, equipment and appliances in our daily lives. It’s scary to think that we could suffer personal injuries or even death because of some of these dangerous and defective products. Manufacturers should be held accountable for the defective products they put in the market. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of a product defect, please contact experienced product liability attorneys who can assess your personal injury claim and advise you about your legal rights and options.