March 6, 1997

Health o meter Inc. Announces Recall to Replace Filter Holders and Filter Baskets on Mr. Coffee Espresso/Cappuccino Makers

Health o meter Inc. of Bedford Heights, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 50,000 Mr. Coffee espresso/cappuccino makers to replace their filter holders and filter baskets. The construction of the filter holder could make it difficult for consumers to rotate the holder securely into position. If the filter holder is not rotated securely into position, it can dislodge under pressure. As a result, it can break the glass carafe and consumers can be cut by broken glass or burned by escaping steam, coffee, or coffee grounds.

The model number ECM9 is imprinted on the bottom of the machines' base. The black plastic and metal espresso/cappuccino makers measure 13 inches long by 7.5 inches wide by 10.25 inches high. The filter holder is made entirely of black plastic, and the machines come with a 4-cup glass carafe. The espresso/cappuccino makers are packaged in a carton labeled in part, "Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso/Cappuccino Maker ECM9." Labeling on the carton is written in both English and French. The carton displays a picture of the espresso/cappuccino maker. Various retail stores sold the espresso/cappuccino makers nationwide from September 1996 through February 1997 for about $40.

Consumers should immediately stop using the model ECM9 Mr. Coffee espresso/cappuccino makers. Health o meter Inc., through its Mr. Coffee division, will send free replacement filter holders, filter baskets, revised instruction manuals, and coupons for Mr. Coffee filters to consumers who call Mr. Coffee toll-free at (888) 999-3934. Consumers should have their espresso/cappuccino makers available at the time of the call to verify the model number.