October 18, 2001

National Presto Industries Inc. Announces Recall of Deep Fryer Basket Handles

National Presto Industries Inc. (Presto) of Eau Claire, Wis., is voluntarily recalling replacing up to 50,000 Presto CoolDaddy electric deep fryer basket handles. The handles on the fryer baskets can come off, resulting in hot oil spattering the user and bystanders. Presto has received 63 reports of basket handles coming off, including 10 reports of consumers being spattered with hot oil. The injuries include minor burns to the arms and face.

The Presto CoolDaddy electric deep fryers have model numbers 0544404 (product number 21-419) and 0544504 (product number 21-439). The deep fryers are white with the words, "Presto CoolDaddy or "Presto Pride® CoolDaddy®" written on the front. The model numbers are located on the bottom of the deep fryer and the product number is located on the bottom of the carton. Only the deep fryer baskets with silver screws attaching the basket handle are involved in this recall. Department stores sold the deep fryers nationwide from July 2000 through June 2001 for between $50 and $70.

Consumers should stop using their deep fryer baskets immediately, and contact Presto toll-free at (866) 813-9545 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, to receive a free repair kit. Consumers also can log on to the company's web site at www.gopresto.com/recall. Presto Media Contact: Gerrie Eaton (715) 839-2181