Name of Product: Immersion Heaters
Units: About 472,000
Distributor: World Kitchen Inc., of Reston, Va.
Manufacturer: Chun Tai Electric Heater Company, of Taiwan
Hazard: Moisture in the heating element could cause corrosion over time, presenting a shock hazard.
Description: The immersion heaters are portable chrome-plated steel heaters with a white plastic handle and mug hook used for warming tea, coffee, soup, or other liquids. “IMMERSION HEATER,” and “MADE IN TAIWAN” are embossed on the white plastic handle of these heaters. Some products were sold under the EKCO brand and others were sold with no brand.
Sold at: Mass retailers, hardware and grocery stores nationwide from January 1999 through August 2005 for between $5 and $6.
Manufactured In: Taiwan
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact World Kitchen for a refund.
Consumer Contact: Contact World Kitchen at (800) 853-6567 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.worldkitchen.com