June 27, 2002
In-Sink-Erator Announce Recall to Repair Instant Hot Water Dispensers

In-Sink-Erator, of Racine, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 252,000 half-gallon instant hot water dispensers. Water can leak from the metal holding tank, wet insulating material and cause electrical arcing and heat build-up. This poses a fire hazard.

In-Sink-Erator has received three reports of holes in the electrical insulation or outer cover of the hot water dispenser. One report involved a kitchen fire that caused nearly $7,000 in property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled hot water dispensers are half-gallon capacity models, made in the USA and sold under various brand names, including In-Sink- Erator®, ISE®, Steamin' Hot®, Emerson®, Dayton™, ACE™, Kenmore® and Kohler™. The serial number (S/N) is printed on a specification plate attached to the metal holding tank. This recall involves instant hot water dispensers with serial numbers (some begin with two letters) 999- 10 or those that fall between 1000 and 3084000. Plumbers, building contractors, home centers and hardware stores sold these instant hot water dispensers from January 1972 through December 1996 for between $100 and $250.

Consumers should unplug their hot water dispensers immediately, check the serial number and contact In-Sink-Erator if their unit is part of the recall. Consumers with affected units will receive a replacement insulation shield. For more information and a complete list of brands, consumers can contact In-Sink-Erator at (800) 295-8727 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at http://web3.4miles.com/insinkerator/. One-third gallon capacity instant hot water dispensers manufactured by In-Sink-Erator are not involved in this recall.