Original; see modified release: Mr. Coffee Espresso/Cappuccino Makers Filter Repair

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
This is the original of a document that has been modified. To see the modified version, click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles
March 6, 1997 (301) 504-7052
Release # 97-081

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 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.

Health o meter has received 43 reports of the filter holder dislodging, which resulted in 3 reported injuries, including cuts and burns.

Only model ECM9 Mr. Coffee espresso/cappuccino makers are involved in this recall. The model number 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. Since many espresso/cappuccino makers are similar in appearance, consumers should check the model number to see if their machines are part of this recall.

Mr. Coffee Espresso/Cappuccino Maker


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.