WASHINGTON (AP) -- Hamilton Beach Brands Inc. is recalling about 300,000 toasters because the heating element in the device can remain energized indefinitely when an item is placed in the toaster, posing a fire hazard if is near something flammable.
Hamilton, along with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, said Thursday that the company has received 15 reports of toasters that did not pop up as intended. In three of those incidents, the malfunction resulted in minor damage to kitchen cabinets.
No injuries have been reported.
The recall involves Hamilton Beach classic chrome two-slice toasters, model 22600, with series codes that begin with the letters "C'' or "D," and have the format of "CXXXXBI" or "DXXXXBI," where the "XXXX" is a four-digit number ranging from 0190 to 5290.
The model number and series code are printed on the bottom of the toaster, which has a chromed steel exterior, a front control panel with a rotary toast shade selector, function buttons arranged in an arc, a front removable crumb tray and "Hamilton Beach" printed across the front of the device.
The item was manufactured in China and sold at stores nationwide and via online retailers from February 2008 through this month for between $30 and $40.
Consumers should immediately stop using the toasters and contact Hamilton for a refund or replacement.
Hamilton can be reached at (800) 379-2200, or through www.hamiltonbeach.com .
