Countertop Water Dispensers Recalled by Greenway Home Products Due to Fire and Shock Hazards
CPSC recall 08376 · announced August 28, 2008 · Greenway Home Products · 44,000 units affected
The product
The recalled countertop water dispensers include the following Vitapur, Greenway and Polar models. They dispense hot or cold water and use three- or five-gallon water bottles. The model name is printed on the front of the dispenser's base. Model and serial numbers are printed on a white label on the back of the dispenser's base. File number 218326 is printed on a silver sticker on the back of the dispenser's base. Model Serial Number File Number Greenway GWD2630W Starts with 0606 through 0711 218326 Polar PWD2635W Vitapur VWD2636W Vitapur VWD2636BLK Vitapur VWD2636RED Model numbers followed by a "1" or "2," (i.e. GWD2630W -1 / PWD2635W-2), or dispensers with no ventilation openings underneath the base are not included in this recall.
The hazard
The internal heating element could overheat and drop molten metal through ventilation openings in the water dispenser's base onto the countertop, posing a fire hazard. The internal heating element also poses a shock hazard to consumers who touch it through the vents.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should stop using the recalled water dispensers immediately and contact Greenway Home Products to receive a free repair.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): Greenway has received one report of a fire involving the recalled countertop water dispenser outside the United States that resulted in property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Sold at: Discount retailers nationwide from June 2006 to November 2007 for between $70 and $80.
Consumer contact: For additional information, contact Greenway Home Products toll-free at (866) 279-0088 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.greenwayhp.com
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.