California-based company, LoHi Tech, recalls its SOWTECH Espresso machines because they pose a burn hazard. According to a report in the International Business Times, there have been five reports of burn injuries caused by the product. A number of burns have occurred due to faulty glass flasks (called glass carafes) breaking and sending hot liquid spilling out. The company is recalling about 24,900 of these machines, which all come with potentially faulty glass carafes. They will be replaced with safer alternatives.
Details of the Recall
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has posted a recall alert stating that the glass carafes could break while in use and present a burn hazard to the user. The company has received 48 reports about the glass carafe breaking, causing five burn injuries.
The affected products were sold online at lohi-direct.com and Amazon.com from March 2017 to October 2020. They are black in color and have “Model CM6811” printed at the bottom of the machine on a silver label. Photos of the recalled espresso machines are available on both the recall alert at CPSC and the company’s website.
Those who have these recalled espresso machines are urged to stop using them immediately and to contact the company for a free replacement metal carafe. While registering online for a free replacement, consumers must submit photos and order numbers documenting possession of the recalled products.
Burn Injuries and Liability Issues
While most people can use espresso machines without issues, they could pose dangers, particularly if defective. For example, the water used to make espresso typically heats up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. At those temperatures, liquids are hot enough to cause burn injuries.
Most scalding burn injuries occur in the home, typically when people are preparing food or drinks or when they are using hot water for a shower, for example. Young children and older adults are more likely to suffer scalding burns. Any person in any age group could suffer burn injuries due to defective products that don’t work how they were supposed to.
Defectively designed and manufactured appliances have been linked to home fires, burn injuries, smoke inhalation injuries, and even fatal fire accidents. Victims of defective appliances would be well advised to speak with an experienced product defect attorney who will help them pursue compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses.
Source: https://www.ibtimes.com/24900-units-espresso-machine-are-being-recalled-3247684
