CPSC And Krups Announce Action On Espresso Makers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Krups North America Inc. of Closter, N.J., is voluntarily offering stickers and corrected operating instructions for about 1,472,000 model number 963 Espresso/Cappuccino Machines.

While these coffee machines were distributed to retail stores nationwide from 1985 through 1992, some of the machines may still be on sale. To date, Krups has received 57 reports of the carafes on the coffee machines shattering, injuring 15 people.

Consumers should note that the letters "min" on the filter holder locking mechanism do not refer to the strength of the coffee, but rather to the position of the filter holder. If the filter holder is set far to the left of "min," steam pressure may build up with enough force to cause the holder to fly out of the coffee machine. This can happen when the filter holder is moved while the machine is in operation. If the filter holder falls down, it can hit the glass carafe, causing the glass to shatter. Flying pieces of metal, glass, plastic, coffee grinds and hot coffee can cause serious cuts or burns to people standing nearby.

Consumers should rotate the filter holder to the "max" position and call Krups at (800) 526-5377 to receive a sticker to put over the "min max" position and revised instructions on how to properly use the machine. Krups is offering a $5 rebate good for any Krups products to consumers who request the sticker and instructions.

Krups espresso/cappuccino machines manufactures after 1992, which are marked "Lock," are not involved in this recall.