Table of contents
- Latest PowerXL Wafflizer Recall Updates
- May 18, 2023: Empower Brands and CPSC Announce the Recall
- May 18, 2023: Health Canada Posts the Joint Recall
- Which PowerXL Wafflizers Are Affected?
- Why Were the PowerXL Wafflizers Recalled?
- Reported Incidents, Injuries, or Illnesses
- What Should Consumers Do?
- Legal Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Health Canada Recall Both PowerXL Wafflizer Models?
- How Can I Reach Empower Brands or the CPSC About the Recall?
- What Is the Health Canada Recall Number for the PowerXL Wafflizer?
- Who Is Tristar Products in the PowerXL Wafflizer Recall?
PowerXL Stuffed Wafflizer waffle makers, Models ESWM02 and ESWM03, were recalled on May 18, 2023. The units can expel hot food during cooking and burn the person using them.
The recall covers two models sold at Walmart, Kohls, Best Buy, Target and other retailers from July 2021 through October 2022 for between $30 and $60. The remedy is a repair under recall number 23-205.
The recall has not been closed or expanded since the May 18, 2023 announcement. Owners should stop using the waffle maker and ask Empower Brands for a free latch adaptor.
Latest PowerXL Wafflizer Recall Updates
May 18, 2023: Empower Brands and CPSC Announce the Recall
On May 18, 2023, Empower Brands and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of about 456,000 waffle makers sold as the PowerXL Stuffed Wafflizer, in Models ESWM02 and ESWM03 [1].
The notice gives the CPSC recall number as 23-205. It says owners can get a free repair part from the company.
May 18, 2023: Health Canada Posts the Joint Recall
Health Canada posted the joint recall on the same day [2].
The company reported that 777 units were sold in Canada. It reported no incident or injury reports in Canada as of May 17, 2023.
Which PowerXL Wafflizers Are Affected?
The recall covers two PowerXL Stuffed Wafflizer models, and all date codes are included:
- Model ESWM02, the five inch waffle maker
- Model ESWM03, the seven inch waffle maker
- Colors: black, white, red, cinnamon, gray, lavender, lemon, ocean, slate, seafoam and sage
The PowerXL logo is located on top of the waffle maker. Compare the model on your unit with the list above.
Why Were the PowerXL Wafflizers Recalled?
The PowerXL Wafflizers were recalled because hot pieces of waffle or stuffing can be expelled from the waffle maker during use or upon opening it. The CPSC says this poses a burn risk.
Empower Brands says the units can expel food product due to pressure buildup during the cooking process, particularly if overfilled. Its free latch adaptor releases the latch when the waffle maker recognizes a set internal pressure level [3].
Reported Incidents, Injuries, or Illnesses
Empower Brands received 44 reports of incidents in the United States. Those reports include 34 burn injuries, and three people needed medical attention.
The figures cover Models ESWM02 and ESWM03 and come from reports made to Empower Brands in the United States. A report does not prove that the waffle maker caused every injury.
What Should Consumers Do?
Owners of a recalled Model ESWM02 or ESWM03 Stuffed Wafflizer should take these steps:
- Stop using the recalled waffle maker immediately.
- Contact Empower Brands to receive a free latch adaptor part and written instructions to complete the repair.
- Reach Empower Brands toll-free at 866-276-0063, by email at wafflizerrecall@brandprotectplus.com, or online at www.prodprotect.com/recall/wafflizer.
- Report a problem with the recall remedy to the CPSC through its recall complaint form.
Legal Options
No lawsuit, class action, MDL or CPSC administrative proceeding names the PowerXL Wafflizer. The recall itself does not establish liability.
An owner burned by a recalled product may ask a lawyer whether a product liability claim fits the facts. Keeping the unit, the receipt and medical records helps any review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Health Canada Recall Both PowerXL Wafflizer Models?
Health Canada recalled only one of the two PowerXL Wafflizer models, the five inch Model ESWM02. That model was sold in three colors in Canada, including black, cinnamon and slate.
How Can I Reach Empower Brands or the CPSC About the Recall?
You can reach Empower Brands about the recall from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. To reach the CPSC about the recall by phone instead, dial the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772.
What Is the Health Canada Recall Number for the PowerXL Wafflizer?
The Health Canada recall number for the PowerXL Wafflizer is RA-73647. The recalled model numbers are printed on a tag attached to the power cord, so you can match your unit against the Canadian notice.
Who Is Tristar Products in the PowerXL Wafflizer Recall?
Tristar Products Inc. is the importer named in the CPSC notice for the PowerXL Stuffed Wafflizer. Empower Brands, LLC is the recalling firm that handles the repair and sends the latch adaptor.