Recall of 1.2 million Lasko ceramic heaters
If you own a Lasko ceramic space heater, the following recall could affect you.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on June 29, 2007, announced the recall of about 1.2 million Lasko ceramic heaters because of a fire hazard. According to the recall, the electrical cord on the heater can overheat where it enters the base of the unit.
As of the recall date, the manufacturer had received 28 reports of failed power cords, with six reports of minor property damage. No injuries have occurred.
The heaters ($20 to $50) were sold at major retailers, home centers, and discount department stores nationwide from September 2005 through April 2006. The recalled models are the 5132, 5345, 5362, 5364, 5420, 5532, 5534, and 5566; all except the 5420 are “tower” heaters like the one shown above. You’ll find the model numbers on the bottom of the units or at the rear of the base of the heaters, which were made in China for Lasko Products Inc., of West Chester, Pennsylvania. (In 2006, Lasko recalled about 186,000 space heaters because of fire, burn, and shock hazards.)
If you have a recalled heater, unplug it and do not use it again. Call Lasko at 800-984-3311 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to arrange to get a replacement heater. For more information or to register for a replacement, go to Lasko’s product-recall page.
Essential information: Look for our full report, including Ratings, on portable heaters in the October 2007 issue of Consumer Reports, on sale in September. To learn how to stay informed about product recalls, read “CPSC steps out with million-consumer march.” And be sure to subscribe to the Consumer Reports On Safety blog for the latest on product-safety news.
Posted by: Made in USA | Feb 1, 2008 10:30:23 AM
When are these companies going to learn that we don't want crap from China? I'll bet this recall has cost Lasko far more than paying American workers to make the product. I was looking at one of these heaters at Sam's, and just walked away when I saw where it was made.
Posted by: Kim Conway | Mar 23, 2008 9:03:51 PM
I have a Lasko Ceramic Elemnt 5800 that is worthless. It tips over, and when it isn't tipping over it shuts itself off constantly. I can't even use it hardly. I think that I should be reimbursed for this item. What do you think?
Posted by: Christie Richardson | Nov 1, 2008 10:04:19 AM
My mom has a Lasko and it had a remote control. I thought it was great for that shutting off feature cause it would come back on when it was supposed to , to heat up the fifth wheel. What others do to theirs is the reason it's not worth a flip if you ask me.
my only problem is that it is made in china and there's hardly any american factories anymore. But then again america has gone greedy.
Posted by: Gil | Dec 19, 2008 1:55:07 PM
I just bought a Lasko heater model 5369 from Target. It had good reviews so I bought it. It's made in China, but it's Lasko who tells the Chinese manufacturer what kind of parts to use. Hopefully this time, Lasko didn't cheap out on the consumer and told the manufacturer to use a better electrical cord.
Posted by: Mill | Dec 23, 2008 8:22:39 AM
I bought a Lasko 6350 ceramic heater from Target about a month ago. I loved it. It kept me warm, had a remote control and served its purpose. That is until I unplugged it before leaving for work. When I plugged it back in, it sparked a fire from my outlet. Fortunately I was able to unplug it before the fire did any damage.
My model number is not among those being recalled, but it suffers from the same issues! Do not buy! This is a true fire hazard!!!
Posted by: Marie | Jan 8, 2009 3:03:34 PM
I bought a lasko 6350 ceramic heater at Target. I have to return it because I smelled something burning. The cord was overheating and the plug is starting to melt.
Posted by: John Bartos | Jan 10, 2009 11:06:56 AM
I work for a domestic manufacturer and the reason that small appliances aren't made state-side is that they'd cost 3x as much as the Chinese and no one would buy them, especially in this economy. People talk, but when it comes time to open your wallet, opinions change. Look at GE, ProScan, etc. I own a Lasko heater and absolutely love it, plus they're an American company, unlike half the stuff made at Wal Mart.
Posted by: Louis | Feb 10, 2009 10:33:32 AM
I bought a 6350 two mos ago from Target and woke up this morning to find my 3mos newborn's son at 91 degrees! He was screaming at 5am when he normally wakes up at 7:30am and went in to find the room at 91! Why does the gauge even go that high? This heater has an automatic temperature setting which we set at 72 and heated the room up to 91! We were thinking about taking our son to the hospital because of heatstroke but he seems to be ok now. This is a terrible terrible product and I'm so upset right now. Avoid this crap!