Sears recalls 145,000 Kenmore coffeemakers

Sears has recalled 145,000 Kenmore and Kenmore Elite coffeemakers because the wiring in the small appliances can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards. The retailer has received 20 reports of coffeemakers overheating, including 12 fires that caused damage to countertops, cabinets and caused melted plastic to drip on the floor. No injuries have been reported.

The recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission involves 12-cup Kenmore coffee makers sold in black, white and red with the following model numbers: 100.80006 (black), 100.81006 (white), and 100.82006 (red). The recall also involves 12-cup Kenmore Elite coffee makers with thermal carafes (model number 100.90007) and 14-cup Kenmore Elite coffeemakers (model number 100.90006). The model number can be found on the bottom of the unit. There is a Kenmore or Kenmore Elite logo on the front of the base.

The coffeemakers were sold at Sears, Sears Hardware, the great indoors, and Kmart stores nationwide, as well as Sears.com and Kmart.com, from August 2007 through April 2008 for between $30 and $100. Consumers should immediately stop using the coffeemakers and take them to their nearest Sears or Kmart store for a free replacement coffeemaker.

For additional information, contact Sears at (800) 978-7615 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, or visit the following Web sites: www.sears.com, www.kmart.com, or www.thegreatindoors.com.

We've written about countertop appliances posing fire hazards before. In March, the CPSC recalled more than 500,000 toasters, deep fat fryers and and indoor grills that accounted for at least three burn injuries. To check and see if an appliance you own has been recalled, visit the CPSC's Web site.