News

Shoppers More Likely to Buy Online

May 23, 2008 By NightOwl

People are more comfortable buying a new appliance from an online retailer now than they were just two years ago according to a survey by PriceGrabber, a Web-based comparison-shopping service. The study found that “unease with online merchants’ customer service and the fear of making large online purchases have all decreased” since a similar survey was taken in 2006.

According to the current survey of 1945 shoppers, taken in late March 2008, 24% said they would be apt to buy major appliances online today, compared with around half that number in 2006. While the desire to “touch and feel” large home items remains an important reason for people not buying off the Web, the percentage citing that reason has dropped over the two surveys to 56% from 70%.

However, the report notes that 25%, compared with 4% in 2006 indicated the cost of home delivery as the main reason they would not purchase online.

Recall: Char-Broil Two-Burner Gas Grills Sold Exclusively at Mills Fleet Farm Stores Due to Fire, Burn Hazard

May 22, 2008 By Appliance

Name of Product: Char-Broil Two-Burner Gas Grills Model 463720108

Units: About 400

Importer: Char-Broil LLC, of Columbus, Ga.

Manufacturer: Shenzhen Jinwoniu Trading Company LTD, China

Hazard: On the recalled grills, the main burner does not fit correctly and does not connect properly to the gas valve which could result in a propane leak. This poses fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Char-Broil gas grills with model number 463720108 and serial number ranging from 000001 to 000402. The gas grills have a main burner with two-burner plates, a 170 square inch swing-away rack, two side shelves and a condiment basket. Char-Broil’s logo is on the top of the lid of the grill. The serial and model numbers are located on the white rating label on the back of the horizontal support of the grill.

Sold at: Mills Fleet Farm Stores in Iowa, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin from February 2008 through April 2008 for about $120.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the grill immediately and contact Char-Broil for a free replacement burner and installation instructions.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Char-Broil at (866) 671-7988 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.charbroil.com char-broil two-burner recall

Recall:American Flame Fireplaces to Replace Gas Valves Due to Fire and Explosion Hazards

May 21, 2008 By Appliance

Name of Product: Fireplace Gas Valves

Units: About 12,000

Manufacturer: American Flame Inc., of Fort Wayne, Ind.

Hazard: Gas can continue to flow into the fireplace pilot light area after the switch has been turned “off,” posing a fire or explosion hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: American Flame has received two reports of incidents involving valve failure and continuous gas flow. No injuries or fires have been reported.

Description: The recall involves American Flame AF-4000 series fireplace gas valves installed in residential fireplaces made by twelve manufacturers under the following brand names: Pacific Energy, Travis Industries, CFM Corporation, Canadian Heating Products, Portland Willamette, Rasmussen, Chimeneas de Columbia, Twin Eagles, FDM, Inca Metals (Savannah Heating), Even Temp, and Valley Comfort. The valves were installed in some but not all fireplaces. Date codes included in the recall include 0622 through 0718. The gas valve model number is located on a label on the bottom of each gas valve. The date code is located above the label.

Sold by: Fireplace retailers and distributors nationwide from September 2006 through July 2007 for between $500 and $2,000 for the fireplaces, with additional costs for installation.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled fireplaces and contact their dealer for a free repair. The repair involves replacing the fireplace’s valve if it leaks gas in the “off” position when tested by a qualified service technician.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact American Flame toll-free at (888) 672-8929 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET to determine if your fireplace is included in the recall and to arrange for a free repair, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.skytechsystem.com

Recall: Frigidaire Canada Kenmore Wall Ovens Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

May 21, 2008 By Appliance

Name of Product: Kenmore Wall Ovens

Units: About 7,500

Manufacturer: Frigidaire Canada, a sister company of Electrolux Home Products Inc., of Cleveland, Ohio

Hazard: During extended broiling, gas can build in the oven cavity and escape when the oven door is opened. This poses a burn and possible fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Electrolux has received 16 reports of incidents involving gas build-up, including flames escaping from the oven door, burns to the hands and face and singed hair.

Description: This recall involves Kenmore 24-inch-wide gas and propane, wall-mounted ovens. The self-cleaning ovens were sold in white, black, bisque and stainless steel, and have the Kenmore name printed on the oven control panel. The model and serial numbers of the ovens that are part of this recall can be found on the frame on the left side of the oven cavity.

Model Numbers	Serial Number Range
790.30472400, 790.30473400, 790.30474400, 790.30479400	NF401xxxxx through NF610xxxxx

Sold at: Sears, Sears Hardware, Kmart and the great indoors stores nationwide and Sears.com from September 2004 through October 2007 for between $760 and $1,150.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the “broil” feature on recalled ovens and contact Sears to schedule a free repair. Consumers may continue to use the “bake” feature.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Sears toll-free at (800) 479-6408 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.sears.com

Pioneer’s High Definition TV

May 20, 2008 By NightOwl

Pioneer Electronics announces a new line of KURO plasma displays featuring black levels five times deeper than the previous award-winning KURO.

“The introduction of this year’s KURO televisions is another step toward our ultimate goal of pure, absolute black that will fulfill the true potential and all the promise of high-definition entertainment,” said Paul Meyhoefer, vice president of display marketing and product planning, home entertainment business solutions group, Pioneer Electronics. This year, Pioneer pushes ever closer to their goal of absolute black by further reducing the idle luminance and improving black levels five times over the previous 2007 KURO models. This has enabled Pioneer to accurately reproduce deeper colors within the high-definition color spectrum.

Pioneer has incorporated six unique sound settings associated with each of the KURO video settings – standard, movie, sports, performance, game, dynamic – to ensure a customized listening experience that is specifically in tune with the type of programming on-screen.

The television employs an auto volume stabilization feature that further controls the television’s volume level when switching between different types of programming; including network shows and commercials, broadcast channels or different input types to insure each experience remains true and distinct from one another.

Pioneer has included the most advanced SRS WOW HD technology in the new KURO models by incorporating SRS Definition, a high frequency enhancement that provides finer control and adjustment to manage low, mid and high audio frequencies. The result adds to the virtual surround sound effect and produces clearer, more precise audio in mid to high frequency levels.

The KURO employs a unique automatic adjustment feature called Optimum Mode that simultaneously monitors video and room light conditions. The KURO then adjusts the picture and sound settings to provide an experience specially tailored to each type of programming.

While many consumers will rely on this unique feature, the 2008 KURO models still have the ability to switch between six finely tuned pre-set modes including: standard, movie, sports, performance, game, dynamic for consumers who prefer the ability to manually adjust their KURO television according to their particular taste.

Retail price starts at $4000.

Recall: Maple Chase Co. Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Combo Alarms Due to Alarm Malfunction

May 16, 2008 By Appliance

Name of Product: FireX Branded 10000 Series Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms and 12000 Series CO/Smoke Combo Alarms

Units: About 280,000

Manufacturer: Maple Chase Company, of Plain City, Ohio

Hazard: The recalled alarms can sound a “double chirp”/fault alarm in the presence of CO, prior to going into full alarm. Upon hearing a double chirp, the Owner’s Manual instructions recommend a consumer take the alarm out of service, which could expose consumers to hazardous levels of CO and suffer injury or death.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall includes FireX branded 10000 and 12000 series alarms with item numbers: 10000, 12000, 12000C, 12000-6, 12200, 12220, 12400, 12400C manufactured between June 1, 2007 and February 1, 2008. The date code appears on the back of the unit with a four digit year, three digit month followed by the day (ex: 2007JUN1 for June 1, 2007). Units with a manufacture date code prior to June 1, 2007 are not included in this recall.

Sold: Commercial electrical distributors and electrical contractors and builders for installation into new home construction. A limited number of units were sold at Menard’s nationwide from June 2007 through February 2008 for about $20 (10000 series) and $30 (12000 series).

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should contact Maple Chase immediately to receive a free comparable replacement alarm and make arrangements to return their recalled alarms. Consumers should not take the alarms out of service until they receive the replacement alarm.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Maple Chase toll-free at (888) 879-3906 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or go to the firm’s Web site at www.firexsafety.com

10000 Front and Back

smake detector

12000 Front and Back

GE Brings Good Things to an End – Exits the Appliance Business

May 14, 2008 By WorkinMan

Its all about gross margins. General Electric confirmed today that they are leaving the appliance business and will sell their appliance division to the highest bidder, as part of the “most active portfolio change in the history of the company.” GE, which entered the appliance business in 1907, is closing one of its signature divisions and strongest links to its past.

The industrial division that includes appliance manufacturing has stayed steady at around 17.7 billion dollars per year, a bit over 10 percent of the company’s 172 billion dollars in annual revenue. The company continues to produce well received, high quality innovative products.

But in the face of a 6 percent drop in profit, and heavy pressure from Wall Street, the suits in the executive suite at GE Corporate have spent the last year shedding almost 60 billion dollars in divisions that represent stability rather than growth. GE decided that appliances weren’t sexy enough anymore.

Chief Executive Jeff Immelt has been under pressure to restructure the industrial and financial conglomerate, particularly since last month’s surprising report that profit fell in the first quarter.At the time, Immelt brushed off questions about GE spinning off businesses. But with an 11 billion dollar sale of its plastics division, and a 5 to 8 billion dollar sale of its appliance division, GE is quickly liquidating those core industrial divisions that might face slower growth in today’s economic environment.

Don’t be surprised if the GE nameplate soon has mandarin subtitles.

Recall: Baby Bottle and Food Warmers by Munchkin Due to Fire Hazard

May 12, 2008 By Appliance

Name of Product: Deluxe Bottle and Food Warmers

Units: About 5,000

Manufacturer: Munchkin Inc., of North Hills, Calif.

Hazard: The bottle and food warmers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Munchkin has received nine reports of units overheating, several of which ignited, causing damage to countertops. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Munchkin Deluxe Bottle and Food Warmer with Pacifier Cleaning Basket 2-in-1 Design, model #13301 and lot number TP-1487. The product is used to warm food and bottles of various sizes. The set includes a main basket, a lift-out basket, an adapter ring, and a measuring cup. “Munchkin” is located on the front of the warmer and “TP-1487” is located on the bottom. Only warmers bearing lot number “TP-1487” are included in this recall.

Sold at: Various retailers nationwide and company’s catalog from June 2007 through April 2008 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using bottle and food warmers with lot number TP-1487 immediately and contact Munchkin to receive a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact customer service toll-free at (866) 619-8673 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.munchkin.com

munchkin bottle warmer

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Samsung’s Flexible Fridge

May 10, 2008 By NightOwl

Samsung has a creative refrigerator idea. The Quatro Cooling Convertible Refrigerator allows the consumer to switch the refrigeration and freezing compartments as needed. If you plan to cook and freeze food in preparation for a big event just switch use to make room. The same applies to needing more room to cool drinks for a party. The unit has to bottom drawer that can switch modes at the push of a button.

The refrigerator is a french door style with each compartment controlled and cooled separately with its own evaporator and fan. The bottom two drawers adapt to become refrigerators as needed.

Here are some basic specifications:

Capacity Net Total 24.8cu.ft.

Dimensions
Net Width 35.7″
Net Case height w/ hinge 69.7″
Net Depth w/ door handle 33.1″

Cooling Features Cooling System Quatro Cooling

Freezer Features Icemaker

Exterior Features Display & Control Digital LCD

Color Stainless Steel

Advice for Buying a High-Def TV

May 8, 2008 By NightOwl

If you are shopping for a high-def TV, you’ll need to decide which type you’d like. Will you go for LCD(liquid crystal display), plasma, or HD rear projection microdisplay? Let us offer some information and advice to make your decision a little easier.

LCD

These televisions are thin and lightweight with bright picture contrast. That is good in a room with a lot of light. The largest screens are 46 inches and the picture quality is not quite as good as a plasma TV.

Plasma

These have the most lifelike picture, with 180 degree viewing angles. They are quite large screens, with nothing smaller than 42 inches.

HD Rear Projection

Cathode ray tube rear projetion sets are being phased out, but new hi-def flat screen have great picture quality. They are not meant hanging on the wall.

Your new TV can be wall hung and all the cable and wires hidden – no TV cabinet necessary. Although it is a job for a do-it-yourselfer, it requires some know how. Sets over 32 inches will be at least a two person installation job. Mounting requires a mounting kit with costs ranging from$100 to $200. Kits that swivel and tilt will cost more.

Before you go shopping, decide how large a screen you’d like, LCD is the best choice for for 42 inches and under. Plasma or rear projection are better for larger sets.

You can get a a high definition television without spending a fortune, or you can really blow a wad on one if you are inclined. For example, there is Samsung’s Slimfit which we found selling for $380. This has CRT technology and is only 16.5 inches deep. A pricier choice could be Sony’s Bravia which is 40″ wide and retails for about $1600. If you have the money, the Pioneer PDP-6010FD has two million pixels on an almost 60 inch screen. It also has four independent HDMI 1.3 inputs and a new room light sensor for adjusting to the viewing surroundings. This one will set you back about $4,000.

High definition televisions have a picture quality that is superior to analog TV and next year, over-the-air TV will be phased out. Analog televisions will require converters. If you are in the market for a new television , a high-def TV might just be the way to go.