Tassimo brewers, packages recalled amid burn concerns

CTV Edmonton's Consumer Watch reporter Laura Lowe spoke to an Edmonton woman who owns one of the Tassimo brewers listed under a recent product recall.

CTV Winnipeg: Karen Rocznik on the recall

Millions of Tassimo coffee-maker products are being recalled over concerns that the products can injure their users by spraying them.

CTV Ottawa: John Hua on the coffee maker recall

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians will have to find a new way to get their morning caffeine after a recall of a popular single-cup coffee maker Thursday.

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The Tassimo Hot Beverage System is shown in a handout photo. Close to a million Tassimo coffee makers are being recalled in Canada after reports of the brewers spraying hot liquid, coffee grounds or tea leaves onto people.Some 900,000 Tassimo coffee makers are being recalled in Canada. (Kraft Foods)

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CTVNews.ca Staff

Date: Thu. Feb. 9 2012 10:52 PM ET

A massive recall of Tassimo single-cup home-brewed coffee makers has been ordered in Canada and the United States after reports a malfunction can burn users.

About 900,000 of the machines are being recalled in Canada and another 835,000 in the U.S.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada said there were 140 reports of the brewers injuring people, including 37 cases involving second-degree burns.

Health Canada said 61 of those cases occurred in Canada and 79 in the U.S.

One incident resulted in a 10-year-old Minnesota girl being hospitalized with second-degree burns to her neck and face.

A two-year-old Canadian girl also suffered second-degree burns to her face.

The commission said the problem is the coffee maker's "T-disc" (the plastic disc that holds the coffee or tea) can break and spray hot liquid, coffee grounds or tea leaves onto users or bystanders.

Another four million packages of Tassimo espresso T-discs manufactured by Kraft Foods Global Inc., in Illinois, are also being recalled after 21 reports of problems. About half of these discs were sold in Canada.

The brewers have either "Bosch" or "Tassimo" printed on the front, while "Tassimo Professional" is printed on the front of the professional version.

The Bosch brand models being recalled have numbers that begin with TAS100x, TAS200x, TAS451x, TAS46x and TAS651. The Tassimo professional version model number recalled is TAS6512CUL.

Full recall information can be found here.

The models were sold at department and home improvement stores and online at various websites. They were manufactured in China and Slovenia.

Both Health Canada and the commission recommend people stop using the machines immediately and contact the company for a free replacement.

Comments are now closed for this story

Carol Anne
said

I am very unimpressed with Tassimo's customer service line if you press one for the Tassimo recall your call gets drop and it hangs up. Poor service I have not had any issues with my Tassimo but since reading of the current recall something has to be done about it, if not when it's too late!

Susie-Q Mtl.
said

To Mr. John:-I agree with you 100% about this product. The price is too high for my budget. I just have a plain ordinary coffee machine. I don't need fancy stuff.
To Jacinta:-I hope your niece is okay now. I hope she has no scars from her burns. Has everything nicely healed up by now? I hope there is a new machine at the house. Keep the table far away from the counter if possible. Everybody please get rid of your Tassimo. We really don't need fancy coffee in our lives. It's all media hype to make some person rich. I'm sure we can all get by with good old Maxwell House. Tried tested & true & good to the last drop. I pray that all people who were burnt or injured by this machine have fully recovered. Good day all. Bye-Bye.

Brian
said

Personally , if you like the pod based coffees I would recommend the Keurig system.Not only are the discs less expensive than Tassimo's , there are in excess of 90 varieties of hot beverages available.You only have to look at retail locations that Keurig seems to be dominating the market now.Bar code technology seemed to be a gimmick selling feature of Tassimo. Even STARBUCKS saw the light and moved from Tassimo to Keurig discs.

Jacinta
said

For everyone who said it is user error and the child's (or parent's) fault...you couldn't be more wrong.

My 8 year old niece received burns on her hand from my sisters Tassimo.

She did not open the lid AT ALL...the coffee was pouring out when the disc exploded and sent boiling hot water spraying out the machine for 4-5 feet!

My niece was not using the coffee maker, she was sitting at the kicthen table and the coffee maker was on the counter.

Her burns weren't bad but it could have been worse.

That obviously was nothing to do with user error or poor parenting

Donna
said

I had my machine for just under the year when I had a disc explode leaving myself and my brother -in-law covered (faces included) in scalding hot grounds I had several small burns too. I called the company and thecustomer service rep made me feel like I was the only one that this had happened to. I was told if the machine needed to be serviced that I would have to pay the shipping...now I fine out about this recall!!!!

silvertex
said

As a clarification I called Tassimo since I have a similar one which falls under the recall category and they are not recalling the coffee maker just sending you a part as a free replacement.

norchic
said

In a world where we are trying to reduce waste, why are we buying disposable anything if we can help it? I never thought that a product like this would fly.

jess
said

I have a Tassimo and I love it!!

**Lisa, have you tried using the cleaning disc in the back on the unit? you should use it pretty often to keep it from getting dirty and making the coffee taste nasty. or use filtered water.

I have had zero problems with mine and i use it A LOT. always as directed though. You have to make sure and use the cup stand to get the cup to the spout so it doesn't spray everywhere. And always wait until the orange light comes on to remove the disc.

Trevor MacNeil
said

I have just spoken with the customer service from Tassimo(which of coarse took 35 min on hold) and was reassured that my machine was safe for use according to the FD# 9108.My machines serial# is TAS4615UC/03 and this article clearly states serial#'s beginning with TAS46 have been recalled. So Im a little confused how my Tassimo has been cleared for use. If that is fact then I am happy. Although if I have been given false security of my Tassimo, there is something wrong. Also their site has really no info on the problem, I myself am a little scepticle of the machine. The customer service agent seemed very unknowledged of the unit, he asked many questions about the appearance of my machine, after I had clearly given him the serial#. I have 2 young children in the house. I hope it is ok to use.

Mr John.
said

This product is nothing but over rated expensive junk.....

tanyalavine
said

My Chai Tea exploded on me a while ago. I know how to make sure it's in there properly, but assumed that I must have made a mistake. Cleaned up the mess, made sure to give my hand a good run under the cold water, since I did burn myself, and decided to not have any that day. But, I've had it happen another time since then. My Tassimo is under the recall, and I've requested the part from them already. I'm not a huge fan of the coffee's they have out, but I like the chai tea. Otherwise, I only use my Keurig. I like it better....and it's never burned me!

Jack R
said

Lisa;I avoided the Starbucks coffee like poison. It's bitter and doesn't smell very tempting. I didn't mind the Nabob or Maxwell house brands. I preferred the Maxwell house decaf, but, found it hard locate sometimes. The biggest disadvantage I found with the Tassimo, outside of rude customer service reps, is the lack of variety and the fact you can ONLY brew pods. And it's slow. The Keurig is better, as it has a wider variety of choices available, you can custom brew if you so choose by using the supplied K-cup, and it's probably twice as fast as the Tassimo.

To Lisa
said

Lisa, I too find the coffee to be bitter. One method I found works somewhat is use a larger cup to avoid overflow, and at the end of the regular brew cycle, press and hold the brew button for 30 or 40 seconds to add more water. Just make sure you have enough water in the tank to begin with or the machine will turn off after the regular cycle and the low water level indicator will come on.

P Callighen
said

I have the T46. Dangerous when removing the hot latte milk product. The unit doesn't expel the entire disk. The boiling hot milk dripped out onto my hand the first time I removed it, causing burns. Now, once the process is complete, I've resorted to putting an empy cup in and pressing the button expel the excess.

Tai
said

Thank god i bought a Keurig. this is terrible!

Patricia Chura
said

I have had my machine for only a few weeks and am not or have not experienced any difficulties. I like it very much. However, trying to submit my info on their website is a nightmare. Help!

Dave in T.O.
said

Seems nobody has read the recall notice in it's enterity?

It's not the machine that is recalled... it is simply the disc holder (that is removeable for cleaning anyway) This is clearly stated on all government recall notices and on Tassimo's own recal site.

kevin cichon
said

4 T-Disk from the same package ruptured while brewing inside the machine causing coffee granules and hot liquid poring all over the place making a huge mess...The cause of the defect is the aluminium foil sealing film not glued properly to the cup... I send pictures of the defect and sent it to Tassimo but that brand of coffee is not included on the recall...

Nick
said

Hot coffee burns? Wow. Who knew? Rumour has it that water is wet also.

Frank
said

Everyone so far as MISSED the mark on this recall. The product was made in CHINA!! There's the problem. Probably cost them $2 to make and they are selling these to suckers for over $100.

Isn't CHINA the same country that we've have various recalls on some of the products they make filled with lead and other chemicals?

If I was Harper, I'd sell CHINA substandard oil at INFLATED prices to return the favor.

Anon
said

Actually, I work very closely with Kraft on Tassimo and the coffee industry and can tell you there has only been minimal issues. They are infact pulling the products (both machines and Espresso based T-Discs) to protect their brand and ensure no other incidents occur. The plastic ring inside the machine (when opening to fill the pod) in some models are faulty and consumers will be sent a replacement part that is thicker and more secure. They likely will implement a manual lock feature as well so T-Disc can't be removed prematurely without intent. No machine is perfect and no matter how much you try to avoid problems or make fool proof, faults will occur. Same reason you will often stumble on a step in a stairwell, even though you have been walking since about age 1.

Lisa
said

I recieved a Tassimo for Christmas...and I don't like it at all, no matter what kind of coffee I make it always tastes bitter...if anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it. I called Tassimo and they told me it is the type of coffee I am using...I now have about 5 different kinds and can't say I like any of them....wish I could take it back, but it's too late now.

sheepish
said

Actually not inproper use... We have had our machine for 4 years. The machine has exploded on us on three seperate instances. And trust me after 4 years... I know how to use my machine. The company (each time when notified) has apologized and stated that it was the pods and sent us new ones. Clearly they are having an issue. Use your common sense. If the company is providing a recall.... and publically releasing it to the media, they are not going to take that risk financially without reason. Companies that do the right thing do it because they know it is required not because some people are stupid or idiotic.....

Monique McPherson
said

I first used a Tassimo at my boyfriend's place and fell in love with it, to the point that I have one of my own. The only issue I've had is to be sure to clean the area where the reader window is- otherwise, you'll have to clean up coffee grounds. When I received mine, my boyfriend has said to wait for the orange "standby" light to come on before the disc is removed.

SteveinToronto
said

Mine works perfectly. Two-year old should not be near hot electronical devices. That's just stupid parents.

We should also recall billions of cars because people can crash and die.

It's all in how it's used.

Sue
said

those of you now dissing the Tassimo and praising the keurig as the superior product... do a quick google search on keurig fire... they aren't the cat's ass either!! crap happens! if your's is recalled get a replacement and be happy you didnt get burned..why is everyone so quick to condemn instead of taking it at face value

Leigh
said

Not affected at all! I have no interest in any of the home brewing systems. The beverage discs are very expensive. For the Tassimo, I expect that the bar code reader wasn't made for the longevity that my kettle is. Nothing is nicer than a properly made pot of tea or the smell of freshing brewed coffee.

Tom91
said

To rkozga1: How about the CLR commercial where the man's honey-do-list is mandated by his wife (who walks by and gives him a glaring look as he's reading it) In the woman version of the commercial: "Its that time again when your faced with the dreaded to-do list, the list you made for yourself"
CLR and Tassimos: 2 products that I will never allow in my house.

Tassimo Fan - Victoria BC
said

I love my Tassimo, said it is only of the ones being recalled, no worries, I will just exchange it for a new one. I have had this model for over a year and had no issues with it at all. Better safe than sorry.

Panda Monium
said

I don't know why it's so hard for some of you to understand this article. Things malfuction, NOT always from human error. Just because your machine works dandy, doesn't mean ever. Single. One does..
And squirting hot
Yes the article says children were injured, but it also says spraying hot liquids. Honestly, what two year old has access to the machine?! Some of these replies aren't even logical.

Debie
said

i have had afew i guess explode.. put a disk in and have walked away to come to it being spilled all over the counter...

a8
said

Love my Tassimo too, hope the problem will be resolved soon.

D Clark
said

Opportunity costs - I can guarantee you more people have been burned by using a traditional coffee machine compared to a Tassimo machine. Caution sticker time.

Lynn
said

have recently bought my Tassimo and use it everyday. Have not had a problem. I love mine...

Steph
said

I have a tassimo machine and have had the cups explode several times. When I called tassimo they said it was the pods I was using (decaf) and sent me new ones. The new ones did the same thing, exploding in the middle of making the coffee and we haven't used the machine since

margaretjohnson
said

Love my Keurig! No problems with either the single or multiple cup or the coffee/tea canisters.

Alice says
said

@ Amy K - I disagree. Companies are quick to undergo mass recalls of their products even if there is a small suggestion that something is wrong. There is no evidence that "a serious flaw in the machine's design" exists. This is simply a case of a company covering it's ass because people are so quick to threaten legal action.
140 cases when there are over 900,000 units out there is 0.015% of total machines. Does this really seem like a product design flaw to you?

rkozga1
said

Many avoided the Tassimo T20 brewing systems by Bosch. Their TV commercials aired on Canadian TV spread misandry: showing a woman talking down to a man (the one with the �milk moustache�), and in another, with a woman violently flipping a man off his feet. We�re still waiting for Bosch to show gender equality, with Tassimo TV commercials in which a man talks down to a woman, or a man grabs and flips a woman off her feet.

Amy K
said

I don't think children were actually using the machines as much as they just happened to be in the area while their parents were brewing a cup of coffee. I am also pretty sure that a company wouldn't risk their product's reputation and recall 900,000 machines due to a few people using it improperly. I would imagine that they would have had to have found a serious flaw in the machine's design to do such a massive recall of machines and T discs.

RS
said

What people don't seem to realize is what's going to happen after these machines are recalled. They will recall them and stick a ridiculous sticker on the unit around the problem area stating "Caution:". If you've ever seen a silly caution sticker on an appliance, it's typically because someone in the past has done something stupid with it.either that or they will adjust the design to lock the disc area until the light is off. You know, to make it idiot-proof.

Andre
said

I agree with above posts. It is probably from improper use. I have had mine for 2 years and not a problem at all. I bet the people who had problems are not loading the t-disc properly or opening the cover befor the cycle is complete. Like the reports ays, "children".

Tim
said

We have had a Tassimo for several years now, it has been fantastic. Sister just bought one a few months ago, no issues at all. Go figure.

joe canada
said

LOVE my tassimo.mmmmm

DianeD
said

I have never had an issue with my Tassimo but as one of the other people commented about how it could be the user that is causing the burns, It clearly states that you are NOT to open the disk area of the machine until the indicator light tells you that it is okay. I have on occassion opened it but it is more of a stretch and jump back motion so that the steam will not escape on my hands or face. How many people actually read their manuals from front to back about the precautions for safety, most assume they know them. But I have to ask, why was a 10 yr old using a Tassimo when there are so many burn cautions in the manual? Was she properly instructed on it's use? Even if she was, 10 yr olds are curious and often can not resist the temptation of checking out WHY they are told not to do something, they want to see what happens for themselves. The burned face happened in the US, I will not be surprised if we hear about a law suit with that one. Hell if they will file lawsuits and win against restaurants that sell hot coffee that they spill on themselves and get burned, they'll sue anyone.

Cheryl
said

i have had mine for over 2 yrs and have had no issues, at the time i bought it my kids were 3 and 2 so you don't let your kids near it, same a any other hot beverage maker or the beverage,

Darren in Sudbury
said

The fact that children are getting burned is a reminder to us that they need to be supervised when using appliances. We get lulled into a false sense of security because our kids are exposed to our kitchen devises from birth, unlike those of us in middle age and later who have adapted to our coffee makers, toaster ovens, and microwaves much much (sigh) later in life. I haven't tried the Tassimo but I have fallen madly in love with our Keurig which uses a similar design but has deeper "K Cups" instead of the shallow tassimo discs. So far, I know of no issues with Keurig machines except that they can spray very hot water around when you use a refillable permanent Kcup instead of a disposable Kcup. When this happens, I can just imagine a younger or shorter person would have steaming hot spray at eye level, risking facial burns or worse. Luckily for me, I learned this lesson with just a few spots of hot water on my hand and a quick lesson in never completely filling the permanent Kcup with coffee to leave room for the hot water. A google search quickly found I wasn't the only one learning this from being splashed and also that it did state in the instructions to only fill the Kcup filter to about 2/3 or 3/4 of it's capacity.

Chase
said

@Joanne - It's pretty bad when your kids have to stay out of the kitchen when making coffee. I dont think the girl was playing with the machine, but if you read the article there were 140 incidents not just this one, and the hot beverage is clearly splashing a ways out of the machine.

Joanne
said

What is a two year old doing around a hot beverage machine anyway? I think that if people use the machine properly there shouldn't be a problem. This could probably happen with any hot beverage system.

Edie
said

I have a Tassimo and love it. The first one we had did have a problem, but Tassimo replaced it with an upgraded machine with no issue at all. Their customer service was excellent. I got the new machine in 48 hours and just pack the problem one in the box and sent it back. They also provided me with coupons for free coffee. This unit has worked amazingly for a year. I am going to get a second one to take with me on camping trips in the motor home. Love my Tassimo

Bill
said

@AM I agree with you. I have been using a Tassimo for over eight years now and use it every day. Do the maintenance on it and its worked perfectly on everything I have brewed in it. Of course this is the original Tassimo machine not one of the newer ones so who knows? Maybe they aren't making them like they used to.

Kristy
said

Have to say it - I haven't tried Tassimo - but I love my Keurig and their customer service is amazing!

C.love
said

The 12 dollar coffee machine from Walmart gives me no problems whatsoever. My only issue is that it does not add cream and sugar to my coffee.

AM
said

We have had our Tassimo for over 2 years without a single problem.
Out of 900,000 units there have only been 140 reports of problems & many involve children......perhaps the issue is not with the product but with those using it.

Jack R
said

I had to replace my Tassimo 4 times last year. And the CSR on the phone was a total jerk about it. I cleaned it and used it exactly according to instructions and like clock work it would stop working after 6 weeks or so...for different reasons. The last time I phoned I was told I would have to provide a credit card if I wanted them to ship me a new unit. After arguing with them, I got a replacement unit, but the experience left me feeling the company has a bad product. I haven't used the unit. I bought a Keurig at Costco and it's worked great. Never a problem. Tassimo is junk as far as I'm concerned.

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