POPULAR air fryer models sold by a leading UK supermarket have been gently recalled over fears they could overheat and burst into flames.
Customers who purchased these air fryers are advised to “stop using the items immediately”.
Sainsbury’s has issued a voluntary product recall for two air fryer models from electronics brand Tower.
Customers are being urged to either return the gadget for a full refund or replace the fuse.
The supermarket giant announced that a few units have been found to have a manufacturing defect that could lead to dangerous overheating and potential house fire.
The affected products are understood to have been manufactured between January 2022 and April 2023.
Customers have been told to check if they have an affected product by locating the product number on the base of their air fryer.
The two air fryers being urgently recalled
Tower Air Fryers
SKU: 141407023/139987372
Product Description: TOWER 2. 2 LTR COMPACT AIRFRYER BLK (T17023)/TOWER 4L AIRFRYER BLK (T17061BLK)
Customers who own the Tower brand appliance have been urged to check if their air fryer model is part of the recall by visiting www.tower-safety.co.uk.
Sainsbury’s has since issued an apology to all the affected customers for any inconvenience caused by the recall.
The retailer said that it “takes the quality and safety of our products extremely seriously”.
Sainsbury’s said in a statement: “A small number of units have been identified as having a potential manufacturing default that could cause the air fryer to overheat and pose a fire risk.
“Please stop using the item immediately, and check if you have an affected product by locating the product number on the base of the air fryer.”
Retailers often issue product recalls over health or safety fears.
A Snuggla electric blanket sold on Amazon, eBay and TikTok shops was also recently recalled over safety fears.
The manufacturer issued a warning, stating that the blanket posed a serious risk of fire and burns.
Matalan also issued a recall of its Easter-themed Bunny Tumbler cups last month, with the retailer saying they could cause eye injuries.
Customers who bought the tumbler were being urged to not use the product and return it to their nearest Matalan branch.
Just before Christmas, Primark issued an urgent recall of two popular kids bags that it said posed a choking risk.
The Range recently issued an urgent recall of a popular energy-saving gadget.
The discount retailer warned the Teddy Sherpa electric throw could overheat and catch fire.
Last December, pharmacy chain Boots told shoppers to bring back a faulty Christmas gift over “risk of burn” fears.
The Radley Cosy Up mug and sock set was recalled as the base of the mug could crack and break into pieces when used.
Another festive product was also urgently recalled over injury fears.
Your product recall rights
Chief consumer reporter James Flanders reveals all you need to know:
Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action.
But it’s often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk.
If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer’s website to see if a safety notice has been issued.
When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you – the customer – to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don’t there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault.
If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer.
They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice.
In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected.
You should not be charged for any recall work – such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item.