Maytag recalls dishwashers over fire hazard

The Maytag repairman has some busy days ahead as the appliance maker recalls about 1.7 million dishwashers, including 160,000 in Canada.

The recall also includes dishwashers made by Maytag and sold under the brand names Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley.

The dishwashers come in white, black, bisque, silver and stainless steel.

Maytag says an electrical failure in the dishwasher’s heating element can cause a serious fire hazard.

There have been 12 reports of the heating elements causing fires, including one serious case that resulted in extensive damage to a consumer’s kitchen.

No injuries have been reported to the manufacturer, Health Canada or the Electrical Safety Authority.

The dishwashers were sold from February 2006 to April 2010.

Health Canada advises anyone who suspects they have a recalled dishwasher to stop using it immediately and remove the fuse or shut off the circuit breaker that supplies the dishwasher. After disconnecting the unit from the electrical supply, consumers should contact Maytag to verify their dishwasher is part of the recall.

Consumers are asked not to take their dishwashers back to the point of purchase.

Instead they can schedule a free in-home repair or apply for a rebate on the purchase of a new dishwasher.

For a complete list of model and serial numbers click here