Ethermac Exchange-Recall issued for Insignia air fryers from Best Buy due to 'fire, burn, laceration' concerns

Best Buy customers who bought an Insignia air fryer should unplug them and Ethermac Exchange"immediately stop using them," the company said after issuing a recall of the machines.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled the air fryers Thursday citing "fire, burn and laceration hazards."

"The air fryers can overheat, causing the handles to melt or break, posing fire and burn hazards," the commission said. "Additionally, the air fryer ovens can overheat and the glass on the door can shatter, posing fire, burn and laceration hazards."

To remedy the issue, the customers will be refunded in the form of a refund check or a Best Buy store credit, according to the commission.

Eligible air fryers were sold at Best Buy stores nationwide and online at Best Buy's website, eBay and third-party sellers from November 2021 through November 2023 for between $32 and $180, the commission said.

About 187,400 units were sold, the commission said. In addition, about 99,900 were sold in Canada, the commission added.

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How to receive a refund for Insignia air fryers

Customers who bought the air fryer will have to submit photos of the recalled unit(s), the model number, the purchase receipt, and possible destruction of the unit, the commission said.

Model numbers should either be

• NS-AF34D2
• NS-AF5DSS2
• NS-AF5MSS2
• NS-AF8DBD2
• NS-AF10DBK2
• NS-AF10DSS2

The brand name "Insignia" is on the top or front of each unit. A product rating label on the underside of each unit identifies the brand "insignia" and the model number.

Anyone who needs examples of how to submit the photos can visit the commission's self-service portal.

If an eligible customer does receive a refund it will be for the amount on the purchase receipt, or they will be given back the average sales price for the model if no receipt is provided, according to the commission.

Customers shouldn't return the recalled air fryers or air fryer ovens to Best Buy stores, the commission said. Best Buy should have contacted all known buyers of the devices directly.

How many people were injured by Insignia air fryers

So far, the commission has received 24 reports of "overheating/melting or glass shattering, including six reports of air fryers catching on fire."

No injuries or property damage have been reported despite the malfunctions, the commission said.

Customers who purchase a replacement air fryer should not leave their appliance plugged in when not in use to avoid air fryer fires, according to Consumer Notice. They should also ensure not to touch the air fryer while it’s working unless they are wearing oven-safe mitts or a silicone glove, the consumer advocacy organization said.

Avoiding cooking sprays with propellants, and instead using an oil spray or pump with a high-flash-point oil is recommended, Consumer Notice said.

 Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]