Insignia air fryers and ovens are once again under scrutiny as Health Canada issued a recall on Thursday, citing potential risks of overheating, broken handles, and shattered glass doors. This latest development affects nearly 100,000 units sold across Canada, raising concerns among consumers about the safety of these popular kitchen appliances.
The recall encompasses various models of Insignia’s digital, analog, and oven air fryers, featuring cooking chamber capacities ranging from 3.4 to 10 quarts and constructed with plastic and/or stainless steel bodies. Consumers can identify the affected units by checking the rating label located on the underside of each appliance, which displays the brand and model number specified in the recall notice.
According to Health Canada, the primary hazards associated with these air fryers include potential overheating leading to handle breakage or melting, posing risks of burns or fire accidents. Additionally, the glass doors on the air fryer ovens may also be prone to breaking due to overheating.
As of February 20th, the company has reported six incidents of handles melting or breaking on air fryers and one case of glass breakage on an air fryer oven in Canada. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries resulting from these incidents.
The affected air fryers were sold in Canada between September 2021 and November 2023. Meanwhile, in the United States, six incidents of air fryers catching fire and 24 reports of overheating, melting, or glass shattering have been documented, further highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
This latest recall follows a similar action taken in 2022 concerning Insignia air fryers, which were also flagged for burn and fire hazards. In that instance, the company reported 41 incidents, including four cases of minor injuries in Canada.
In response to the current recall, Health Canada advises consumers to discontinue using the affected air fryers immediately. They are encouraged to register for the recall or contact Best Buy Canada, the retailer of Insignia products, for further assistance.
Given the widespread popularity of air fryers as a convenient and healthier cooking alternative, this recall serves as a reminder of the importance of product safety and vigilant consumer awareness. With households relying on these appliances for everyday cooking tasks, ensuring their reliability and safety is paramount.
As investigations continue into the root causes of these safety concerns, consumers are urged to stay informed and take appropriate measures to safeguard themselves and their households. In the meantime, Health Canada and relevant authorities are working closely with manufacturers to address these issues and prevent any further risks to public safety.
The following are being recalled:
- Insignia 5L/5.28Qt Digital Air Fryer, Black (NS-AF50DBK2-C 15605777)
- Insignia 10 QT Digital Air Fryer Oven, Stainless Steel (NS-AF10DSS2-C 15596240)
- Insignia 3.4 QT. Analog Air Fryer, Black (NS-AF32MBK2-C 15605776)
- Insignia 5QT Analog Air Fryer, Stainless Steel (NS-AF5MSS2-C 15596242)
- Insignia 8 QT Digital Dual Basket Air Fryer, Black (NS-AF8DBD2-C 15545537)
