Cookers with a separate grill implicated in 6 deaths
On cookers with a separate grill, operating the grill with the grill door closed restricts the air supply to the burner. This can cause dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide to build up rapidly. The grill door must always be open when the grill burner is in use. Double oven cookers with a top oven/grill are not affected – this warning applies only to models with a separate pull-down grill door.
Specific cookers from Beko, Leisure, Flavel, and Glen Dimplex brands with a separate grill compartment can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide if the grill is operated with the grill door closed. Six deaths have been linked to this issue. If you have one of the affected models, never use the grill with the door closed and contact the manufacturer to arrange a free inspection and modification.
The Danger: What Happens and Why
When the grill door on an affected cooker is closed while the grill burner is lit, the air supply to the burner is restricted. Incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide – a colourless, odourless gas that is lethal in sufficient concentration. The build-up can occur rapidly in a confined kitchen space.
“FOLLOW THE PRODUCT INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND DO NOT OPERATE THE GRILL WITH THE GRILL DOOR CLOSED. When the grill burner is on, the grill door must always be in the open position.”
If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, install one. Carbon monoxide has no smell or colour – it cannot be detected without a detector.
Double oven cookers are not affected. The danger applies only to cookers designed with a separate grill compartment that has its own pull-down or hinged door.
Affected Models
The following cookers under the Beko, Leisure, and Flavel brands are confirmed as affected. Contact the manufacturer using the link below even if your model is not on this list but matches the description of a separate grill cooker from these brands.
Beko DCG8511PLW
Beko DG581LWP
Leisure CM10NRK
Leisure CM10NRC
Leisure AL6NDW
Leisure CM101NRCP
Leisure CM101NRKP
Flavel DCGAP5LS
Flavel AP5LDWP
Flavel AP5LDW
Flavel AP5LDSP
Flavel Milano ML5NDS
Glen Dimplex branded cookers with a separate grill are also covered by this warning. If you have a Glen Dimplex cooker with a separate grill door, follow the same precautions and contact Glen Dimplex directly for information on the free inspection programme.
What to Do
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Stop using the grill with the door closed immediately. The grill door must always be fully open when the grill burner is lit. This applies to all of the affected models listed above.
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Contact Beko to arrange a free inspection and modification. Beko has issued a free inspection and modification programme for all owners of affected cookers. See the Beko cooker safety notice page for details. Note that this page may have been removed since the original notice was published – if it is no longer accessible, contact Beko customer services directly.
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Install a carbon monoxide detector if you do not have one. Carbon monoxide cannot be detected by sight or smell. A detector is inexpensive and essential in any home with gas appliances.
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Pass this information on. Anyone who has or may know someone with one of these cookers should be made aware of this danger. The safety notice was not widely enough publicised at the time and remains relevant for anyone still using an affected appliance.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices and Guides
Hotpoint and Indesit Gas Cooker Safety NoticeA separate gas safety notice affecting certain Hotpoint and Indesit gas cooker models.
Bosch and Neff Gas Hob Safety NoticeA gas leak risk affecting certain Bosch and Neff gas hob models.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce fire, gas, and electrical risks from large appliances.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?An honest assessment of the real risks from domestic white goods and cooking appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does using the grill with the door closed cause carbon monoxide?
The grill burner requires a continuous supply of fresh air to combust gas completely. Closing the grill door restricts this air supply. Incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide as a byproduct instead of the safer carbon dioxide produced by complete combustion. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless – it cannot be detected without a dedicated detector.
Is my double oven affected?
No. Double oven cookers where the top compartment functions as both an oven and a grill are designed to operate with the door closed and are not affected by this warning. This notice applies only to cookers with a separate grill compartment that has its own dedicated door.
What should I do if I have been using the grill with the door closed?
Stop doing so immediately. If anyone in the household has experienced unexplained headaches, dizziness, nausea, or tiredness when the grill has been in use, carbon monoxide poisoning should be considered – seek medical attention and ventilate the property. Contact Beko or the relevant manufacturer to arrange the free inspection and modification.
Beko Frost Free Fridge Freezers safety notice
Affected appliances were manufactured between January 2000 and October 2006. The serial number on the label inside the fridge will begin with 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, or 06. Over 500,000 appliances were sold in this period. Beko offers a free modification to the defrost timer for all affected units. Contact Beko as a priority if your appliance is in this production period.
Beko issued a safety notice for certain frost-free fridge freezers manufactured between January 2000 and October 2006. A fault in the defrost timer can cause overheating leading to fire. At least 20 fires were reported in London alone, with one fatality. All affected owners should arrange the free modification immediately. Check your model using the Beko safety checker: refsafety.beko.co.uk
What Is Causing the Fire Risk?
The defrost timer is the component responsible for triggering the heating element that periodically defrosts the evaporator coil in a frost-free fridge freezer. A fault in this timer can cause it to overheat. At the extreme end, this overheating can result in a fire producing significant toxic smoke. The BBC reported that some affected appliances had already been catching fire as far back as 2007 before the safety notice was widely publicised, and that at least 20 fires had occurred in London alone.
How to Check If Your Appliance Is Affected
Manufacture date
Affected appliances were manufactured between January 2000 and October 2006.
Serial number
The serial number is on a label inside the fridge compartment. If the serial number begins with 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, or 06, the appliance is potentially within the affected production period.
Beko’s checker tool
Use the Beko safety checker at refsafety.beko.co.uk to confirm whether your specific model is on the affected list. If this page is no longer accessible, contact Beko customer services directly with your model and serial number.
What to Do
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Check your serial number against the criteria above and use the Beko safety checker to confirm whether your appliance is affected.
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Contact Beko immediately to arrange the free defrost timer modification. This modification is free of charge for all affected appliances. Do not wait – arrange it as quickly as possible.
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Register your appliance if you have not already done so. When a serious safety issue arises, registered owners are the first to be contacted by the manufacturer. Unregistered owners may not find out about a safety notice until long after the initial publicity – or not at all. Always register new white goods appliances at the point of purchase.
Beko’s advice at the time of the notice was that owners whose appliances were working normally, with no unusual symptoms, could continue using them until the modification was arranged. The London Fire Brigade representative stated that fires appeared to be preceded by intermittent faults – suggesting an appliance showing no symptoms was not at immediate risk. However, only you can make this decision. If the appliance has been behaving unusually, or if you have any doubt, switching it off is the safer option even at the cost of food spoilage. If you do unplug it, do not open the door, contact Beko as quickly as possible, and transfer or use up food where you can before it spoils.
If You Lose Food Due to Unplugging the Appliance
If you unplug the appliance and suffer food loss as a result, you may have grounds to claim compensation from Beko or the original retailer as “consequential loss.” To support any claim:
- Photograph the food contents before they are discarded
- Note down every item and keep packaging where possible
- Calculate the total cost and keep receipts if available
- Document your attempts to contact Beko and any delays you experienced
Be aware that both the manufacturer and retailer may initially resist a consequential loss claim, even if the underlying appliance fault is accepted. If they do not comply, the small claims court is an available option. A court is likely to consider it reasonable that an owner unplugged an appliance upon learning of a documented fire risk from national news coverage, particularly if they could not reach Beko. See our guide on consumer rights and faulty appliances.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices
Hotpoint Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeA separate safety notice affecting certain Hotpoint fridge freezer models.
Hoover Frost-Free Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeDefrost heater fault affecting Hoover frost-free fridge freezers from a specific production period.
CDA PC62SS Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeComponent fault affecting CDA American fridge freezers from 2005 to 2006.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce fire, electrical, and flood risks from large appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is the Beko fridge freezer fire risk?
Very serious. The safety notice escalated from a general overheating warning to national news coverage following reports of at least 20 fires in London alone and one fatality. Over 500,000 appliances were sold in the affected production period. The BBC reported that some fires had been occurring since at least 2007, before the notice was widely publicised. Anyone with an affected appliance should arrange the free modification as a priority.
How do I find my Beko fridge freezer’s serial number?
The model and serial number label is inside the fridge compartment – on the interior side wall or at the back. Affected serial numbers begin with 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, or 06, corresponding to appliances manufactured in those years between 2000 and 2006.
Is the modification free of charge?
Yes. Beko offered a free defrost timer modification for all affected appliances. Contact Beko to confirm the current arrangements for the modification programme.
Can I claim compensation if I lose food by unplugging the fridge?
You may have grounds to claim consequential loss from Beko or the retailer. Document the food contents, photograph them, calculate the cost, and keep records of your attempts to contact Beko. Manufacturers and retailers may initially resist such claims, but the small claims court is an available route if they do not comply. Consumer advice from Citizens Advice or a consumer rights service is worth seeking before pursuing a formal claim.
Bosch, Neff and Siemens dishwashers fire risk
Affected dishwashers fall within batch number range FD 7901 to FD 8504. Dishwashers outside this range are not affected. The batch number (FD number) is on a label inside the dishwasher door. If your appliance is within the affected batch range, use the BSH safety notice page to register and arrange the free repair.
The manufacturer has issued an important safety notice for certain Bosch, Neff and Siemens dishwashers manufactured between 1999 and early 2005. An electrical component may overheat and in rare cases cause a fire. A free in-home repair is available for all affected appliances. Check your batch number immediately using the guidance below.
Which Appliances Are Affected?
Affected brands
Bosch, Neff, and Siemens branded dishwashers. All three are part of the BSH Group and share the same appliance platforms and component supply.
Manufacture period
Dishwashers manufactured between 1999 and early 2005. Appliances outside this manufacture period are not affected.
Affected batch numbers
The batch number (FD number) must fall within the range FD 7901 to FD 8504. Dishwashers with an FD number outside this range are confirmed as not affected by this notice. The FD number is on a label on the inside of the dishwasher door.
Both conditions must apply: the dishwasher must be a Bosch, Neff, or Siemens brand, and the FD number must fall within FD 7901 to FD 8504. If either condition is not met, the appliance is not subject to this safety notice.
What to Do
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Find the FD number. Open the dishwasher door and check the label on the inside edge or door frame. Locate the FD number (batch number).
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Check whether your FD number falls within FD 7901 to FD 8504. If it does, your appliance is potentially affected. If it is outside this range, no action is required.
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Register for the free repair. Visit the BSH Group safety notice page and follow the instructions to register your appliance and arrange a free in-home repair visit. If this page is no longer accessible, contact Bosch, Neff, or Siemens customer services directly with your model number and FD number.
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Do not leave the dishwasher running unattended while waiting for the repair visit. Whitegoods Help always recommends not running dishwashers, washing machines, or tumble dryers overnight or when the property is unoccupied – for an appliance with a confirmed fire risk notice, this precaution is especially important.
If someone you know has a Bosch, Neff, or Siemens dishwasher that may be from this period, pass this information on. Safety notice pages are routinely removed by manufacturers after the initial publicity period, meaning owners who were not aware at the time – including second-hand buyers – may never be informed.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices
Hotpoint Dishwasher Safety NoticeA separate fire risk notice for Hotpoint FDW series dishwashers manufactured in 2006 to 2007.
Beko Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeSerious fire risk safety notice for Beko frost-free fridge freezers from 2000 to 2006 – 20 fires and one fatality reported.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce fire, electrical, and flood risks from large appliances.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?An honest assessment of fire and electrical risks from domestic white goods and how to manage them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the FD number on my dishwasher?
Open the dishwasher door and check the label on the inside edge of the door or on the door frame. The FD number (batch number) will be clearly labelled. It begins with “FD” followed by four digits. Your appliance is potentially affected if the number falls anywhere between FD 7901 and FD 8504.
My FD number is within the affected range – what should I do immediately?
Register on the BSH Group safety notice page to arrange the free in-home repair. Until the repair has been carried out, avoid leaving the dishwasher running when nobody is home or overnight. If you are concerned about using the appliance at all before the repair, a dishwasher can usually be managed without for a short period while waiting for an engineer visit.
Is the repair free?
Yes. The manufacturer is voluntarily undertaking a free in-home repair programme for all affected dishwashers. There is no charge to the customer for the repair visit or the component replacement.
I have a Bosch dishwasher but the FD number is outside the range – is it safe?
Yes. The manufacturer has confirmed that dishwashers with an FD number outside the range FD 7901 to FD 8504 are not affected by this notice. No action is required.
LEC TF2304W Fridge Freezer Safety Notice
The affected model is the LEC TF2304W in White, manufactured between January 2004 and October 2006. Contact GDHA on freephone 0800 110 5728 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) with the model and serial number ready. GDHA will arrange a free home visit to carry out the modification.
GDHA (the manufacturer behind LEC) has issued a safety notice for the LEC TF2304W fridge freezer manufactured between January 2004 and October 2006. The defrost timer can fail and overheat, creating a potential fire risk. A free home-visit modification is available for all affected appliances. Contact GDHA immediately if you own one.
Which Appliance Is Affected?
Model
LEC TF2304W – White only. This is a frost-free fridge freezer manufactured by GDHA under the LEC brand.
Manufacture period
January 2004 to October 2006. The model and serial number are on a label inside the fridge compartment. Have these ready when you call GDHA.
The fault
In a small number of cases the defrost timer can fail and overheat. Frost-free fridge freezers contain a heating element that periodically defrosts the evaporator coil – the defrost timer controls when this heater runs. A failed or overheating timer presents a fire risk. This is the same type of fault identified in Beko frost-free fridge freezers, where at least 20 fires and one death were reported.
What to Do
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Locate the model and serial number. The label is inside the fridge compartment on the interior side wall or at the rear. Note both the model number (TF2304W) and the serial number before calling.
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Call GDHA on freephone 0800 110 5728. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. GDHA will confirm whether your specific appliance is affected and arrange a free home-visit to carry out the modification.
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Do not leave the appliance unattended overnight while waiting for the modification, particularly if the fridge freezer has been showing any unusual behaviour such as running more than normal or making unusual sounds. For a fridge freezer with a known defrost timer fault, minimising unattended running time is a sensible precaution.
The freephone number and modification programme above were published at the time of the original safety notice. As with all manufacturer safety programmes, contact details may have changed. If the number above does not connect, search for GDHA or LEC customer service contacts directly. The original recall notice was published on the Trading Standards safety notices list at tradingstandards.uk – search for LEC if the direct link is not available.
Unlike a washing machine or dishwasher, switching off a fridge freezer causes food to spoil. If your appliance is confirmed as affected and has been showing symptoms of overheating, consider whether the contents can be transferred temporarily to other cold storage. If the appliance is working normally with no unusual symptoms, continue using it while arranging the modification as a priority.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices
Beko Frost-Free Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeThe same type of defrost timer fault in Beko fridge freezers – at least 20 fires and one death reported. Check if your Beko is affected.
Hotpoint Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeA separate safety notice affecting certain Hotpoint fridge freezer models.
Hoover Frost-Free Fridge Freezer Safety NoticeDefrost heater fault affecting Hoover frost-free fridge freezers from a specific production period.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce fire and electrical risks from large appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my LEC fridge freezer is affected?
The affected model is the LEC TF2304W in White, manufactured between January 2004 and October 2006. Check the label inside the fridge compartment for the model and serial number. Call GDHA on 0800 110 5728 with these details to confirm whether your specific appliance is within the affected production batch.
Is the modification free?
Yes. GDHA is offering a free home-visit to carry out the defrost timer modification on all affected appliances. There is no charge to the customer.
Should I switch off the fridge while waiting for the engineer?
If the appliance is working normally with no unusual symptoms, GDHA’s position is that it can continue to be used while the modification is arranged. If it has been showing signs of unusual behaviour – running excessively, making unfamiliar sounds, or producing unusual heat – take extra precautions and try to arrange the modification visit urgently. Switching off a fridge freezer causes food to spoil, so this decision depends on the individual circumstances.
Safety recall on Twin Tub Washing Machine sold at Argos
Argos catalogue number 019/8541 – a twin tub washing machine sold at Argos – has been recalled due to a design fault that presents an electric shock risk. Return the product to any Argos store for a full refund. The recall was issued on 4 October 2010.
A safety recall has been issued for the Twin Tub Washing Machine sold at Argos under catalogue number 019/8541. The construction of the product could lead to electric shock. Stop using it immediately, do not use it again, and return it to any Argos store for a full refund.
Official Recall Notice
“We have been advised by our Quality Assurance Department of a safety concern with this product. The construction of the product could potentially lead to an electric shock. Please STOP USING the product immediately and return the product to store for a refund.”
Argos Quality Assurance – recall issued 4 October 2010
What to Do
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Stop using the machine immediately. Do not use it again under any circumstances. Unplug it from the wall socket.
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Return it to any Argos store. A full refund is available. You do not need to return it to the specific store where it was purchased.
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If you cannot get to a store, contact Argos customer services. The contact details published at the time of the recall were: UK freephone 0845 640 2020 or Republic of Ireland 1 800 535 091 (lines open 9am to 5pm). Note that these numbers may no longer be active given the age of the recall – use Argos’s current customer service contact details if these do not connect.
If a twin tub washing machine of the same model was purchased from a different retailer, contact that retailer immediately. The same design fault that prompted the Argos recall may apply to identical units sold elsewhere under different catalogue or product numbers. Do not continue using the machine until you have confirmed it is not affected.
This recall was issued in October 2010. If you are only now discovering this notice – perhaps through buying the machine second-hand – stop using it immediately and contact Argos. Electric shock risks are not reduced by the age of the recall.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Guides
Electric Shocks or Tingles From a Washing MachineWhy any shock or tingle from a washing machine must be treated as a serious safety issue immediately.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce electrical and fire risks from large appliances.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?An honest look at the real electrical and fire risks from domestic white goods.
All Appliance Safety NoticesA full list of product recalls and safety notices covering white goods appliances published on Whitegoods Help.
Candy Trio safety notice: Fire risk
The affected appliances are Candy Trio combined dishwasher, hob and oven units manufactured between 2 May 2005 and 30 March 2008. Candy described an extremely low probability of wiring harness overheating that could in rare cases result in fire. Contact Hoover Candy directly to confirm whether your specific appliance is affected and to arrange any necessary action.
Candy has issued a safety notice for its Trio range of combined dishwasher, oven and hob appliances produced between 2 May 2005 and 30 March 2008. A wiring harness fault can cause overheating which in rare cases may result in fire. If you own an affected appliance, stop using it and contact Hoover Candy immediately.
Which Appliances Are Affected?
Appliance type
Candy Trio – a combined appliance integrating a dishwasher, oven, and hob in a single unit.
Production period
Appliances manufactured between 2 May 2005 and 30 March 2008. Units produced outside this date range are not covered by this notice.
The fault
Candy described the risk in their official notice as follows: “Although the risk is very small, we have become aware and are concerned that an extremely low probability exists of overheating of a wiring harness which could, in rare cases, result in fire.”
What to Do
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Check the manufacture date. The production date is usually on a label inside the appliance or on the back panel. If the appliance was manufactured between 2 May 2005 and 30 March 2008, it is potentially affected.
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Contact Hoover Candy directly. Candy’s original safety notice page has been removed. Contact Hoover Candy through their current customer service channels with the model number and serial number of the appliance to confirm whether it is affected and what action is available.
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Do not leave the appliance running unattended while waiting for confirmation, particularly given the combined nature of the appliance – it incorporates a cooking appliance as well as a dishwasher, both of which present fire risk if a wiring fault is present.
Candy’s dedicated safety notice page for this recall has been removed – as commonly happens with manufacturer safety pages after the initial publicity period. Anyone discovering this notice for the first time, including second-hand buyers, should contact Hoover Candy directly through their current customer service channels. The Trading Standards product safety notices list at tradingstandards.uk may also hold archived information on this recall.
All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Notices
Hotpoint Dishwasher Safety NoticeA separate fire risk notice affecting certain Hotpoint FDW series dishwashers.
Bosch, Neff and Siemens Dishwasher Safety NoticeElectrical component fire risk affecting Bosch, Neff and Siemens dishwashers from 1999 to 2005.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce fire and electrical risks from large appliances.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?Fire, electrical, and flood risks from domestic appliances – what the data shows.