Made in China Product Results in Food Dehydrator Recall . . . and Fires

Since 1973, Excalibur Dehydrator has proudly manufactured high quality food dehydrators in California. But recently, the company decided to put their brand on a lower-priced made in China model. Unfortunately, this led to a new webpage titled “Recall Safety Information.” Regarding this made in China product recall, Excalibur posted the following:

Description: This recall involves white, EZDRY, six-tray food dehydrators. The dehydrator weighs about 4 pounds and measures 12 inches tall by about 8 inches deep by 10 inches wide. EZDRY is printed on the front of the dehydrators. EZDRY and the model number EPD60W are printed on a white label on the bottom of the unit. They were sold in a white box labeled “EZDRY by Excalibur” Home Dehydrator with a picture of the product. These products are marked “Date Code: 2116, 2416, or 3316” engraved at the bottom of the label located on the bottom of the unit.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 13 reports of the dehydrator overheating and the plastic unit melting, resulted in six reports of fire and one report resulting in property damage to the counter top. No injuries have been reported.
Sold at: Kohl’s stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com from June 2016 through February 2017 for between $40 and $50.
Importer: Greenfield World Trade Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Manufactured in: China

Note the “six reports of fire” as well as the portions bolded by Excalibur, including the word “China” . . .

Choose Excalibur Made in USA Quality

Contrast this recent experience with Excalibur’s traditional Made in USA models. Excalibur’s American-made food dehydrators boast excellent reviews on Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond.

And, independent reviews by serious users are also very positive. Katie Kimball at Kitchen Stewardship concludes:

Now that I used the Excalibur for a year and then was without it for 5 months while we were changing houses, I kind of feel differently. I love my Excalibur. I missed it and had it running within a few days after I got it back – would have been a few hours if I didn’t have a house full of boxes, two kids and an infant!

Lessons Learned

In summary, I see two valuable lessons here. First, American manufacturers should think twice before putting their respected brand name on cheap offshore models.

Second, if you need a food dehydrator, buy a made in USA model. Your smoke alarm may thank you!

Made in USA Kitchen Goods

Shop Made in USA dehydrators at Excalibur Dehydrator. Then, check out the Made in USA List under the Kitchen category for other goods.