The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued an urgent warning for consumers to immediately stop using nearly 60,000 Tower air fryers sold across Ireland due to a dangerous manufacturing defect that could cause the appliances to overheat and catch fire.
The recall affects five specific Tower models manufactured between 2020 and 2024, which were sold at major retailers including Tesco, Argos, Lidl, Dealz, DID, Amazon and the Tower Housewares website.
Whilst no incidents have been reported in Ireland to date, there have been confirmed cases in the UK of these products catching fire, prompting immediate action from consumer safety authorities.
Models Affected
The CCPC has identified five Tower air fryer models that pose a significant safety risk:
- T17023 Tower 2.2 Litre Manual Air Fryer
- T17061BLK Tower 4 Litre Manual Air Fryer
- T17067 Tower 4 Litre Digital Air Fryer
- T17087 Tower 2 Litre Compact Manual Air Fryer
- T17129L Vortx 8 Litre Dual Basket Air Fryer
Consumers can identify their model by unplugging the appliance and checking the rating label on the bottom of the unit. The model number will begin with the letter ‘T’ followed by the specific code.
Scale of the Recall
The magnitude of this recall is substantial, with approximately 60,000 units sold across the Republic of Ireland through various retail channels. The affected products span a four-year manufacturing period from 2020 to 2024.
“This recall covers five Tower air fryer models with a dangerous manufacturing defect that could cause the models to overheat,” said Grainne Griffin, director of communications at the CCPC.
“Almost 60,000 affected units have been sold in Ireland so it’s vital that consumers who have a Tower air fryer check their model. If their model is affected, it is not safe to use.”
The widespread distribution through major retailers means thousands of Irish households could potentially have these hazardous appliances in their kitchens.
Manufacturing Defect Details
The CCPC confirmed that the affected air fryers contain a manufacturing defect that may cause the appliance to dangerously overheat during operation. This overheating poses multiple risks, including potential fires, injury, or in extreme cases, death.
The commission emphasised the severity of the defect, noting that whilst Ireland has been fortunate to avoid incidents thus far, the reports from the UK demonstrate the real and present danger these appliances pose.
The affected air fryers have a manufacturing defect that may cause the appliance to overheat, potentially leading to fires and risking injury or death,” the CCPC stated in its official warning.
Immediate Action Required
Consumers who own any Tower air fryer are urged to take immediate action to determine if their model is affected. The CCPC has outlined clear steps for identification and response:
- Stop using the air fryer immediately
- Unplug the appliance from the mains
- Check the model number on the rating label underneath the unit
- If the model matches one of the five recalled units, do not use it again
“Consumers who have one of the affected air fryers should stop using the product immediately, unplug it and contact Tower Housewares,” a CCPC spokeswoman advised.
Contact Information
Tower Housewares has established multiple channels for affected consumers to seek assistance and arrange for product remediation:
- Website: Tower Housewares recall webpage
- Email: towerproduct@customersvc.co.uk
Additionally, the CCPC’s national consumer helpline is available for those with concerns or questions about the recall:
- Phone: 01 402 5555 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)
- Email: ask@ccpc.ie
Retailer Response
The affected air fryers were sold through numerous major retailers across Ireland, including Argos, Tesco Ireland, DID, Dealz, Lidl, Amazon and directly through the Tower Housewares website. The CCPC noted that other retailers may also have stocked these products.
These retailers are expected to display recall notices in stores and contact customers who purchased the affected models where possible, though consumers should not wait for retailer contact before checking their appliances.
Safety Reminders
The CCPC has used this recall as an opportunity to remind consumers about electrical appliance safety. The commission emphasised the importance of always following manufacturer instructions and health and safety guidelines when operating any electrical appliances.
Consumers are also reminded to always follow manufacturer, health and safety instructions when operating any electrical appliances,” the CCPC stated.
This incident highlights the critical nature of product safety monitoring and the importance of consumers registering their appliances with manufacturers to ensure they receive timely safety notifications.
UK Precedent
The recall follows reports from the UK where similar Tower air fryer models have actually caught fire, demonstrating that the manufacturing defect poses a real and immediate danger. These incidents across the Irish Sea served as an early warning that prompted the comprehensive recall action in Ireland.
The fact that fires have already occurred with these products underscores the urgency of the recall and the importance of immediate compliance by consumers.
Consumer Rights
Under Irish consumer law, purchasers of the affected air fryers are entitled to remedies from the retailer where they bought the product. This typically includes repair, replacement, or refund options, though the specific remedy will depend on individual circumstances and the retailer’s recall procedures.
The CCPC advises consumers to retain proof of purchase where possible, though safety concerns should override documentation issues – the priority is to stop using the potentially dangerous appliances immediately.
Looking Forward
This large-scale recall serves as a reminder of the importance of robust product safety standards and monitoring systems. The CCPC’s swift action in issuing the recall notice, despite no reported incidents in Ireland, demonstrates the proactive approach to consumer safety.
For updates on this recall and other product safety issues, consumers are encouraged to regularly check the CCPC website and sign up for safety alerts where available. The commission continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available from Tower Housewares and international safety authorities.
The immediate priority remains clear: any consumer with one of the five affected Tower air fryer models must stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer for further instructions. With nearly 60,000 units in circulation, vigilance and prompt action are essential to prevent potential tragedy.
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Image Credit:
Air Fryer, 2020 – Image by user:Zacatecnik, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
