Exploding coffee makers recalled

OWNERS of Philips Senseo coffee machines have been warned to check their machines after seven million machines were recalled due to an explosion risk

Machines affected were manufactured between July 2006 and November 2008.

Model numbers are HD7805, HD7810, HD7811, HD7812, HD7814, HD7816, HD7820, HD 7822, HD7823, HD7824, HD7830, HD7832, HD7841 and HD7842.

The model type can be found on a sticker under the machine and the same sticker has the date of manufacture: eg 08363 has the information in the first four numbers - the machine was built in 08, week 36.

Philips has apologised for the problem which it says affects less than three machines in a million. It comes from machines that are blocked with limescale as this puts the boiler under extreme pressure.

Heavy calcium build-up affects a safety switch meant to release this pressure meaning the boiler can explode, possibly causing injury and scalding.

You can register your product at www.operationsenseo.fr or by calling 0805025610, which is a free number apart from any operator charges.

Senseo products that are not on the above list are safe to use.