Gas cooker recalled, risk of explosion (and some timely gas safety tips)

March 1st, 2012

The Austcrown single-ring wok gas cooker has been recalled due to a risk of fire or explosion.

The high pressure “Rambo” wok burner stoves are portable, and according to Austcrown, they have “turbo-like heat”.

But a recall notice issued this week by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned that loose fittings in certain units may result in gas leaks.

“Key parts of the POL fitting at the pressure regulator inlet have been found to be insufficiently secured on some units,” said the recall notice.

“Gas could leak out of the pressure regulator causing fire and/or an explosion.”

The warning serves as a good reminder for some gas safety tips in the home.

Clean your oven, grill, hot plate and range hood regularly to prevent the build up of spilled fats and burnt foods and reduce the risk of fire.
Use gas appliances only for their intended purpose and according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Never tamper with safety valves or other fittings and do not use excessive force to open or close gas control knobs.
Never use an oven to heat a room or as a clothes dryer.
Turn your radiant gas heater off when you leave the house or go to sleep.
Always supervise young children near heaters or any gas appliance.

The gas cooker was sold in the Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia by various gas appliance retail outlets.

Supplied by Austcrown, the affected units have the following model number: HPA100LP.

All affected units have been recovered but customers may contact Austcrown on (03) 9873 5811.

Gas safety tips sourced from Energy Safe Victoria

Keri Algar

Having once had to sit on the washing machine to stop it from bouncing into oblivion, Keri is today delighted with the new (smoother running) technologies that make housework easier every day. A self-confessed lazy-bones, Keri seeks out quirky inventions that ease the human workload, such as the robotic vacuum cleaner (wow). And as soon as someone figures out a Jetsons-like self-cleaning house, she will happily lay her pen to rest and retire from appliance journalism. Until then, her pick is a fridge that will tell her smartphone when it's time to pick up more beer on the way home. Magic.