Miti-Mite portable immersible electric water heaters

Class I - Dangerous
🏠 Consumer Products Recalled: October 18, 1978 Rhinehart Furniture Nationwide

What Should You Do?

  1. Check if you have this product:
    See description
  2. Do not eat it: Even if it looks and smells fine, do not consume this product.
  3. Throw it away or return it: You can return the product to the store for a full refund.
  4. Seek medical attention if needed: If you've consumed this product and feel unwell, contact your doctor immediately.
  5. Report problems: Report any issues to the FDA's Safety Reporting Portal.

⚠️ Emergency: If you experience severe symptoms after consuming this product, call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Recall Details

Company:
Rhinehart
Reason for Recall:
Electrocution/Electric Shock
Classification:
Class I - Dangerous

Dangerous or defective products that predictably could cause serious health problems or death.

Status:
ongoing
Hazard:
Electrocution/Electric Shock

Product Information

Full Description:

October 18, 1978 Release # 78-085 Portable Water Heaters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 18) -- Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers about a possible serious shock hazard stemming from its "Miti-Mite" portable, immersible electric water heater. About 15,000 to 25,000 heaters have been sold since production began 15 years ago. The heaters are primarily used to heat small quantities of water in rural areas without hot water facilities. The heater is to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. It consists of an exposed, resistive heating element contained inside a disc-shaped, perforated, aluminum case. This perforated case allows water to flow inside and directly into contact with the heating element, presenting a dangerous shock hazard if the appliance is "on" and immersed in water. To date, CPSC knows of no injuries involving the Rhinehart heaters. The heater does not bear a model number, but can be identified by the label "Miti-Mite" embossed on top. The heaters are sold in outlets such as hardware stores. They presently sell for about $4-$5 and distribution may be nationwide. An unknown number are currently in consumers' hands. Consumers are warned they may be electrocuted if they touch the water container or the water itself while the heater is "on" and immersed in water. Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters and return them for a refund to: Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind. 47688 (telephone: 219/238-4442). Rhinehart no longer manufactures or repairs the "Miti-Mite" heaters

Product Codes/Lot Numbers:

See description

Official Source

Always verify recall information with the official CPSC source:

View on CPSC.gov

CPSC Recall Number: 78085