September 2005
Ultimate Chopper food processor
Lid assembly could malfunction and allow the appliance to operate when the lid is off, posing serious risk of injury if someone's hand touches the blade.
Products: 1.5 million appliances sold 3/02 to 7/05 by television infomercials, online, and at retail stores nationwide for about $40. The Ultimate Chopper is a compact, single-speed food processor that also functions as a blender when an optional attachment is used with the base. The product consists of a white base unit with a 600-watt motor, a plastic blade assembly that contains two stainless-steel blades, a chopping bowl, and a clear interlocking lid. "Ultimate Chopper" is stamped on the base. There have been 17 reports of injuries resulting from failure of the interlocking lid assembly or breakage of the blade assembly. Five of those injured required stitches or surgery; 12 others had cuts or scratches. Consumer Reports tested and top-rated the Ultimate Chopper in our December 2003 report on food processors and choppers. Our engineers didn't encounter this problem with our test sample.
What to do: Remove the lid and blade assembly and test to see if the unit will operate. If it turns on when the lid is removed, stop using the appliance and call Ultimate Chopper at 800-819-6297 or go to www.ultimatechopper.com for a free replacement chopper. Also, if the blade assembly is worn, damaged, or broken for any reason, discontinue use of the appliance and contact the company for a free replacement blade assembly. An instructional video demonstrating how to inspect the Ultimate Chopper is available at demo.ultimatechopper.com .
Lid assembly could malfunction and allow the appliance to operate when the lid is off, posing serious risk of injury if someone's hand touches the blade.
Products: 1.5 million appliances sold 3/02 to 7/05 by television infomercials, online, and at retail stores nationwide for about $40. The Ultimate Chopper is a compact, single-speed food processor that also functions as a blender when an optional attachment is used with the base. The product consists of a white base unit with a 600-watt motor, a plastic blade assembly that contains two stainless-steel blades, a chopping bowl, and a clear interlocking lid. "Ultimate Chopper" is stamped on the base. There have been 17 reports of injuries resulting from failure of the interlocking lid assembly or breakage of the blade assembly. Five of those injured required stitches or surgery; 12 others had cuts or scratches. Consumer Reports tested and top-rated the Ultimate Chopper in our December 2003 report on food processors and choppers. Our engineers didn't encounter this problem with our test sample.
What to do: Remove the lid and blade assembly and test to see if the unit will operate. If it turns on when the lid is removed, stop using the appliance and call Ultimate Chopper at 800-819-6297 or go to www.ultimatechopper.com for a free replacement chopper. Also, if the blade assembly is worn, damaged, or broken for any reason, discontinue use of the appliance and contact the company for a free replacement blade assembly. An instructional video demonstrating how to inspect the Ultimate Chopper is available at demo.ultimatechopper.com .
