Moderate Recalled October 21, 1999 About 45,000 units Updated May 5, 2026

CPSC, Holmes Products Corp. Announce Recall of Portable Heaters

BurnFire

The hazard

The thermostats in some of these heaters are improperly positioned, which can cause them to overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents reported: Holmes Products has received 11 reports of these units overheating and catching fire. Six of these incidents resulted in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

What to do now

Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters, and contact Holmes for information on how to receive a refund.

Contact: For more information, call Holmes at (800) 5HOLMES. Consumers also can access Holmes' web site at www.holmesproducts.com

About this recall

These "Wide-Angle," portable heaters, manufactured in 1998, are approximately 12 inches high, and are in the shape of a half-circle. The front is white, and the back is gray. The units have two knobs on the top. The date code, which includes the number 98, is located on the back, right-hand corner of the units just above the box containing the Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) logo. Other writing inside the UL box includes, "MODEL: HFH-297" and "MADE IN CHINA." "Holmes(r)" also is written in the UL box and on the front of the unit.

Product photos

Recalled Holmes portable electric heater
Recalled Holmes portable electric heater

Photos: U.S. CPSC