More than 8,000 exploding frying pans recalled

Tuesday, January 14th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ An Iowa company is recalling about 8,700 frying pans that can explode or separate during use, posing the risk of burns from spilled food and possible property damage.

Innova Inc., of Davenport, has received 16 reports of frying pans exploding, burning two consumers with hot oil and damaging property eight times, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Tuesday.

The pans, manufactured in China, are stainless steel on the outside and have a black, nonstick coating on the inside. The words ``ULTREX DOUBLE WALL'' and the company's name are engraved on the bottom.

The pans include an 8-inch omelet pan with a stick handle and lid, an 8-inch frying pan with a stick handle and no lid, a 9 1/2-inch frying pan with buffet handles and a lid, and an 11 1/2-inch deep chicken fryer with a stick handle, helper handle and lid.

The Home Shopping Network sold the pans nationwide from October 2001 through September 2002 for between $20 and $50 apiece, and as a set for $150 to $300.

The commission said consumers should stop using the pans and would get a letter with information on the recall and receiving a free replacement pan. The agency said the pans do not need to be returned.

For more information, call 1-800-845-7447 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. EST or check the Home Shopping Network web site at http://www.hsn.com.