WA: Public warning on portable butane 'lunchbox' cookers

Published

20 Mar 2015

EnergySafety and Consumer Protection have issued a joint public warning to consumers not to buy or use portable butane ‘lunchbox’ type cookers due to safety concerns.

Director of EnergySafety Ken Bowron recommends consumers not to buy these types of portable cookers or, if they have already been purchased, discontinue their use immediately.

“There is a serious risk of overheating and explosion which can cause injury or spark a fire, prompting us to take urgent action,” Mr Bowron said.

“Compliance certification for all current models of ‘lunchbox’ type gas cookers has been suspended by the independent safety certifiers and cookers of this type can no longer be sold lawfully in Western Australia,” Mr Bowron said

“All 31 models of butane gas cookers have been withdrawn from sale as they do not meet Australian Standards. Retailers in Western Australia should no longer be stocking or selling these products.

“Six of those models are regarded as unsafe due to a fault with the cookers’ shut-off valves, posing a risk that the devices may overheat and explode.”

These six models are prohibited from sale and must not be used:

Auscrown (model number AD90)
Campmaster (model number CM2250)
Gasmate (model number PC2080)
Home Essentials (model number BDZ-168)
Illusion (model number U-Bute)
Oztrail (model number OZ2160)

“If you have one of these six models, you must not use this cooker. If you own one of the other models, please check the manufacturer’s operating instructions and read them carefully before use. Ensure that you do not use an oversized pot or pan which can add additional heat to the gas canisters,” Mr Bowron added.

A list of all 31 butane gas cookers that have been withdrawn from sale is available on EnergySafety’s website at www.energysafety.wa.gov.au.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said the cookers have become popular for use in camping and caravanning as they are inexpensive, lightweight and portable.

“If these products malfunction they can potentially cause serious injuries and I’d encourage people to stop using them,” Ms Driscoll said.

“The cookers should be disposed of in a safe manner, with the butane cylinders disposed of through an appropriate community waste or recycling centre.

“Consumers who have purchased a non-compliant gas cooker and have proof of the purchase can return the product to their retailer and seek a refund of the full purchase price under Australian Consumer Law.”

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