Small appliance sales continue growth from 2010

Last year saw positive sales growth for the small appliance industry, according to data from the NPD Group, Inc., which reports that the small appliance market is rebounding, driven by small kitchen electrics, plus select categories in home improvement.

* Drip coffeemakers* Stand mixersThe Vital Signs Devices Passive Humidification Device (Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifier or “HCH”) may have an occlusion that can prevent proper flow of the medical gases or oxygen, possibly resulting in insufficient oxygen delivered to the patient (hypoxia or hypoxemia). This device may be included in Vital Signs anesthesia circuits or sold separately. The affected units were manufactured between January 2011 and April 2011.* Bare floor cleanersThere are three types of Holmes humidifier, namely, a humidifier that provides warm mist, cool mist and ultrasonic. A cool mist humidifier is the most common humidifier available. Also called evaporative and wick humidifier, the cool mist composes of three parts: the wick, fan and reservoir.9% The increase of small kitchen electric units sold over 2007 pre-recession levels.Holmes warm mist humidifier is actually a steam humidifier- a vaporizer. Its function is to boil water, release the steam and moisture into the air. There are options in this humidifier to attach a steam vapor to mitigate coughing. This type of humidifier is best used when asthma patients are around.* Rice cookersThe wick is the filter tasked to absorb water from the reservoir and provide a bigger surface so it can evaporate. Adjacent to the wick is the fan which blows air onto it to help the water to evaporate. For this humidifier, you may need to replace Holmes humidifier wick filter.* Waffle ironsCool mist humidifier does not require heating the water, making it ideal in some areas where heating is an important function of a humidifier. If there are infants or small children around, this is the type of unit to use.* Electric grills/griddlesGE Healthcare initiated the field correction in April 2011, and began notifying customers with affected units through an Urgent Medical Device Correction Letter and a follow-up call to confirm receipt of the letter. Through these efforts, all customers were informed of the issue and provided with safety instructions. Customers have been directed to NOT use the anesthesia circuits containing the Vital Signs Devices Passive Humidification Device (Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifier, or “HCH”), or the stand alone HCH device with the product item numbers and lot numbers listed below, isolate all affected product, contact Vital Signs Customer Service at 1-800-932-0760 to arrange for the return and replacement of product. All affected Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifier and Anesthesia Breathing Circuits with affected Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifiers are being replaced.

9% The increase of small kitchen electric units sold over 2007 pre-recession levels.