About 5,200 Salton toasters are being recalled because they may turn on unexpectedly, even when there is no toast in them, posing a fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission said Tuesday.

The recall applies to Cook's Essential four-slice toasters with the model number CET 401.

The products were sold through Pennsylvania based QVC Inc.'s television station, website, toll-free number and stores from January 2003 through June 2003 for between $63 US and $69 US.

The company has learned of 10 incidents in which toasters switched on spontaneously, causing fire damage in three cases.

Consumers with the toaster should unplug the unit, cut the power cord where it connects with the body of the toaster, and mail the cord to the company for a refund.

Company website

Recall notice