The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., is recalling about 14,000 Hamiton Beach classic chrome 2-slice toasters. The manufacturer reports the toaster heating element may become energized when the toaster is plugged in, despite the toast lifter being in an up, or off, position. This could potentially pose a fire hazard.

Hamilton Beach has received five reports of toasters being energized when first plugged into an outlet. There have been no reports of fires, injuries or property damage. Consumers should immediately stop using the toasters and contact Hamilton Beach to receive instructions on how to obtain a free replacement toaster.

The recall affects model 22602 toasters, which were sold at mass merchandisers and department, grocery, and home center stores nationwide from August 2011 through November 2011. The toasters sold for between $19 and $34. Ironically, some of these toasters also were sent to consumers as replacements for toaster model 22600, which was recalled in June 2011.

The model number of the affected toaster is printed on the bottom of the toaster. The toaster has a chromed steel exterior, a front control panel with a rotary toast shade selector and function buttons arranged in an arc, a front removable crumb tray, and “Hamilton Beach” printed below the control panel.

For additional information, contact Hamilton Beach at (800) 576-6600 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.hamiltonbeach.com. General toaster safety information available from the Hamilton Beach website.