Starbucks recalls 73,000 coffee-makers that could overheat

Starbucks, the world's largest coffee-shop chain, said today it recalled 73,000 coffee makers because defective electrical wiring may cause them to overheat, smoke and melt their plastic shells.

The voluntary recall is for the Starbucks Barista Aroma 8-cup coffee brewer, the Seattle-based company said in a statement with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Starbucks said it has received 23 reports of melting plastic around the coffee pot. No injuries have been reported.

The coffee makers were sold between March 2005 and September 2006 for about $100 each, and were manufactured in China.

For a full refund, call the company at 800-453-1047 or visit http://www.starbucks.com. Consumers will receive a postage-paid package and instructions on how to return the brewers. Starbucks is also offering a coupon (valid through 1/31/07) for a free pound of coffee as an incentive to return the product.

For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov.

A Starbucks spokeswoman did not immediately return calls seeking additional comment.