'Significant number' of Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda tumble dryers 'pose a fire risk'

  • Consumer

A "significant number" of Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda tumble dryers could pose a fire risk, Indesit has said.

The company said it had identified a potential concern with two types of tumble dryers - the large air vented dryer and the condensing dryer - sold under the brand names of Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda between April 2004 and September 2015.

It said in some rare cases, excess fluff can come into contact with the heating element in the tumble dryer and present a risk of fire.

Affected customers are being contacted so that their machine can be repaired but are being told they can still use their appliances as long as they are not left unattended while in operation.

Customers who have any concerns are being asked to check whether their model could be affected online or by calling Indesit.

A spokesman said: "We estimate that a significant number of units will be affected, but at this stage, we cannot speculate regarding the specific figure.

"These products were marketed in the UK and a number of other countries over the past 11 years, so we would expect a fairly large number of them to be affected."

The affected brands are:

  • Hotpoint

  • Indesit

  • Creda

How can I find out if my model is affected:

What owners of these tumble dryers should do:

  • Check whether their model is affected at http://safety.hotpoint.eu or http://safety.indesit.eu

  • Contact Indesit on 0800 151 0905 if they have any concerns and have not yet been contacted about their tumble dryer

  • Continue to use their appliances but until updated follow the original instructions for using the appliance.

  • Not leave the appliance unattended during operation.

  • Check the lint filter after every cycle.

  • Ensure proper venting as directed in the original operating manual.

What is Indesit doing:

  • Indesit are contacting the owners of affected appliances to arrange a service visit to modify the dryer in the consumer's home at no charge.

Last week, ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi revealed safety concerns with some Hotpoint and Indesit tumble dryers but the extent of the repair programme has only been revealed today.