Cooks UE097

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20260711-4F028-2147314071. Severity: Incident, No Injury. Product: Cooks UE097 (* Brand: COOKS * Product: Hot Air Popcorn Maker * Model: UE097 * Item Number: 22198 * Date Code: 1534 * Electrical Rating: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 1500 W Color: Red). Incident: I am reporting a fire hazard involving a COOKS Hot Air Popcorn Maker, Model UE097, Item 22198, Date Code 1534. The popcorn maker was received as a gift several years ago and has been used only three times. During the first use, it appeared to operate normally. During the second use, I noticed that the plastic lid/spout began to melt, even though the appliance was being used according to the manufacturer's instructions. I discontinued use after noticing the melting. On the third use, I added a small amount of popcorn kernels because I wanted to make a small batch. Within a very short time after turning the appliance on, the popcorn ignited inside the popping chamber. I immediately unplugged the appliance and extinguished the fire before it spread. The appliance had been stored indoors between uses and had not been modified or damaged to my knowledge. Because the lid/spout had partially melted during the previous use and the popcorn caught fire almost immediately during the most recent use, I believe the appliance overheated or experienced an internal malfunction. Fortunately, no one was injured. I am submitting this report because I believe this product presents a potential fire hazard and should be investigated to determine whether similar incidents have occurred with this model.