Hotpoint fridge freezer blamed for Grenfell blaze is safe to use

Investigations rule appliances are safe

16 May, 18

The Hotpoint fridge freezer model which was in the vicinity of the origins of the Grenfell Tower fire (FF175BP) has been investigated and is safe to use, reports parent company Whirlpool.

Both the FF175BP and colour variant FF175BG have been tested and analysed in two separate investigations.

One of the investigations was led by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and a second led by product safety experts at Whirlpool Corporation.

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Both investigations independently found no evidence of any fault and confirmed the models fully complied with all legal, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Based on the findings, BEIS has advised Whirlpool there is no reason to undertake a recall or any other kind of corrective action.

BEIS confirmed there is no reason to change the advice previously given to consumers that they can use these appliances as normal.

From June last year, as a precautionary measure, Whirlpool invited consumers who owned these models to register their details so they could be reached if it was necessary to provide further information.

Whirlpool is currently contacting each of them, directly, to provide this update.

Whirlpool spokesman Jeff Noel said: “Nothing matters more to us than people’s safety. We wish to reassure consumers that these models are safe and that people may continue to use them as normal.

“We have fully cooperated with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy as it undertook its full and thorough investigations, and has now confirmed that there are no concerns with these models.

“We wish to thank all owners of these appliances for their patience while these investigations have been carried out.

“With over 100 years of manufacturing experience, we have industry-leading processes that continuously review all our products to ensure they are safe.”

He added: “We are committed to assisting the Grenfell Tower Inquiry in any way we can as it sets out to examine all the potential causes of the fire and how it spread.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the fire – to the victims, those who have lost loved-ones, homes, and possessions, and to their friends and families.”