BOSTON -- When something you buy doesn't work for a reasonable period of time, you are covered by state law, but sometimes retailers and manufacturers don't know that.

RESOURCES Recall Information

NewsCenter 5's Susan Wornick reported Wednesday that BUNN coffeemakers and five models of the BUNN-O-Matic have been deemed fire hazards

The coffeemakers in question were sold between February 2001 and last August. The complaint is the same on all. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the plastic pour-in bowl and lid can melt or ignite due to an electrical failure, posing a burn and fire hazard to consumers. There have been 17 melting reports to date, but no injuries.

BUNN is accepting full responsibility, telling consumers to return their coffeemakers at no charge. But it's what they're offering in exchange that's a problem.

Consumers have e-mailed NewsCenter 5 saying that BUNN is only offering a repair or a 50 percent off coupon on a new product. They've complained that it doesn't seem right to have to pay anything if the coffeemaker is less than a year old.

Massachusetts state law says if a product doesn't work for a reasonable period of time, the consumer is entitled to either a repair, replacement or refund -- consumers choice, and they shouldn't have to pay for anything.

Companies like BUNN sell products nationally, and they don't always know about specific state laws.

NewsCenter 5 called them to tell them about ours. They said that most coffeemakers are not defective and that this is a voluntary recall.