WASHINGTON -- Hamilton Beach and Proctor-Silex are recalling 2.7 million slow cookers because the handles can break, which could allow hot food to spill onto people.

The company has recieved approximately 4,700 reports of handles breaking, including two reports of consumers who required medical attention for burns.

The slow cookers were sold under the Hamilton Beach and Proctor-Silex brand names, which are printed on the front of the base of the unit. They are either round or oval, and were sold in solid white and various print designs. They have a capacity of 3.5 to 6.5 quarts and have series codes A through D printed on the bottom along with the model number.

Discount department stores sold the cookers from January 1999 through December 2002 for $15 to $45.

Three brand names were used, and each has different model numbers to look out for:

Hamilton Beach -- 33390, 33475, 33575, 33590, 33675, 33690, 33725, 33850, 33860
Hamilton Beach/Portfolio -- 33680
Proctor-Silex -- 33320, 33320FD, 33325, 33375, 33380, 33625A

Customers can get a new base for the unit by calling 1-800-429-6363 or visiting Proctor-Silex.com.