The auto-off switches are famous for failures, just look back to Mr. Coffee in the 80's when they almost went out of business over lawsuits from house fires caused by their auto-off switches failing. If the auto-off switch fails, even if the steamer doesn't get hot on the outside, the heating element will heat the plastic water reservoir until it melts or smolders, and can start a fire. The ships routinely take the coffee makers and hair dryers that are supplied in cabins out of service for in