Over 200,000 stovetops from Kenmore and Frigidaire have been recalled by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission because they pose a risk of fire or burn injury. If you have a Kenmore or Frigidaire electric cooktop that was purchased between June of 2001 and August of 2009, you should check to see if your stove is included in the recall. Here’s what you need to know about the recall and how to deal with a recalled stove.
The reason for the recall
Frigidaire and Kenmore smooth top stoves included in the recall have a malfunction that can cause burners to turn on spontaneously. The burners also might not turn off when they are switched off and they might also not turn on the correct heat setting. Over 200 incidents have been reported of the stoves exhibiting problems with the switches that control the burners. 14 fires and eight injuries due to burns and smoke inhalation have been caused by the faulty burners. There was an original recall issued in 2009, but Electrolux has reissued the recall because of the more than 200 reported incidents since then.
How to tell if your stove has been recalled
The models of stove that are included in the recall were sold between June of 2001 and August of 2009 and are smooth top ranges from Kenmore and Frigidaire. The included model names are Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, and Kenmore Elite. You can find a complete list of the included serial numbers from the United States Consumer Product Commission to check them against your model number. The model number of your appliance is located inside the drawer below the oven, on the right side of the drawer’s frame.
How to register your recall
If your stove is in the recalled group, you can contact Electrolux for a complimentary repair (if a fix is possible) or a refund on the fee to haul your broken stove away as well as a $50 gift card from Electrulux. The recall number for this batch is 24-235, on stoves that were manufactured in the U.S., but the recall includes units that were sold in Canada as well. While it doesn’t appear that the company will replace a unit that can’t be repaired, or refund the money you originally spent, it’s still worth the cost to replace a faulty unit because of the risk of fire.
Safety recommendations for affected stovetops
Electrolux recommends avoiding leaving anything on the burners when the stove isn’t in use to avoid causing a fire from a spontaneously hot burner. If you’re concerned that your stovetop might be affected, you can also choose to unplug your stove, which will eliminate the fire and burn injury risk. The best way to ensure that your recalled stove doesn’t cause damage is to contact Electrolux for a repair, or replace your appliance.
How long is the recall in effect?
The recall doesn’t expire, so even if you discover that your stove top is included several weeks or months after it has been issued, you are likely still entitled to compensation from Electrolux. If for some reason you can’t reach Electrolux, or they are uncommunicative or unresponsive to your recall registration request, you can contact the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission at (800) 638-2772 for assistance.