Some older Frigidaire and Kenmore ranges pose fire and burn risks, warns Electrolux

The Electrolux Group is urging consumers to stop using older models of Frigidaire and Kenmore electric ranges following recent reports that the appliances can cause fires and burns.

An advisory issued Thursday by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that the heating elements in recalled ranges, which date from 2009, may spontaneously ignite on their own; not turn off when turned off by the consumer; and heat to temperatures other than those selected, posing fire and burn hazards.

Approximately 203,000 ranges are affected by the recall, including Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional and Kenmore Elite smooth-top electric ranges sold in various colors, including white, biscuit, black and stainless steel. Features include rotary knobs on the rear panel and digital displays.

The affected ranges, which were sold nationwide from June 2001 to August 2009 at Sears and independent appliance stores, were initially recalled in 2009. Since then, there have been at least 212 complaints, including 14 reports of fires and eight reports of burns on household appliances. hands or arms, as well as smoke inhalation.

As a remedy, a free inspection and repair will be scheduled for affected ranges that are repairable, according to the recall notice. Consumers whose recalled ranges are not repairable will receive a $50 e-gift card, as well as a refund of up to $60 for shipping costs paid, with proof of purchase of a new range and transportation services.

The CPSC advised consumers with affected ranges not to leave any items on them, even when the appliances are not in use. For more information, consumers can contact Electrolux toll-free at (888) 845-8226 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. They can also contact the company by email at potentiometerrecall@electrolux.com or online at https://www.ema-recall.com/

The brand name, model, and serial number of each unit are located on a drawer frame at the bottom of the unit when the drawer is open. The recalled models and serial numbers are as follows:

Frigidaire serial numbers: Serial number range VF122xxxxx – VF936xxxxx

Kenmore Elite serial numbers: Serial number range VF122xxxxx – VF334xxxxx