Samsung has recalled more than 1 million slide-in electric ranges because they could catch fire. The company got reports that people or pets could accidentally turn on the front knobs, which started 250 fires.
The recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday. It affects 30 types that were sold in the U.S. between May 2013 and August 2024 and cost between $1,250 and $3,050.
Since 2013, more than 300 reports have been sent to Samsung about people or pets “unintentionally activating” the front-mounted buttons on the range.
The problem led to 250 fires, and at least 18 of them did “extensive property damage,” according to the news release.
It has been stated that the fires have hurt forty people, and eight of them needed medical help. The news statement said that at least seven of the fires killed pets.
To fix the problem, Samsung is giving away free knob locks or knob covers.
People should never put, leave, or store anything on top of the range, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), because “such items can ignite if the range is accidentally activated or left on.”
The news release said, “Fires can happen when items are left on top of any range that is accidentally turned on or left on.”
Samsung said in a statement Thursday about the voluntary recall that people can still use their slide-in electric ranges until the knob locks or covers arrive. The company also said that the safety standards for the knobs are met.
People who want to get a free set of locks or covers can click on this link, call Samsung toll-free at 1-833-775-0120, or email the company.
The company said that in April 2024, it released new slide-in ranges with three-step precision knobs that need to be “pinned” before they can be turned on. This is to make sure that the knobs are only turned on by purpose.
Some Samsung ranges that are connected to Wi-Fi can also send users a message through the Samsung SmartThings app when a burner is turned on. Some types in the Samsung range also have illuminated knobs that show a “clear blue LED light around the base of the knob when a burner is on.”
Samsung said that the CPSC’s public data includes “numerous reports of ranges with front-mounted knobs” from different makers “that were activated through accidental contact.” This means that Samsung isn’t the only company having this problem. Along with other big names, the company is also part of the CPSC’s “Joint Gas and Electric Range Knob Working Group,” which works to make knobs safer.
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