Samsung Recalls Over 1 Million Electric Ranges
Due to a significant safety concern, Samsung Electronics America Inc. has announced a massive recall of over one million electric ranges. The reason for this recall is the frequent unintentional activation of the front knobs of these ranges, which poses a considerable fire risk. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has noted that this defect has caused hundreds of fires leading to property damage, personal injuries, and even pet fatalities.
An Overview of the Recall
The recall includes more than one million slide-in electric ranges purchased from major retailers such as Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Samsung’s official website. These ranges, made in Thailand, were available for purchase from May 2013 through August 2024. Their prices range between $1,250 and $3,050.
Affected Models
There are 30 models included in this recall. Some of the popular variants are NE58R9431ST/AA, NE58K9500SG/AA, and NE63T8511SG/AA. Since 2013, Samsung has received over 300 reports of these front-mounted knobs being accidentally turned on by humans and pets alike. This has led to around 250 fires, with 18 causing severe property damage. Additionally, there have been approximately 40 reported injuries, eight requiring medical attention, and several fires resulting in pet deaths.
Safety Precautions and Recommendations
The CPSC and Samsung recommend several safety measures for consumers who own the affected models. While waiting for a solution—which includes receiving a free set of knob locks or covers—users are advised to keep children and pets away from the knobs. They should also ensure that the knobs are turned off before leaving home or going to bed and avoid placing objects on the range when not in use. For those with Wi-Fi enabled ranges, enabling the “Cooktop On” notification on the Samsung SmartThings app can provide alerts when a burner is turned on.
Implications for the Industry
Samsung has stated that this issue is not unique to their brand. They have participated in industry-wide discussions with the CPSC’s Joint Gas and Electric Range Knob Working Group to address inadvertent activation across various brands. This collaboration aims to enhance safety standards for all ranges, highlighting a collective effort to mitigate such risks in the future.
Customer Support and Response
Customers are urged to contact Samsung to receive their free set of knob locks or covers. Samsung reassures customers that their range knobs meet industry safety standards, which include a two-step activation process requiring sequential push and turn movements. Taking the recommended precautions can significantly reduce the risk of accidental fires during this interim period.
The recall notice from Samsung and the CPSC underscores the importance of adhering to safety advice to prevent accidents. Users experiencing issues with the recall remedy or encountering non-responsive companies are encouraged to report their situations to the CPSC using the provided complaint form.
Final Thoughts
The recall of over one million Samsung electric ranges due to a fire hazard is a crucial safety measure. The proactive steps taken by Samsung and the CPSC aim to protect consumers and prevent further incidents. As these ranges are commonly found in households across America, it is essential for owners to act swiftly by following the recommended safety precautions and contacting Samsung for necessary remedies. This recall serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for rigorous safety standards and industry cooperation to ensure consumer well-being.
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For more information on the recall and safety measures, visit the official [CPSC website](https://www.cpsc.gov).
