Samsung has issued a recall for more than 1.1 million slide-in electric ranges sold across the United States over concerns related to fire hazards. This action follows reports of nearly 250 fires linked to the affected models, which have resulted in dozens of injuries and several pet fatalities.
Recalled models and fire hazard concerns
The recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Thursday, covers 30 models of Samsung’s slide-in electric ranges. These models feature front-mounted knobs that can be accidentally activated by people or pets, posing a significant fire risk if items are left on the cooktop surface.
Samsung’s recall decision comes after the company received more than 300 reports of incidents since 2013, including the 250 fires caused by the range knobs’ “unintentional activation.” Among these incidents, at least 18 resulted in “extensive property damage,” while 40 people were injured, eight of whom required medical attention. Additionally, at least seven fires led to the deaths of pets.
Safety measures and consumer guidance
In response to the recall, Samsung is urging consumers who own the affected electric ranges to contact the company for a free set of knob locks or covers compatible with the models sold between 2013 and 2024. These safety devices are intended to prevent accidental activation of the stove.
The CPSC also advises consumers who are using the range without the knob locks or covers to keep children and pets away from the appliance and to always check that the knobs are turned off before leaving home or going to bed. Furthermore, consumers are warned against placing, leaving, or storing any items on top of the range, as these could ignite if the range is accidentally turned on, leading to a fire.
Samsung’s response and new safety features
Samsung released a statement regarding the voluntary recall, assuring customers that they can continue to use the slide-in electric ranges while waiting for the new knob locks or covers, noting that the knobs currently meet “industry safety standards.”
In an effort to address the issue, Samsung introduced new slide-in ranges in April of this year featuring three-step precision knobs. These knobs require a “pinching” action before the “push and turn” movement to activate, a design aimed at ensuring the knobs are only turned on intentionally.
Samsung also highlighted that some of its ranges equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity can send mobile notifications to users through the Samsung SmartThings app, alerting them when a burner has been activated. Additionally, certain models come with illuminated knobs that flash a “distinctive blue LED light” around the base when a burner is in use.
Broader industry concerns: A systemic issue?
The safety concerns related to front-mounted knobs may not be exclusive to Samsung products. The CPSC recently released a summary of a “Joint Gas and Electric Range Knob Working Group” meeting held on June 27, which revealed that the problem affects both gas and electric ranges across multiple manufacturers.
According to the agency, there have been incidents where “houses burned, and people died from house fires started by range knobs accidentally turned on, whether from people bumping into the knobs or pets activating the range.”
The CPSC’s public data shows that between January 1, 2019, and May 30, 2024, there were 338 incidents involving the accidental activation of a range or cooktop, spanning 10 different manufacturers. These incidents resulted in two deaths and 31 nonfatal injuries, according to the agency.
The CPSC also noted two additional fatal incidents where a range was accidentally turned on when a knob was bumped, although the manufacturer involved was not identified.
Details on the recalled Samsung products
The Samsung ranges included in this latest recall were manufactured in Thailand and distributed by Samsung Electronics America Inc., based in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. The recalled products were sold at major retailers such as Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s, as well as online through Samsung.com, from May 2013 through August 2024, with prices ranging from $1,250 to $3,050. Consumers can locate the model numbers of the recalled ranges on the inside upper left corner of the oven door or inside the storage bin located at the bottom of the oven.