LG Electronics USA Inc. has initiated a massive recall of 500,000 electric ranges due to a significant fire hazard, following reports of multiple fires, injuries, and pet deaths.
This one matters – it could cost you your life.
At a Glance
- LG recalls 500,000 electric ranges due to fire risk from front-mounted knobs
- Over 28 fires reported, causing $340,000 in property damage and three pet deaths
- Ranges sold from 2015 to January 2025 at major retailers for $1,400 to $2,650
- Consumers advised to use Control Lock feature and contact LG for free warning label
- Similar recalls issued by other manufacturers, highlighting broader industry concern
Massive Recall Announced
On February 6, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of approximately 500,000 LG electric ranges due to a fire hazard associated with their front-mounted knobs. The recall comes after numerous reports of unintentional activation, leading to fires, property damage, and even pet fatalities.
“These LG ranges have been involved in more than 28 fires. At least five fires caused extensive property damage totaling over $340,000. At least eight minor injuries have been reported, including burns, and there have been reports of three fires involving pet deaths,” the Consumer Product Safety Commission stated.
The affected ranges, manufactured in Mexico and Korea, were sold between 2015 and January 2025 at major retailers including Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and LG.com. Prices ranged from $1,400 to $2,650.
Despite the recall, LG emphasized that the ranges have built-in safety features. John I. Taylor, a representative for LG, stated, “The affected products have a proven safety feature built in.”
This feature, known as the Control Lock/Lock Out function, is designed to prevent the accidental activation of heating elements.
Consumers who own the affected models are advised to contact LG for a free warning label and instructions on using the Control Lock feature. LG has also provided a video tutorial on using this feature. Additionally, owners should keep children and pets away from the knobs, ensure knobs are off before leaving home or sleeping, and avoid leaving objects on the range when not in use.
Industry-Wide Concerns
This recall is not an isolated incident in the appliance industry. Similar recalls have been issued by other manufacturers such as Samsung and Wolf Appliance, pointing to a broader concern regarding the safety of electric ranges.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has highlighted that electric ranges are involved in a significant percentage of home cooking fires. Their research indicates that homes with electric ranges have a 2.4 times higher rate of reported fires per million households compared to gas ranges.
In light of these findings, experts recommend additional safety precautions when using electric ranges. These include not leaving empty pans on hot burners and avoiding the use of foil on burner pans or oven racks.
Consumers who own LG electric ranges are urged to check if their model is affected by this recall. They can find the model number inside the oven door or storage drawer and compare it to the list provided by LG. For assistance, customers can contact LG at (800) 399-3265 or email [email protected].
