Warning issued on Frigidaire, Kenmore electric ranges 15 years after recall

Ilana Keller, Asbury Park Press
·2 min read

Frigidaire and Kenmore freestanding electric ranges that were recalled nearly 15 years ago continue to pose fire and burn risks, leading to Electrolux re-announcing the recall this week.

The kitchen appliances originally were recalled in August, 2009.

Since the recall, Electrolux has received at least 212 reports of the ranges behaving erratically, including 14 reports of fires and eight reports of injuries involving burns to hands or arms, as well as smoke inhalation, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall affects 203,000 appliances. They were sold at Sears and independent appliance stores nationwide from June 2001 through August 2009 for between $1,000 and $2,500.

A recall on certain Frigidaire and Kenmore Smooth-top Freestanding Electric Ranges was reannounced this week.
A recall on certain Frigidaire and Kenmore Smooth-top Freestanding Electric Ranges was reannounced this week.

According to the CPSC, "depending on the model, the surface heating elements can: 1.) turn on spontaneously without being switched on; 2.) fail to turn off after being switched off; or 3.) heat to different temperatures than selected. This poses fire and burn hazards to consumers."

More: Children's robes, pajamas sold on Amazon.com recalled over burn risk

This recall reannouncement involves Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional and Kenmore Elite smooth-top electric ranges. The smooth-top electric ranges have rear panel rotary knobs and digital displays and were sold in white, bisque, black and stainless steel. The brand name, model, and serial number for each unit are located on the frame of the drawer at the bottom of the unit when the drawer is opened.

Frigidaire and Kenmore Smooth-top Freestanding Electric Ranges recall

The following Frigidaire models and serial numbers are included in the recall.

  • FEFBZ90GC*

  • FEFLMC55GC*

  • FEFLZ87GC*

  • GLEF396AB*

  • GLEF396AQ*

  • GLEF396AS*

  • GLEF396CQ*

  • GLEF396CS*

  • GLEFM397DB*

  • GLEFM397DQ*

  • GLEFM397DS*

  • GLEFM97FPB*

  • GLEFM97FPW*

  • GLEFM97GPB*

  • GLEFM97GPW*

  • LEEFM389FE*

  • PLEF398AC*

  • PLEF398CC*

  • PLEF398DC*

  • PLEFM399DC*

  • PLEFMZ99EC*

  • PLEFMZ99GC*

  • PLEFZ398EC*

  • PLEFZ398GC*

  • Serial Number Range VF122xxxxx - VF936xxxxx

The following Kenmore Elite models and serial numbers are included in the recall.

  • 790.990121*

  • 790.990131*

  • 790.990141*

  • 790.990191*

  • Serial Number Range VF122xxxxx - VF334xxxxx

What to do with a recalled range

If you have one of the affected ranges, you should contact Electrolux toll-free at 888-845-8226 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, by email at potentiometerrecall@electrolux.com or online at ema-recall.com/potentiometer, potentiometerrecall.com or frigidaire.com and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.

Based on the serial number of your appliance, it will be determined if the range that can be repaired. If so, a free inspection and repair will be scheduled. If the range is not repairable, consumers will receive a refund in the form of a $50 electronic gift card and reimbursement of up to $60 for the haul-away fee for their recalled range. They must submit proof of purchase of a new range and the haul-away fee paid. Electrolux may reimburse haul-away fees over $60 when consumers provide receipts or other documentation showing their paid haul-away fees.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Frigidaire recall list: Kenmore Smooth-top Electric Ranges recalled