Samsung has recalled 1 million electric stoves after 250 reports of fire and 40 injuries

Samsung is recalling more than 1.12 million used electric cooktops after they reported 250 fires and dozens of injuries.

According to a notice last Thursday from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, these cooktops have front-mounted buttons that can be accidentally activated if people or pets accidentally touch or bump into them. This is a fire hazard.

To date, Samsung has received more than 300 reports of unintended button activation since 2013, the CPSC noted, and the now-recalled ranges have been involved in about 250 fires. At least 18 of those fires caused significant property damage and seven involved the death of pets, according to the Commission.

In addition, the CPSC added, about 40 injuries were reported, including eight that required medical attention.

Consumers can identify if their electric slide-off range is included in this recall by looking at the model number printed on the product. Both Samsung and the CPSC have published a list of affected models online.

The recalled lineups were sold between May 2013 and August 2024 online at Samsung.com as well as at retailers nationwide, including Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Consumers who own a recalled range are urged to contact New Jersey-based Samsung Electronics America for a free set of compatible locks or covers for installation with their model. In the meantime, those affected should take extra care to keep children and pets away from the buttons and check their range before leaving the house or going to bed to make sure it’s turned off, a said the CPSC.

As part of general hob and oven safety, the Commission added that consumers should “never place, leave or store anything on top of the cooking range” when not in use – as such items can lights up if accidentally activated.

To receive a free set of locks or caps, depending on their model, customers can visit https://www.samsung.com/us/support/range-knob-kit/, contact Samsung toll-free at 1-833-775 -0120 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET Monday through Friday or by email at [email protected].

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.