Half a million LG electric ranges are being recalled due to serious fire safety concerns, following reports of injuries and property damage. The recall affects both slide-in and freestanding ranges, as announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on February 7.
The CPSC reported that the front-mounted knobs on these ranges can be unintentionally activated by contact from people or pets, leading to a fire hazard. These ranges were manufactured in Mexico and Korea. In response to the risks, LG is offering consumers a free warning label along with instructions on how to apply it. This label serves as a reminder to use the Lock Out/Control Lock function on the range’s control panel to prevent the heating elements from being activated when the appliance is not in use.
Consumers are advised to take safety precautions, including keeping children and pets away from the knobs, ensuring the knobs are turned off when not in use, and avoiding leaving objects on the range. The CPSC has documented at least 86 incidents of accidental knob activation, which have resulted in over 28 fires. These incidents have caused significant property damage, with at least five fires leading to losses exceeding $340,000. Additionally, there have been reports of eight minor injuries, including burns, and three fires that resulted in the deaths of pets.
The affected ranges were sold at major retailers, including Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, as well as through LG’s own website. The ranges were available for purchase between 2015 and January 2025, with prices ranging from $1,400 to $2,650, depending on the model.
This recall comes at a time when there is heightened scrutiny on household appliances, particularly in light of various regulations aimed at reducing environmental impact. In recent years, several California cities have moved to ban gas stove hookups, promoting all-electric new construction to address climate change concerns. In a related political context, former President Donald Trump has criticized current regulations on household appliances, emphasizing a return to previous standards.
Consumers who own these LG ranges are encouraged to contact the company for further assistance and to ensure their safety while using these appliances.