LG Electronics is recalling 500,000 slide-in and freestanding electric ranges in the US. The front-mounted control knobs on the recalled ranges can be turned on by human or animal contact without requiring the consumer to activate the knob, which could result in an unintended operation of the heating elements, posing a significant fire hazard, according to the CPSC. This defect has resulted in the filing of at least 86 reports of accidental activation, with over 28 fires, more than $340,000 in property damage, eight minor injuries, and even the death of three pets.
Affected models and distribution
These ranges were sold from 2015 through January 2025 for between $1,400 and $2,650, depending on the model at Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and online through LG’s website. Units were made in Mexico and South Korea by LG Electronics Inc. Specific model and serial number can be located inside the oven door or storage drawer. The company says to see if a unit is part of the recall by visiting the firm’s website.
Safety recommendations and remedies
LG will be mailing owners of an involved unit a free warning label and installation instructions. The label reminds consumers to use the “Lock Out/Control Lock” feature which deactivates the heating elements when not in use.
Additional safety information
The CPSC recommends that consumers keep children and pets away from the controls knobs, place all knobs in the off position before leaving home or going to bed, and avoid setting objects on the range when it is not being used.
Contact information
Consumers with affected ranges should contact LG for assistance. LG can be reached at 800-399-3265 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, by email at lgrange.recall@lge.com or through their recall website.
Broader implications and similar recalls
This recall is part of a larger concern about ranges with front-mounted knobs. In June 2024, Samsung recalled more than 1.1 million ranges due to similar problems, after about 250 fires caused injuries and killed pets. Between 2018 and May 2024, the CPSC received reports of 338 incidents of accidental turn-on of ranges or cooktops from 10 manufacturers, including two fatalities and 31 nonfatal injuries.
