Samsung Electric Range Recall

In August 2024, Samsung Electronics America Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), issued a voluntary recall of approximately 1.12 million slide-in electric ranges sold between May 2013 and August 2024. The recall was prompted by a critical fire hazard linked to the design of the front-mounted burner knobs, which can be unintentionally activated by human contact or pets.

The Hazard: Accidental Activation Leading to Fires

Imagine a scenario where a young child, curious and unaware of the danger, reaches up and grabs one of the front-mounted knobs on the range. With a simple turn, the burner ignites—potentially under a dish towel or paper packaging left on the stovetop. In just seconds, a fire could start, especially if an adult is in another room or distracted. This is exactly the kind of situation that has led to hundreds of reports and dozens of fires related to these recalled Samsung models.

The recalled Samsung ranges pose a serious safety risk. The front-mounted knobs can be easily turned on by accident—such as by brushing against them or a pet jumping near the controls—causing burners to ignite any objects left on the stovetop. This has resulted in more than 300 reports of unintentional activation, approximately 250 fires, and at least 18 cases of significant property damage. There have also been around 40 injuries, eight requiring medical attention, and seven reported pet fatalities.

These incidents highlight a growing concern in product design: consumer appliances are increasingly designed for aesthetics and convenience, but sometimes at the expense of safety. The location and sensitivity of these knobs have made it too easy to activate burners unknowingly, leading to preventable tragedies in households across the country.

Affected Models and Retail Locations

These electric ranges were sold at major appliance retailers including Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and online at Samsung.com. Depending on the model, the units retailed for between $1,250 and $3,050. Consumers can locate the model number inside the oven door or the lower storage drawer. A full list of model numbers is available on Samsung’s recall website.

Official Safety Warnings from the CPSC

The CPSC urges consumers:

• Never store or place items on the stovetop surface
• Keep pets and children away from range knobs
• Confirm all burners are off before leaving home or going to sleep

Until a permanent safety solution is in place, these preventative steps can help mitigate the risk of a household fire. The CPSC also advises that even when the range is not in use, the risk of accidental ignition remains if safeguards are not followed.

What to Do If You Own a Recalled Range

If your range is affected by the recall, Samsung is providing a free set of knob locks or protective covers to help prevent accidental activation. These can significantly reduce the risk of unintentional burner ignition while you’re waiting for a more permanent solution.

To request the free knob safety kit directly from Samsung, call Samsung toll-free at 833-775-0120 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at rangesupport@sea.samsung.com, or visit samsung.com/us/support/range-knob-kit to request free knob locks.

Additionally, if you own a Wi-Fi enabled model, Samsung recommends enabling the “Cooktop On” alert in its SmartThings app, so you receive notifications if a burner is unintentionally turned on.

These tools and updates are helpful, but they do not replace the need for safe design from the outset. Appliance safety should never rely solely on apps or add-on accessories.

Legal Ramifications for Product Defects

Product recalls on this scale raise serious legal and safety concerns. Manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe for consumers. When that duty is breached and injuries occur, affected individuals may have grounds for a product liability claim.

If you or a family member experienced a fire, injury, or loss involving a Samsung range covered under this recall, you should speak with an experienced Illinois defective product attorney. Compensation may be available for:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Emotional trauma
• Lost income

Legal claims not only help injured individuals recover what they’ve lost—they also pressure companies to improve product safety across the board.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Produce Liability Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

“Our firm has successfully handled numerous claims involving product failures, including appliance-related fires. We know how to hold manufacturers accountable when defective designs put families at risk,” said Naperville product liability attorney John J. Malm.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how devastating injuries caused by unsafe products can be. Our Illinois defective product injury firm brings more than 90 years of combined legal experience, with a team of six award-winning attorneys dedicated to helping injury victims obtain justice.

With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we provide skilled legal representation throughout Illinois for clients harmed by dangerous or defective products. If you believe you may have a claim related to a recalled Samsung appliance or another unsafe consumer product, don’t wait.

Call today at 844-MALMLAW or fill out our online form for a free consultation.