LG electric ranges: 500,000 recalled after fires, injuries, pet deaths

LG Electronics has recalled 500,000 electric ranges because just a person or pet brushing up against the front knobs can turn the appliance on, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced.

The ranges have been connected to more than 28 fires, with five causing significant property damage, totaling more than $340,000. Also reported: eight minor injuries and three fires that involve an undisclosed number of pet deaths.

A total of 86 incidents of “unintentional activation” have been reported. 

The recall affects 22 models. Consumers can contact LG for a warning label to remind owners to use the “lock out” function so the range can’t be accidentally turned on. LG encourages consumers to check that knobs are off before going out or going to bed, and to avoid placing items on the range except when cooking.

The ranges were sold from 2015 until January 2025 for $1,400 to $2,650 at stores including Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Two other brands of electric ranges were recalled in 2024 for similar reasons:

• Samsung in August 2024 recalled 1.12 million electric ranges because the front-mounted knobs could be turned on by “accidental contact by humans or pets.”
  The company had received more than 300 complaints, including about 250 involving fires, 18 of them with significant damage. Also: about 40 injuries, eight requiring medical attention, and seven fires involving the deaths of pets.
• Electrolux in May 2024 reannounced the recall of 203,000 Frigidaire and Kenmore electric ranges because the top heating surfaces could turn on spontaneously, not turn off or heat to different temperatures than were set by the user.
  Since the 2009 recall, the company received at least 212 complaints of issues with the ranges, including 14 fires and eight injuries. Leading up to the 2009 recall, the company received 126 complaints, including two for injuries and two for minor property damage.