Samsung has issued a recall of over a million electric stoves sold in the US between 2013 and 2024 after numerous reports of fires, injuries, and pet deaths linked to faulty front-mounted knobs. These knobs can be unintentionally activated by humans or pets, leading to hazardous situations where objects on the stove might ignite.
The recall, announced by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), highlights the risks associated with the accidental activation of these knobs, with Samsung receiving over 300 reports of such incidents. This has resulted in approximately 250 fires, causing significant property damage, injuries, and even fatalities in some cases.
To address this safety issue, Samsung has introduced a solution in the form of free knob locks and covers, which customers can request online or via phone or email.
The company has also rolled out new “precision knobs” that require a pinching motion before they can be pushed and turned, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidental activation. These knobs are particularly appreciated by parents for the added safety they provide in households with young children.
The problem with front-mounted knobs extends beyond Samsung, with the CPSC noting similar incidents across multiple manufacturers.
In a meeting held in June 2024, the CPSC’s Joint Gas and Electric Range Knob Working Group discussed the broader industry-wide issue, revealing data that stoves from various manufacturers have been involved in numerous fires, injuries, and even deaths.
Manufacturers, including Samsung, are working with the CPSC to better understand the causes of these accidental activations and to improve safety standards for stove knobs.
Despite the ongoing efforts to address the issue, the CPSC’s working group has not reconvened since its June meeting, missing a deadline to continue discussions.
However, manufacturers like Samsung have already begun implementing new safety features, such as the precision knobs and illuminated knobs available on premium models, which provide visual cues when the stove is turned on. These measures aim to prevent further accidents and enhance overall stove safety.
The CPSC has issued a safety alert to the public, advising consumers to use safety locks and covers, keep children and pets away from stoves with front-mounted knobs, and be cautious when working near the cooktop.
They also recommend that consumers concerned about their stove’s safety reach out directly to manufacturers to inquire about available solutions. The CPSC provides a database for checking additional recalls and encourages proactive measures to prevent accidental activations and the potential hazards they pose.
