The U.S. CPSC has announced a General Electric built-in combination wall and microwave oven recall due to possible fire hazard. The recall includes GE combination microwave and conventional built-in wall ovens sold under the following brand names: GE, GE Profile® and Kenmore. The ovens were sold in white, black, bisque and stainless steel. The brand name is printed on the lower left corner on the front of the microwave door. The model and serial numbers can be found inside the microwave oven on the left interior wall. For a list of the model and serial numbers, please click here to see the CPSC recall announcement.

According to the CPSC announcement, GE Consumer & Industrial, of Louisville, Kentucky, the manufacturer of the product, voluntarily recalled the product because the door switch in the microwave oven can overheat and ignite plastic components in the control area, posing a fire hazard to consumers. The lower thermal oven does not pose a hazard.

GE is aware of 35 incidents of minor property damage and one incident in which a fire damaged adjacent kitchen cabinets. No injuries have been reported.

The CPSC announcement states that consumers should stop using the microwave oven immediately. Consumers should contact GE regarding their GE/GE Profile micro-oven combo or Sears for their Kenmore unit. GE is offering a free repair or rebate on a new product, a $300 rebate toward the purchase of a new GE brand unit, or a $600 rebate toward the purchase of a new GE Profile brand unit. Sears is offering a free repair or $300 rebate toward the purchase of a new Kenmore brand unit. Consumers can continue using the lower thermal oven.

PritzkerOlsen is posting this recall as a public service. The firm is not representing people who have sustained property damage that may be associated with this product.

Posted December 2007

Labels: burn injuries, product liability lawyer