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LG Electronics USA is recalling half a million electric ranges that have been involved in at least 28 fires, resulting in numerous injuries and a few pet deaths. But instead of issuing a refund or replacement, the home appliance maker is sending customers warning label stickers.
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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) posted an alert on Thursday that it received at least 86 reports of “unintentional activation of the front-mounted knobs” leading to “at least five fires,” which “caused extensive property damage totaling over $340,000” as well as burns and eight minor injuries, with three fires resulting in pet deaths.
According to the announcement, customers and their pets can accidentally activate the front-mounted knobs on LG Slide-In Ranges and Freestanding Ranges, potentially causing fires.
In response, LG is encouraging consumers to use the ranges’ “Lock Out” or “Control Lock” features, which “[lock] the cooktop . . . from being turned on even when the knob is turned, reducing the risk of accidental activation,” according to a statement from the company.
“I’d like to clarify that this is not the usual kind of CPSC ‘recall’ because the affected products have a proven safety feature built in,” John Taylor, senior vice president of LG Electronics USA Inc., told Fast Company in a statement.
Consumers can find detailed instructions for using the Lock Out/Control Lock features at LGcares.com.
Where were the ranges sold?
According to the CPSC, the ranges were sold from 2015 to January 2025, for between $1,400 and $2,650, at the following stores:
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Best Buy
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Costco
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The Home Depot
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Lowe’s
In addition, the recall notes the ranges were sold at other appliance stores nationwide and online at LG.com. The model and serial numbers of the affected products are listed here.
LG told Fast Company on Friday that for 10 of the 11 models listed, only those units manufactured through 2023, as indicated by serial number, are affected. All units of model LDE4413 are affected. (The serial numbers can be found inside the oven door or storage drawer located on the bottom of the oven.)
What should I do if I think my range was recalled?
Consumers should contact LG through the company’s website for a free warning label and placement instructions, and use the Lock Out/Control Lock function on the range control panel to disable heating elements when the range is not in use. Here’s LG’s instructional video on how to use the Lock Out/Control Lock features.