In a precautionary move, Samsung has announced a voluntary recall of over a million electric stoves sold in the United States between 2013 and 2024. The recall comes after numerous reports of fires that resulted in dozens of injuries and several pet deaths. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall, attributing the issue to the "front-mounted knobs" on Samsung’s slide-in electric ranges. The faulty knobs, which can be accidentally activated by humans or pets, pose a significant fire hazard, especially when items are left on the stove.

The affected stoves, widely sold in popular appliance stores nationwide including Costco, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Lowe's, have easily triggerable knobs that can lead to the cooktop heating up and an increased risk of fires, according to the CPSC. Since 2013, Samsung has received over 300 reports of unintentional activation, resulting in approximately 250 fires. Out of these incidents, 18 fires caused significant property damage, and around 40 injuries have been reported, with eight requiring medical attention. Additionally, there have been reports of seven fires resulting in the tragic deaths of pets.

Addressing the safety concerns, Samsung has introduced a practical solution to prevent accidental stove activation in homes across America. The company is offering free knob locks and covers, which significantly reduce the chances of the stove being inadvertently turned on. These safety measures can be implemented by customers who purchased one of the 30 affected models listed on Samsung's website, regardless of warranty status.

Unlike the problematic knobs, Samsung's latest "precision knobs" require users to pinch them before pushing and turning to activate the stove. This innovative safety feature releases a pin that otherwise remains locked, preventing accidental stove activation when knobs are bumped or tampered with by young children or pets.

To avail themselves of the free knob locks and covers, customers can contact Samsung online, by phone, or through email. The company assures that the repair kits should arrive within five business days upon request. Installation instructions will be provided along with the kits and are also available online. Until the safety measures are installed, Samsung advises customers to exercise caution by keeping children and pets away from the knobs, double-checking that the knobs are off before leaving the home or going to bed, and avoiding leaving objects on the range when it's not in use.

Customers with Wi-Fi-enabled ranges can also enable notifications in their Samsung SmartThings app to receive alerts when the stove is on, providing an extra layer of safety.

The recall of Samsung stoves is part of a larger concern surrounding front-mounted knobs on gas and electric ranges from various manufacturers, which have been responsible for hundreds of fires across the United States. In response to this alarming trend, the CPSC recently hosted a meeting with stove manufacturers and stakeholders to address the industry-wide problem.

While Samsung's precision knobs and additional safety features have received positive feedback from customers, it is crucial for all stove users to be aware of fire hazards associated with gas and electric ranges. The CPSC has issued a safety alert advising customers to use safety locks and covers, keep kids and pets away from the cooktop, and exercise caution when leaning over the stove to avoid accidental knob activation. Consumers can also use the CPSC's recall database or contact manufacturers directly for further information on safety issues.

Ensuring the safety of consumers remains a top priority for Samsung and other industry players as they continue to take steps toward enhancing stove safety standards and minimizing risks associated with inadvertent stove activation.