GE Microwave Recall Overheating Some Consumers
What may have started out as a seemingly good idea, the combination of a traditional oven and a microwave resulted in a massive GE microwave recall in December 2007. The position of the plastic door switch near the bottom of the unit could catch fire from the heat of the lower, convention oven and start a fire of the plastic components in the control panel. After 35 incidents of minor fires and one that claimed surrounding kitchen cabinets, in cooperation with the government, the voluntary GE microwave recall was announced to the public.
While it seemed like the perfect home appliance at the time, heating in the microwave within easy reach of the conventional oven located directly beneath. The units affected by the GE microwave recall were built between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2003 and the company is offering free repairs to all affected units. For those preferring to replace the microwave, GE is offering a $300 rebate for a replacement GE product or a $600 to replace it with a GE profile model microwave.
Consumers unhappy with the manufacturer and wanting to replace their microwave with one from a different manufacturer, may be out of luck as the ones listed in GE microwave recall are built as part of the unit and other brands will not physically fit into the available space. It would require replacing the entire combination unit.
Solution Limited To Avoid Risk Of Fire
One suggestion to reduce the potential for fire in the units affected by the GE microwave recall is not to use the lower oven or counter top, which is not an option with many consumers. The space-savings advantage of the combination units were what drew many to the models and the fear of fire has them contemplating removing the entire unit, whether GE pays for the recalled item or not.
The Consumer Product Safety Council advises those owning a unit listed in the GE microwave recall, whether branded by GE or by Kenmore, to stop using the unit immediately and contact the manufacturer. One bit of information missing from the recall information is exactly what type of repair is going to be performed to eliminate the possibility of the unit catching other plastic components on fire.
For some, it seems apparent the design is flawed with the two units too close together and for others, replacing all of the plastics with metal while an option that seems safer, may greatly detract from the units visual appeal.
