GE Recalls Microwave for Fire Hazard

GE Recalls Microwave for Fire Hazard
December 5, 2007

WASHINGTON ?- General Electric recalled 92,000 combination wall and microwave ovens after at least 35 incidents of fire that damaged property, the company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.

The door switch in the microwave oven can overheat and ignite plastic components in the appliance, the company said.

The lower thermal oven does not pose a hazard and no injuries have been reported, according to the commission.

Department and appliance stores sold the ovens between January 2000 to December 2003.

The ovens were built by GE Consumer & Industrial, of Louisville, Ky., and sold under the Kenmore, GE and GE Profile brands.

GE said consumers should stop using the microwave oven immediately and call the company, or Sears for Kenmore ovens.

General Electric Co. 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.

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.

Consumers can call: GE's Recall Hotline: (888) 240-2745; Sears' Recall Hotline: (888) 679-0282; CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772.