RECALL: BlueStar Wall Ovens FIRE HAZARD!

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Communications

4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814, www.cpsc.gov

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BlueStar Wall Ovens Recalled by Prizer Painter Stove Works Due to Fire Hazard

Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Recall date: February 7, 2013

Recall number: 13-117

Name of product: BlueStar(tm) residential gas wall ovens

Hazard: Some of the wall ovens have been improperly installed and/or have damaged flexible gas appliance connectors, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ovens, contact BlueStar for instructions on identifying affected units and to schedule a repair.

Consumer Contact: BlueStar; at (800) 449-8691, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.bluestarcooking.com and click on "Recall" for more information.

Photos available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/BlueStar-Wall-Ovens-Recalled-by-Prizer-Painter-Stove-Works/

Units: About 940

Description: This recall involves all colors of three models of BlueStar gas-powered stainless steel wall ovens manufactured prior to November 23, 2012. Oven sizes include 24-, 30- and 36-inche wide units. Each of the three sizes was available for use with natural gas or liquid propane. The propane version is designated by the letter "L" at the end of the model number. Model numbers and date codes are located on the rating plate inside the control panel. There is a BlueStar logo on the upper left front of the oven, above the door.

Model Name |  Model Numbers  (Applies for all colors)

24-Inch BlueStar(tm) residential wall oven with swing door | BWO24AGS BWO24AGSL

 

30-Inch BlueStar(tm) residential wall oven with French doors |  BWO30AGS BWO30AGSL

 

36 -Inch BlueStar(tm) residential wall oven with French doors | BWO36AGS BWO36AGSL

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a fire, resulting in property damage to the cabinet that held the oven. No injuries have been reported.

Sold at: Appliance stores and authorized kitchen equipment dealers nationwide between January 2008 through November 2012 for between $2,250 and $3,900.

Manufacturer: Prizer Painter Stove Works Inc., of Reading, Pa.

Manufactured in: United States

Q & A on Hood Chimney Over 8' Tall Vented to Rear

Q.

Ms. Deras,

My husband and I are looking to replace a pretty much useless under cabinet vent with a more modern looking, higher powered wall mounted vent hood. We do have exterior wall venting currently.

The problem I am having is that all the hoods I look at show a "chimney" that goes to the height of the ceiling. Our ceiling is about 14 feet high, and there is a small window near the ceiling above the cooktop.

The cabinet height is 8 feet. We will be removing the cabinet above the cooktop.

My question is, can we install one of those nice modern hoods and run the "chimney" only to the height of the adjoining cabinets? We could put a matching piece of wood to cover the top, if necessary.

Will this look odd?

Thank you for your help,

Susan


A.

Hi Susan,

Yes. You can stop the hood stack anywhere you wish as long as you can vent back through the wall there.

I am visualizing your issue and would recommend that you carry the stack up higher than the 8' of the cabinet tops.

Then you buy a matching special part from the hood supplier or an HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning) company. This part turns the top of the hood back into the wall so it has a nice transition and you don't have to "finish it off" with wood as you think.

Take a look at this image:




 
See how the top of the hood angles back?
This is what you need.


One caveat: You need to consider the proportion of the hood and chimney in this scenario in order to have the best possible outcome (Try to visualize the hood in the picture with a chimney that is half the height to see what I mean).

To decide how high to make the chimney, make a simple elevation drawing to scale. 1/2" scale to the foot is good. 

Draw everything that will be on that wall including the ceiling line and the window.
You can just draw the outlines, leaving out the details.
Make a bunch of photocopies of your drawing.

If you don't have a good eye for proportion, ask someone who does to help you.
Maybe even a designer...;-D

REMEMBER TO PLACE THE BOTTOM OF THE HOOD TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS.

Now draw the hood chimney, including the angled back transition, in various heights until you find one that pleases your eye. That will be the one that has a proper proportion in relation to the cabinets and window and ceiling height.

The brass hood in my portfolio photo is by Abbaka.
If you decide to spring for a pricey custom hood, such as the one by Abbaka, they will make the angled transition for you.
If not, you will have to piece it together.
That will not be quite so sleek looking.
But ever so much nicer than finishing it off with wood.

It also makes good sense to order the hood motor with rear-venting. That means that the chimney is essentially useless and only there for looks, but it is much more efficient to vent directly out the back than to zig-zag up the chimney.

Peggy

Q & A on venting a downdraft range

Q.

Hi Peggy,

Just happened on your site and wonder if you might answer a question for me please?  We have a downdraft range and have no way of venting it through the floor or an exterior wall.  Do you know if we could vent it horizontally and then up through the ceiling.  We do not have the option of an over the stove fan.

Thank you,

Ann

A.

Thanks for your question Ann.

Any downdraft range is only about 25% efficient compared to a hood mounted at the proper height, and of the proper canopy size, to capture most grease and heat from the cooking process. Proximity to the downdraft intake also affects efficiency: The closer the top edge of the pan is to the intake, the better it works. 

Downdrafts that mechanically rise up above the cooking surface function better than those with intakes at the level of the burners. Again, proximity plays an important role.

The strength and power of the blower motor can also affect efficiency, just as it does with overhead ventilation.

These days, with our tight houses, we are also realizing that big motors on ventilating systems also can require makeup air.

Going back to my statement above about the 25% efficiency of a downdraft. This means that 75% of the vaporized grease and heat produced by cooking with a downdraft ventilation system dissipates into the surrounding room, mostly onto the cabinets (if any) above the cooking surface and/or the ceiling, since heated air rises.

Beyond the above drawbacks, any ventilation system is reduced in efficiency for every turn made and every foot of vent piping installed. The most efficient piping goes straight up, with no turns, to an outlet on the roof.

For all of these reasons I have not recommended downdraft ventilation for many, many years. If you decide to go that way, be sure to have the youth and stamina to get up on a ladder and clean the greasy film, or the wherewithal to pay someone to do it for you periodically. There is nothing like greasy cobwebs hanging from a dirty ceiling to kill your appetite.

Peggy

Recall: LG Top-Loading Washing Machines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 18, 2012

Release #13-073

LG Recall Hotline: (855) 400-4639

Sears Recall Hotline: (888) 812-2935

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

LG Recalls Top-Loading Washing Machines Due to Risk of Injury

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Top-Loading Washing Machines

Units: About 457,000

Manufacturer: LG Electronics Inc., of South Korea

Hazard: An unbalanced load can cause the washing machine to shake excessively and the drum to come loose during use, posing a risk of injury to consumers and property damage to the surrounding area.

Incidents/Injuries: LG has received at least 343 reports of washing machines vibrating excessively, of which at least 187 involved minor property damage. One minor injury has been reported.

Description: The recall involves three LG and three Kenmore Elite Brand top-loading washing machine models manufactured between February 2010 and November 2011. The units come in beige, white and graphite steel colors. Recalled washing machines have the following model and serial number ranges:

Brand | Model | Serial Number Range

LG | WT5001CW, WT5101HV, WT5101HW | 002KW******* through 111KW*******

Kenmore Elite | 29002, 29272, 29278 | 005KW******* through 111KW*******

The model and serial number can be found on a label fixed on the rating plate on the top back of the washing machine.

Sold at: LG models were sold at Best Buy, Home Depot, Kmart, Sears and local retailers nationwide. Kenmore Elite models were sold at Kmart and Sears. All were sold from April 2010 to December 2012 for between $899 and $1,099.

Manufactured in: South Korea

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact LG or Sears for a free in-home repair of the machine. Consumers will also receive supplemental information to be inserted into their owner's manual and a new caution label to be placed on the washing machine. Consumers who have observed their recalled washing machine shaking excessively should immediately stop using it. Consumers should be aware that loading their machines with water-proof or water-resistant items, such as mattress pads, mattress covers and similar items, increases the chances of loads being unbalanced.

Consumer Contact: For LG; toll-free at (855) 400-4639, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT Saturday, or online at www.lg.com/us and click on Public Notices. For Kenmore or LG washers purchased at Sears or Kmart; toll-free at (888) 812-2935, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Saturday, or online at www.sears.com and click on Customer Service Home then Product Recalls in the Product Information section.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13073.html

Recall: LG Ceramic Electric Ranges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 8, 2012

Release #13-031

Firm's Recall Hotline: (855) 400-4638

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

LG Electronics Recalls Electric Ranges Due to Burn and Fire Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: LG Electric Ranges

Units: About 161,000

Manufacturer: LG Electronics Inc., of South Korea

Hazard: Burners on the electric ranges can fail to turn off after being switched off and the temperature setting can increase unexpectedly during use, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: LG has received 80 reports of incidents involving burners failing to turn off or the temperature setting increasing unexpectedly during use. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled ranges involve models LRE30451, LRE30453, LRE30755, LRE30757, and LRE30955ST. They were sold in black, white and stainless steel and with a smooth black ceramic glass top cooking surface. The recalled ranges have serial numbers starting with 512, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, and 906. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label that can be seen by opening the storage drawer at the base of the unit. The electric ranges are about 47½ inches tall to the top of the backguard, 29 inches wide and 28 inches deep.

Sold at: Best Buy, Home Depot, Sears, and regional appliance retailers nationwide from January 2006 to June 2010 for between $800 and $1999.

Manufactured in: South Korea and Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact LG to schedule a free in-home repair. Consumers whose burner heat setting cannot be regulated by using the controls or who experience problems with a cooktop burner remaining on, should immediately stop using the recalled electric range until it is repaired.

Consumer Contact: LG; toll-free at (855) 400-4638, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, or www.LG.com/us and click on Public Notices in the Customer Services section for more information.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13031.html

 

 

GE Recalls Front Load Washers Due to Injury Hazard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2012

Release #13-003 

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 641-9739

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

GE Media Contact: (888) 240-2749 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: GE Profile™ Front Load Washers

Units: About 62,000

Importer: GE Appliances, of Louisville, Ky.

Hazard: The washer’s basket can separate during use and break the washer’s top panel, posing an injury hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: GE has received 19 reports of washer baskets separating, including 10 reports of top panel breakage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves GE Profile™ frontload washing machines with model numbers beginning with WPDH8800, WPDH8900 and WPDH8910. All serial numbers with these models are included in this recall. The washers were sold in gold, red and white colors. The model number is located on the washer’s right side near the bottom and behind the door near the door frame visible when the door is opened.

Brand GE Profile™; Model Number Begins With: WPDH8800, WPDH8900, WPDH8910; All serial numbers with these models are included.

Sold at: Best Buy, Lowe’s, Sears, The Home Depot and other department and retail stores nationwide, from July 2008 to August 2011 for between $1,199 and $1,599.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled washers and contact GE for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GE Appliances at (888) 641-9739 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.geappliances.com/products/recall

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13003.html

LG & Sears Recall Gas Dryers Due to Fire Hazard

August 21, 2012

Release #12-251

LG Recall Hotline: (866) 223-5355

Sears Recall Hotline: (888) 375-9741

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

LG Electronics and Sears Recall Gas Dryers For Repair Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately until a repair is completed on affected dryers. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite(r) Gas Dryers

Units: About 21,000

Manufacturer: LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea

Hazard: The gas valve in the recalled dryers can fail to shut off properly, continuing to heat the dryer and its contents after the drying cycle is complete. High temperatures inside and on the exterior surface of the dryers can scorch the drum, as well as burn or damage the dryer contents, posing a risk of burn, fire and smoke inhalation.

Incidents/Injuries: LG Electronics and Sears have received 141 consumer complaints about dryers continuing to heat after the drying cycle is complete. There were three reports of minor burns to hands or arms. Burnt or scorched clothing was reported in more than 50 incidents.

Description: LG Electronics and Sears' Kenmore Elite brand gas dryers come in the following colors: LG models in white; Kenmore Elite(r) in red, white and ginger (gold). Model and serial numbers can be found on a label fixed to the front of the dryer above the opened door, which can be viewed only when the dryer door is open. To confirm if your dryer is part of this recall, identify both model and serial numbers, since not all dryers with the listed models are recalled.

For the LG Electronics brand:

Model Numbers | Serial Numbers

DLG0452W | 001KW**00001 through 001KW**00090, 911KW**00271 through 911KW**00630

DLG1320W | 001KW**00001 through 001KW**01518, 002KW**00001 through 002KW**00450, 911KW**00184 through 911KW**00561, 912KW**00001 through 912KW**00090

DLG2051W | 001KW**00001 through 001KW**03150, 002KW**00001 through 002KW**01620, 911KW**00061 through 911KW**01860, 912KW**00001 through 912KW**02520

For the Kenmore Elite brand:

Model Numbers | Serial Numbers

796.905129 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00180, 911KW**00091~911KW**00450, 912KW**00001~912KW**00450

796.905189 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00540, 002KW**00001~002KW**00090, 911KW**00001~911KW**00450, 912KW**00001~912KW**00270

796.910229 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00360, 002KW**00001~002KW**00042, 911KW**00001~911KW**00315, 912KW**00001~912KW**00540

796.910289 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00270, 002KW**00001~002KW**00090, 911KW**00001~911KW**00171, 912KW**00001~912KW**00539

796.910299 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00270, 911KW**00271~911KW**00402, 912KW**00001~912KW**00450

796.921929 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00270, 911KW**00181~911KW**00542, 912KW**00001~912KW**00270

796.921989 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00360, 911KW**00001~911KW**00440, 912KW**00001~912KW**00270

796.921999 | 001KW**00001~001KW**00084, 911KW**00091~911KW**00361, 912KW**00001~912KW**00270

Sold by: LG Electronics brand gas dryers were sold by various appliance stores, including Sears, nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. Kenmore Elite(r) brand gas dryers were sold at Sears stores nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. The approximate retail cost for the recalled dryers was between $650 and $1500 for these various models.

Manufactured in: South Korea

Remedy: Consumers should turn off the gas supply and stop using the dryers until repaired. LG brand owners who purchased their dryer at retailers other than Sears should contact LG customer service to arrange for a free gas valve replacement. Customers who purchased Kenmore or LG brand dryers from Sears should contact Sears' customer service to schedule a free repair to replace the gas valve. Some consumers have already been notified and have received the repair service.

ATTENTION: Dryers that have a colored sticker on the back, top, or a colored sticker or a plus sign ("+") on the back, bottom, near the gas valve assembly, have already been repaired. If accessible, consumers can check for these stickers or sign. If not accessible, contact LG or Sears as detailed below.

LG Consumer Contact: For additional information about the recall and to schedule a repair, contact LG toll free at (866) 223-5355 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, or visit the firm's website at www.lg.com/us and click on Public Notices.

Sears Consumer Contact: For additional information and to schedule a repair, contact Sears toll-free at (888) 375-9741 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Saturday, or visit the firm's website at www.sears.com and click on Product Recalls under Customer Service.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12251.html

 LG Dryers

Picture of recalled DLG0452W LG dryer

Picture of recalled DLG1320W LG dryer

Picture of recalled DLG2051W LG dryer 

















Sears Kenmore Elite Dryers

Picture of recalled 796.90512900 Kenmore Elite dryer 

Picture of recalled 796.90518900 Kenmore Elite dryer 

Picture of recalled 796.91022900 Kenmore Elite dryer

Picture of recalled 796.91028900 Kenmore Elite dryer 

Picture of recalled 796.91029900 Kenmore Elite dryer 

Picture of recalled 796.92192900 Kenmore Elite dryer 

Picture of recalled 796.92198900 Kenmore Elite dryer 

Picture of recalled 796.92192900 Kenmore Elite dryer













 






Both LG and Kenmore Elite Dryers' Model and Serial Numbers are in the location shown in the diagram below: