Frigidaire recalls some electric ranges that turn on by themselves

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Frigidaire is recalling about 200,000 Frigidaire and Kenmore smoothtop electric ranges because of a potential fire hazard.

The surface heating elements can turn on spontaneously without being switched on, fail to turn off after being switched off or heat to different temperatures than selected, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The products, which have rotary knobs and digital displays, were manufactured in the United States and sold at Sears as well as other national chain stores and independent retailers from June 2001 through August 2009. The ranges cost between $1,000 and $2,500.

Consumers should stop using the recalled ranges immediately and contact Frigidaire or Sears to schedule a free repair. Frigidaire has so far received 126 reports of incidents, including four reports of minor burns and two reports of minor property damage, the safety commission said.

Consumers can contact Frigidaire at (800) 449-9812 or visit the firm’s recall website at www.smoothtoprangerecall.com where you can type in your range’s serial number to see if it is included in the recall. Those who purchased their products at Sears should call Sears at (800) 449-9810. -- Sherine El Madany