Stainless Steel Handles of Frigidaire Over-the-Range Microwaves Might Be Defective

A Maryland man is seeking class certification for damages suffered from a defect he believes is part of many Frigidaire over-the-range microwaves.

Plaintiff Alex Kukich is suing Electrolux Home Products in a class action lawsuit stating that the stainless steel handle that is affixed to many Frigidaire over-the-range microwaves is unsafe and may produce burns to consumers.

In October 2013, Kukich purchased an Electrolux microwave and had it installed above the cooking range in his kitchen.

After he purchased the microwave, he was burned by the stainless steel handle while cooking something on the range below the microwave.

He believes that the manufacturers of the Frigidaire over-the-range microwaves used a type of stainless steel, 400-grade, that caused the exterior of the handle to reach temperatures that created a substantial risk to consumers when the cooking range is used.

Did Electrolux Know About Defective Handles on Frigidaire Over-the-Range Microwaves?

Kukich believes that Electrolux Home Products not only knew about the defect and potential harm to customers, but that they purposely failed to disclose the risk and possible harm to consumers.

The plaintiff says that had he known about the inherent risk of Frigidaire over-the-range microwaves, he would not have purchased and installed one.

Electrolux is a “global leader” in the manufacture and sale of home appliances and has been doing so for over 100 years.

They claim that they sell more than 50 million products to customers in 150 countries each year. In 2010 it was the world’s second largest appliance maker by market share.

The microwave Kukich purchased is designed to be installed over the cooking range. Its materials even claim to have a special, unique stainless steel handle design.

Between 2011 and 2015, Electrolux sold approximately 800,000 microwaves with the alleged defect.

However, when the cooking range is in use, the handle, made with 400-grade stainless steel, can reach temperatures in excess of 168 degrees Fahrenheit.

This temperature is enough to cause irreparable burn damage to skin, according to this Frigidaire over-the-range microwaves lawsuit.

The plaintiff believes that Electrolux had actual and constructive knowledge of the handle defect since February 2015 and that there was a high risk of burn or injury.

He also claims that the defendant:

• Routinely denies the claims of potential class members who file complaints
• Continues represent that its Frigidaire over-the-range microwaves are dependable and fit to use
• Failed to implement a recall or repair program that will adequately announce to consumers the nature of the problem

Electrolux, allegedly, continues to sell the Frigidaire over-the-range microwaves with the defective handles and has not offered to modify or replace the problematic parts.

The class members include all those who have purchased one of the Frigidaire over-the-range microwaves with the 400-grade stainless steel handles.

The Frigidaire Over-the-Range Microwaves Class Action Lawsuit is Alex Kukich v. Electrolux Home Products, Inc. Case No. 1:16-cv-03412-ELH in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division.