Frigidaire Over-the-Range Microwave Can Cause Serious Burns, Lawsuits Claim

Electrolux and Frigidaire over-the-range microwave ovens have been targeted in a growing number of class action lawsuits, alleging that the products have a significant handle defect.

A large number of customers may have been affected by this handle defect.

Hundreds of thousands of Electrolux and Frigidaire over-the-range microwave ovens sold between 2011 and 2015 have led to a number of Electrolux class action lawsuits, alleging that these products include a stainless steel handle component that exceeds the allowable heat limit.

Indeed, according to Underwriters Laboratories, which establishes safety standards for the Frigidaire over-the-range microwave and thousands of other products each year, the bare or painted metal handles on these products exceed the limit of 131°F when heated.

Stainless steel handles like those included on Frigidaire over-the-range microwave ovens become heated when the stove located beneath them is in use, the heat rising and warming the handles.

According to class action lawsuits, Electrolux and Frigidaire over-the-range microwave ovens can have handles that reach up to 168°F.

This is not only a violation of safety standards from Underwriters Laboratories, but may actually harm customers. ATSM International reports that metal surfaces that reach temperatures of over 158°F can result in potentially serious skin burns.

Electrolux appliances are sold under the following brands:

• Electrolux
• Electrolux ICON
• Frigidaire Professional
• Frigidaire Gallery
• Frigidaire
• Eureka
• Kelvinator
• Sanitaire
• Tappan
• White-Westinghouse

One Frigidaire over-the-range microwave class action lawsuit, filed by Maryland resident Alex Kukich, alleges that his Frigidaire microwave includes this potentially dangerous handle defect.

Some plaintiffs have alleged suffering burns as a result of the handle heating defect.

The lawsuit alleges that Electrolux was aware of the deficiencies associated with the stainless steel handle used in its over-the-range microwave ovens since at least February 18, 2015, but has continued to deny such claims.

Relief class members included in this lawsuit are those in the U.S. who own a microwave with a 400-grade stainless steel handle. Maryland class members are those who live in Maryland and own a microwave with a 400-grade stainless steel handle purchased four years prior up to the filing date of this lawsuit.

Two class action lawsuits have so far been filed over Electrolux and Frigidaire over-the-range microwave handle defects, alleging that Electrolux knew about the defectiveness of the handle component, yet continued to sell microwaves with the defect.

If you have purchased a Frigidaire over-the-range microwave or another of these Electrolux over-the-range microwave products that include a defective handle, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

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