Customers Allege Electrolux Microwaves have Burning Handles

Consumers across America allege that Electrolux microwaves have burning handles, with some claiming they have already suffered physical injury.

Electrolux microwave class action lawsuits allege the microwave handles can reach 168°F, which places consumers at risk for serious skin burns.

Between 2011 and 2015, over 800,000 Electrolux microwave ovens with stainless steel handles were sold in the United States.

Given the product’s popularity, the manufacturing company allegedly failed to warn consumers of the possibility of Electrolux microwaves have burning handles.

Pennsylvania plaintiff Elaine R. is filing legal action against Electrolux Home Products Inc., alleging Electrolux microwaves have burning handles.

Elaine had used a Gallery Over-The-Range Microwave Oven and had installed the device according to the company’s instructions.

Even though Elaine exercised caution when installing and using this device, she still allegedly experienced skin burning when she touched the handle.

Overview of Burning Electrolux Microwave Handle Allegations

According to her lawsuit, Elaine had only used the product for its intended purpose and had received no warning of dangerously hot temperatures.

Elaine had tried to open the microwave oven by pulling the stainless steel handle, which ultimately burned her hand.

Even though Elaine had told the company of this defect, Electrolux purportedly denied the claim. Elaine had sent official notice of this defect on Jan. 21, 2014 by email, asking for a refund as well as compensation for installation.

Elaine had also requested that the company replace and install a different version of her current microwave, without the defective stainless steel handle.

The company refused both of these requests, stating that the installation technician had properly installed the microwave oven.

Other customers have alleged similar experiences as Elaine, stating their Electrolux microwaves have burning handles.

Electrolux has reportedly made no effort to replace the microwave ovens, or give the general public notification.

At this point in time two Electrolux microwave class action lawsuits have been filed, from claimants stating their Electrolux microwaves have burning handles.

According to Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a third party company that establishes safety standards for thousands of products, the “bare or painted metal” microwave handles should not exceed 131°F.

The Electrolux microwave class action lawsuits stated that “the 400-grade stainless steel used for the handle defect does not comply with this standard.”

Furthermore, ASTM International (formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials) states that metal surfaces that can potentially exceed 158°F can burn skin.

Even though the stainless steel Electrolux microwave handles can reach over 168°, the manufacturer allegedly neglected to warn consumers against this possibility.

The Electrolux Microwave Lawsuit is Case 4:15-cv-00371-MWB, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Scranton Division.