Lawsuit Alleges Electrolux Stainless Steel Microwaves are Defective

A lawsuit alleging Electrolux stainless steel microwaves are defective was filed by a plaintiff who alleges that the stainless steel handles of the over-the-stove appliance overheat to temperatures over 168°F when the stove is in use.

The lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania targets a Frigidaire Gallery Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with the allegedly defective stainless steel handles. Electrolux stainless steel microwaves also contain this same technology.

According to the allegations in the lawsuit, when the stove is in use heat rises and warms the stainless steel handles of the microwaves, causing them to reach high temperatures, and putting individuals at risk of injury.

The court documents state that the design of the Frigidaire and Electrolux stainless steel microwaves are not up to industry standards. The microwave handles lack an insulation system to protect against the handles heating to dangerous temperatures.

The complaint refers to the Electrolux stainless steel microwaves allegedly defective components as “unreasonably dangerous, as it can result, and has resulted, in injury… including Burns to the skin.”

The plaintiff in the lawsuit claims that the manufacturer has been notified of the alleged defect, but has not taken steps to recall the product or reimburse customers who have requested a refund on the product.

Electrolux issued a statement following notification of the lawsuit. “The safety of our products is our top priority and if consumers ever have any concerns about their products, we encourage them to reach out to us,” VP of Communications and Public Relations for Electrolux, Eloise Hale, stated.

Electrolux Stainless Steel Microwaves Under Scrutiny

More than 800,000 microwaves have allegedly been sold by Electrolux since 2011 that may include the insulation defect with stainless steel handles that get so hot they may cause injury.

A safety guideline has been established for the maximum temperature that handles may reach without causing bodily harm to a consumer.

Handles consisting of metal or painted metal should not get hotter than 131°F, according to Underwriters Laboratories, a third-party organization that suggests safety standards for household appliances and other products.

The Electrolux stainless steel microwaves in question are sold under a variety of brand names and include the following: Electrolux, Electrolux ICON, Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, Eureka, Kelvinator, Sanitaire, Tappan and White-Westinghouse.

Electrolux Stainless Steel Microwaves Class Action Lawsuits

At least two class action lawsuits have been filed against Electrolux alleging that Electrolux stainless steel microwaves contain defective handles which can cause personal injury to the user. Both of the plaintiffs in these lawsuits owned a stainless steel Over-the-Range Microwave Oven.

A plaintiff in one of the lawsuits said that she burned her hand after touching the handle of the Electrolux stainless steel microwave, saying the “exceedingly high temperature of the stainless steel handle of the microwave” caused her harm.

If you are the owner of a 2011 or later Electrolux stainless steel microwave, or a stainless steel microwave including the Frigidaire Gallery brand, you may be eligible to take legal action against the manufacturer.

Lawyers are currently investigating these products and are assisting consumers who may be eligible to receive financial compensation as a result.