Lawsuit Investigation: Microwave Drawer Fires
May 11, 2018 Last Updated on July 22, 2021
Important Information
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are no longer investigating this matter. The information here is for reference only. A list of open investigations and lawsuits can be viewed here.
Case Update
- July 21, 2021 – Investigation Closed, Sharp Case Settled
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have decided to close their investigation into the alleged fire risk posed by certain microwave drawers. A settlement has been reached in the case involving Sharp and more information on the deal can be found here and over on the official settlement site.
If you own a microwave drawer that caught fire and you’re interested in learning more about your rights and whether you can take legal action, contact an attorney in your area. Most offer free consultations.
The information below was posted when the investigation began and remains for reference only. Our open list of investigations can be found here.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who owns a microwave drawer oven that caught fire or had other electrical problems.
- What’s Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a defect is causing certain microwave drawers to catch fire.
- What Brands Are Under Investigation?
- Bosch, Wolf, JennAir, Thermador, Gaggenau and KitchenAid.
- How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?
- A lawsuit could help people get their money back for the microwaves, as well as the cost of repairs. It could also require the manufacturer to recall the appliance or otherwise notify consumers of the reported issue.
- What Problems Have People Reported?
- Smoking; a burning “electrical” smell; loud noises, such as “clicking,” “buzzing” and “popping”; and fires.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are looking into allegations that certain drawer microwaves pose a fire risk.
Dozens of consumers have reported problems with their microwave drawers, including smoking, a burning electrical smell and even fires. Further, one manufacturer (Sharp) has settled claims over a possible defect in their microwave drawers.
In light of this information, attorneys are looking into whether a class action lawsuit can be filed involving the following brands:
What Could Be Causing a Fire Risk in the Microwaves?
It is believed that the issue stems from a potential defect in the microwave’s wave guide. Initially, the investigation led attorneys to believe that the devices' "magnetrons" were defective - since the wave guides can cause electricity to arc back and melt the magnetron.
This may be the source of consumer complaints that their microwaves are smoking and giving off an electrical burning smell.
What Problems Are People Reporting?
People have reported the following issues with their microwave drawer ovens:
- Loud, screeching “metallic” noises
- Puffs of smoke/smoking
- “Electrical fire” smell
- Electrical “buzzing”
- “Clicking” and “popping”
- Fire
A lawsuit has already been filed over the Bosch microwave drawers, but attorneys working with ClassAction.org believe other brands may also be affected by the alleged defect. The following are some complaints from consumers who wrote about their microwave problems online (sic throughout):
My drawer microwave is still under the original warranty and it has started sparking, as in FIRE, when in use. The company sends a technician out and he tells us this is due to a defect in the equipment where the factory enamel paint finish came off of the metal…The heat from the fire got so bad that it melted the wheels that allow the drawer to come out.”
— JennAir microwave drawer owner, ConsumerAffairs.com
After spending $1,700 on the initial unit, an extended warranty, multiple repairmen visits and two magnetrons, our 14-month-old Bosch microwave caught on fire and is now deemed irreparable… We had this microwave installed for just over one year when we remodeled our kitchen, including creating a custom built-in location for this microwave. We now have a giant hole in our kitchen island and have been fighting with Bosch and the warranty people for months. Thankfully this diabolical machine didn't catch our entire house on fire. But nonetheless this product is a HUGE safety hazard and it should be pulled off the market (and poor suckers like those of us who purchased this machine should be compensated).”
— Bosch microwave drawer owner, Amazon.com
“I bought a new house at the end of June 2019 and my Thermador Branded Microwave drawer made the funny noise, then started smoking and when Thermador came out to inspect the unit, it was clear that if it was not on fire, if we had not stopped using it and unplugged it, it very well could have ended in flames.”
— J C, Thermador microwave drawer owner, blog.yaleappliance.com
How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?
A class action lawsuit could help people get back the money they spent purchasing and fixing their microwaves. Furthermore, it could require the manufacturers to alert consumers to the reported issue and offer a fix for the problem.
For information on the Sharp microwave drawer settlement, please visit this page.
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