This Kenmore electric range smooth top safe use notice covers the daily practices that prevent burns, scratches, and thermal damage on Kenmore smooth top ranges.
Kenmore smoothtop electric range safe use notice — owners of Kenmore Elite smooth-top electric ranges with rear rotary knob controls should be aware of the documented potentiometer defect that caused the 2009 CPSC recall (reannounced 2024), and follow safe use practices whether or not their specific unit is in the recall. This advisory is not a recall.
Why this matters
The 2009 CPSC recall #09-333 covered Kenmore Elite smooth-top ranges where heating elements could spontaneously activate. By 2024 when the recall was reannounced, 14 fires and 8 injuries had been reported. Many consumers were unaware their range was in the recall. Spontaneous burner activation is a serious fire hazard — particularly when the range is unattended.
Awareness and prevention
- Check your model number (790.99012, 790.99013, 790.99014, or 790.99019) against the CPSC recall at cpsc.gov/Recalls/2009
- Never leave food unattended on a smoothtop range — check periodically that no elements have activated unexpectedly
- Turn the range breaker off when leaving the home for extended periods
- Keep flammable materials (dish towels, paper towels, plastic bags) away from the cooking surface area
Warning signs of potentiometer failure
- A heating element turns on or stays on without the corresponding knob being turned
- Element indicator light stays on after you turn off the knob
- Element heats to a different intensity than the knob setting indicates
- Knob turns stiffly or freely without the usual click resistance
When to call a technician
Any symptom of spontaneous burner activation must be treated as an immediate safety concern. Switch off the range at the breaker and contact our Kenmore range repair service for same-day diagnosis. Do not use the range until the potentiometer has been inspected and replaced if defective.