Wolf recalls 24,000 high-end ranges that pose fire hazard

A high-end Wolf gas range that has been on the market for 10 years and sells for between $5,000 and $9,000 has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission because one of its two ovens poses a burn hazard. According to the CPSC, delayed ignition of gas in the smaller, 18-inch oven can cause a flash of flames to be projected when the oven door is opened. More than 24,000 ranges were recalled after Wolf received 97 reports of units experiencing delayed ignition, including 15 that resulted in minor burns. There have been no reports of fires or property damage.

The recall involves Wolf's 48-inch gas ranges with model numbers: P48, PS48 and R48. (The model and serial numbers can be found on a metal plate on the inside left wall of the range top.) The gas ranges are stainless steel with a double oven and chunky red knobs. A "Wolf" appliance logo is on the front of the larger, 30-inch, oven door. Manufactured in the U.S., the ranges were sold at home builder and appliance stores nationwide from January 1998 through June 2008. The recall does not include the DF48 ranges because the ovens in those units are electric.

On its Web site, Wolf describes the problem as so: "In some 18 inch ovens, the flame will not always reach all of the burner tube ports. This allows gas to build up inside the oven until it finally ignites. If this happens and the customer opens the oven door, the gas may ignite in a flash directly in front of the customer. This does not happen every time the oven is used and does not happen with every 18 inch oven."

Wolf and the CPSC are asking consumers to stop using the 18-inch oven immediately and to contact the manufacturer at (866) 643-6408 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or through the firm’s Web site at www.wolfappliance.com to schedule a free, in-home repair. Range owners can also e-mail Wolf at: range18.rework@wolfappliance.com. The larger oven and all cooktop burners are not affected and may continue to be used.

Comments

[loveto cook]

I've had the same problem with my r488. the burners click and take forever to come on: especially if I am using the oven at the same time. That whoosh and ball of flame is scary!
I also have delayed ignition of the 30" oven: taking up to 5 miniutes to light. I got the 18: rework done (isn't that a nice name for a recall) but I am pushing to have the 30" replaced as well.
I love the oven otherwise!

[Don Elmore]

We have had a Wolf, propane model, range with only one oven for a few years now. Actually, it is the 2nd as Wolf finally had to replace the original range after numerous service calls failed to cure its problems (The first one had been "red tagged" as unsafe for use by the propane co. the day after we got the it.). We currently get delayed ignition on the cook top; I just tried all six burners and all provide a disconcerting "WHOOMP" and flash of flame when the burners decide to lite. The oven "back burns" on occasion which is when the flame is burning inside the gas tube rather than the burner. Much of this is blamed on the propane by the stove people. My wife just mentioned that the oven has delayed ignition too and we have had the igniter replaced already. Hmmm, maybe I should call to have it tested yet again.