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.