December 18, 2025 – A consumer has reported serious safety concerns regarding a Cafe Appliances CHP90362TSS induction cooktop, detailing multiple incidents of severe overheating, scorching, and ultimately, the shattering of the ceramic glass surface. The incidents have rendered the appliance unsafe and unusable, prompting calls for a product safety review.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The consumer purchased the Cafe Appliances CHP90362TSS induction cooktop in April 2025, and it was professionally installed on May 6, 2025. The first incident occurred less than three weeks later, on May 23. While using the large hob with an induction-compatible pan to sear fish, the hob severely overheated, scorching the ceramic glass directly under the pan.
Upon contacting the dealer and GE Appliances, the consumer requested a replacement unit, believing it to be defective. GE Appliances reportedly refused a full unit replacement, opting instead to service and replace only defective parts. The repair process involved two visits over a month, culminating in the replacement of only the ceramic glass cooktop on June 18. Despite an induction element (part #WB30X38227) being listed on the repair summary, the technician decided not to replace it at that time, stating it was ordered only in case of future failure.
Following this repair, the unit reportedly continued to exhibit periodic unresponsiveness and heat control issues. A second, more severe incident occurred on Thanksgiving Eve. The bottom right hob overheated drastically, burning the soup in a pot placed on it. When the pot was removed, the glass underneath was found to be scorched and cracked, and the bottom of the pot itself was damaged. The act of removing the pot caused the cracked glass to shatter, sending shards across the cooktop and kitchen counter, making the appliance unusable for Thanksgiving preparations.
The consumer contacted GE again on Friday after Thanksgiving. GE once more refused to replace the unit but initiated a “safety review,” scheduling a technician visit for Monday, December 1, 2025. However, on the morning of December 1, the consumer received a call from a service manager stating that no technician was available, delaying service for another week. The consumer expressed profound discomfort and fear about continuing to use the unit, even if repaired, citing concerns about repeated overheating, shattering, and the potential for flying glass and hot food. They also noted a similar scorch mark reported by another customer on the Cafe Appliances website, suggesting a potential design or manufacturing flaw.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights several serious safety risks associated with the Cafe Appliances CHP90362TSS induction cooktop:
- Thermal Burns and Fire Hazard: Repeated and severe overheating of hobs poses an immediate risk of thermal burns to users and bystanders. Such extreme temperatures can also ignite surrounding flammable materials, leading to a house fire.
- Laceration Hazard from Shattering Glass: The reported shattering of the ceramic glass cooktop created sharp glass shards, presenting a severe laceration hazard to anyone nearby, including adults, children, and pets. Flying glass can cause injuries to hands, face, and eyes.
- Property Damage: The overheating and scorching have already caused damage to the cooktop itself, the cooking pot, and potentially the surrounding countertop. Further incidents could lead to more extensive property damage, including kitchen surfaces and cabinetry.
- Unpredictable Operation: The reports of periodic unresponsiveness and heat control issues indicate an unreliable appliance that cannot be safely managed, increasing the risk of unexpected overheating or underheating, affecting food safety and user control.
- Design/Manufacturing Flaw: The consumer’s observation of similar incidents reported by other customers suggests a potential systemic design or manufacturing defect that could affect a wider range of units, not just the individual appliance in question.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Cafe Appliances CHP90362TSS induction cooktop should take the following immediate steps:
- Immediately Discontinue Use: If you experience any signs of overheating, scorching, cracking, or shattering of the cooktop glass, or any issues with heat control, stop using the appliance immediately. Unplug it from the power source or turn off its dedicated circuit breaker.
- Check Your Model: Verify if your induction cooktop is the Cafe Appliances CHP90362TSS model. This information can typically be found on a label located underneath the cooktop, within a cabinet, or on the original product documentation.
- Document the Incident: Take photographs or videos of any damage, scorch marks, cracked or shattered glass, and the appliance itself. Keep detailed records of purchase dates, installation, and all communications with the retailer and manufacturer.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Report the incident directly to GE Appliances. Clearly state your concerns about the safety of the product and request a comprehensive resolution, including potential replacement or thorough inspection.
- Report to Regulatory Authorities: File a report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. These reports are crucial for identifying potential widespread safety issues and triggering investigations or recalls.
- Seek Professional Repair/Inspection: If you continue to use the appliance after an incident, ensure it is inspected and repaired by a qualified, authorized technician. Be wary of partial repairs that may not address underlying issues.
Manufacturer’s Response
GE Appliances has reportedly refused to replace the defective unit, instead offering service to replace parts. Following the second, more severe incident, they initiated a “safety review” but subsequently delayed the scheduled technician visit by over a week, leaving the consumer without a functional and safe appliance.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.