January 6, 2026 – A serious safety concern has been reported involving a Kenmore Elite Electric Range, model #790.42563315. A consumer experienced a critical malfunction where the left front burner element spontaneously turned on without any user input and could not be deactivated through the appliance’s controls, forcing the homeowner to trip the circuit breaker to prevent a potential hazard.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 13, 2025, a consumer reported a alarming incident involving their Kenmore Elite Electric Range, specifically model #790.42563315 with serial #AF65200004. The report details that the left front heating element on the range unexpectedly activated itself, despite the control knob for that burner not being touched or engaged. Upon noticing the element turning on, the consumer attempted to turn it off using the range’s control panel, but the element remained energized and operational. Unable to shut off the runaway heating element, the consumer was compelled to turn off the main circuit breaker supplying power to the kitchen in order to de-energize the appliance and prevent further risk.
Further attempts to resolve the issue involved the consumer removing the entire control panel of the range. However, even with the control panel disassembled, the element still activated spontaneously when the circuit breaker was subsequently turned back on, indicating a deeper electrical or component failure not directly related to the user interface.
Safety Concerns
This incident presents significant safety concerns, highlighting a serious malfunction with the potential for severe consequences:
- Immediate Dangers: An unattended electric range element that spontaneously activates and cannot be turned off poses an immediate and grave fire risk. If combustible materials (such as dish towels, paper products, or plastic utensils) are near or on the stovetop, they could quickly ignite, leading to a kitchen fire. The high heat from an uncontrolled element can also cause burns to anyone who unknowingly touches the hot surface.
- Long-Term Risks: Even if no immediate fire occurs, repeated incidents of spontaneous activation could damage the appliance itself, surrounding countertops, or cabinetry due to prolonged, uncontrolled heat exposure. There’s also the risk of electrical shock if the underlying fault involves compromised wiring or components, especially if consumers attempt to troubleshoot without proper electrical knowledge.
- Who Might Be Affected: Households with children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues or cognitive impairments are particularly vulnerable. A child might not understand the danger of a hot, spontaneously active burner, and an elderly individual might struggle to react quickly or safely to such a malfunction. Unattended homes are also at high risk, as a malfunction could occur when no one is present to turn off the circuit breaker.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond personal injury, the primary property damage risk is fire. A kitchen fire originating from an electric range can quickly spread throughout a home, causing extensive damage to property, smoke inhalation risks, and potentially total loss of the structure. Even without a full-blown fire, extreme heat can warp countertops, scorch walls, and damage nearby appliances.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Kenmore Elite Electric Range, especially model #790.42563315, should take immediate action and exercise extreme caution:
- Immediate Steps: If your range exhibits similar behavior (a burner turning on unexpectedly and not turning off via controls), immediately turn off the dedicated circuit breaker for your kitchen or range to cut power to the appliance. Do not attempt to use the range again until it has been inspected by a qualified service technician.
- How to Check if They Own the Affected Product: Locate the model number on your Kenmore Elite Electric Range. This is typically found on a label around the oven door frame, behind a storage drawer, or on the back of the appliance. Compare it to model #790.42563315.
- Prevention Measures: Until your range can be inspected, consider unplugging it (if accessible and safe to do so) or keeping the circuit breaker for the range off when not in use. Always ensure there are no flammable materials near the stovetop, especially if you suspect a potential malfunction.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar or any other product malfunction, report it immediately to the manufacturer (Sears Holdings Management Corporation) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. Detailed incident reports help identify patterns and prompt necessary safety actions.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the current report, the manufacturer’s response from Sears Holdings Management Corporation regarding this incident is unknown.
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.