August 20, 2026 — A consumer reported sustaining a burn injury from a hidden heating element in a Kenmore refrigerator/freezer ice maker, despite the unit being set to ‘off’ during removal. This incident highlights concerns about unexpected heat retention in consumer appliance components.
Product Details
Product: Kenmore 111.71212813
Ice Maker Model: Nidec IMBD07-0004
Incident Overview
On August 3, 2026, a consumer reported an incident involving their Kenmore refrigerator/freezer, model 111.71212813. According to the report, the consumer was in the process of removing the installed ice maker unit from their appliance. Despite the ice maker having been set to the “off” position, the consumer unexpectedly made contact with a “hidden element” on the unit, resulting in a burn injury to their finger. The specific nature or location of this hidden element was not detailed beyond it being part of the ice maker unit. The consumer’s expectation was that with the unit turned off, it would be safe to handle for removal.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights several significant safety concerns for consumers and potential design considerations for manufacturers:
- Immediate Burn Hazard: The primary and most immediate danger is the risk of thermal burns. Even with an appliance turned “off,” certain internal components, particularly heating elements designed to assist with ice release or defrosting, may retain heat for some time or could potentially remain energized under certain conditions not apparent to the user. Burns can range from minor first-degree burns to more severe second or third-degree burns requiring medical attention, causing pain, blistering, and potential scarring.
- Unexpected Component Heat: Consumers generally assume that if an electrical appliance or its specific function (like an ice maker) is switched “off,” it is safe to handle for basic tasks like removal or cleaning. The presence of a “hidden element” that is hot despite the unit being off poses an unexpected and therefore more dangerous risk, as users are not likely to take precautions against heat.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone attempting to perform routine maintenance, cleaning, troubleshooting, or replacement of the ice maker unit could be at risk. This includes homeowners, renters, and even untrained maintenance personnel. Children, if they were to inadvertently access internal components, could also be at risk, though this specific incident involved an adult performing active removal.
- Lack of Clear Warning: The incident suggests a potential lack of clear warnings about accessible hot surfaces inside the unit, even when the appliance is nominally “off.” Without explicit warnings or physical barriers, consumers may unknowingly expose themselves to danger.
- Long-term Risks: Beyond immediate pain, severe burns can lead to infection, permanent scarring, nerve damage, and loss of sensation or function in the affected area.
- Property Damage Potential: While not reported in this specific incident, overheating or electrical malfunctions related to appliance heating elements can, in general, pose a risk of damage to the appliance itself or surrounding property, including fire hazards if components are defective or misused.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Kenmore refrigerator with a similar ice maker model or any appliance with heating elements:
- Prioritize Safety First: If you or someone you know has been burned by an appliance component, seek immediate medical attention.
- Unplug Before Handling: ALWAYS unplug the entire refrigerator (or the specific appliance in question) from its power source before attempting any maintenance, cleaning, troubleshooting, or removal of components, even if the unit’s internal controls are set to “off.” This is the most crucial step to de-energize potential hazards.
- Check Your Model: Verify if you own a Kenmore refrigerator/freezer model 111.71212813 or an ice maker unit identified as Nidec model IMBD07-0004. Locate your model and serial numbers, typically found inside the refrigerator compartment or on the back of the unit.
- Exercise Extreme Caution: Be aware that heating elements, even when not actively heating, can retain residual heat for a period after being turned off or unplugged. Wear appropriate protective gloves if you must handle internal components.
- Professional Service: If you are unsure about how to safely service or remove a component from your appliance, or if you suspect a malfunction, contact a qualified service technician. Do not attempt repairs or removals if you are not properly trained and equipped.
- Report Incidents: If you experience a similar incident or discover a potential safety hazard with this or any other product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify trends and prevent future injuries.
Manufacturer’s Response
No manufacturer response has been provided in the incident report.
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. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
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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.