December 10, 2025 – A recent incident report details a consumer experiencing a significant safety issue with a Whirlpool electric range, Model WFC150M0JW, which reportedly overheated on its exterior surface to the point of causing a burn. The incident highlights concerns about potential fire hazards and references previous recalls involving similar product defects from the manufacturer.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On October 17, 2025, a consumer purchased a Whirlpool 30-inch 4-burner 4.8-cu ft Freestanding Electric Range (White), Model WFC150M0JW, from a Lowes home improvement store. Approximately a month after purchase, around mid-November, the consumer’s wife attempted to bake pies. After the pies failed to cook properly within the usual 30-minute timeframe, the consumer investigated. Upon placing their hand on the top, white surface of the oven (not the burner area), they experienced a burn.
The consumer immediately recognized this as abnormal behavior for an oven. After encountering difficulties getting assistance from Lowes, they contacted Whirlpool on November 21, 2025. Whirlpool reportedly scheduled a repair person for the following Wednesday. The consumer also conducted independent research, discovering a 2004 recall by the CPSC involving Whirlpool cooking products due to similar issues of ovens heating excessively on the outside.
The consumer expressed grave concerns regarding the safety implications of this defect, emphasizing the potential for a severe house fire if flammable materials, such as a dish towel, had been left on the dangerously hot surface. They also noted that Whirlpool’s response did not reflect the seriousness of the potential risks to life and property.
Safety Concerns
This incident raises several critical safety concerns that consumers should be aware of:
- Immediate Burn Hazard: The primary and most direct danger is the risk of severe burns from incidental contact with the oven’s exterior surfaces. As demonstrated in the incident, these surfaces can reach dangerously high temperatures, capable of causing second-degree or even third-degree burns, especially to unsuspecting individuals, children, or pets.
- Fire Hazard: Perhaps the most alarming potential risk is the significant fire hazard. If the exterior of the oven becomes hot enough to cause burns, it can easily ignite flammable materials left on or near the appliance, such as kitchen towels, plastic bags, cookbooks, or food packaging. This could quickly escalate into a devastating house fire, leading to extensive property damage, serious injuries, or even fatalities.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond personal injury, a fire originating from a defective appliance can destroy homes and personal belongings, resulting in substantial financial loss and emotional distress.
- Affected Individuals: Everyone in the household is at risk. Young children, who may not understand the danger of touching hot surfaces, are particularly vulnerable to severe burns. Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility may also be at higher risk if a fire were to occur, hindering their ability to safely evacuate.
The consumer’s discovery of past recalls for similar issues underscores a potential design or manufacturing flaw that could pose ongoing risks if not properly addressed.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Whirlpool 30-in 4 burners 4.8-cu ft Freestanding Electric Range, Model WFC150M0JW, or suspect your oven is overheating on the exterior:
- Immediately Stop Use: If you experience or suspect your oven is overheating on the exterior, cease using it immediately. Do not attempt to operate it again until it has been inspected and repaired by a qualified technician.
- Unplug the Appliance: If safely possible, unplug the oven from its power source to prevent accidental activation.
- Identify Your Model: Locate the model number (WFC150M0JW) and serial number on your appliance. This information is usually found around the door frame, on the oven’s side panel, or on the back.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to Whirlpool Corporation directly to report the issue and inquire about inspection or repair services. Be sure to reference the specific model number and describe the problem in detail.
- Report to the CPSC: File an incident report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. Your report helps the CPSC monitor product safety and identify potential hazards that may warrant broader action.
- Keep Area Clear: Ensure no flammable items (towels, plastic bags, paper, etc.) are ever placed on or near the oven’s surfaces.
Manufacturer’s Response
Manufacturer response to this specific incident is currently unknown, beyond the scheduling of a repair technician for the consumer who reported the incident.
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.