Amana Recalls Big Oven Gas Ranges

WASHINGTON— Maytag is voluntarily recalling about 50,000 Amana Big Oven gas ranges, after discovering that high levels of carbon monoxide can be emitted during the broil and self-clean modes.

This problem can create the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning to consumers, reported the company and the United States Consumer Protection Safety Commission.

Additionally, the storage drawer can become dangerously hot during those same two modes, which presents the risk of burn injuries.

Maytag, which acquired Amana in July, confirmed the ranges are safe to use for baking and for cooking on the surface burners.

The 30-inch self-clean gas ranges were sold from May 2000 through July 2001 for between $600 and $850. They have the following model and serial numbers:

• Model ACF3315A (T) (K), with serial numbers 0005 through 0103 (first four digits of the 10 digits);
• Model ACF3335A (W) (C) (B) (S), with serial numbers 0005 through 0107;
• Model ACF3375A (W) (C) (B) (S), with serial numbers 0006 through 0107.
  The model and serial numbers can be located by opening the storage drawer and looking at the tag on either the left or the right side.

An Amana spokesman said no customer injuries were reported to the company, and the problem was discovered during lab tests.

Consumers are being advised to stop using the broil and self-cleaning functions immediately and to call a toll-free Amana phone number to set up an in-home inspection and free repair.

Amana introduced The Big Oven in the fall of 2000. Through a combination of innovative design and high-tech insulation, the units pack 5.1 cubic feet of cooking capacity into a 30-inch wide range — enough to contain a 42-pound turkey. Other features include an all-porcelain oven cavity, oven top and backguard; an upfront simmer burner; and an extra-large viewing window. The initial release models, both gas, retailed for $749 and $899.