We had purchsed 4 Kitchen Aid microwaves (Model KCMS1555RSS-1) in Feb. 06. Approximately, 6 mo. ago, one of the units malfunctioned (Serial # FGS3006428), in the off mode- the unit remained on and started smoking. The light and turn-table inside remained on while unit smoked/caught fire. We had to unplug machine. Last week, a second unit(FGS3006313) did the same thing. I called Kitchen Aid to report defect unit and they sent tech. to diagnosis problem. He said the transformer had caught fire. He noted he never seen that happen before and in his opinion thought the motherboard (computer) has caused this to happen. I just got off phone with Kitchen Aid and they seem uninterested in the safety hazard these machines may cause. I spoke with Jim Cuhn, Safety Lead at Kitchen Aid/Whirlpool. Kitchen Aid has refused to stand behind their product (denied request to further invetigate/repair our machines) and I am concerned that other uses of this model may experience fire due to this product.
Subscribe to anyone
We are having a similar problem, even after having replaced the control board. This is an upper microwave/convection/broiler built-in unit. The microwave doesn’t appear to be on (no lights, no sound, no fan), but upon closing the door, electricity goes into it. OR electricity/heat keeps pouring into it even after it sounds like it has turned off (e.g., I cooked popcorn and didn’t take it out of the oven right away, and it proceeded to burn. We end up having to turn off the circuit breaker. It doesn’t do this all the time. We can’t figure out the pattern, but I’m starting to suspect that our use of the lower oven triggers it.
What’s dangerous is that we don’t know it’s on until we happen to touch to outside — the control panel gets very, very hot to the touch. I’m trying to find even more people who’ve had the same problem so as to be able to diagnose it, since a new control panel didn’t fix it.
Theresa on April 11th, 2009 at 11:48 am | Link
Please post additional comments…
Theresa on April 11th, 2009 at 11:49 am | Link
I forgot to say that this is a KBMC/KEMC/KEMS model
Theresa on April 11th, 2009 at 11:51 am | Link
SN FGS4514313, built 11/2005, bot early 2006, Today, our unit caught fire…the panel on the right of the inside…melted plastic… probably have to be trashed. After hearing the above stories, I dont expect KA to do anything, but these stories might be useful for others considering a microwave purchase.
Scott
Scott on February 22nd, 2010 at 9:16 am | Link
Today our microwave, same model as those above, caught on fire when my two teenage daughters were at home alone. Smoke filled the house and the fire department was called by our security system.
There appears to be a serious problem with this particular.
Kelley Henthorn on June 9th, 2010 at 3:32 pm | Link
Last night our KHMS155LSS-1 caught fire and I was able to disconnect it before it spread. The electronics are fried. Lucky that I walked in when it occurred before it spread to the whole house.
Jim on July 2nd, 2010 at 6:33 am | Link