BENTON HARBOR, MI — In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Whirlpool Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 1,800,000 Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Kenmore brand "over the range" microwave-hood combinations. The recall does not include countertop microwaves. Use of the microwave-hood unit poses a risk of fire, which could cause personal injury or property damage.

This recall involves Whirlpool, KitchenAid and Kenmore brand microwave-hood units with serial numbers that begin with XC. The serial numbers, as well as the model number, can be found on a label on the bottom edge of the food cavity, inside the microwave door.

Department, mass merchandise, and appliance stores, as well as builders and remodelers, sold the microwave-hood units nationwide from January 1998 through September 2001 for between $249 and $749.

Consumers with recalled microwave-hood units must immediately stop using the unit and disconnect the unit by unplugging it. Every potential user of the unit should be informed of the risk of fire and told not to use the microwave.

For more information, visit www.repair.whirlpool.com.

Publication date: 01/07/2002