The BlueStar gas range convection burn recall (CPSC Recall 18-218) was announced on September 11, 2018, by Prizer-Painter Stove Works, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada. The recall covers seven series of BlueStar and Big Chill free-standing gas ranges and one series of gas wall ovens sold between May 2015 and October 2017. Note: this recall affects BlueStar- and Big Chill-branded units only. It is included here as a category-level advisory for all professional gas range owners, including Bertazzoni Professional Series owners, because the convection fan gas accumulation hazard can theoretically affect any oven with convection capability and a gas burner system.
Hazard
Operating the convection fan during the oven preheat or broil cycle can cause unignited gas to accumulate inside the oven cavity. When the accumulated gas ignites, it can produce a sudden flame or flare when the oven door is opened, posing a burn risk. Prizer-Painter received 51 reports of flames or flares from delayed gas ignition, including seven reports of minor burns to consumers.
Affected units
- Brands: BlueStar and Big Chill (manufactured by Prizer-Painter Stove Works)
- Recall number: CPSC 18-218
- Products: Seven series of free-standing gas ranges; one series of gas wall ovens
- Colors available: Stainless steel, white, green, orange, aqua, dark blue, black with gold trim
- Sale period: May 2015 through October 2017
- Original price range: $3,300 to $18,100
- Sold through: Specialty appliance stores and kitchen equipment dealers nationwide in the US and Canada
How to identify
BlueStar ranges carry the “BlueStar” name badge on the control panel fascia. Big Chill ranges carry the “Big Chill” badge. Model and serial numbers are on a label on the side panel, visible when the storage drawer is removed. Bertazzoni range owners can locate their model and serial number on a similar label behind the storage or kick-plate drawer, or on the back panel of the unit.
What to do
- BlueStar and Big Chill owners should immediately stop using the convection fan during preheating or broiling until the free repair is completed
- Contact Prizer-Painter Stove Works at 800-449-8691 (9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, Mon–Fri) or visit bluestarcooking.com and click “Voluntary Recall” to schedule a free repair
- Bertazzoni Professional Series and Master Series owners should review their owner’s manual for any advisory on convection fan use during preheat cycles
- For Bertazzoni-specific convection oven service or inspection, call 1-866-905-0010
Urgency level
High for BlueStar and Big Chill owners — stop using the convection fan during preheat or broil until the recall repair is done. Moderate advisory for Bertazzoni Professional and Master Series owners — review your oven’s convection mode instructions and contact Bertazzoni if you have experienced any flame surge when opening the oven door.