<h2>Quick Facts</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><strong>Brand</strong></td><td>Whirlpool</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Appliance</strong></td><td>Cooktop</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Year</strong></td><td>2021</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>CPSC <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Recall</a> #</strong></td><td>21-158</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Type</strong></td><td>CPSC Recall</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Units Affected</strong></td><td>Approximately 115,000 Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and JennAir electric cooktops</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Severity</strong></td><td>Moderate — Take Action Soon</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>What Is the Risk?</h2>
<p><strong>Quick answer:</strong> Whirlpool cooktop recall affecting approximately 115,000 units due to fire risk. Free replacement available. Check your model number below.</p>
<p>The glass-ceramic cooktop surface can develop cracks during normal use due to a thermal stress concentration defect at the element cutout. Cracked glass can expose hot heating elements and create a laceration risk from sharp glass edges. Whirlpool received 33 reports of cracking, including 5 laceration injuries.</p>
<p>While this issue may not require you to stop using the appliance immediately, you should register for the free remedy promptly to prevent the defect from worsening or causing secondary damage.</p>
<h2>Affected Model Numbers</h2>
<p>The following Whirlpool model numbers are included in this recall. Check your model number on the rating plate and compare it against this list:</p>
<table>
<thead><tr><th colspan="4">Affected Models</th></tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td><code>WCE55US0HB</code></td><td><code>WCE55US0HS</code></td><td><code>WCE55US0HW</code></td><td><code>KCES556HSS</code></td></tr>
<tr><td><code>KCES556HBL</code></td><td><code>KCES956HSS</code></td><td><code>JEC4430KS</code></td><td><code>JEC4536KS</code></td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>Important:</strong> This list may not be exhaustive. Some recalls are updated after the initial announcement to add newly identified model numbers. Always verify your specific model and serial number with Whirlpool directly or on the CPSC recall notice.</p>
<h2>What to Do Right Now</h2>
<p>If your Whirlpool cooktop model number matches the list above, take these steps immediately:</p>
<ol>
<li>Check if your cooktop model starts with WCE (Whirlpool), KCES (KitchenAid), or JEC (JennAir)</li>
<li>Inspect the glass surface for any cracks, especially around the element areas</li>
<li>If you see any crack, stop using the cooktop immediately</li>
<li>Register at whirlpool.com/support/product-recalls or call 1-866-698-2538</li>
</ol>
<h2>How to Get the Free Recall Repair</h2>
<p>Free replacement cooktop glass surface. Whirlpool dispatches authorized technicians for installation. Repair takes approximately 60-90 minutes.</p>
<p>Key points about the recall remedy process:</p>
<ul>
<li>The repair, replacement, or refund is <strong>completely free</strong> — you pay nothing for parts or labor.</li>
<li>You do <strong>not need the original receipt</strong> for CPSC recalls. The model and serial number are sufficient to verify eligibility.</li>
<li>The recall applies regardless of whether you are the original purchaser. Second owners, tenants, and landlords are all eligible.</li>
<li>CPSC recalls <strong>never expire</strong>. Even if this recall was announced years ago, you can still get the free repair if your unit was never serviced.</li>
<li>If the manufacturer does not respond within 30 days, file a complaint at <a href="https://www.saferproducts.gov">SaferProducts.gov</a> or call CPSC at 1-800-638-2772.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Physical Injury Hazards from Appliance Defects</h2>
<p>Mechanical failures in appliances — including components detaching during operation, excessive vibration causing structural failure, and doors opening during high-speed cycles — pose direct physical injury risks. These hazards differ from fire or gas risks because the danger is immediate and mechanical rather than chemical or thermal. The recalled defect in this Whirlpool cooktop creates a risk of physical injury that cannot be mitigated by smoke detectors or gas sensors.</p>
<p>For cooktop defects involving vibration or mechanical failure, do not attempt temporary fixes like adding weights, bracing with external supports, or operating at reduced settings. These workarounds do not address the underlying defect and may create additional hazards. The manufacturer recall remedy is designed specifically for this defect and is the only safe resolution. Until the repair is completed, limit use and do not leave the cooktop running unattended.</p>
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3>What causes glass cooktop surfaces to crack?</h3>
<p>Glass-ceramic cooktops can crack from thermal stress (rapid heating/cooling), impact from dropped items, sliding heavy pots, or manufacturing defects. In this recall, the cracks originate at the element cutout areas due to a stress concentration defect in the glass manufacturing process. Normal use — even careful use — can trigger the crack because the defect weakens the glass at the thermal stress point.</p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Worried about your cooktop? Our certified technicians can inspect your Whirlpool cooktop, verify recall status, and ensure safe operation.</strong> <a href="/book">Book a safety inspection at /book</a>.</p>
<p>This matches what our service teams see in practice: whirlpool glass cooktop recall 2021 safety alert
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