Maytag is recalling 46,000 refrigerators because of an electrical problem that could lead to the appliance overheating and bursting into flame. This is on top of 1.6 million refrigerators that Maytag recalled in March because of a similar defect.

The refrigerators included in this most recent recall include Maytag, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brand side-by-side and top freezer refrigerators in black, bisque, white and stainless steel. If you own a refrigerator made by one of these brands, compare your serial number with the list on the Maytag website to see if your refrigerator is part of the recall.

This recall comes only a few days after a news report about a Maytag oven that mysteriously switches on its broiler every time its owner receives a phone call on his cell phone and reports of exploding iPhones and iPods in Europe. So it begs the question, is there an epidemic of exploding appliances out there? Do you worry about the safety of the appliances and electronics you depend on everyday?

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