Maytag gas range child safety lock advisory — Maytag gas ranges in the MGR series (MGR6600, MGR6875, MGR7685, and related models) are equipped with a control lock feature, labeled “Loc” on the control panel, that disables the oven controls to prevent accidental activation. However, the Loc feature does not disable the surface burner knobs, which means children can still turn on gas burners even when the oven controls are locked. This advisory provides guidance on using the Loc feature in combination with aftermarket gas knob covers for comprehensive child safety protection.
Why This Matters
The CPSC reports that approximately 2,100 children under age five are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for burns associated with kitchen ranges and ovens. Gas ranges present a dual hazard: the open flame can cause direct burns, and an unlit burner turned to the “on” position releases natural gas or propane into the kitchen, creating an explosion and asphyxiation risk. Front-control gas ranges, including most models in the Maytag MGR series, place the burner knobs at a height accessible to toddlers, making accidental activation a significant concern for households with young children.
Warning Signs
- A gas odor in the kitchen with no visible flame on any burner — a child may have turned a knob to a partial position that released gas without igniting
- Burner knobs found in positions other than “Off” when no adult was cooking
- Burn marks, melted plastic, or scorched items on the cooktop surface from unsupervised burner activation
- The Loc indicator is off when you expected it to be on — children may learn to press and hold the lock button to deactivate it
Recommended Actions
- Activate the Loc (control lock) feature on your Maytag gas range whenever you are not actively cooking — consult your owner’s manual for the specific button combination, which typically involves pressing and holding the Lock button for 3 seconds.
- Install aftermarket gas knob covers on all front-control surface burner knobs. Choose covers that require a two-step adult action to remove, such as squeeze-and-lift models, and ensure they fit your specific knob size.
- Teach children that the stove is not a toy and establish a “no-touch zone” around the range. Consider using a stove guard — a clear heat-resistant shield that mounts to the front of the cooktop to prevent small hands from reaching burner knobs and hot surfaces.
- If you smell gas and suspect a burner was turned on by a child, do not flip any light switches or create any sparks. Open windows, evacuate the kitchen, and call your gas company’s emergency line from outside the home.
When to Call a Technician
Contact a qualified appliance technician if the Loc feature does not engage or disengage properly, if any burner knob turns without the normal resistance or click of the valve, or if you notice a persistent gas odor even when all knobs are in the Off position. A damaged gas valve or worn knob shaft can allow gas to leak even when the knob appears to be fully closed.