The worlds largest appliance maker, Whirlpool Inc., issued today the biggest dishwasher recall in three years, as 1.7 million Maytag models are being recalled due to a fire hazard, said the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

It turns out that the dishwashers have a faulty heating element that could short-circuit and ignite. While no injuries have been reported yet, the manufacturer has received 12 reports of fires with the plastic-tub models, one of which caused extensive kitchen damage.

The recalled dishwashers were sold by Maytag at department and appliance stores, and homebuilders, from February 2006 to April 2010 for between $250 and $900 dollars. Maytag dishwashers sold with Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa and Crosley brand names are all covered by this recall.

The model and serial numbers can be found on a label inside the plastic tub on a tag near the left side of the door.

Serial numbers starting with NW39, NW40, NW41, NW42, NW43, NW44, NW45, NW46, NW47, NW48, NW49, NW50, NW51, NW52, NY01, NY02, NY03, NY04, NY05, NY06, NY07, NY08, NY09, NY10, NY11, NY12, NY13, NY14, NY15, NY16, NY17, NY18, NY19, or serial numbers ending with JC, JE, JG, JJ, JL, JN, JP, JR, JT, JV, JX, LA, LC, LE, LG, LJ, LL, LN, LP, LR, LT, LV, LX, NA, NC, NE, NG, NJ, NL, NN, NP, NR, are all affected.

Consumers are requested to call 1-800-544-5513, or visit the Maytag website for more information.