Manufacturer recalls grill found faulty in CU tests

Onward Manufacturing of Canada Wednesday recalled three models of gas grills after the firebox of two samples of the Broil King Signet 90 melted in tests conducted by Consumer Reports.  The company's recall, which is expected to be followed shortly by an announcement from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, involves the Signet, Sovereign and Sovereign XL grills with model numbers starting with 986, 987 and 988. The serial numbers start with X, Y and Z.

In our routine test to determine how well a grill handles flare ups from fatty foods, a Broil King Signet 90's firebox melted, dripping molten metal onto the area beneath the grill, just missing the hand of one tester who was turning off the gas to the grill. (The space beneath the grill is where the propane tank is stored.) We subsequently tested two other samples of this grill: The firebox of one melted and that of the other grill had begun to crack and deform by the end of the test. Because we believe that the Broil King Signet 90 is dangerous and poses a serious safety risk, we have judged it Not Acceptable.

We reported our findings to the company that makes the grill, Onward Manufacturing, the CPSC and Health Canada, a government safety agency in that country.

Onward is offering owners of the affected grills a baffle. On its Web site it says: "A baffle has been designed which reduces flare-ups caused by grease and protects the cookbox from excessive heat should a grease fire occur." Owners can get the baffle by registering at the company's Web site  or by calling (866) 434-7455. A video posted with the recall notice shows owners how to install the baffle.

The model and serial numbers are located on the gas caution sticker, which is either on the bottom shelf near the wheels or on the rear cart support bar on the back of the grill.

We applaud Onward Manufacturing and the CPSC for the speed with which they responded.  Now that a retrofit kit is available, we hope to test it and report soon on how effective it is in addressing this serious safety problem.

Comments

[Editors, Consumer Reports]

We are in the process of testing the kit and will report the results on this blog shortly after we know them.

[Leonard Liau]

Does anyone know if Consumer Reports has now done a test on the baffle kit?

I just bought the Signet 90 yesterday and I am upset the dealer did made not mention this recall.

[Maurice P]

We ordered this BBQ in May. As it was out of stock, we had to wait for the supplier to receive it. Meantime we heard of your review and asked to the supplier to give back our account. Our intent is to wait for your new evaluation of Broil King remedy to this problem. I know the solution is available since 3 to 4 weeks so I would like to know when you will come back with your new evaluation.

[David Beach]

I have a Broil King BBQ for about a year that is affected by this issue though I personally have not had any problems.

I went to the company website, filled out the info for the baffle and had the kit in my mailbox within a few days. It was easy to install and I did my 'spring cleaning' of the BBQ at the same time. There was no deformity of the casing from what I could see.

The BBQ still works great. I was pleased with the company's response to this issue and prompt delivery of the kit. I'd happily buy a Broil King again.

[Ross Lawrence]

I have purchased and used one of these b/q for about a year. It did such a good job that my son bought one. We are extremely happy with these b/q's . The company have sent us the retro-fit kits and i trust that it will work. We are extremely happy with this companies customer service and would buy their products again.

[J. Train]

I purchased this broil king bbq on May 3rd. Imagine my surprise to see it on the news May 5th. My retailer has agreed to take it back because testing is not complete on the baffle kit. Thank goodness!

[Ralph Vendegna]

Thank you for posting this information about gas grills. I am in the process of looking for a new gas grill, but an not sure what brand to buy and how long it will last.

Ralph Vendegna