Does the Perfect Flame grill recall go far enough?

Late last week the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of 24,000 Perfect Flame Double Lid Four Burner gas grills. The recalled grills, model number GAC3615, were made by Lucas Innovation Inc., of China and sold at Lowe’s Stores from October 2007 through July 2008 for about $300. The hazard is serious: The cooking chamber can "melt or ignite," posing risk of fires and burn injuries. According to the recall notice, there have been 175 reports of grill fires, and 25 reports of grills melting, some of which resulted in minor property damage. Owners are advised to stop using the grill immediately, disconnect the propane tank, and return the grill (without the tank) to any Lowe’s store for a full refund.

It wasn’t hard for us find complaints about Perfect Flame grills on Internet newsgroup forums and the complaints weren't limited to the GAC3615 model. In fact, our own database, which collects information from our readers, has two complaints about Perfect Flame grills catching fire; one specifically citing another model, an SLG2006.

A Fox television station in Tulsa has also reported numerous problems with Perfect Flame grills including an SLG2006 model. The video footage and consumer stories are striking. One Tulsa man reported that he found the lid and firebox of his Perfect Flame engulfed in flames after making a quick trip inside to finish preparing his meal. He also said that the grill exploded when he was trying to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, spraying shards of hot metal across his deck and yard.

We contacted the reader who reported a problem with a Perfect Flame SLG2006 model to us, asking for some additional information about that incident. He told us that his grill suddenly ignited while he was cooking burgers. The metal in the firebox was actually burning and flames were spreading down the hose to the propane tank. His daughter burned her fingers trying to put out the fire. Fortunately, a neighbor, armed with a fire extinguisher, was able to douse the flames.

At our recommendation, he reported the incident to the CPSC as well as to the manufacturer, which was quick to make amends, arranging for him to choose a free replacement grill of any brand from a Lowe’s store.

How can a metal gas grill suddenly catch fire?  We spoke with a product specification engineer who used to write gas grill design specs, who believes that too much magnesium in the firebox's aluminum alloy could be the problem. Magnesium can burn and is very difficult to extinguish; such fires are best left for the fire department.

We called Lucas Innovation last Friday and spoke with a customer service representative who confirmed that the Perfect Flame grill recall was due to a problem with the material used for the cooking chamber. But when we asked for more specific information and whether the problem had shown up in other models, we were referred to the company's attorney who provided no additional information.

We contacted the CPSC’s Office of Compliance to find out why Perfect Flame SLG2006 wasn’t recalled along with the GAC3615. We noted the information we got from our reader, and expressed our concern that the recall did not include that model of Perfect Flame grill, which we know has had incidents and at least one injury. But according to the CPSC, current law forbids them from discussing an ongoing investigation. We were told they’d “look in to it.” We hope they do.

In our years of testing we've found it highly unusual for a grill to melt or catch fire. If  you’ve experienced problems with gas-grill fires, melting or deformation, please comment on this posting and be sure to report it to us as well as to the CPSC. The CPSC's recall system relies heavily on consumer complaints and without them many problem products wouldn't be recalled. Sharing this information can help us accomplish our mission of reducing the number of unsafe products in the marketplace and help protect consumers from serious injury.—Don Mays, Bob Williams

More on grills from Consumer Reports

• The Broil King Signet 90 986784LP recall and remedy
• Gas grill buying advice and Ratings
• Five most common grilling mistakes
• How to maintain your grill to prevent accidents

Comments

[The editors]

Good news for everyone who has commented here. The grill has been recalled. Read our updates:

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2009/11/perfect-flame-recalls-680000-grills-sold-at-lowes.html

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2009/11/perfect-flame-grill-recall-slg2006-slg2007-slg2008.html

[David]

I have an SLG2007A. Lowes wouldn't do anything without a receipt, BUT hope isn't lost yet.

1.) e-mail www.lgsourcing.com with the problem you are having. Someone should contact you and let know what the subsidiary of Lowes is willing to do.

2.) Contact the recall hot-line at 1-888-840-9590. If the model number of your grill is included in the recall, they will mail or e-mail a form which you fill out and send in. The form will replace the burners and/or lid(s).

They say you get what you pay for. I paid over $200 for my grill and the thing as it stands now is completely trashed.

From now on I buy a Weber.

[Nadia]

I also bought a SLG2007A gas grill from Lowes and it caught fire twice. The first time I went to Lowes, the rep told me to contact the manufacturer, but did not give me any contact information. I tried to figure out what happended myself and replaced the black, rubber tubing that was attached to the propane gas tank. Recently, the same thing happened and the whole grill caught on fire. It was a fire hazard to say the least. I just called Lowes again to see what how they're going to deal with this issue.

[Peter]

Well its Sept 12th, I also just had a SLG2007A burn/melt like magnesium, it completely burned the metal on half of the hood, it still didn't go out after using a LARGE fire extinguisher. Called Lowes and they said "Senior Management" will call me back within 24 hours.

[Kristi John]

We purchased a grill (SLG2007A) at Lowes in 2007 and just a week ago, Sept. 4th, 2009, the grill went up into flames. We are military and move often, and we had a grill for four moves before we felt we needed a new one. So, we purchased this perfect flame grill. We check our food every three minutes or so or we stand with it. When my husband went back out after getting a tray and some more seasoning, the grill was up in flames. Thank god it was not as bad as others, but we had to use a big box of baking soda to put it out. It was hot enough to melt the siding on the house even being five feet from it. This grill is unsafe, and had we known this information before purchasing, we would have purchased another brand. We tried to find repair parts all over the DFW area and can't, and other retailers have stated the grill is unsafe and don't use it. We are now affriad to use it and rely on it four to five times per week. I feel like we wasted money and hope we can get something or someone to replace the grill or give us some sort of credit for it! How very frustrating! What if I would have had my 13 year old daughter go to turn the meat and that propane tank exploded? We are very upset over this issue!

[Jeff B]

I also had a SLG2007A burst into flames last week. Went in to get a plate and came back to an absolute inferno! The line from the propane tank to the first knob were melted and it was like a blow torch. Thank godness I caught it when I did as it was sitting on a wooden deck attached to my home. I did get burned when I reached in to disconnect the take (last time that I'll tighten the tank down).

Called teh local Lowe's this afternoon and the manager said that, even though it was beyond the standard one-year warranty, they would issue a refund if I had the receipt. Since the purchase was a couple of years ago, I'm afraid that the receipt is long gone :(

[David]

Model SLG2007B turned into a bomb yesterday while I was cooking steaks. Like everyone else, I quickly discovered the burner tubes were crumbled after only 18 months of use. I always cover the unit, store it in a dry place and routinely clean up the grease so it's not from misuse. Hopefully Lowes will do the right thing and add this model to it's recall list.

[Chad Short]

I got an SLG2007A from lowe's, and mine has caught on fire, twice. Lowe's rep told me to get a hold of the manufacturer.

[Travis Powers]

I purchased item # 61701 Perfect Flame grill in April of 2008. Was on the phone to a lady at Lowe's as I was using the grill to make dinner this evening, and I had no idea about the recall. All that I had noticed was that one of the burners seemed to be shooting out way too much flame near the top of the grill grate in the middle, was going to see how long the burners were under warranty. The lady at Lowe's basically said that they were having repeated problems/complaints with this brand of grill, and to bring in my grill and receipt and I would get store credit towards a new grill. She also said that I could go online and see video of these grills melting down, which will be my next project this evening.

I called back to Lowe's after digging out my paperwork and receipt, got a bit of a run around by whoever answered the phone, said I'd have to call back during the day to speak with the store manager about the recall. She would take my model number and call a generic phone number to find out if my grill is part of the recall. If it has a good chance of doing some of the things that your grills have done in the near future, and is already showing symptoms, I sure think that Lowe's and BBQtek should stand behind it. I sure am going to argue this point tomorrow.

[Pamela C]

I also have the Model SLG2006 and while putting steaks on within minutes the whole thing went up in flames. Everything inside was corroded and the tubes had holes in them. After contacting BBQ Tech they asked for pictures which I sent then they just contacted me back (by email)and basically blamed me. Here is his comment below:

Dear Pamela,

Most rusting problems occur due to improper maintenance of the grills. This is not a product defect. Grease and food particles will corrode given enough time. This is particularly a problem as we tend to use more acidic marinades and sauces on the grill.

It is very important to keep the grill clean and free of greasy build-up, this will enable the grill to work most efficiently and can prevent greasy deposits from catching fire.
4PC GB MAIN BURNER - NO CHARGE

Thanks,

Sam Bedi
Customer Service Representative
Tel: 1-877-885-8227 ext.202

They offered some parts for free but I would have to pay $29 shipping. I wouldn't even beable to put it back together because the whole back piece and screws burned completely.

[Terry Collins]

I am amazed at what I have been reading and finding on the internet about my Perfect Flame grill I also purchased at Lowes. Item #61701. This Grill literally had a complete melt down - after the burners were shut off the fire would not go out - It was like the grill itself was burning even with the hood shut. I had to get a fire extinguisher to put it out. By that time the hood sides were all warped up the temperature gauge had melted and fell apart, along with all three burners cracked up and distorted. The mercury from the temp. gauge was all inside the grill chamber - No I do not think the recall on Perfect Flame covered enough of the models. I have owned a lot of Grills over the years but Have never seen anything happen like this.

[Lorrie]

I just called my Lowe's in Auburn Alabama. They told me their was a recall on these and to bring it in for a full refund. Just so you know!

[Sheri]

I purchased same grill #61701 less than two years ago. It caught on fire when I first turned it on to heat up. Went in the house to get my burgers, came out to a huge fire. Burners were rusted and cracked. Called Lowes #457 in Gastonia NC. Will be taking the grill back tomorrow for store credit.

I always like Lowes, now I like them more!

[MIke Maurer, Brooksville FL]

I have a SLG2006C and all of the burner tubes are shot. They are rusted and just crumbling into pieces. I was experience similar issues that others have stated above where the grill would only work on the outside burners and very uneven inconsistent flame strengths and patterns throughout the grill surface. In trying to remove the heat tube/manifolds I COULD NOT GET THE BOLT AND NUTS LOOSENED. IHAD TO CUT AND GRIND THEM OFF!!!

THESE GRILLS LOOK GOOD ON THE FLOOR OT LOWES BUT THEY ARE JUNK.

[Jason]

I had the same burner problems with my Perfect Flame Grill (Model #SLG2007). I called the Lowes store that I purchased from in Charlotte NC (Store 0408). Spoke with a manager in Customer service (Brian), and he told me to bring in the grill and they'd give me a store credit for $179.99 to purchase another grill. It took him a while to find the item number of the grill (61701). Hope this helps!

[Tanderson]

Well folks I bought a slg2006b three years ago and my grill just burnt all the hair off my arm and a bit of my beard! When I opened it up to see what the problem was all four burners were split and rusted through. I then had to break the rear bracket to get burners out. Replacement burners cost almost sixty dollars and I dont think the grill is safe enough to repair. I had planned on replacing the bracket with L brackets but not sure if grill is worth it. I also purchased this grill at lowe's in Hermitage Tn.

[Chabo C]

My SLG2007B, 2 years old, also have huge cracks in the burners. Reported to CPSC today and will contact bbqtek to get replacement under warranty (burners have 10 year warranty, according to their warranty docs).

[Mark Bonser]

Thought I was the only one. I bought model SLG2006c(from Lowes in Michigan) in spring of 06; within 6 months I noticed the burners were shot already, with orange flames shooting out the back of the burner.Once the grill caught on fire: I too thought it was user error but I was able to put it out.

[Al Seifert]

I have a SLG2006C that I bought two years ago and have had no problems with it until now. It started out with the ability to use only two burners on one side or the other. I took the unit apart to see if it needed cleaning between the crossover pieces and found that three of burners were not only cracked but one had a big hole in it. I gently touched the other burners and the top of them caved in. I tried calling the phone number on the side of the grill to only listen to "we are closed at this time" no matter what time of day I called. I contacted the Lowes that I purchased the grill from and they gave me another phone number to call. After spending a long time on the phone with the customer service rep from Perfect Flame, they said that they were going to contact the Lowes that I purchased the grill from and have them contact me as to what was going to happen next. I asked the service rep again if I was going to get replacement parts or a new grill. She stated again that the Lowes store would inform me of this. If Lowes knows that there is a recall on this product that they so willingly sell, why do the paying customers have to wait so long to get an answer to this problem? So much for customer service that they talk about all of the time!

[Mike De Master]

I am just another in a long list of what seems to be the same complaint . . .a garbage grill with burner tubes cracking and corroding and flames shooting out after just a couple of years. Thankfully no damage done to home or family. I will not even bother to try and replace parts. I wouldn't trust those parts and it's not worth the cost . . . I'd have to replace both the burner tubes and heat plates, all corroded junk after a short life. Instead I'm converting my grill. Taking out all of the "innards" and putting in an large aluminum tray, punching in a bunch of holes on the bottom for good air flow, and using charcoal. My neighbor did the same thing for a gas grill that had gone bad and it works like a charm with a great steady heat base.

[BB]

I just called the Lowe's from which I purchased my SLG2007A a couple of years ago. The guy in seasonal stated that he only knew of the one recall and that they weren't accepting any grills that weren't part of the recall. I told him that I'll just sit tight and wait until mine gets recalled. He said, "allrighty."

[andrew pedersen]

just as steve hickman posted on june 13, 2009 i also have an slg2006. I just found out it is impossible to replace burners when you can't get them off the metal plate/bracket or you can't get the metal plate/bracket off the grill. I thought by puechasing a high dollar stainless steal grill it would last a lot longer then three years. Needless to say I will be staying away from perfect flame on my next grill.

[Jack Dillman]

Well now I don't feel so bad. Perfect Flame 5 burner Stainless Grill purchased from Lowes exactly 3 years ago. First time I used it, it went up in flames and melted 7 pieces of siding off of the back of my BRAND NEW HOUSE!! I've been taking a lot of harassment from my friends about almost burning down my new house the week i moved in. Three years later, all 5 burner tubes are corroded and crumbled away...and I can't seem to get any satisfaction from the Manufacturer. Lowes said they will "try to help" but I don't expect anything good to come from this. Manufacturer only recalled the double lid model, but mine is the single lid 5 burner stainless with the warming tray underneath...not good. I feel everyone's pain on this!!!

[Lloyd Holt]

I purchased a Perfect Flame grill last year. It caught on fire while watching it. Close inspection revealed that two of the four burners had completely failed and the remain9ing two burners were in failure mode(extremely corroded). I've not seen Stainless steel burners fail before I bought this grill.

[Brian]

We purchased a perfect flame grill from lowes in boardman, ohio back in the summer of 2007. We spent nearly $400 with tax on the grill alone, let alone almost $50 with tax for the correct cover.
Lately the grill, model number slg2006c has been acting bizarre.
An example of this was tonight, when we were cooking chicken and steak on the grill, it became completely engulfed in big flames.
It was so intense the fire melted all 5 temperature controls and the metal sliding drawer underneath is completely heat warped.
Furthermore, my wife burnt her arms and fingers, fortunately not horribly bad, but painfully, attempting to turn the gas knob off to the propane tank, which was extremely hot as the flames drew near it. To make matters worse the tank being used was near full and in the garage behind us was another full refill tank for the grill and some gasoline for our power yard tools. This had the makings of a potential catastrophe, but was fortunately averted, by the quick thinking of my wife to grab the propane gas knob, and our neighbors sheltering our two young children. Another odd thing was that our grilling grates, which are heat resistant and made of porcelain, have partially cracked and burned up, as well as one of the main gas lines to the middle 4 burners, has a very small rupture present in it's length, thus making larger flames.
Upon analyzing these bizarre instances, we can come up with no logical explanation, as to how a stainless steel heat resistant, device can have so many unforeseen issues, all at the same time.
For the flames to melt parts and warp a majority of the metals,
it was obviously very hot so much so the grill is now unuseable.
We intend to report these instances of difficulties to the CPSC, so that they are made aware of the potential sudden hazzards the grill may present, as this is a truly dangerous item to cook on.