Do you have a Perfect Flame gas grill? Then read this

Owners of Perfect Flame gas grills should be especially cautious as they fire them up for the July 4th weekend … or at any other time for that matter. What appeared to be a limited fire and burn hazard with some models may be much wider than anyone realized.

Last August, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of one model, the Perfect Flame GAC3615, due to fire and burn hazards. The cooking chamber of those grills can "melt or ignite” according to the recall notice.

But our readers are telling us that’s not the only volatile model. In fact, after our August 13, 2008 blog post "Does the Perfect Flame grill recall go far enough?" suggesting that the recall was too narrow, we received more than 100 responses from readers who own the Perfect Flame SLG2006 and the SLG2007 models. Their grills have also melted or caught on fire.

The number of complaints and severity of the incidents we’ve heard about are very concerning.  We are currently collecting additional information that we hope will be used to address the hazards with these grills. In the meantime, take these precautions before using your Perfect Flame SLG2006 or SLG2007 grill:

• Check the burner tubes for holes or cracks. If you find any, replace the necessary parts before using the grill.
• When cooking, watch the grill at all times. Do not leave it unattended even just to preheat.
• Look for unusual flame patterns. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, shut off the gas and step away from the grill until it cools down.

Some of our readers have reported that when the grill catches on fire the flames can produce bright white light indicative of burning magnesium.  If that happens, be careful—water and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers will not put out a fire containing burning magnesium. Instead, you must either use a Class D dry chemical fire extinguisher or cover the fire with sand.  Better yet, call the fire department.

If you’ve experienced problems with the Perfect Flame or with fires, melting or deformation of any gas grill, 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 with Consumer Reports can help us accomplish our mission of reducing the number of unsafe products in the marketplace and help protect consumers from serious injury.

Grill safety
No matter what grill you are using, follow this safety advice:

• Replace cracked or brittle propane hoses or gas lines.
• Check hoses for gas leaks by applying a mixture of dishwashing soap and water. Bubbles indicate a leak.  Replace as needed.
• Do not attempt to repair the valve on a gas tank or the grill yourself.  Take the grill to a liquid-propane dealer or qualified appliance-repair service.
• Regularly empty grease pans, trays, or receptacles to minimize fire hazards.
• Never start a charcoal fire with gasoline.
• Never add lighter fluid to a charcoal fire after the fire has started; the flame can follow the stream of fluid to its source.
• Never use an outdoor grill indoors or in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire. Also, keep the grill at least 10 feet away from your house and other structures.

For more on grills, read our gas grill buying guide (with Ratings for subscribers).—Molly Glauberman 

 
 

Comments

[Dan Funk]

I own the SLG2006C for the last 3 years. Very happy with it for the first two, then the grill went down hill fast. Replaced two of the 5 vented tubes, now only two of the burning systems work. If i want to replace everything to be able to grill again "SAFELY" it's going top cost me $180 plus shipping...... ( plus the parts are after market and very hard to find)

[Brad]

I have a perfect flame slg2006c that caught fire last summer. I called and emailed the company. They said it was my fault and so I had to buy 3 new burners from them. I have had the new burners for a few months now but am not sure I am up to replacing them. The back of 3 burners are cracked and put out more flame then the other two. I use it carefully now and have moved it away from the house. I certainly think they should recall these models.

[michael]

I purchased the perfect flame 192430 LPG 3 years ago and have had to replace two of the three burners. Luckily, there is a 10 year warranty with these burners. I called the 1-800 # and within a week they both arrived. I do notice the same problem with the grill catching fire. I just have to clean the greese collecting at the bottom, often. As for the lowes customer service, I give them two thumbs up.

[F Wilson]

Bought a SLG2007B 2 years ago, burners already burned out, UNHAPPY.

[Melanie]

We have a SLG2006B and last night my husband went to cook a boston butt (heated one side as low as it would go and placed the boston butt on opposite side) and the whole piece of meat caught fire and ruined our grill. I hope lowes will replace this grill because this was a crazy fire.

[norm]

have a portable ss grill perfect flame make. the regulator quickly freezes up and flame hets out of control (less than i yr old! No serial model information on grill. can't find replacement regulator for the chinese unidentifiable regulator! Never again for a "Perfect" Flame buy!

[B Lanning]

I also purchased a Perfect Flame BBQ SLG2007A, after having it for 13 months I went to use it and the flames were shooting out the back, after taking it apart we noticed the burner tubes were corroded & rusted. I did the right thing and called the manufacturer sent pictures he requested and got no where, I was just going to order replacement parts and they were super expensive. I called my local Lowes where I purchased the BBQ explained my situation and they are going to return this piece of junk for me. I wouldn't recommend anyone using this BBQ it is a safety hazard. Unfortunately I didn't have a BBQ all summer so I'll be making up for lost time!!

[Donna]

I have Perfect Flame Model 2518SLN-LPG and it burst into flames we were barely able to control the fire. Why are they allowed to sell these grills? Some one is going to really get hurt

[john linevitch]

Another perfect flame up in flames......

[John]

I have a Perfect Flame SLG2006C (5 burners). First, the regulator stopped working after 1 1/2 years....replaced with a generac one from Lowes after sending emails to the company didn't help. Then recently, the three middle burners have all cracked near the back, and cause flair ups when the grill is lit.

I tried to look up the company (pyromagicbbq.com), but learned that their site no longer exists. Lowes no longer carries this brand...no surprize with all the complaints...but they can special order the parts from someplace. Lets see...each burner is $36, and each heat plate is $27. The sales person at Lowes suggests buying a whole new grill instead.....no kidding!

[Brett L]

I own a Perfect Flame SLG2007A mode that was bought in Fall of '07 from Lowe's. The middle of the three burners has recently failed, with a large crack on the top, across the diameter of it. I assume it'll only be a matter of time before the other two burners go since they are quite rusted as well. Since I have the receipt, I'll be going to Lowe's to see what they have to offer for help. Based on other users' reports, if it means spending $40 or so for a replacement burner, I'll probably just save it for a better grill next year.

[Ken Valentine]

I bought a Perfect Flame SLG2007DN from Lowe’s in San Antonio. It’s a natural gas model with 5 burners. I bought it in Oct 2007 for a very marked down $299. It was a deal. Lowe’s doesn’t carry Perfect Flame anymore.

After I assembled it, I loosened up all screws and bolts in the ‘hot’ area that are subject to heat, corrosion and becoming locked with built-up grease. Because I did that, I can order replacement parts and install them. Look at allpartsgrills.com for good prices and quality parts.

In my manual, it says the two side extension tables are made of a magnesium alloy. They can catch fire – but the heat source has to be very hot to initiate combustion. It will burn white hot.

I looked at my burner tubes today after almost 2 years of just about daily use – and they are not cracked not perforated. I take them out every 6 months and clean them with a wire brush and then spray on some vegetable oil. It slows down oxidation.

I also use it as a flat top – like ‘Diner’s Drive-ins and Dives’ - for big pancakes, omelets etc. It’s 28’ by 16” and 3/16’ thick with ¾ high sides on the sides and rear. It goes on top of the grates that come with the unit.

I like the unit very much.

[charles]

I have a SLC 2006C. I just had two burners blow out this past weekend. The company will not replace them even though they are not stainless burners as stated. My cost would be 120.00 to replace all burners.

[ed ware]

Model SLG2006 is a disaster. Premature failure and corrosion on burner tubes. Lowes has done a pitiful job with custonmer satisfaction and should replace these defective units at no cost.

[jennifer]

Have an SLG 2007A Perfect Flame grill that was purchased as a gift for my husband and I from Lowes.

It caught fire and even after we turned off the propane, it would not stop flaming. We had to cover it with baking soda to get the flames to die down.

Called Lowes to see if they'll take it and credit the person who bought it as a gift for us. They were fairly nice. Should hear back Monday.

[Steve]

I have a SLG2006C that we bought at Lowes and am lucky enough to not have burst into flame. I had no idea that this grill was having this kind of issue when I ordered replacement 2 burners to replace ones that had rusted/burned. Well, the replacement burners sat on a shelf until the rest of the burners were pretty well shot and forced me to repair. In the process of trying to remove the burners, I noticed the rear attachment points were rusted and the screws were impossible to remove. So, now the grill is pretty useless, and even if I did repair it, I don;t know if I'd want to seeing all these reports of fires. I think I'll just set it on the curb for the trashman!

[Ben Lupi]

Our Perfect Flame gas grill caught fire on September 9th 2009. I hope there is some reimbersment for this recall. It should be called "Perfect Fire hazard".

[Quan Nguyen]

I have a SLG2006C grill. The burners are supposed to be stainless but they are not. They burned out too fast and also cracked. They also rusted. The manufacturer replaced them and advised me to wipe them with oil. Reading the complaints I will buy a different grill. May be a Weber since it is made in USA.

[Aimee]

My perfect flame gas grill caught fire in July. It was on my deck and my husband was able to pull the propane tank out from the bottom burning the hair off his arms in the process. The fire went out after he got the tank out. I contacted the company and was very pleased with the prompt service from a supervisor UNTIL after I sent in my pictures and received an email from him stating that my parts were on order and it would be $60 for the parts and $29.52 for the shipping!!!!!! This was after I sent pictures of the damaged grill that he asked for. I do not even know how to respond to that email! I would not put another Perfect Flame grill near my house ever.

[Charles Chambers]

Got a (non) perfect flame model SLG2007B for Christmas 2007. I thought the burners looked pretty cheesy from the beginning and before the year was out the burners were failing. No receipt so no help from slowes. I finally decided to pursue the 10 year burner warranty but shipping on the warranty part was twice the price of a universal burner. After looking at the universal's they were too different from the originals on a gas operating device for me to gamble with so I decided to pass on the repair. Now after seeing all the other issues I decided I was just another loser to cheap Chinese junk that Lowes is selling. One more case of "From the Orient, to the land fill"... If there is a good American made grill out there I'll own it soon.

[Mike Whitesell]

My 2006B four-burner grill is now in it's fourth year. Two burners have splits in them and need replacing. This grill catches on fire frequently and freaks me out. I have kept it covered and cleaned it frequently yet it is getting rusty at an alarming rate.

[osvaldo]

hi, i own a slg2008a, i wanted to know where i can find the serial number on it, i tried looking for it but i cant find it. plase help me. i bought it built, do i have to take it apart to figure it out?

thank you

[Randy Wolff]

My SLG2007BN caught fire and was melting down. This unit was so hot you could not get within 10 feet. Something in the gas regulating valve went bad and was allowing excessive fuel flow to the burners.

[Ronald Weitman]

I purchased a three burner Perfect Flame gas grill about two years ago. This is what happened. I was done cooking and I tried to shut it down. My left left knob regulator kept turning and felt as if internal parts melted and my right regulator froze up. I knew this wasn't good and immediately shut off the the gas source. I know without regulating gas flow you might as well put a match right to the tank and turn it on. I read the stories here about grills bursting in flames. Watch out for the regulators that adjust your flame

[Sheena]

We have a SLG2008A purchased in February 2008. Just yesterday the grill caught on fire and was melted the gas hoses. Thankfully my husband was home and was able to turn off the gas while I sprayed water on the gas hose so he could get his hand in there. If I had been home alone I would not have been able to do this and we probably would have had an explosion (with my 3 children nearby)!