Fires and burns prompt recall of 665,000 Perfect Flame grills sold at Lowe's

After reports of fires and some injuries, Perfect Flame has recalled its SLG series of grills -- totaling 665,000 grills sold at Lowe’s retail outlets nationwide over the past four years. Perfect Flame has received about 40 reports of fires from the burners deteriorating and about 23 reports of the lids catching fire. The company is aware of one report of an eye injury requiring surgery and 21 incidents of minor burns to the hands, arms or face.

After writing about these grills in August 2008, we have been hearing from readers about their problems with Perfect Flame grills and have taken our concerns to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Today we'd like to get the word out on the recall but we'll be weighing in with more information in the coming days.

This recall includes 10 model numbers with the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 in the model number. (See the recall notice for the full list.) According to the notice, the burners can deteriorate causing irregular flames and the lids of some models can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to the consumer.

The CPSC is advising owners to stop using the grills. Perfect Flame is offering owners replacement lids and/or burners, depending on the model. Grill owners should contact the company at (888) 840-9590  or visit www.lowes.com for more information.

Based on the comments from our readers who have had a variety of good and bad experiences trying to get their damaged grills replaced, we'll be interested to see how the company handles this recall.

Comments

[Steve]

My Perfect Flame grill caught fire 2 times. I was sure this was the one in the Consumer Reports article. When I called the 888 number I was told that my model 2518SLN wasn't one in the recall. I am supposing it will take a lot more folks burning up before this one gets recalled.

[Joseph]

I know this blog is about the Perfect Flame SLG Series Gas Grills manufactured in China and sold at Lowes. However, I was wondering whether anyone has had any similar problems with the BBQ grillware grills manufactured in China and sold by Lowes. I had a serious problem with mine when then grease trap caught on fire and the interior temperature reached about 800 degrees before I managed to get the gas shut off and raised the lid far enough to pull the steaks off the grill and reduce the source of any more fuel for the grease fire. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt and the deck and house didn't burn down. I no longer will use the grill on my back deck or anywhere near the house.

[BB]

The manufacturer's response to the recall is absurd. The consumer's recourse is to buy new burners to replace the existing, defective burners which caused any number of out of control fires? That's it??!? In my case, the screws that hold the burners have melted or rusted and consequently are impossible to remove...that's even if I wanted to use this grill again which I don't. I've called the Lowe's store where I bought my grill - they refuse to take it back for store credit citing the fact that they can only adhere to the manufacturer's guidance. I've called the manufacturer to tell them that I can't remove my existing burners because the screws have melted. They offered no solution. Why doesn't the recall stipulate that these grills should be returned for a full refund like the first Perfect Flame grill recall?

[Mario]

You can go to Lowes and return the whole grill based on this new info about the defect. I just replaced all burner tubes and spent over $100.00 about a year ago. Not worth it!!! just return the damn thing and get a Weber next time. Good luck!

Mario

[Chris]

I have a Perfect Flame Grill, I can not replace the burner tubes, because the screws are rusted and I tried to remove them and they are rusted through also I was wondering where I can get the model # on the grill.