Does the Perfect Flame grill recall go far enough?

[M_Smith]

[IMG]http://simplefeed.consumerreports.org/rsrc/i/1/_/does_the_perfect_flame_grill_recall_go_far_enoug_2 8400967/4.gif?f=3dcb3160-01dc-11dc-32a2-0019bbc55f7f&s=AewyNia7NTvDvhaDemju5DEsbnVsbCwwLDA *[/IMG] 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 (see photo) 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 told that the general manager would have to call us back. We're still waiting.
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.

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
  

Subscribe now!
Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences

[Unregistered]

I also own a perfect flame grill model number SLG2006C our burners are rusted and We have had problems with it igniting as it shoots up flames when it ignites. Once almost burning my youngest daughter. We are no longer using it for fear now that it will catch fire. We bought a different grill and have been using the new one instead.