CHAR-BROIL and PATIO KITCHEN brand LP gas grills
CPSC Recall #88-021 — April 11, 1988
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 88-021 |
| Recall Date | April 11, 1988 |
| Remedy Type | New Instructions, Repair |
Product
CHAR-BROIL and PATIO KITCHEN brand LP gas grills
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, W.C. Bradley Enterprises, Columbus, Georgia, today issued a safety alert for approximately 1.8 million LP gas grills manufactured from 1983 through 1985 under the CHAR-BROIL and PATIO KITCHEN labels.The Commission and W.C. Bradley are aware of 330 reports of loosening of the connection of the gas hose to the gas valve. This could result in gas leaking and possibly igniting. Neither the Commission nor W.C. Bradley is aware of any injuries or extensive property damage involving these grills.These gas grills did not have the hose and regulator pre-assembled to the valve. As part of the assembly of the grill, the consumer had to connect the hose to the valve. The owner's manual did not include instructions specifying the use of a wrench to tighten this connection.Consumers should use a wrench to make certain that the connection between the hose and valve is tight. While facing the front of the grill, turn the wrench in a counterclockwise direction. Then, check for leaks following the procedures described in the owner's manual.Consumers with questions should call W.C. Bradley toll-free at 1-800-241-7548.To report unsafe consumer products or to receive safety information, call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at (800) 638-8270.
Hazard
There have been 330 reports of loosening of the connection of the gas hose to the gas valve. This could result in gas leaking and possibly igniting. The owner's manual did not include instructions specifying the use of a wrench to tighten the connection of the gas hose to the gas valve.
Incidents & Injuries
The Commission and W.C. Bradley are aware of 330 reports of loosening of the connection of the gas hose to the gas valve. This could result in gas leaking and possibly igniting.Neither the Commission nor W.C. Bradley is aware of any injuries or extensive property damage involving these grills.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should use a wrench to make certain that the connection between the hose and valve is tight. While facing the front of the grill, turn the wrench in a counterclockwise direction. Then, check for leaks following the procedures described in the owner's manual.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a New Instructions, Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (New Instructions, Repair) at no cost to you.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.