Grillmaster gas grills with side burners

CPSC Recall #99-016 - November 4, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number99-016
Recall DateNovember 4, 1998
Remedy TypeNew Instructions, Repair
Units AffectedApproximately 80,000
ManufacturerSunbeam Products Inc., of Neosho Mo.

Where It Was Sold

Mass merchandise stores
such as Bradlees
Caldor
the Home Depot
Service Merchandise and Wal-Mart sold the grills nationwide from 1996 through July 1998 for about $200 to $250.

Product

Grillmaster gas grills with side burners

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sunbeam Products Inc., of Neosho Mo., is recalling for repair approximately 80,000 Grillmaster gas grills with side burners. The side burner's propane gas hose can twist up toward the aluminum casting of the grill, causing overheating and melting of the hose. Gas leakage or a fire could result from the hose damage. Sunbeam Products received one complaint from a consumer who requested a replacement hose due to damage caused from the heat of the grill casting. There have been no reports of injuries associated with these grills. The recalled grills are black and have a side burner for cooking, similar to a gas-range stove top. The model numbers of the grills are: 56GR8, 560R8, 562D1, 562D9, GC548517, GG546517, GS544417, GS544717, GS546517, GG546537 and GG547517. The complete model numbers can be found on the identification label on the back of the grill, and on the assembly instructions and parts list. The word, "GRILLMASTER" is written on the front of these grills. Mass merchandise stores, such as Bradlees, Caldor, the Home Depot, Service Merchandise and Wal-Mart sold the grills nationwide from 1996 through July 1998 for about $200 to $250. Consumers should stop using the recalled grills immediately and call Sunbeam toll-free at (800) 200-2300 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, to receive a free retrofit kit. The retrofit kit contains a wire bracket guard and instructions for easy installation that will correctly position the side burner's propane gas hose. In March 1998, Sunbeam Products recalled grills with model numbers GG 461 EPB, GG 560 EPB, HG 560 EPB and GG 560 EPBS because of a similar hose placement hazard.

Hazard

The side burner's propane gas hose can twist up toward the aluminum casting of the grill, causing overheating and melting of the hose. Gas leakage or a fire could result from the hose damage.

Incidents & Injuries

Sunbeam Products received one complaint from a consumer who requested a replacement hose due to damage caused from the heat of the grill casting. There have been no reports of injuries associated with these grills.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled grills immediately and call Sunbeam toll-free at (800) 200-2300 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, to receive a free retrofit kit. The retrofit kit contains a wire bracket guard and instructions for easy installation that will correctly position the side burner's propane gas hose.

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.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident, they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

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.