MEDIA RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Char-Broil vertical gas smokers

Units: About 18,450

Importer: Char-Broil LLC, of Columbus, Ga.

Manufacturer: Ningbo Spring Communications of China

Hazard: When the temperature setting is in “low,” the smoker’s hose/valve/regulator (HVR) assembly does not allow sufficient gas to flow, causing the flame to extinguish. Gas continues to flow and build up inside the smoker. If the smoker is reignited the build-up of propane gas can cause an explosion that bursts the smoker’s door open, posing an injury hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The company has received five reports of doors bursting open and hitting consumers. Injuries reported include burns to face and head, head concussion and cuts.

Description: This recall involves the Char-Broil vertical gas smokers with model number 07701413. The model number is printed on a metal tag located on the right rear leg of the smoker. The smoker measures 21.5″ x 19.5″ x 45.5″ and weighs 75 pounds. A “G” inside a triangle is printed on the regulator (see photo).

Sold at: Walmart and various other retailers nationwide from March 2008 through June 2010 for about $140.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled smokers and contact Char-Broil for a free replacement hose/valve/regulator assembly and installation instructions.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Char-Broil toll-free at (866) 671-7988 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.charbroil.com

Regulator with a "G"

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx