Federal regulators have issued a product recall for a Chinese-made portable grill that may leak propane. (image: toolsofthechef.com)
Federal regulators have issued a recall alert for more than 4500 O-Grill portable propane grills because the barbecues pose a potential fire hazard, upi.com reports.
The gas appliances are manufactured by Uni-O Industries Corp in China. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said the grills could leak propane and ignite. It said the Chinese firm had received 10 reports of grills catching fire. However, there have been no reports of injuries or property damage, news.consumerreports.org reports.
The recall involves Iroda O-Grill models 1000 and 3000 which were produced before 2010. Some of the affected products were sold under the Tailgate Gear brand.
The commission said both grills were lightweight, portable, clamshell-style propane grills with steel bodies, cast iron cooking surfaces, retractable legs and a handle. They were designed for use with either a one-pound propane cylinder or 20-pound propane tank.
The affected grills were sold nationwide from November 2008 through December 2010 from retailers such as LL Bean, Stoneman, BBQG, Walgreens, REI, Dillards and Dick’s Sporting Goods. They retail for between $149 and $189. The grills come in orange, red, green, blue, silver and black and have the words “O-Grill” stamped on the metal grill cover.
The commission advises consumers in possession of these grills to immediately stop using the appliances and contact Uni-O to receive a free replacement. Consumers can call 888-847-8968 for information.
Grills with ventilation slots in the regulator cover are not subject to the recall.
Propane is a clean-burning natural gas liquid produced domestically in abundance in the US. Though it is flammable, propane is safe to use provided it is used with proper equipment.