Recall: Gas Grills Recalled by Williams-Sonoma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 10, 2000 Release # 00-161

Williams-Sonoma Recall Hotline: (888) 779-5173 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, Williams-Sonoma Inc. Announce Recall of Portable Gas Grills

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Williams-Sonoma Inc., of San Francisco, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 950 portable propane gas grills, called the Suitcase Grill. The grills can be difficult or impossible to turn off and the temperature control can malfunction. This poses fire, burn, and explosion hazards to consumers.

Williams-Sonoma and CPSC have received two reports of consumers being unable to shut off the propane gas flow. No injuries have been reported.

The grill is made of rust-resistant stainless steel and folds like a suitcase, with built-in handles. It measures 23 inches long by 8 inches high. The grill has a 20,000-BTU propane-gas burner with adjustable temperature controls. The control is a black round knob with white writing that reads in part "HIGH, LOW, MED, OFF". A label on the grill reads "Model #15-3597291, READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LIGHTING, and MADE IN CHINA."

Williams-Sonoma stores, in addition to the Williams-Sonoma catalog and web site, sold the grills nationwide from March 2000 through July 2000 for about $200.

Consumers should stop using the grills immediately, and return them to Williams-Sonoma for a full refund and a $50 gift certificate. The firm will reimburse consumers for shipping, and will retrieve the grills from consumers' homes, upon request. For additional information, contact Williams-Sonoma toll free at (888) 779-5173 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Saturday.