Char-Broil/TEC burner problems
Last February I commented on the new Char-Broil gas grills on the market with the TEC infrared burner inside. In March I reviewed the Four Burner and Three Burner versions of these grills. While I remarked that much about these grills seemed good (TEC burners, 304 stainless steel construction, etc.) I believed that only time would tell if these grills were built to last. Well it appears that they are not. Word has started to spread over the internet (read Steve's Story) of broken screws inside the TEC burner.
If you look at the picture to the right you will see the inside of the TEC burner. The holes running down the side are where the screws that hold the burner together used to be. These screws are sheering off and popping right out of the burner. Char-Broil has changed their story from "this is normal" to "we can send you a replacement burner" (you pay shipping and handling). Now it appears that Lowe's has been authorized to take back defective grills for full refunds.
WARNING: If you own the Char-Broil/TEC grill you need to remove the cooking grate and glass plate from the burner (gas turned off) and inspect the screws inside this burner. If any of these screws are broken or missing you need to contact Char-Broil immediately. Call 1-888-430-7870 for assistance. While there is currently no recall or safety alert regarding this grill there is clearly something wrong. Char-Broil is supplying replacement screws and newly designed burners. I fully encourage you to be safe and make sure you Char-Broil/TEC grill is safe to operate.
Comments
I had the same problem with my grill. The second time I used it in July I heard an explosion followed by whistling and humming sounds from the infrared burner. I shut everything down and called Charbroil.They said they never herd of this problem and thought the explosion was the sound of the flame going out. The next day I tried the grill again and heard the same sounds again. I called Lowe’s and told them of the problem and they replaced it since I had it for less than 30 days. I have not had an explosion sound yet with the replacement grill but after reading this story I checked my grill and have found that the screws and hex heads are very worn from the intense heat. I am now concerned that these screws will pop off. I am going to call Charbroil and ask for a complete refund.
All current owners of the Char-Broil TEC Series grills should inspect those screws BEFORE they open that gas valve or push that ignitor button EVERYTIME.It is a simple check to make,look in the grease tray for nuts and bolts,none should be in there.Lift off the grate and the tempered glass and check the heads to see if any are missing or move when pushed.Many more pictures of what to look for can be seen by following the link to “steve’s story” in Derrick’s column.
I was one of the bloggers who recieved this grill for review. While I haven’t had this problem with mine, I did ask Charbroil for response. This is what they sent me…
“Char-Broil has seen the messages posted on this and other forums regarding failing fasteners used in manufacturing of a limited number our TEC burners. We regret that a few TEC by Char-Broil Series owners have experienced burner performance issues.
Char-Broil wants to assure all TEC Series customers that we will take care of their individual issues and assist them in replacing the complete infra red burner assembly in their grill.
Char-Broil encourages TEC Series owners who have encountered a problem with the fasteners to call 1-888-430-7870 to receive a new TEC stainless steel burner assembly from Char-Broil.
Our TEC Consumer Services line will be open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST. One of our customer service agents will be happy to assist you and a warranty service kit will be shipped out at no charge via priority 2nd day air shipping.
We stand behind the safety and performance of our products and make it a priority to respond to our consumer’s needs and concerns.”
Although I have not had this problem with my TEC grill I have had other issues and CB recently refunded my money after I opened a case with the BBB. My grill temperature went up around 700 degrees and the grease tray starting melting and there is a plastic track in the tray (that is what CB told me) and it actual started to melt and it melted my grease tray shut and I had to use a fire extinguiser to put out the flames. At first CB tried to blame this on a grease fire and after explaining to them that I had just emptied and cleaned the tray 2 days before that this was not the case and they finally agreed that something else caused the melting.I had to contact their corporate office’s CS since their regular CS could not help me and just wanted to send me new parts. Just wanted to give everyone a heads up.
I had the exact same problem with my Tec grill. Thd explosion followed by the whistling sound. I called Lowes and they said they would not fis it but to call Char Broil. Char Broil immediately acknowldged the problem and sent me a whole new burner system. I will replace the burner today and see if I have any further problems. I might have to check into the return option if this fails again. Otherwise I have found it a nice grill to use.
I had the same problem. The customer support folks were easy to deal with. Problem is, they sent me a new TEC burner glass - not the burner which fixes nothing.
Yay Internet! I had this EXACT problem when I fired up my grill this season. I loved that grill for the few short months I used it, so I’m glad to get some advice on what to do now. Now we just need to see if the replacement burners fix the problem… Thank you About.com
I have the one with two TEC burners and two regular burners. I had the explosion followed by the sound and when looking found nothing wrong. It kept happening on both TEC burners. I took it apart today and all the screws are broken on both burners. What is sad is that the grill may have been used a dozen times at most. I like the TEC but……
I bought by 4 Burner TEC in November of 07, after they were pulled from Lowe’s store shelves and supposedly replaced with non-defective units. I’ve had 7 of the bolts rust and fall out of the burner so far Char-broil support was very helpful and is sending me out two replacement burners , but I just wanted to let folks know in case they like me thought the problem was resolved.
Same deal here Larry… took the three burner I bought in March of 2007 back and exchanged it for a 4 burner on 11/28/2007. I heard the tell-tale thud of screws falling into my grease tray today.
Charbroil is sending replacement burners, but I am concerned that I got a grill with the “updated” burners, but it still had the problem. The rep I talked to could not answer my question about a change-over date or serial number.
I guess it’s not in their best interest for me to make an informed decision on if I want to take this grill back too…
Heath
I had a friend buy a 4 burner Charbroil TEC grill for me in the US and put it in his shipment when he was relocating to Singapore. Can’t tell you how dissapointing a purchse this has been having owned a real TEC - 6 months into using it the TEC units backfired/exploded. I had the local Singapore rep have a look and he thought the grill was 10 years old and doesnt know what to do with it. The TEC burner units are completely rusted and the bolting is missing per similar stories above. Question now is how do I get the burners replaced…….any thoughts
Asked a freind of mine to purchase the 4 burner version 12 months ago in the US and take it to Singapore for me when he was relocating. 6 motnhs into its use the TEC burners backfired/hissed and the bolts have gone. Local rep had a look and thought the grill was 10 yesrs old and the burners are all rusted and totoaly destroyed. Having owned a real TEC this is a dissapointment to say the least. Any thoughts out there as to how I get replacment parts ?
My grill did the same thing, ordered parts which were free, but then sent all the wrong parts!!!! Had to Pay $10 ship
They should step up and recall these grills, never never again….