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….
I had the same issue. Called today 4/2/2010 and they sent me the parts at no charge even after having the grill for nearly 3 years.
Same issue with the TEC burner. Purchased 2 years ago. Heats up for awhile and then whoosh, flame-out and loud whistling sound, etc. Called customer service 1-800-241-7548 and they are sending me a new burner box, brackets, etc. free of charge. I have had great customer service experience with Char-Broil.
Purchased the 4-burner TEC in June 2007. Both TEC burners failed (screws) in July 2008. Char-Broil sent 2 new burners (shipping included), which were installed in August 2008. Now (April 2010) those two burners have failed in exactly the same way. Reported to Char-Broil and they are sending another 2 TEC burners with alignment brackets and clips. I voiced concern that the same thing was just going to happen again, which would be unacceptable, and I thought anyone reading this would be interested in their response:
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Thank you for contacting Char-Broil.
While the burners and clips will ship due to being restock we do not recommend installing the new pieces until the new alignment brackets come in. The replacement of all three of these parts at the same time is recommended in order to prevent this occurrence from happening again. The primary cause of the Screws braking on the TEC burners is due to miss alignment of the air flow control which can cause the burner to shake and cause stress on the screws and over time causing them to fail. Please ensure that the alignment brackets are positioned correctly before use to reduce the effects of this on the burners.
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My impression has always been that the screws fail from the heat, not ‘burner shake’, so I’m not certain I fully believe this explanation. I’ll give them one more chance, but given full documentation of my troubles over the past 3 years, if this doesn’t work, I will be asking for compensation.
Glad I found this info here! I got this grill from my sister, and just recently fired it up. Had the whoosh on the TEC side of the grill. I will be calling the CS line tomorrow. Luckily my sister kept all recipts and info on the grill.
Thank you for providing a forum about these grills. I have had the same problems with my Char-Broil TEC grill as mentioned in this story and in “Steve’s Story.” Two weeks ago, flames engulfed my grill (briefly) and the next day I found this blog. Then I checked the grease tray and found 10 of the bolts that had popped off. I contacted Char-Broil, who immediately offered to send me new burners. My contention is that the same problem is going to happen again with the new burners. These grills need to be recalled. They are a fire and safety hazzard! I recomend that everyone who has had problemds with these grills contact the Consumer Product Safety Division at (800)638-2772 to initiate a claim. Maybe then a safety recall could begin. Also, contact the CEO of Char-Broil at charbroilceo@charbroil.com.
I’m one of the idiots who thought that a product should last for more than one use. I also bought a Char-broil grill in May ’07. I went all out and bought the one with the 2 TEC burners, 2 reg burners, rotisserie burner and side burner. Spent a THOUSAND dollars. Worked great for ONE season in ’07. Following year came out ready to grill and the ignitor didn’t work. Lit it with a match and the TEC burner had that explosion sound. When i checked I saw all the screw heads sitting inside the grill all broken off, i expect from the heat. I had 6 steaks all seasoned and ready to grill and no THOUSAND dollar grill. That grill has been sitting covered up on my deck in the same spot from the end of summer ’07 until now. i just got off the phone with customer service who is sending me replacement TEC burners but said i have to spend $50 to replace ignition set because warranty expired. Now my feeling is after spending a THOUSAND dollars, i shouldn’t have to spend another dime after one season’s use to fix ANYTHING. There are too many people with too many issues on this grill. This isn’t an isolated issue. There should have been a recall or full refunds. Neither were issued because they already got everyone’s money.
My recommendation to anyone looking to buy a grill. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING MADE BY CHAR-BROIL. they should know that they got enough people’s $ and shouldn’t get anymore. I found out that another well known and respected grill company, Brinkman was taken over. I believe they were in TX and made very good grills. Charbroil took them over and there have been problems since because of the cheapness of the grill. Google them and see. If it’s the old Brinkmann, I think those are okay. If it’s “new and updated’ Brinkman by Charbroil, then there are enough articles commenting on their inferior make.
DON’T BY ANYTHING CHAR-BROIL AND TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW. COPY AND SEND TO YOU ENTIRE EMAIL ADDRESS BOOK AND TELL THEM TO PASS IT ON.
As far as I’m concerned they will never make another dime from me and they shouldn’t from anyone else.
UPDATED…I just filed a complaint with the Consumer Product Safety Division (see above), the email address for Charbroil CEO (see above) & Better Business Bureau. Sending my vent to my entire address book next.
I bought my grill July 2007 but not a frequent user. Went to grill last week and same problem as previously reported. Called Char-broil (thanks for posting the info) and after initial run-around about my receipt I couldn’t find, replacement burner, clips and bracket were ordered. While searching for info about installation I came across comments about the melted screws making it difficult to do the install. Today I removed the old TEC burner. Simple since no screws were holding it in. However, the 2 back screws were broken and remaining stub melted to the bracket.
Talked to Char-Broil. Drill them out they say. So, after a few hours finally I have one out. The other stub fell off during my drilling but left a small piece blocking the entire hole. Neither my dremel or drill, and newly purchased bits will budge the thing. Char-Broil says those screws are only protection for moving the grill and not really necessary???I’m not that tool savy. Any suggestions on a bit that will remove the rest of that darn screw? Yeah, the bracket comes attached to the fire bowl. No way to just replace the bracket.
Removing the TEC revealed that the sparker clip that held the sparker to the burner is, you guessed it, melted to the burner. Char-Broil says they are sending a new ignition kit.
Grilling brother-in-law arrives in 2 weeks.
I, like everyone else who bought this piece of junk,believe that we all need to get together and file a class action lawsuit against Charbroil to force them to recall this clearly defective product. What they are doing is dragging this out to make us temporarily happy until they get past the warranty period.Whatever happened to doing the “right” thing!!!
I had the same issue and quit using the TEC burner last year.
I didn’t want to know how long the fix would hold up and didn’t use that “feature” much anyway, so when I needed to replace one of the other burners, I noted that the setup is the same for all three locations, purchased an extra burner, removed the TEC unit, spring clips and adapter at the gas line, then dropped a standard burner and “flame tamer” shield in its place.
Now I have something I can actually use.
Same issue, after 1 season had minor explosion and loud whistling – checked the burners and found more than 50% screws broken or missing. Called Charbroil they are shipping two new burners (claim they are re-designed) for free and they will pay shipping. Did not challenge me over warranty and did not press me for a purchase date.
There is something about using the word ‘explosion’ and gas grills in the same sentence that has a chilling effect!
I have a four burner Charbroil TEC grill that is over two years old. I had read about the popping screws problem, so watched it carefully. Last season a couple of the screws did break. I just ordered some good screws from McMaster Carr, and replaced them all, not a big job at all. Took me about an hour to remove the burners, replace all the screws, and put them back.
I love the infra red burners, and do NOT like the normal ones. I cannot use them without flames and flareups, no matter what I do. Now I only use the TEC burners, and if I could find old TEC burners somewhere I would replace the standard ones and have a 4 burner TEC grill. Anyone have a couple of take outs sitting around they would sell me?
The TEC burners are GREAT for me, but wise to watch the screws, and replace as necessary. Why go to all the trouble of trying to get Charbroil to send out new burners, when all it takes to repair them is a few dollars worth of screws and nuts?
Are you a Charbroil plant?
I am having the same problem The tec burner blows up and then it sounds like the gas is escaping. It is very scary when you here the Big POOF You think the grill is going to blow up and then the hissing of the gas
OMG, I almost burned my face off today!
What a POS! 6 months after I paid a thousand dollars on this grill, the TEC burners failed, which CB replaced after waiting 3 month. It has been a year and a half since I replaced them, started the grill today to cook hamburgers, closed the grill to let it warm up. As fate will have it, the burners flamed out, hit the ignition and had my eyebrows and mustasche nearly burned off.
Anyone had sucess getting rid of this POS? Calling CB tomorrow, will advise.
I bought my 4 burner TEC in 2007 and had to replace the TEC burners after 1 year. Now 18 months later I need new burners again! Sign me up for a class action lawsuit.
Called today, am getting 2 more TEC and 2 regular burners replaced, no charge with free shipping. Probably should have asked for a new cover too.
Guess I’ll go buy another box of band-aides.
She claims the problem is solved, but I doubt it.
I also bought a Charbroil tec and have the same problem with the burners and to get to 400 degree you have to turn all the burners on wide open and if their is a wind no way will it heat up. This is last time I buy a piece of junk from Char Broil or Lowes. My last BBQ was a Tec and it worked great with everyday BBQing for 12 years just got rid of it because the body was falling apart. Yes we need to do a class action on Char Broil and their junk
Lowes is doing full refunds on these grills. Take it back to Lowes ASAP, if you haven’t already, and put the refund towards a Weber. With the return, my Genesis 330 cost me $50 at Lowes.
I attempted to get a refund form Lowe’s and they refused.
I had the same problem as everyone else has described. I just stopped using the infrared after the explosion and whoosing sound. Started up the grill last weekend left it to warm up and noticed it was flaming really bad. Went out to see what was going on and the gas line had caught fire from the burners to the propane tank. I am with everyone else on this, sign me up for the class action lawsuit.
Here it is 2011, and you would think I would have learned after the first replacement burner failed. First one lasted 16 months. Told by CB that they fixed the screw issue. They did…the 2nd lasted 18 months. The third lasted a whopping 11 months. I am now getting the run around, with supervisors not calling back. I am told by the service rep that they are so busy….go figure. Needless to say, the new Weber on my deck is going strong, and cooks better than the TEC ever did.
I bought this grill a few years ago after doing a lot of research. I was immediately disappointed in the TEC burner. It would not get as hot as it was supposed to. I contacted Charbroil and after several back and forth emails was told they would replace it, but I would have to pay shipping.
I was VERY unhappy to be told I would have to pay shipping, not knowing whether the new one would work any better or not.
Shortly after that, I started finding broken screws in my drip pan. I completely stopped using the TEC burner. finally after a couple of years of not using 1/3 of my grill for many months Charbroil replaced the burner and it didn’t last as long as the first one. I have a third burner on my kitchen table, but I’ve been thinking of replacing the TEC with something I can actually use, like a regular burner.
Another problem I have is all of the knobs have corroded and the chrome is bubbling up and peeling off. This grill has been babied, cleaned and covered since day 1. I love the stainless steel body but the TEC and the knobs peeling have left me with a bad taste in my mouth for Char-broil grills.
I’m having the same problem as everyone else here. I saw some reports that Lowe’s was taking the grills back for a refund even after 4 years but in my case, that did not work. The manager at the Lowe’s where I bought the grill offered to scrounge around in his backroom and would offer me any spare parts he could find (in other words, “go away kid, you bother me”). My only option now is to get a replacement burner from Char-Broil but if those replacement burners are failing like the original ones did, that is only a temporary solution and not acceptable. After paying $600+ for this grill and only getting 3 summers of use out of it, I’m pretty aggravated. I might just scrap the whole thing and buy a Non-CharBroil grill and then let CharBroil know that they dropped the ball on this one.
Just got off the phone with CB. They are sending me another set of replacement burner assemblies under warranty. This is going to be the third set in this grill. I asked them what happens when the warranty expires. They told me that they are still working on the problem and that until it is solved they will replace the burner assemblies even after the warranty expires. Yeah, its a hassle, but I guess it is better than being told to take a hike. If I was CB and wanted to do right by the customer I would offer them a replacement CB grill. If they ever refuse to send me free replacement parts, I will toss the CB and looked for a used Ducane, Weber, or some other brand. Then I will let everyone who is willing to listen know about my experiences with CB.
March 18th 2012, I have the two tec burner two regular burner grill and i’m on my third set of burners. Charbroil customer service has been very helpful, but it does get annoying replacing parts every year and a half. I would still buy from Charbroil, because of customer service. I was told they would continue to back the burners as long as I own my grill.
I purchased my CharBroil Tec Grill a couple years ago, and it worked fine until two months ago; while grilling some steaks I heard this slight explosion type noice, and I rushed to my patio to hearing this high pressure, surging noise coming from my grill. I immediately shut it off, checked things over and tried it over; another blast noise/action happened, followed by the rushing sound. I called Char Broil and after checking my registration info they advised me that “a burner was clogged/blocked and to disassemble same and clean”. In inspection, I found most of the screw heads found laying on the infra red burners, and there was really nothing to clean. In calling back I explained what I had found and they apologized and would send me new burners and glass if I paid approx nine dollars in shipping fees. I paid, and now I have received three tube burners. I’ve never used the rotis side and this what I get. In reading some of the comments, I believe that CharBroil erred–I’ll find out tomorrow via phone and let all know.
I think some clarity needs to be made here. Many reviewer are posting these are TEC grills, these are not, they are Charbroil grill made in China out of cheap 403 or other cheap steal with TEC technology burners. These TEC burner that come with the Charbroil grills are not the same material that come in a genuine USA made TEC grill. All TEC grills are 304 Stainless steel including the burners.
I just wanted this to be clear because if anyone is interested in TEC grills the article and posts are not TEC grills, they are cheap Charbroil with TEC licences burners.
add my name to the list for the burner screws. ours did it at about 18 months. i found the problem on my own, did think to google it. i repaired mine using stainless hardware i got at a local bolt supply. it has worked fine ever since. i havent checked them in a while. each time i have looked they have all been intact. it cost me about 11 bux for the stainless bolts and nuts. however, i have had to diff fire issues in the grease tray. i keep it pretty clean but it still has happened twice. the fires have melted the teflon slides on the right(over the regular burners) and makes the tray stick closed. the knobs are also corroded as another mentioned. disappointed with the overall quality especially considering the price tag! not sure i would buy another product of theirs…
I called the 888 number that was listed above and the customer service rep. knew exactly what I was talking about when I said that the TEC burner had failed. She ordered my parts free of charge (I had to pay shipping).
Awesome customer service.
I called today about this very issue today. The warranty period on my grill has expired – not sure if that is restricted to my grill or if it is in general – but because they had a recall (direct quote from the rep who helped me), they offered to replace them for free. I had to pay for shipping and handling like others.
I was having the same problem with my 463268307 grill. I checked to see if there were any screws left on the burner, and they were all missing. I filed a Support Case through their website using this article as a reference. They had me call their Grill Service Center support line, and after speaking with a representative for about 10 minutes, they are sending me a new burner for the price of S&H ($8.95). I am very excited and their customer service is excellent. Thank you for this article. Best of luck to others with the same problem.
Bought the 3 burner infrared (RED) grill. It’s about 2 years old. Do NOT buy these grills. The drip pan (they call it the trough) rusted out and to replace it costs $39.99 plus freight. As with all their grills the auto lite stopped working after about 6 months. Cheap grills. I’m going back to my old Weber.
I purchased a $700 Char-Broil TEC infrared grill from Lowes and the infrared burner screws broke apart and were found in the bottom of the grill.
The reason I noticed it was because the infrared burner was making a popping sound, as if the flame was shutting down and relighting.
I was concerned of the possibility of an explosion so I shut down the grill and called Char-Broil.
They didn’t seem concerned but assured me that they would correct the problem.
I gave the model and seriel number but they wanted an actual picture of the seriel number mailed to customer service.
I did as requested and they notified me that my picture of the seriel number was received.
I called customer service and they informed me that will replace the entire infrared burner, but at a cost of $129.00.
I refused the offer and informed them that I will throw the grill in the trash and will never buy a Char-Broil product again.
I highly recommed that anyone interested in purchasing a bar-b-que grill stay away from Char-Broil grills as they seem to be built with inferior parts that deteriorate and may be a risk to personnal safety.
There should be a recall of these grills since they may be hazardous to your health and safety.
Thank you,
Noel
Don’t buy any Char-Broil grills!!!
They are built with inferior parts and when the parts deteriorate, Char-Broil will not replace them.
I bought a $700 TEC grill from Lowes and the infrared burner came apart when the screws were found at the bottom if the grill.
Char Broil wanted to charge me $129.00 to replace the burner.
I threw the grill in the trash and will replace it with a Webber.
These TEC grills are dangerous and should be recalled as a safety issue.