Platinum Brunswick other grills or stoves

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. No one hurt

   Made May 30, 2023 · , sent to the company Jul 6, 2023 · , published by CPSC Jul 20, 2023

   The product, in the report: Smoker grill

   This consumer has owned a Pitt Boss Platinum Brunswick Wood Pellet Vertical Smoker (smoker) since December 14, 2021. It has been used an estimated 12-15 times since purchase. On two of these uses, the smoker had a serious “burn back” (described below), which resulted in an unreasonable risk of injury to the consumer and damage to personal property. Additionally, throughout the approximate 1.5-year ownership period, there have been repeated structural and mechanical issues. All mechanical and safety issues were promptly reported to the company via the company’s customer service group. In general, the company was responsive to the mechanical issues, providing advice and numerous replacement parts (including controller board, ignitor, temperature probes, and more). An estimated 20-30 hours of labor were required by the consumer to replace parts and make needed repairs (including a malfunctioning door latch and seal). The company was not however, particularly helpful in dealing with the burn-back fire issues (discussed below). Frustrated with the scope, frequency, and severity of problems, the consumer attempted to return the smoker to Walmart (where it was purchased). The return was denied as it was beyond the designated 3 (6?) month return period. The smoker is fueled by wood pellets, which are stored in a large hopper located on the back of the smoker. The pellets are transported internally via a metal auger. It feeds a small fire chamber where the pellets are ignited producing heat and smoke. The burn back hazard is caused when the wood pellets contained inside the auger become so hot they smolder and eventually combust. In a matter of minutes, the fire can back up the auger into the storage hopper causing a serious fire risk. The consumer was able to extinguish the two fires experienced by: removing the pellets in the hopper (which is very difficult and dangerous while burning), unplugging the internal cooling fan (which was making the fire worse), and cutting off all other outside air sources. The consumer was not injured in either incident, nor was personal property significantly damaged. However, this outcome was only due to the fact the consumer was still near the smoker when both fires stared and able to responded quickly to remove fuel and air supply.

   The consumer has followed all stated maintenance and operational guidelines found in company manual/guides, on line, and from customer service representatives. The smoker was thoroughly cleaned after each use, the wood pellets were sifted to remove excessive “dust” (which can clog the auger), and all start-up and shut-down procedures were carefully followed. During the most recent call with company representatives (5/29/23), it was also suggested that “ ... perhaps the consumer(I) just needed to invest in a better more expensive smoker.” (The initial cost of this smoker was $579. 79.) The burn back hazard with this smoker appears to be pervasive. The consumer conducted a very brief search of the Pitt Boss internet forum (key words auger fire, back fire) and found 8 posts in the recent past on similar problems. Some posts indicated serious outcomes. The consumer strongly encourages CPSC investigators to review this and other pertinent information (included past recorded calls between the consumer and Pitt Boss representatives).

   The consumer was told by Pitt Boss customer service staff (5/29/23) that the Platinum Brunswick smoker is still being sold, and that it is not under any type recall. The consumer believes this smoker unit is poorly designed and manufactured as evidenced by the numerous failures experienced. More importantly, the consumer believes this smoker represents a very real, ongoing, and unreasonable risk of injury and damage to property.

   Model

   PBV5PL

   Serial number

   PG105772106486

   Bought from

   received as a gift

   Bought

   Dec 1, 2021, about then

   Where

   Murray, Kentucky: Home/Apartment/Condominium

   Who was involved

   Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Unspecified

   As this report names them

   Brand Platinum Brunswick, made or sold by Dansons US LLC

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Incident, No Injury

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources