Char-Broil Grill Ignitors

Columbus, Georgia-based Char-Broil offers 29 models of gas grills, including portable and commercial grade appliances. It also manufactures charcoal, electric and infrared grills. Other products include smokers, fryers, outdoor fireplaces and accessories.

Corporate History

The maker of Char-Broil grills, W.C. Bradley Co., was founded in 1887 as a cotton factoring enterprise that went on to manufacture fertilizers, operate a wholesale grocery business and become involved in banking. The first Char-Broil grill was produced in 1949 when backyard barbecuing became popular following the return of servicemen from the World War II. The privately held company created its Home Leisure Group in 2002, which included a number of outdoor recreation product manufacturers that W.C. Bradley Co. had acquired over the years. In 2004, the company announced it was moving its BBQ manufacturing to China where the appliances could be made for 25 percent less.

Special Features

Some Char-Broil gas grills come with rust-resistant porcelain steel tops, griddles, side burners, temperature gauges, and push-button or electronic ignition. Accessories include natural gas conversion kits, grill covers, and grill maintenance and restoration kits.

Safety Issues With Ignitors And Gas Grills

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission makes the following recommendations for all gas grill users:

• To avoid explosions, make sure the spark ignitor is consistently generating a spark to create a flame and burn the gas. If you can't see the flame, the heavier-than-air propane gas may be escaping and could explode.
• Grill hoses should be checked regularly for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks.
• Hot surfaces and dripping grease can cause damage to hoses, so make sure these are out of the way.
• All flammable liquids, including your spare gas container, should be stored away from the grill.