What to do when your new grill get’s recalled?   From the Consumer Product Safety Board:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Cooks Outdoor® BBQ Grills

Units: About 5,600

Recalled Grill

Importer: JCPenney Purchasing Corp., of Plano, Texas

Hazard: The drip pan on the grill does not allow for adequate drainage, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 11 reports of fires resulting from inadequate drainage. No injuries reported.

Description: This recall involves Cooks® brand outdoor BBQ grills. The grill has a digital thermometer on the hood, stainless steel top and a global LP regulator. Lot number 780-2176 is printed on the underside of the grill’s stand.

Sold exclusively at: JCPenney stores nationwide and online at www.jcp.com from February 2009 through September 2009 for between $190 and $600.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled grills. To ensure the grills are not useable, consumers should remove the gas regulator and hose assembly. All consumers (whether they purchased the item online or at a JCPenney retail stores) should return the regulator and hose to the Catalog/Customer Service Desk at any JCPenney store for a full refund. Consumers should contact JCPenney for instructions on how to disconnect the gas regulator and hose.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact JCPenney toll-free at (888) 333-6063 anytime of visit the firm’s Web site at www.jcp.com

Conumer Product Safety Site

Best Gift Ever

Last year my wife stuffed my stocking with a BBQ gift that would change my life.   It wasn’t a big box…  it fit in my stocking… and it has really helped every piece of meat I’ve since put on a grill.    It was a Thermapen Meat thermometer and it’s one of those cooking tools that works so well (other instant read thermometers always seem so unpredictable) I enjoy using it and have grown confident with the readings.    Really, what’s more important than NOT getting your guests sick!

It was a great gift.   She did her homework.  My wife researched that “Cooks Illustrated” had recommended it as a good buy a few years back.  She found a good price too.     It was such a great idea for a gift I compiled a sort of “best of” list of the coolest BBQ presents out there for Grilling Gift Giving.

Best Of Breed:

You just can’t beat the Thermapen Instant Read Thermometer from Thermoworks. Other thermometers may be OK.. but this one is super fast, accurate,  easy, and Amazon has it at a great price.  Fits great in a big stocking.

Some Packages Have Free Shipping

Let Them Eat Steak:

Second on the list is one that can work for long distance gifting.  In fact, they specialize in shipping premium food for   the Holidays.  I’ve been seeing an

Omaha Steaks deal for their Omaha Steaks Signature Sampler that looks like a steal.   Steaks, burgers and stuffed baked potatoes.    Any griller would want it, it made my mouth water thinking about it, and under $45 bucks.   Looks like a delicious steal to us.

Tool Chest:

If you want something inexpensive but kinda flashy for the pitmaster on your list an easy choice is a Grill Tools kit.   These range from simple to super deluxe but they always are appreciated because you could always use another set to keep grill side!  Some favorites for price are in our BBQ Shop like the “Mr BBQ” 5 piece stainless steel starting at under $25.  You can go higher end too with the Cuisinart 6-Piece Master Grill Tool Set.

Tie One On:

Lastly if you have a sense of humor you can’t go wrong with a funny apron.    Soon to be the ugly sweater of Christmas gift giving, it’s fun and always gets a laugh as he opens the gift.  Go with funny (your opinion wasn’t in my recipe!)… or Mario Batali’s professional grade… or theme the apron with sports (Red Sox fan?).   You can pick them up for less than $17.

Great gifts that can be put to quick use during time off with family and friends.  And we don’t get any real endorsement  fees for bragging about this stuff  however – full disclosure – if you do buy through our links and Amazon we receive a small commission (as with all the great stuff in our BBQ Shop).

Merry Christmas!