Preventing and stopping grease fires on your grill
How to light your grill manually
When your gas grill makes a humming sound
Preventing and stopping grease fires
Preventing low flames on your gas grill
Incorrect Burner Issue
- From what store did you purchase your grill?
You must have purchased your grill from Mills Fleet Farm to be effected by this burner issue. - What is the model number of your grill?
The issue with the burner only applies to model number 463720108 with serial numbers from 000001 to 000402. No other grill model is affected. Where do I find the model and serial number on my grill?
The model number and the serial number are behind the grill on a white sticker. The red circle indicates the location of the model number and the 6 digit numerical serial number. Please record all 6 digits.- Where were the grills sold?
The grills were sold only at Mills Fleet Farm stores in the following states: Iowa, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. - What do I have to do to order the correct burner?
For faster service, please call our Grill Service Center at 1-866-671-7988, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern Time and talk with one of Grill Service Experts in order to receive a new burner. - If I have been operating my grill with the incorrect burner is the grill damaged?
Most likely not. However, check under the grill to see if there is any evidence of scorched or melted parts. If so, contact our Warranty Center for replacements under the scope of this recall.
Vertical Smoker Recall
Char-Broil® Patio Bistro® Gas Grill Recall Information
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Char-Broil, LLC is voluntarily recalling certain Char-Broil® Gas Patio Bistro® grills. The electronic ignition on the grill can ignite unexpectedly, posing a burn hazard. This can occur if the burner flame goes out and the consumer turns the control knob to “OFF.” When the control knob passes back through the “Ignition” position, the electronic ignition may activate and unexpectedly ignite the propane that has accumulated in the grill. Char-Broil will send you a free repair kit with a replacement ignition module, instructions for disabling the existing ignition switch and installing the new ignition module. The form to order this repair kit is below. The grill models effected by this recall are:
US MODEL NOS: 11601558, 11601558-A1, 12601558, 12601558-A2 and 12601713
CANADIAN MODEL NOS: 11601579, 12601579 and 13601833
Recall Questions & Answers (PDF)
Char-Broil® Patio Bistro® 240 Gas Grill
- U.S. Model Numbers: 11601558, 11601558-A1, 12601558 and 12601558-A2
- Canadian Model Numbers: 11601579 and 12601579
Gas Patio Bistro 240 Recall Kit Installation Instructions
Char-Broil® Patio Bistro® 180 Table Top Gas Grill
- U.S. Model Number: 12601713
- Canadian Model Number: 13601833
Gas Patio Bistro 180 Recall Kit Installation Instructions (PDF)
Toll-Free Consumer Recall Support: 1-866-671-7988
Grilling Guides
Grilling Guides
How to Use Charcoal on the Kettleman™
Direct Grilling

For standard direct cooking, distribute about 50 briquettes evenly. Don’t worry about the gaps. Just be sure to let the cooking grate pre-heat for 5 to 10 minutes to get that perfect sear on steaks, chops, burgers or anything else you want to sizzle.
You can also cook directly by leaving the coals mounded in the middle and positioning your food above the coals.
To make lighting the charcoal easy, use a chimney starter, or you can mound the briquettes into a pyramid-shaped pile. Lighter fluid, fire starters or crumpled paper will all help start the burn.
When the coals are mostly covered in light grey ash it’s time to get cooking.
Indirect Grilling

The Char-Broil Kettleman™ offers you a variety of ways to control the heat for a low and slow burn. The Kettleman™’s fire grate is higher and 20% wider, you can cook a variety of food by surrounding it with a consistent low heat.
For standard indirect cooking, pre-heat about 60 briquettes to cover half the fire grate. Then place your food on the other half of the grill.
You can also arrange about 60 briquettes in a ring around the outside edge. Pre-heat the coal, and then place your food in the middle of the grate.
To get a real low and slow burn, the Kettleman™ has you covered. Arrange about 80 briquettes in a c-shape around the fire grate. Light one end to allow the charcoal to burn like a fuse providing you more than 6 hours of cooking time. After the first few coals turn white, place the cooking grate on the charcoal.
You can even use a pile of charcoal in the middle of the fire grate to achieve indirect heating, as long as you place your food around the outer edge. If you need longer cook time, add a few extra briquettes before placing the cooking grate on.
Why is the breaker tripping on electric smoker
• If your residence was built before 1971, check with a qualified electrician to determine if a Ground Fault Interrupter protector exists.
• Do not use this appliance if the circuit does not have GFI protection.
• Do not plug this appliance into an indoor circuit.
• Do not plug more than one appliance into the outdoor circuit.
The best way to determine if your outdoor circuit has the correct amperes to operate your appliance is to use the information listed on the rating label of your appliance. The label will have the watts and volts listed. To find the amperes use the following formula: Watts divided by Volts = Amperes. For example 330 watts / 120 volts = 2.75 amperes. Check with your local electrician to see if your outdoor circuit has the correct ampere rating to match your appliance.
Can I use an extension cord?
• Use only outdoor type with 3 prong grounding plug.
• Rated for 15 amperes or more
• Approved by UL
• Marked with a W-A and a tag stating “Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliance”.
• Use the shortest length extension cord required. Do not connect 2 or more extension cords together.
• A 12 or 14 gauge extension cord of 50 ft. or less is acceptable.
• Do not use 16 or 18 gauge extension cords. Damage to household wiring and/or fire could result.
• Keep connections dry and off of the ground.
• Do not let cord hang over edge of table top or other items where it can be pulled by children or tripped over.
My GFCI circuit pops when I use my smoker. There’s nothing else plugged into the circuit.
If the GFIC circuit pops, check the following:
• Check if the heating element has a rust spot, hole, etc. where moisture can get inside the heating element and trip the GFCI.
• Check the electrical connection access location on the back of the smoker.
• Check if the gaskets are in place to prevent water intrusion.
• Check if the electrical contacts are free of rust and are not damaged or loose (refer to your Manual, if needed.)
Electric Smoker Won't Turn On
Your smoker is equipped with a thermostat (high limit safety shut off) to give added safety in case of electrical failure within the appliance and could be damaged.
Unplug and reconnect the thermostat by removing the cover plate located on the back of the smoker and try again. If that doesn’t solve this issue the thermostat will need to be replaced. Refer to your Manual, on how to locate and replace the thermostat.
The timer and temperature seems to be working, but the heating element isn’t getting hot.
The door isn’t sealing
LED screen is hard to read and dull
Refer to your manual on how to replace the display screen, if necessary.
What are the SmartChef presets for?
How do I start a cook with the Digital Smoker with SmartChef technology?
Cannot connect with my SmartChef smoker
The DADO button is flashing. You may not have the right app installed. Go to the app store and download or update the Char-Broil app. Launch the app and initiate the configuration mode by pressing the DADO button, which should be flashing.