Char-Broil Recalls Digital Electric Smokers Due to Risk of Electric Shock

What was recalled

In mid-February 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving a wide range of Char-Broil digital electric smokers. This action was taken to address a serious electrical defect that could potentially lead to injury for consumers who rely on these appliances for outdoor cooking. The recall is not limited to a single model but encompasses several variations of Char-Broil’s popular Digital Electric Smoker line, which were designed and intended strictly for outdoor use to allow users to cook food without the need for charcoal or open flames.

The affected products are characterized by their black and stainless-steel finishes and feature the distinctive "Char-Broil" logo plate on the front of the unit. The specific model numbers included in this recall span multiple configurations, including standard Digital Electric Smokers (Model Nos. 14202002, 17202002, 14202002-A1, and 17202002-A1), versions with windows (Model Nos. 14202004, 17202004, 14202004-A1, and 17202004-A1), black models with windows (Model No. 19202101), Medallion editions (Model No. 463246619), Connected versions (Model Nos. 15202043, 17202043, 15202043-A1, and 17202043-A1), and XL models (UPC 099143020051). Consumers can verify if their unit is affected by checking the product label located on the outside back of the smoker, which displays the model and serial numbers, as well as the UPC codes found on the original packaging.

While the official recall notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold globally, the scope of the issue is underscored by the fact that Char-Broil has received 79 reports of consumers experiencing minor electric shocks from touching these smokers while they were in use. One report even detailed a consumer developing a finger blister as a result of the shock. These appliances were widely available at various retail outlets, and their popularity means that many households may still have one of these recalled units in their garage or patio storage. If you purchased a Char-Broil digital electric smoker recently, it is crucial to identify your specific model number immediately to determine if it falls under this safety alert.

• Brand: Char-Broil
• Hazard Type: Risk of electric shock due to electrical current leakage
• Recall Date: February 15, 2024
• Key Models: Digital Electric Smoker (various UPCs and model numbers listed above)

The hazard, explained

At the core of this recall is a failure in electrical isolation that turns a standard outdoor cooking appliance into a potential source of danger. Char-Broil electric smokers are designed to operate on standard household current, but they contain complex heating elements and digital controls that must be perfectly insulated from the metal chassis and user-accessible parts. In the recalled units, this insulation has failed or was insufficient, allowing electrical current to "leak" out of its intended circuit and onto the exterior surfaces of the smoker. This phenomenon is often referred to as a ground fault. Instead of flowing safely back through the grounding wire inside the power cord, stray voltage finds a path through any conductive material it touches—including the metal body of the smoker and, tragically, the hands or arms of the person using it.

To understand why this is dangerous, it helps to look at how electricity seeks a path to the ground. Normally, your home’s electrical system is designed so that if a fault occurs, the current trips a breaker or blows a fuse, cutting power instantly. However, in many outdoor setups, or when using extension cords common for smokers, this protection may not be immediate or present in the right place. When the smoker’s casing becomes energized, it no longer acts as a passive container for heat; it becomes an active conductor. The reports indicate that consumers experienced shocks simply by touching the unit while it was in use. This suggests that the fault is persistent and directly accessible, meaning the protective barrier between the high-voltage internal components and the user’s skin has been compromised.

The physical sensation of an electric shock varies based on the amount of current and the path it takes through the body. Even low levels of stray voltage can cause involuntary muscle contractions, making it difficult to let go of the appliance—a phenomenon known as "let-go" threshold. The recall data confirms that 79 incidents have been reported, with one consumer developing a finger blister. This specific injury indicates that the shock was not merely a static tingle but had enough amperage and duration to cause thermal damage to the tissue. While most reports describe "minor" shocks, electrical injuries can be deceptive. A momentary jolt can disrupt heart rhythm if the current path crosses the chest, or cause secondary falls and accidents due to sudden muscle spasms. The risk is particularly acute in outdoor kitchens where hands may be wet from washing vegetables or cleaning tools, as water significantly lowers skin resistance, allowing more current to flow through the body for a given voltage.

This type of hazard is why modern electrical codes require Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) for outdoor equipment. A GFCI plug monitors the balance of current flowing in and out of the device. If it detects even a tiny imbalance—indicating that current is leaking elsewhere, such as through a person—it cuts power in milliseconds, often before a serious injury can occur. The recalled smokers lacked this critical safeguard at the point of entry, which is why Char-Broil is providing a repair kit that includes a GFCI pigtail plug. By adding this device, you create a new layer of defense that actively monitors for the very type of leak that caused the original hazard, effectively neutralizing the risk of shock from future faults.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk in this recall consists of anyone who currently owns and operates a Char-Broil digital electric smoker. These are not niche industrial machines; they are popular outdoor cooking appliances designed for home use, typically situated on patios, decks, or in backyards. The individuals most directly exposed to the hazard are those who handle the unit while it is plugged in and actively heating food. Because the defect involves a leak of electrical current through the body of the smoker, anyone who touches the exterior surfaces—such as the lid, the door handle, or the control panel—during operation is potentially at risk of receiving an electric shock.

While any adult user faces this danger, certain demographics are physiologically more vulnerable to the effects of electrical current. Elderly individuals, in particular, may face heightened risks due to changes in skin resistance and overall health conditions that can make even a minor shock more dangerous. As people age, their skin often becomes thinner and drier, which can alter how electrical current interacts with the body. Furthermore, many older adults manage chronic health issues, such as heart conditions or diabetes, where an unexpected jolt of electricity could trigger a secondary medical emergency or cause significant distress that might lead to a fall or other injury.

Children and teenagers are also in a precarious position when using these appliances. Smokers are often large, imposing units with digital displays that can look like interactive toys to younger eyes. A child might be tempted to touch the controls, open the lid while the unit is hot and live, or lean against the side of the smoker out of curiosity. Because their bodies are smaller, a given amount of electrical current can have a more profound effect on their nervous system than it would on an adult. The report of a consumer developing a finger blister highlights that this is not just a theoretical "tickle" sensation; it is a physical injury that can cause pain and tissue damage.

Additionally, people with compromised immune systems or those who are particularly sensitive to electrical stimuli should exercise extreme caution. If you have any condition that affects your ability to feel touch accurately or react quickly to pain, the risk of serious harm increases because you might not immediately realize you are being shocked until significant current has passed through your body. It is important to remember that this hazard exists specifically when the smoker is in use and connected to power. The vulnerability lies in the combination of a faulty electrical ground and human contact during operation.

• Primary Users: Anyone cooking with the recalled Char-Broil digital electric smokers while they are plugged in.
• Vulnerable Groups: Elderly individuals, children, and those with heart conditions or sensitive skin.
• High-Risk Actions: Touching the smoker's exterior, lid, or controls while the unit is powered on.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action, you need to be certain that your specific unit is part of this recall. Because Char-Broil sold these digital electric smokers through various channels and under several slightly different model names, checking the physical details of your smoker is the most reliable way to confirm whether it is affected. Do not rely solely on the general description or the color of the appliance, as those features alone are not enough to identify a recalled unit. Instead, you must locate the official product label and cross-reference the numbers printed there with the list provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The most critical piece of information is found on the product label itself. This label is located on the outside back panel of the smoker. On this sticker, you will find the brand name "Char-Broil," along with specific model numbers and serial numbers that are unique to your unit. You should also look for the UPC code (Universal Product Code), which is often printed on the original packaging box if you still have it. The recall notice provides a detailed table of affected items, so having these numbers at hand will allow you to quickly verify your status.

The recalled units fall into several specific model categories. You should check if your smoker matches any of the following descriptions and corresponding model numbers: Digital Electric Smoker (Models 14202002, 17202002, 14202002-A1, 17202002-A1); Digital Electric Smoker w/Window (Models 14202004, 17202004, 14202004-A1, 17202004-A1); Digital Electric Smoker, Black w/Window (Model 19202101); Digital Electric Smoker, Medallion (Model 463246619); Digital Electric Smoker, Connected (Models 15202043, 17202043, 15202043-A1, 17202043-A1); and Digital Electric Smoker, XL. If your model number appears in this list, your unit is included in the recall.

In addition to the model numbers, you can look for visual cues to help identify the product. These smokers were designed for outdoor use only and were sold in black and stainless-steel finishes. The "Char-Broil" logo plate is prominently displayed on the front of the unit. While these features do not confirm a recall on their own, they can help you distinguish these electric models from other Char-Broil products that may look similar but are not part of this specific safety notice. If you have the original packaging, check the UPC codes listed in the official recall report to see if your item’s code matches one of the identified numbers.

• Digital Electric Smoker: Check for UPC 99143020020 and model numbers 14202002, 17202002, 14202002-A1, or 17202002-A1.
• Digital Electric Smoker w/Window: Check for UPC 099143020044 and model numbers 14202004, 17202004, 14202004-A1, or 17202004-A1.
• Digital Electric Smoker, Black w/Window: Check for UPC 099143021010 and model number 19202101.
• Digital Electric Smoker, Medallion: Check for UPC 047362324665 and model number 463246619.
• Digital Electric Smoker, Connected: Check for UPC 099143020433 and model numbers 15202043, 17202043, 15202043-A1, or 17202043-A1.
• Digital Electric Smoker, XL: Check for UPC 099143020051.

If you cannot find the label or the original packaging and are unsure about your model, it is safest to assume the unit might be included and contact Char-Broil directly with any details you have. They can assist you in verifying whether your specific serial number falls within the affected range.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the affected Char-Broil digital electric smokers, the good news is that the manufacturer has established a clear and generous remedy to resolve the safety issue without costing you anything out of pocket. Unlike some recalls that offer only partial compensation or require you to return the entire unit for a refund, this recall provides a free repair kit. This approach is designed to be convenient for you, allowing you to keep your smoker while eliminating the electric shock hazard. The remedy consists of three specific components: a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) plug, which is often referred to as a "pigtail," a clamshell enclosure to securely hold this new plug in place, and a cable clamp to ensure everything stays connected safely. Char-Broil has also included detailed instructions with the kit so that you can install these items yourself.

To get your free repair kit, you need to contact Char-Broil directly through one of their dedicated recall channels. You can call their toll-free number at 833-206-4647. Their customer service team is available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday, which provides ample opportunity for you to reach them without needing to take time off work. If you prefer written communication or wish to have the information in writing for your records, you can send an email to recall@charbroil.com. They also maintain a specific section on their website for this issue. You can navigate to www.charbroil.com and click on "Product Recalls" under the "Parts & Support" menu, or go directly to www.charbroil.com/recalls for more information and to initiate your claim.

It is important to understand why a repair kit is being offered rather than a simple refund or replacement. The hazard identified in this recall involves electrical current leaking during use. By installing the GFCI pigtail, you are adding a critical safety layer that will automatically cut off power if it detects an imbalance in the electrical current, which is exactly what happens during a shock event. The clamshell enclosure ensures this new plug is protected from the elements and physical damage, while the cable clamp prevents strain on the connection. This repair effectively neutralizes the risk while allowing you to continue using your smoker as intended for outdoor cooking.

When you contact Char-Broil, have your model number and serial number ready, as these are located on the product label on the outside back of the unit. Having this information on hand will speed up the process significantly. While the recall notice does not explicitly mention a refund option for those who no longer wish to repair their smoker, the primary remedy provided is the free repair kit. If you have questions about whether your specific model is covered or if you encounter any issues during the repair process, the customer service representatives at the phone number listed above are your best resource. They can confirm your eligibility and guide you through receiving the kit.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that a minor inconvenience is worth the risk when dealing with a large appliance like an electric smoker. You might reason that you have only used it a few times, or that the issue seems rare, so continuing to operate the unit until your next planned barbecue session feels like a reasonable compromise. However, ignoring this recall carries consequences that extend far beyond a simple voided warranty or a momentary startle. The core hazard here is an electric shock risk caused by current leaking from the smoker during use. When you choose not to stop using the device and install the free repair kit, you are effectively allowing that electrical fault to remain active in your home environment.

The reality of an electrical leak is that it does not always announce itself with dramatic sparks or visible damage. The current can seep through the metal casing or internal components in a way that is silent and invisible until someone makes contact. As reported by Char-Broil, there have already been 79 instances where consumers experienced a shock while touching the unit. While these were classified as "minor," the physical sensation of an electric shock is rarely something anyone wants to experience twice. One report specifically noted a consumer developing a finger blister after the incident. This detail underscores that the energy involved was sufficient to cause actual tissue damage, not just a nervous system jolt. Ignoring the recall means you are gambling with your own skin integrity and that of your family members.

Beyond the immediate physical pain or bruising, the broader danger lies in the unpredictability of electrical failures. An electric shock while cooking outdoors can cause an involuntary muscle contraction. This reflexive jerk could lead to secondary injuries, such as dropping a hot tool, spilling scalding grease, or losing your balance on wet or uneven ground. Furthermore, if the smoker is located near water sources, such as a garden hose or rain puddles, the conductivity of the environment increases dramatically. What might be a manageable shock in dry conditions could become significantly more dangerous in damp outdoor settings. The repair kit provided by Char-Broil is designed to install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), which is specifically engineered to cut power instantly if it detects leakage. By bypassing this fix, you are removing the primary safety barrier that protects against these unpredictable current paths.

There is also the matter of long-term electrical safety for your home. A persistent ground fault can indicate deeper wiring issues within the smoker’s internal components. Continuing to use a faulty appliance puts strain on your home’s electrical system and increases the risk of fire or further equipment failure. The path of least resistance for electricity is often through human bodies, especially if you are barefoot or touching grounded surfaces like metal grill grates or water faucets. Do not assume that because it has worked for weeks or months, it will continue to be safe. The integrity of the electrical seal can degrade over time due to heat cycles and outdoor exposure. Ignoring the recall is not just about avoiding a repair call; it is about refusing to mitigate a known, active threat to your physical well-being. The free repair kit is a straightforward solution, but the cost of ignoring it is measured in potential pain, injury, and unnecessary anxiety every time you plug in that smoker.

Staying safe: broader tips

While the immediate remedy for this specific recall is straightforward, taking a step back to look at how we interact with outdoor electrical appliances can prevent many similar incidents before they happen. Electric smokers and other high-wattage outdoor cooking devices are powerful tools that bridge the gap between delicate electronics and harsh environmental conditions. Understanding why these failures occur and how to mitigate them is key to long-term safety.

The primary danger with any outdoor electric appliance is the combination of moisture and electricity. Even if your unit does not have a known defect, water ingress is the most common cause of electrical failure in outdoor gear. Rain, snow, melting ice, or even high humidity can find their way into seams, cord connections, or control panels over time. To protect yourself, always ensure your smoker is stored under a waterproof cover designed for that specific model when not in use. Do not rely on a simple tarp that might pool water; instead, use a fitted, breathable cover that sheds rain effectively. Additionally, inspect the power cord regularly for cracks, fraying, or exposed wires. If the cord shows signs of wear, stop using the device immediately and contact the manufacturer for a replacement cord before attempting any DIY fixes.

Another critical layer of protection is understanding how Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) work. The recall mentions that a GFCI plug is being provided as part of the repair kit. It is worth noting that GFCIs are designed to detect imbalances in electrical current and cut power in milliseconds to prevent shock. However, not all outdoor outlets have built-in GFCI protection. If you are plugging your smoker into a standard outdoor outlet, ensure that outlet itself is GFCI-protected. You can test this by pressing the "Test" button on the outlet; if it trips, the protection is active. If your outdoor outlets lack this feature, consider having an electrician install GFCI outlets or use a portable GFCI adapter specifically rated for outdoor use. This adds a redundant layer of safety that can save lives.

Finally, stay proactive about product updates. Manufacturers occasionally release firmware updates or part revisions to address minor issues before they become widespread hazards. Register your appliances when you buy them, and subscribe to the manufacturer’s newsletter or follow their official social media channels for recall announcements. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also sends out email alerts for major recalls. By keeping your registration information current and staying informed, you ensure that you receive timely warnings about potential safety issues affecting your specific model, allowing you to take action before an accident occurs.

• Inspect Cords Regularly: Check power cords for damage before every use. Replace any cord that feels brittle or shows exposed wiring.
• Verify GFCI Protection: Ensure your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected to quickly cut power in case of a fault.
• Use Proper Covers: Invest in high-quality, weather-resistant covers to keep moisture out when the appliance is not in use.
• Register Your Products: Keep your registration details up to date so you receive critical safety alerts directly from the manufacturer.