What was recalled
In December of 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stepped in to address a significant safety concern involving outdoor cooking equipment manufactured by Masterbuilt. The agency announced that specific models of LP gas smokers were being recalled due to a potential fire hazard inherent in their design. This recall specifically targets the Masterbuilt 7-in-1 smoker, a versatile piece of equipment designed for various smoking and grilling tasks. It is important for consumers to understand exactly which items are affected, as the scope of this recall is defined by specific physical characteristics rather than just the brand name alone.
The recalled units are distinct in their construction and branding. The smokers feature a three-piece cylindrical body design that includes a lid, a center body section, and a base unit that sits atop an LP gas burner stand. The product is available in two primary aesthetic variations: one version is finished in green or stainless steel and bears the Cabela’s logo, indicating it was likely sold through that retailer, while the other version is black with the Masterbuilt logo prominently displayed. Regardless of the color scheme, every recalled unit shares a comprehensive set of accessories and components. Each smoker comes equipped with a porcelain flame disk bowl, a water bowl for moisture retention during smoking, cooking grates, a 10-quart pot, a basket, a thermometer to monitor internal temperatures, and the burner itself.
A critical detail in identifying these recalled units is the weight and the specific type of gas hose used. Each smoker weighs approximately 32 pounds, reflecting its sturdy build. However, the hazard lies in the connection point for the fuel source. These units utilize a PVC hose to connect the LP gas tank to the burner. It is this specific PVC hose that Masterbuilt has agreed to replace with a free rubber LP gas hose as part of the remedy. The recall does not specify the exact number of units sold globally, but it emphasizes that these smokers were sold at various retail locations. If you purchased a Masterbuilt 7-in-1 smoker that matches the description above—particularly those with the Cabela’s branding or the specific black finish—you need to verify if your unit is part of this batch by checking the model number on the label, which should be compared against the official CPSC recall list. The focus here is on identifying the physical product so you can take the necessary steps to ensure your outdoor cooking experience remains safe.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a seemingly small component that plays a critical role in the safety of the entire appliance: the flexible hose that connects your propane tank to the smoker’s burner. In normal operation, this hose acts as a steady, secure bridge, allowing gas to flow safely from the fuel source to the heat element. However, in the specific Masterbuilt 7-in-1 smokers involved in this recall, the design or material of this PVC (polyvinyl chloride) hose is prone to failure under certain conditions. The primary physical mechanism at fault is disconnection. This means that during normal use—whether you are tending to your food, adjusting the temperature, or simply moving around the smoker—the hose can unexpectedly detach from its connection point.
Why does this matter? Because a disconnected gas line does not just stop working; it becomes an immediate source of danger. When the hose disconnects while the propane tank valve is open and the burner is lit (or even if it was recently lit), uncontrolled amounts of flammable gas escape into the surrounding air. This creates two distinct risks. First, there is the risk of a flash fire. The escaping gas can ignite instantly upon contact with the open flame of the burner or any nearby heat source, causing flames to shoot out from the base of the unit rather than staying contained within the cooking chamber. Second, even if ignition does not occur immediately, the accumulation of propane vapor in the air around the smoker creates an explosion hazard. Propane is heavier than air, so it can pool near the ground or in low-lying areas, waiting for a spark to trigger a violent reaction.
The severity of this hazard is underscored by the reports already received by Masterbuilt and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). While there have been no reported injuries, which is fortunate, there have been five documented incidents where the hose disconnected. More concerning is that one of these incidents resulted in actual property damage due to fire. This real-world evidence confirms that this is not a theoretical risk but a tangible one. The material choice also plays a role; PVC hoses are generally less durable and more susceptible to cracking, hardening, or slipping off connectors over time compared to other materials like rubber or braided steel lines designed for high heat. If the hose degrades or fails to grip the connector tightly, the vibration and pressure changes inherent in using a smoker can easily pull it loose. Understanding this mechanism helps clarify why stopping use immediately is not just a precaution but a necessary step to prevent a small mechanical failure from becoming a major household emergency.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about who is "most at risk" in the context of a product recall involving an LP gas smoker, it is important to look at two distinct groups: those who are directly exposed to the immediate mechanical failure, and those who might be nearby when that failure occurs. The primary group at risk here consists of individuals who own or regularly use Masterbuilt 7-in-1 smokers, particularly those models featuring the specific PVC gas hose identified in the December 2016 recall. These are typically homeowners with backyards, patios, or decks where outdoor cooking is a regular hobby. Because the hazard involves the gas hose disconnecting during operation, anyone standing close to the unit while it is lit—such as the person tending to the food—is at direct risk of exposure to an uncontrolled flame or gas leak.
However, the risk extends beyond just the operator. The CPSC report notes that there have been reports of property damage from fire, which implies that the hazard can escalate quickly if not managed. This makes household members, especially children and pets, particularly vulnerable. If a smoker is located on a patio or in an enclosed porch area, a child wandering nearby might not understand the danger of a sudden flare-up or a hissing gas leak. The cylindrical design of these smokers, which sits on an LP gas burner stand, places the heat source relatively low to the ground, potentially within reach or line of sight of young children who might be curious about the equipment. While there have been no reported injuries in this specific recall batch, the potential for harm is significant because fire and gas leaks do not discriminate based on intent.
Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility may also face heightened risks, not necessarily from the fire itself, but from the reaction required to address it. If the hose disconnects while they are using the smoker, the immediate need to evacuate and shut off the gas supply can be physically demanding or confusing in a high-stress situation. Furthermore, if the smoker is situated on uneven ground or in a cluttered outdoor space, the risk of tripping or falling while trying to escape a fire hazard increases. It is also worth noting that this recall affects models with Cabela's logos as well as standard Masterbuilt units, meaning anyone who purchased these items through outdoor sporting goods retailers or general merchandise stores may be part of the affected group without realizing it.
- The Operator: The person actively cooking is at immediate risk of burns or inhalation of gas if the hose disconnects while they are adjusting the food or checking temperatures.
- Family Members and Guests: Anyone standing within a few feet of the smoker, including children who may not recognize the sound of a gas leak or the visual cue of a flame detaching from its source.
- Property Owners: Since property damage has been reported, homeowners with flammable materials nearby (such as wooden decks, dry leaves, or outdoor furniture) are at risk of significant financial loss and structural damage.
In summary, while the recall was issued due to a mechanical defect in the hose, the true "risk" is shared by anyone in the vicinity of the smoker during use. The vulnerability lies in the unpredictability of the failure; the hose can disconnect without warning, turning a routine cooking session into an emergency. Therefore, all owners of these specific units should consider themselves at potential risk until they have obtained and installed the free replacement rubber hose provided by Masterbuilt.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Determining whether your outdoor cooking equipment is part of this specific recall requires a careful visual inspection and a check of the branding details. Because Masterbuilt manufactured these smokers with distinct aesthetic variations, it is easy to mistake a safe model for a hazardous one if you rely solely on color or general shape. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified the affected products as the "Masterbuilt 7-in-1 smoker." To confirm if your unit is included in this recall, you must verify that it matches the specific physical description provided by the manufacturer and the agency.
First, look closely at the exterior color and the logo placement on the body of the smoker. The recalled units come in two primary visual configurations. One version features a green or stainless steel finish and bears a Cabela's logo. This indicates that these specific units may have been sold through Cabela's retail stores or their online platform. The second configuration is entirely black and displays the standard Masterbuilt logo. If your smoker is a different color, such as red, blue, or silver without the Cabela's branding, it likely falls outside the scope of this specific recall notice, though you should always verify with the manufacturer if you are unsure.
Beyond the exterior appearance, you need to examine the structural components to ensure they match the recalled design. The affected smokers feature a distinctive three-piece cylindrical body design. This structure is composed of three separate parts: a lid on top, a center body section in the middle, and a base that sits directly on the LP gas burner stand. When you look at the interior or the assembly, you should see a porcelain flame disk bowl and a water bowl situated within the cooking chamber. The unit also includes specific accessories that help identify it as the 7-in-1 model: cooking grates, a 10-quart pot, a basket, a thermometer, and the burner itself.
Finally, pay attention to the gas connection system, as this is the core of the safety issue. The recalled units are equipped with a PVC hose connected to the LP gas burner stand. While the total weight of the unit is approximately 32 pounds, which helps distinguish it from smaller portable grills, the most critical identifier for consumers is the combination of the "7-in-1" branding (either on the Cabela's or Masterbuilt logo) and the presence of this specific PVC hose assembly. If you have a smoker that matches these physical descriptions, please proceed to the remedy section immediately. Do not attempt to use the gas connection until you have contacted Masterbuilt for instructions on obtaining the free replacement rubber hose.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Masterbuilt smokers, your safety is the absolute priority right now. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Masterbuilt have identified a specific mechanical failure in the gas line that can lead to dangerous situations. Therefore, the remedy is straightforward but must be taken seriously. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure you are protected and receive your free replacement parts. **Step 1: Stop using the smoker immediately.** The very first thing you need to do is turn off the unit and disconnect it from any power or gas sources. Do not attempt to use the smoker for cooking, warming, or any other purpose until the issue is resolved. The hazard involves the PVC gas hose potentially disconnecting during use, which could release propane and create a fire risk. Even if you have not noticed any leaks or issues yet, the defect exists in the design of that specific hose connection. Treating this as an immediate "do not touch" situation removes the variable of human error while the equipment is active. It is better to miss a few barbecue sessions than to risk a property damage incident or personal injury. **Step 2: Contact Masterbuilt to initiate the remedy.** Once you have secured the area around the smoker, you need to reach out to the manufacturer to arrange for your free replacement. Masterbuilt has committed to providing consumers with a free replacement rubber LP gas hose to fix this specific defect. You can contact them by calling **800-489-1581**. Their customer support team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.masterbuilt.com. Navigate to the "Support" section and click on "Contact" in the upper right-hand corner of the page. When you reach out, be prepared to provide details about your unit, such as the model number or proof of purchase if available, though they may already have records based on the recall notice date of December 8, 2016. **Step 3: Follow their instructions for receiving and installing the part.** After you have contacted Masterbuilt, listen carefully to their specific instructions. They will likely ship the new rubber hose to your address at no cost. Do not attempt to repair the existing PVC hose yourself with tape or other makeshift fixes, as this does not address the underlying design flaw that caused the disconnection reports. Wait until the replacement part arrives before attempting to reassemble or use the smoker again. Once you receive the new hose, follow any included installation guide or video tutorial provided by Masterbuilt to ensure the connection is secure. If you are unsure about the installation process, it is perfectly acceptable to call back and ask for clarification. Your goal is to restore your ability to cook safely, not just quickly. By taking these deliberate steps, you turn a stressful recall notice into a simple administrative task that results in a safer, upgraded product.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled Masterbuilt smokers, the good news is that the manufacturer has established a straightforward and generous remedy to address the safety concern. You do not need to worry about paying for repairs or shipping the entire heavy unit back to them. Instead, Masterbuilt is offering a free replacement rubber LP gas hose to any consumer who owns one of the affected models. This approach is designed to be as convenient as possible because the core issue lies specifically with the original PVC hose, which can disconnect during use. By providing just the new hose, they are fixing the root cause of the fire hazard without requiring you to go through the hassle of returning a bulky 32-pound appliance.
To get your free replacement hose, you have two convenient ways to reach out to Masterbuilt. You can call their consumer support line directly at 800-489-1581. If you prefer to handle things online, you can visit their official website at www.masterbuilt.com. Once there, look for the "Support" section and click on "Contact," which is located in the upper right-hand corner of the page. These are the only official channels for this recall, so please avoid contacting third-party retailers or using unofficial forms, as those may not process your claim correctly.
It is important to note the hours during which you can expect to speak with a representative if you choose to call. The support team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you call outside of these hours or on weekends, you will likely get an automated message directing you to the website. When you contact them, have your smoker’s model number and proof of purchase ready if possible, although the recall details suggest that simply identifying the product as one of the affected 7-in-1 smokers is the primary requirement. The company has not specified any additional conditions for eligibility, such as a time limit on when you must claim the part, but it is always wise to act promptly.
The reason they are offering only the hose rather than a full refund or a new smoker is that the rest of the unit—the porcelain flame disk bowl, water bowl, cooking grates, thermometer, and the main body—is still safe to use. The hazard is isolated to the gas connection point. By replacing the PVC hose with a more durable rubber one, Masterbuilt ensures that the gas line will remain securely attached during operation. This targeted remedy saves you time and money while effectively eliminating the risk of a gas leak or fire caused by a disconnected hose. Once you receive the new hose, simply follow the installation instructions provided in the package to swap out the old part. After the replacement is complete, your smoker should be safe to use again for all your outdoor cooking needs.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might want to wait before taking action. Perhaps the smoker is sitting in your garage because winter has just arrived, or maybe the inconvenience of contacting customer service feels like too much of a hurdle right now. You might think that since no one has been hurt yet, the risk is minimal. However, ignoring this recall is not a harmless delay; it is an active choice to keep a significant fire hazard in your home. The core issue with the Masterbuilt 7-in-1 smoker is mechanical and immediate: the PVC gas hose can disconnect while the unit is in use. This is not a slow, gradual wear-and-tear problem that gives you warning signs. It is a sudden failure point that can occur without any prior indication that something is wrong.
When that hose disconnects, the result is an uncontrolled release of propane gas directly into the surrounding area. Because the smoker relies on an open flame or high heat to function, this sudden leak creates an immediate and severe fire hazard. The recalled units have already been linked to five specific incidents where the hose came loose during operation. While it is reassuring that there have been no reports of personal injuries so far, we must look at what actually happened in those cases: property damage from fire. This means that for those owners, the theoretical risk became a very real, destructive reality. Ignoring the recall keeps you in the same position as those owners, gambling with your home, your patio furniture, and any nearby structures against odds that are already stacked against safety.
Furthermore, relying on "luck" is not a safety strategy. The nature of gas leaks is unpredictable. A disconnect might happen when you are tending to the food, or it might happen at night while you are asleep and unaware of the accumulating gas until it is too late. The consequences of ignoring the remedy extend beyond just the smoker itself. If a fire starts, it can spread rapidly to decks, siding, fences, or other combustible materials nearby. The cost of replacing a free rubber hose is zero, but the cost of repairing fire damage to your property could be financially devastating. By not acting, you are essentially choosing to keep a ticking time bomb in your backyard rather than taking the simple, free steps provided by the manufacturer to neutralize it.
Finally, consider the peace of mind that comes with compliance. Using a recalled product carries a constant, low-level anxiety about whether the next use will be the one where the hose fails. By contacting Masterbuilt for your free replacement hose, you are not just fixing a defect; you are reclaiming your safety and your right to enjoy your smoker without fear. The remedy is straightforward and free, but the window to do so safely exists only while you act now. Do not wait for an incident to happen to you before you decide that your safety matters.