What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall concerning specific models of Char-Broil’s Bistro Pro Electric Grills. This is not a blanket recall of every grill the brand manufactures; it is a targeted action affecting a precise batch of units produced during the final quarter of 2025. If you own a Char-Broil electric grill, particularly one marketed as part of the "Bistro" lineup, it is important to verify exactly which model and production date code applies to your unit before taking any further steps.
The recall specifically impacts three distinct product configurations within the Bistro Pro series: the Bistro Pro Electric Grill & Griddle combined with Charcoal capabilities, the standard Bistro Electric Grill paired with Charcoal, and the Bistro Pro Tabletop Electric Grill. These units were available in several aesthetic finishes to suit different kitchen or patio decors, including Black (described as black and gray), Red, Blackout (which is all black), and Emerald (green). Both full-size floor-standing models and more compact tabletop configurations are included in this notice.
To identify if your grill is part of this recall, you must look for two key visual identifiers. First, the lid should feature a "CB" logo plate on the front. Second, the front control panel will have the word "CHARBROIL" printed clearly on it. However, these visual cues alone do not confirm that your unit is affected. The definitive factor is the manufacturing date code found on the product label. This label lists the model and serial number and includes a four-digit code in a YYMM format (year and month). Only units with date codes of 2510 (October 2025), 2511 (November 2025), and 2512 (December 2025) are subject to this recall. For full-size grills, you will find this label on the bottom shelf, while for tabletop models, it is located on the side bar.
In total, approximately 329 units of these specific electric grills were sold in the United States and at U.S. territories. These products were distributed through various retail channels, but the critical factor remains the combination of the model type and the late-2025 production date. If your grill does not match one of the three listed configurations or does not have a date code from October, November, or December 2025, it is not part of this specific recall action.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is serious, we first need to look at how electricity normally behaves inside a high-power appliance like an electric grill. Under ideal conditions, electrical current flows in a controlled loop: it travels from the power source, through the heating elements to generate heat, and then returns safely to the ground. This return path is critical. It relies on what engineers call "grounding" or "fault protection." Think of grounding as a dedicated safety escape route for electricity. If a live wire inside the grill were to fray and touch the metal casing, the grounding wire would instantly carry that stray current away, triggering a breaker to shut off power before anyone could touch the grill.
The specific problem with the recalled Char-Broil Bistro Pro Electric Grills is that this safety escape route can fail. According to the CPSC, the grounding wire connected to the grill’s heating element can disconnect. When that wire breaks or comes loose, the grill loses its fault protection. This creates a hidden danger because the grill may still appear to work normally. The heating elements will continue to cook your food, and the controls will respond as expected. However, the invisible safety net is gone. Without that grounded connection, if an internal electrical fault occurs—such as a wire rubbing against the metal frame—the entire metal body of the grill can become energized with live electricity.
This is where the risk of electric shock becomes immediate and severe. If you are standing on a conductive surface, like damp grass or a wet patio, and you touch any part of the exposed metal on the grill, your body can complete the circuit to the ground. Electricity will flow through you to reach the earth, resulting in an electric shock. The severity of such a shock depends on several factors, including the voltage, the path the current takes through your body, and how long you are in contact. Even low levels of stray voltage can cause painful muscle contractions, while higher levels can lead to burns, heart rhythm disturbances, or worse.
It is important to note that this hazard is not always obvious. You cannot see a disconnected internal wire just by looking at the outside of the unit. The risk exists even if the grill has never sparked or malfunctioned visibly. The absence of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) report in the current incident data suggests the issue is purely mechanical disconnection rather than electronic failure, but the outcome for a user who touches a live chassis remains the same. Because the grounding wire is internal and not subject to regular wear from cooking, this defect can persist unnoticed until a fault occurs. This is why immediate cessation of use is the only safe course of action; you cannot test for this specific wiring flaw at home.
In general, appliances that combine high heat with electrical components require robust grounding because moisture and steam can accelerate corrosion or loosen connections over time. The Bistro Pro models, being tabletop or full-size units often used outdoors, are particularly vulnerable to environmental factors that might stress internal wiring. While the CPSC has only received one report of a missing GFCI in relation to this batch, the potential for injury is significant because electric shock incidents can happen instantly and without warning. The mechanism of failure here is silent and passive, making proactive recall participation essential for your safety.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about who is most at risk from the Char-Broil Bistro Pro Electric Grill recall, we are looking at two distinct groups: those who own the specific recalled units and those who might be physically vulnerable to an electric shock. First, it is important to understand that this hazard is not limited to a specific age group or demographic in terms of ownership. The recalled grills were sold in various configurations—both full-size and tabletop models—and came in multiple colors including black, red, blacked-out, and emerald green. This means the product was likely purchased by anyone looking for an affordable outdoor cooking solution, from young professionals setting up their first patio to families with large gatherings. The specific model identifiers, such as the "CB" logo plate on the lid or the "CHARBROIL" text on the control panel, do not correlate with the buyer’s age, income, or location. Therefore, the primary risk factor is simply possession of a unit manufactured between October 2025 and December 2025.
However, once we look at the hazard itself—the potential for electric shock due to a disconnected grounding wire—we can identify who faces the most severe consequences if an incident were to occur. Electric shock severity is heavily influenced by a person’s physical condition and resilience. For children, whose bodies are smaller and whose skin resistance may differ from adults, even a lower voltage current can have a more immediate and dangerous effect on their heart rhythm and nervous system. Furthermore, children are often curious and less aware of electrical dangers, making them more likely to touch exposed cords or metal parts if the grill is left unattended after being plugged in.
Elderly individuals or those with pre-existing heart conditions also fall into a high-risk category for this specific type of hazard. A grounding fault can cause the external metal parts of the grill to become energized. If a person is touching the grill while also grounded (for example, standing on a wet patio surface), the current can pass through their body. For someone with a pacemaker or underlying cardiac issues, this interruption in electrical flow can be life-threatening. While the CPSC has only reported one incident involving a missing GFCI and no injuries so far, the potential for harm is real because the fault protection mechanism—the grounding wire—has failed. This means the grill is operating without its safety net.
Additionally, anyone using the grill in damp conditions or on conductive surfaces like metal grates or wet concrete is at increased risk. The Bistro Pro was sold as both a grill and a griddle, often used in outdoor settings where water, grease, and humidity are common. If the internal grounding wire has detached, any moisture that bridges the gap between the live electrical component and the user’s hand can complete the circuit through the body. This is why immediate cessation of use is critical for all owners, regardless of their physical profile, because the risk applies to anyone who plugs in a defective unit.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action, it is important to confirm whether your specific unit is part of this recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very narrow window of production dates and specific model lines that are affected. Because Char-Broil produces many different grills under similar naming conventions, you need to look for precise details on your own hardware rather than relying solely on the general product name.
First, verify that you have one of the three specific models included in this recall: the Bistro Pro Electric Grill & Griddle + Charcoal, the Bistro Electric Grill + Charcoal, or the Bistro Pro Tabletop Electric Grill. You can identify these units by looking at the front of the appliance. The lid should feature a distinct "CB" logo plate, and the front control panel must have the word "CHARBROIL" printed clearly on it. If your grill lacks these specific markings or branding elements, it is likely not part of this particular safety notice.
Next, you must check the manufacturing date code, which is the most critical factor in determining if your unit is affected. Only grills with a four-digit manufacturing date code of 2510 (October 2025), 2511 (November 2025), or 2512 (December 2025) are included in this recall. You will find the product label containing both the model number and this serial/date code in one of two locations, depending on the configuration of your grill. If you own a full-size model, look for the label on the bottom shelf of the unit. If you have a tabletop model, the label is located on the side bar.
While color and size variations do not exclude a unit from the recall, knowing what was sold can help you narrow down your search if you are unsure. The recalled grills were sold in full-size and tabletop configurations. They came in four color options: Black (which features black and gray accents), Red, Blackout (all black), and Emerald (green). Even though the recall only involves 329 units, these specific production batches represent a significant safety risk due to the internal wiring issue. If your unit matches the model descriptions above and falls within the October through December 2025 manufacturing window, you should treat it as recalled immediately.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the affected Char-Broil Bistro Pro Electric Grills, your immediate priority is safety before anything else. The first and most critical action is to stop using the grill entirely. Do not plug it in, and do not attempt to cook on it under any circumstances. The hazard involves a disconnecting grounding wire that removes fault protection, which means the unit could unexpectedly deliver an electric shock. By unplugging the device right now, you eliminate the source of power and significantly reduce the risk of injury to yourself or your family.
Once the grill is safely disconnected from the electrical outlet, you must prepare it for return through the designated remedy process. According to the recall notice issued by the CPSC on September 17, 2026, consumers are instructed to contact LANCHEZ rather than Char-Broil directly for the initial refund processing steps. You will need to destroy the power cord of the recalled unit to ensure it cannot be used or resold. Specifically, you should cut the power cord in half. This physical destruction is a mandatory part of the safety protocol.
After destroying the cord, take clear photographs of the destroyed grill. These photos must clearly show the model number and serial number located on the product label. For full-size grills, this label is on the bottom shelf; for tabletop models, it is on the side bar. Ensure the manufacturing date code (in YYMM format) is visible in your photos to confirm the unit falls within the affected production dates of October through December 2025. Send these images and your request to service@lanchezpumps.com. This step verifies your eligibility for a full refund.
Following the submission of your documentation, you will receive further instructions on how to proceed with the refund. Once the process is complete and you have received confirmation or compensation, please dispose of the destroyed recalled product in accordance with local waste regulations. The ground wire failure cannot be repaired by the user; therefore, destruction and replacement is the only safe path forward. If you encounter any difficulties during this process or need additional clarification regarding the models involved, you may also reach out to Char-Broil for support. You can contact them toll-free at 866-671-7988 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Saturday, or via email at recall@charbroil.com. Visiting www.charbroil.com/recalls is also a helpful resource for tracking the status of your claim.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have confirmed that your Char-Broil Bistro Pro Electric Grill is part of this recall, the good news is that the remedy is straightforward and fully funded by the manufacturer. In this specific case, there is no option for a simple repair kit or a replacement heating element. Instead, the CPSC has authorized a full refund for every affected unit. This approach makes sense because the hazard involves the internal grounding wire of the heating element—a critical safety component that is not easily accessible or safe for consumers to attempt fixing themselves. Attempting to open the grill or tamper with its electrical wiring could void warranties, cause further damage, or create new hazards. Therefore, the only approved path forward is to return the item and receive your money back in full.
It is important to clarify a discrepancy in some initial reports: while the recall title mentions electric grills, the specific remedy instructions currently direct consumers to contact LANCHEZ for a refund regarding pressure washers. For the Char-Broil Bistro Pro Electric Grills specifically, you should proceed with the standard Char-Broil recall process. You can reach Char-Broil directly through their dedicated toll-free number at 866-671-7988. Their support team is available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Saturday. You may also submit your inquiry via email at recall@charbroil.com or visit their official website at www.charbroil.com/recalls. On the site, you can find detailed instructions by clicking on "Product Recalls" under the "Parts & Support" menu.
To ensure you receive your refund efficiently, follow these steps carefully. First, stop using the grill immediately and unplug it from any power source. Do not attempt to use it again until you have received confirmation of your refund process. Second, prepare the unit for disposal. You will need to destroy the power cord by cutting it in half. This step is crucial because it ensures that no one else can accidentally plug in a defective unit and suffer an electric shock. Third, take a clear photo of the destroyed grill that shows the model number on the product label. This label is located on the bottom shelf for full-size grills or on the side bar for tabletop models. Finally, submit your claim through the contact methods listed above, attaching the photo as proof of destruction. Once your claim is processed, you will receive a full refund. After receiving your refund, please dispose of the destroyed grill in accordance with local waste disposal regulations.
Remember that this process is designed to protect you and your family from serious electric shock risks. By following these steps exactly as outlined, you ensure that the hazardous unit is safely neutralized and that you are compensated for your purchase. There is no cost to you for this remedy, and Char-Broil handles all aspects of the refund and disposal verification.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to look at a product recall and think, “My unit looks fine, so I’ll just keep using it until it breaks.” This mindset is particularly dangerous with electrical appliances like the Char-Broil Bistro Pro Electric Grills because the specific defect here is hidden. The problem is not something you can see or feel while you are cooking; it is an internal failure of the grounding wire for the heating element. When that wire disconnects, the grill loses its critical fault protection. Ignoring this recall means you are continuing to operate a device that has been stripped of one of its most important safety layers.
The primary consequence of ignoring this defect is the risk of severe electric shock. Grounding wires serve as a safe path for electricity to travel to the ground if there is an internal short circuit or insulation failure. Without that path, if a live wire were to come loose and touch the metal casing of the grill, the entire surface could become electrified. If you are standing on a damp patio, touching wet food, or wearing conductive jewelry while using the grill, your body could become that path to the ground. This is not just a minor tingle; it can result in serious injury, muscle contractions that prevent you from letting go, or even fatal electrocution.
While the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has only reported one incident involving a missing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) at this time, the absence of reported injuries does not mean the risk is low. It simply means that, so far, no one has been hurt. With 329 units in circulation, each one representing a potential hazard in a home environment where water and electricity often coexist, the statistical probability of an accident increases with every day the grills remain in use. Waiting for an injury to occur before acting is a gamble you do not need to take.
Furthermore, continuing to use a recalled item can lead to secondary hazards. An electrical fault can cause overheating, which may lead to fire or damage to your home’s electrical system. By ignoring the recall, you are also voiding any potential support from the manufacturer and assuming full liability for any damages or injuries that occur. The remedy offered—a full refund and a clear destruction process—is designed to remove this risk entirely. Choosing not to participate keeps you in the line of fire for a known, preventable danger. Do not wait for a spark to become a shock; take the few minutes required today to ensure your safety tomorrow.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing flaw in certain electric grills, the underlying principle applies to virtually every electrical appliance you bring into your home: protection against electric shock is not optional, it is foundational. The hazard described here—loss of ground fault protection—is particularly insidious because it often happens silently. A wire may loosen over time due to heat cycles or vibration, leaving the device seemingly functional while stripping away its safety net. To stay safe with any high-wattage appliance like grills, space heaters, or pressure washers, you must understand that the ground pin on your plug is not merely a formality; it is your primary defense against electrocution. If an internal fault occurs and the casing becomes live, the ground wire provides a low-resistance path for electricity to travel safely back to the earth, tripping the breaker before a human ever touches the device. Without that connection, you become the path of least resistance.
To ensure your electrical safety extends beyond just checking for recalls, adopt a habit of inspecting your power setup regularly. First, always use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets when operating any electrical device near water or outdoors. A GFCI monitors the balance of current flowing in and out of a circuit; if it detects even a tiny imbalance—indicating electricity is leaking to ground, potentially through a person—it cuts power in milliseconds. This is your second line of defense when the appliance’s internal grounding fails. Never bypass this safety feature with adapters or extension cords that lack proper grounding.
Second, treat power cords as consumable items, not permanent fixtures. Heat, UV exposure, and physical wear can degrade insulation over time. If you notice fraying, cracking, or brittleness in the cord of any appliance, stop using it immediately. Do not attempt to tape or wrap damaged wires with electrical tape; this is a temporary fix that often fails under heat load. Instead, replace the cord or the entire unit. Third, be mindful of your outlet capacity. Plugging multiple high-draw appliances into the same circuit or using daisy-chained power strips can cause overheating, which is a leading cause of appliance fires. Always plug heavy-duty appliances directly into a wall outlet.
Finally, make recall awareness a routine part of home maintenance. Manufacturers may issue recalls for defects that are not immediately obvious but pose serious risks over time. By registering your products upon purchase and regularly visiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or the manufacturer’s site, you ensure you are alerted to any emerging issues. This proactive approach transforms safety from a reactive crisis into a manageable, everyday habit, keeping your home secure regardless of what manufacturing quirks may arise in the future.