CPSC recall 00-161, announced August 10, 2000, covers Williams-Sonoma "Suitcase Grill" propane gas grill (about 950 units). The grills can be difficult or impossible to turn off and the temperature control can malfunction. The notice cites 2 incident reports. Consumers should stop using the grills immediately, and return them to Williams-Sonoma for a full refund and a $50 gift certificate. Recall contact: call (888) 779-5173.
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Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
A label on the grill reads "Model #15-3597291, READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LIGHTING, and MADE IN CHINA."
Which products are included?
The grill is made of rust-resistant stainless steel and folds like a suitcase, with built-in handles. It measures 23 inches long by 8 inches high. The grill has a 20,000-BTU propane-gas burner with adjustable temperature controls. The control is a black round knob with white writing that reads in part "HIGH, LOW, MED, OFF". A label on the grill reads "Model #15-3597291, READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LIGHTING, and MADE IN CHINA."
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Where to look
a label on the grill
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- March 2000 through July 2000
- Where sold
- Williams Sonoma, among the sellers the notice names
- Price paid
- $200
Why it was recalled
The grills can be difficult or impossible to turn off and the temperature control can malfunction. This poses fire, burn, and explosion hazards to consumers.
Incidents and injuries
Williams-Sonoma and CPSC have received two reports of consumers being unable to shut off the propane gas flow. No injuries have been reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should stop using the grills immediately, and return them to Williams-Sonoma for a full refund and a $50 gift certificate. The firm will reimburse consumers for shipping, and will retrieve the grills from consumers' homes, upon request.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Stop using it. The notice says to stop using recalled units immediately.
- Contact the firm. Call (888) 779-5173.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
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Product and sales details
- Brand
- Williams-Sonoma
- Product type
- Grills
- Recall number
- 00-161
- Units
- About 950
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Williams-Sonoma stores, in addition to the Williams-Sonoma catalog and website, sold the grills nationwide, from March 2000 through July 2000, for about $200.
- Distributor
- Williams-Sonoma Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.
"Suitcase Grill" propane gas grill
CPSC product type: Grills, Smokers & Accessories
This recall in context
Compared with the 77 grill recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 950 units: the 56th-largest of 63 grill recalls that state a unit count. The median is 13,750 units.
- Hazards
- Fire: named in 52 of 77 grill recalls, the most common hazard among them. Burn: named in 34 of 77 grill recalls.
- Brand history
- Williams-Sonoma is named in 4 CPSC notices in this index, from 1994 to 2017. This recall is the 2nd. The one before: Dualit-Plus electronic toasters (95-036, Dec 1994).
- Time on sale
- 5 months. Recalled 1 month after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
For additional information, contact Williams-Sonoma toll free at (888) 779-5173 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Saturday.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
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