PRODUCT: Any Gas Grill Products

COMPLAINT: Unit caught fire under control panel

TEST REPORT: No defectLarge spider nest found inside burner tube, causing flash back and fire under the control panel

CURRENT DATE: 17-JUL-2013

Subject: Spider InvasionSource: Wolf Steel Technical Bulletin (TB-10), initially released November, 1998 & Owner’s Manual

Every grilling season, these multi-legged creatures take refuge from the cold by moving into any location. What makes them unique from the many uninvited house guests that we expect is that they are attracted to the sweet odour found in both propane and natural gas and therefore favour gas appliances.

Grills are most frequented by spiders since the grill is located outdoors, providing easy access for the spider. Once inside, they find their way into the main burner and the manifold tubing. A nest or web can cause the burner to burn with a soft yellow or orange flame, or cause a fire (flashback) at the air shutter beneath the control panel. The only remedy for these symptoms is to remove the spider and nest, if they have made one.

Spiders are an obvious nuisance from which there is little defense. The burner is equipped with an insect screen on the air shutter, which reduces the likelihood of insects building nests inside the burner, but there is no 100% foolproof way of blocking their entry. Also, it is advantageous to note that spiders do not care how old or new your grill is, since they are simply attracted to the sweet odour.