Fire Magic E660 Grill

by Devin
(Royal Oak, MI)

Buyer beware! I researched high end gas grills for several months before deciding on the Fire Magic E660. I chose the E660 because it came with an infra-red burner as well as a dedicated smoker box, lighting and electronic ignition. The cast stainless steel burners also seemed impressive. Upon receiving my first grill, there were immediately several issues. There is a digital display which controls the lighting and displays the temperature of the grill in all 3 zones (left, center, right). It’s the only way to tell the temperature of the grill as there is no other thermometer. Unfortunately, the digital temperature display and wiring is riddled with problems. First, the center zone was constantly 200 degrees lower than the right zone (see picture). Second, even though I keep this expensive grill covered whenever not in use, after a rain, the display becomes highly erratic. The temperatures go up and down between 32 and 990 degrees constantly (every second) until it dries out for at least a day. Another major issue was the infra-red burner. It shot up 6" high flames (see picture) which just scorched the food. This is totally abnormal as it’s supposed to glow red (hence infra-red) and not have flames. Even the electronic ignition is hit or miss. Many times it takes multiple attempts and blowing at the burner to get it to light.

I worked with Ernie at RH Peterson (parent company of Fire Magic) and he sent me numerous wiring harnesses and digital displays to try and correct the electrical issues (RH Peterson would not send out a technician themselves at my request). Nothing corrected any of the issues so they arranged a second grill to be delivered. It arrived damaged as they ship it on a miniature pallet which apparently allowed the 375lb grill to tip over in transit. It is so small that neither a high-low nor standard pallet jack will fit under it (use a regular sized pallet guys!). Grill number 3 arrived but after one week, the digital display developed lines through it (see picture) then went totally blank. Ernie at RH Peterson told me I am jinxed. I had to wait several weeks to receive yet another digital display because they were back ordered for some reason (image that – everyone must be jinxed with their quality). After another month with the grill, this display too fluctuates wildly after every rain or high humidity. RH Peterson will no longer respond to me either. The infra-red burner does seem to work properly on the 3rd grill but unfortunately the electronics are only warrantied for a year and I will no doubt be stuck with another dead display and useless $8000 grill unless I keep buying more displays. I am a Mechanical Engineer by profession and have spent dozens of hours taking data, pictures and trying to repair these grills but there is no fixing poor electronic design. As a note, this grill plugs into a 110V house outlet and none of the sensor or ignition wiring and connectors are sealed. Some of them had a shoddy application of electrical tape over the connectors to try and keep out (seal in?) water. Save your money and the aggravation and look at Lynx, DCS or Twin Eagle brands. I would gladly take any one of them over this grill. I have pictures, video and graphs to support my terrible experience with this overpriced and inferior product.