Cypress Series Ceramic Smoker Warranty Problems

[1_T_Scot]

Not sure what forum this should go in so Mod please move this if appropriate.

I purchased the following smoker last summer.
http://www.thebayou.com/Pages/Cypress%20Series.html
The hinge broke and in turn broke the lid. I called the company and they said that it was not covered under warranty because it was a "Closeout". I don't remember them telling me this but, after a few days of cooling off I determined that I would buy a new lid and engineer my own hinge. I called them and they said they don't have any lids or parts for sale because they are redesigning the hinge and lid and they don't know if the new one will fit the older grill. They said since they have had no problems with the old design they don't stock any parts.

So I think I'm being lied to so I would like to warn the brothers to avoid this company.

I'm going to try JB weld to fix it until I get an Egg or Primo.

[thillin]

Did you buy it direct or through a retailer? If a retailer, go back to them.

[CaptGrumpy]

Sorry to hear that you are getting the run around. I would go back to them and tell them that you will happily wait while they change the design so that they can warranty a whole new cooker for you since parts are not readily available for your model.
Why would they be redesigning those two items if they didn't have any issues with them? Even if it was sold as a clearance item it does come with a warranty. Tell them that and threaten to go to the Better Business Bureau and any other govt agency in your area. You do have rights as a consumer.

[Hook_Line_and_Sinker]

it certainly sounds like they have a manufacturing defect - can certainly you are not the only one so press them - they still advertise that they are just getting into the ceramic market

so if they want to be in that market they better have more to say than sorry

[Gowan]

Those Chinese ceramics show up from time to time under various names - your experience isn't uncommon. If your looking for a quality ceramic smoker I'd suggest that you also consider Grill Dome (http://www.GrillDome.com). They are usually less expensive than comparable Primo or BGE units and offer some unique features other brands don't have. Unlike the most other manufacturers, brand comparison is encouraged on the GD forums rather than censored, so you'll find some useful opinions there.

Disclaimer - Grill Dome sponsors my cook team.

[snoqualmiesmoker]

Is in here:

http://www.thebayou.com/Pages/Print_...ill_manual.swf

So...
Don't fix it.

First write down everything they told you about the warranty, and who you spoke with and
everything you were told at sale. They say they are a drop shipper
Then write down everything you did, the build, use, etc.
Then take pictures of the damage.
Then call your Attorney General at the consumer protection office in Illinois here:
http://www.ag.state.il.us/consumers/
Fill out the form for the state, and send a copy to the company as well.

Then contact, if you used a CC, your CC company and ask them to get involved. They may have some protection as well.
If you are really serious, go onto NexTag
http://www.nextag.com/Bayou-Classic-...47/prices-html

or

epinions

http://www.epinions.com/Bayou_Classi...l_With_Shelves)

and write out what happened. be nice, like you are here. But get the word out to all the BBQ forums and websites. They sell on Amazon, so review it for Amazon. This is not a company that stands by their products. And in the Ceramic world, that it the kiss of death.

Get names of everyone you spoke with.

Then go buy an egg, primo, or grill dome. The service with all 3 is outstanding.

[drbbq]

You get what you pay for.

[h20loo]

Originally Posted by drbbq

You get what you pay for.

I think that is what he is trying to do!!

[drbbq]

Originally Posted by h20loo

I think that is what he is trying to do!!

How's that working out?

[snoqualmiesmoker]

Funny thing is that baby is nearly the same price as a Egg or Primo.

[CaptGrumpy]

Originally Posted by drbbq

You get what you pay for.

That is brutal Ray!!!:biggrin :Heard about your placing at the BBQcolossal. Nice!

[drbbq]

Originally Posted by CaptGrumpy

That is brutal Ray!!!:biggrin :Heard about your placing at the BBQcolossal. Nice!

Yeah but it's just soooo true sometimes. Just because a product kind of looks like another one doesn't mean it's the same.

Thanks. We did pretty well at BBQLossal. Fast Eddy did most of the cooking. The only thing I cooked was the loin. But we split the cash.

[CaptGrumpy]

Originally Posted by drbbq

Yeah but it's just soooo true sometimes. Just because a product kind of looks like another one doesn't mean it's the same.

Thanks. We did pretty well at BBQLossal. Fast Eddy did most of the cooking. The only thing I cooked was the loin. But we split the cash.

I know what you mean! My Grandfather always told me you get what you pay and you ain't gettin' no Cadillac for a buck twentyfive!". In other words, be cautious of knock offs especially if they are sold out of the back of a Cadillac in a parking lot in Oakland!(sorry Raider Fans! BTW check in with your parole officers!)

I didn't see anyone giving you your due here so always glad to give someone a notice. Wish I had the time to compete these days. Maybe when the back gets healed up.

[1_T_Scot]

Originally Posted by drbbq

You get what you pay for.

I didn't pay the retail price for it I got it for $399.

I also am try to prevent others from making the mistake that I did.

I appreciate all of your comments and suggestions. Please also pass the word for other buyers to beware!

Thanks.

[1_T_Scot]

Just an update I am out of luck with too much official action due to not being able to find the reciept and I already tried repairing it with furnace cement (doesn't work).
Swamprb and others made the suggestion to use JB weld to repair it. So here goes. I tried it today and I am going to give it a few days to cure.

I'll have to get a new gasket too. Anyone ever try woodburning stove gasket?