Continuing on on the high cost of repairing some things:
1. I bought and installed a Kitchen Aid dishwasher when I built my new kitchen in 2000. This was one of the deluxe models (had stainless steel interior, etc). Anyway, the dish detergent compartment has a little "door" that is held shut by a real small plastic latch. This latch is on a timer which opens it at the appropriate time to dispense the detergent. The latch is spring loaded and probably doesn't cost a $1. Anyway, around 2005 (it had evidence of being slowly being eaten away for awhile) this plastic latch finally deteriorated to the point where it would no longer hold the detergent door closed (probably from the chemicals in the detergent, because it was gradually being eaten away). The "estimated" cost to have an appliance repairman come out and replace was near $250.00. I declined. What I have done since is "put up with it". We use the solid detergent (which dissolves a little slower).
2. I had called Kitchen Aid to complain that this latch was made of inferior material which could not hold up to rigors of dishwashing. They essentially told me it wasn't their problem, and tough luck: call a repairman. That is where I got the above quote. This little $1 item requires removal of the main dishwasher door, taking it apart, etc. My concern was that it would be replaced with another similar one which would also deteriorate within 3-5 years.
3. Although Kitchen Aid is and used to be known for quality products, I will not buy another Kitchen Aid product. This is because of their refusal to own up to their responsibility in recognizing this as a mfg flaw. My next dishwasher is going to be Bosch. As previously mentioned we bought a Samsung French (double) Door fridge (freezer below) last September. We looked at several mfgrs models, but Kitchen Aid was not under consideration. Also bought a new JennAir stove. Again, Kitchen Aid not considered.
What I think Kitchen Aid has done is cheapen their product (quality wise) while capitalizing on their good name and reputation. They are going to lose that reputation if they continue to treat customers the way they treated me.
If you are thinking of purchasing a Kitchen Aid appliance, do your homework. If you google "Kitchen Aid complaints" you will see alot of issues.
Showing posts with label appliances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label appliances. Show all posts
Friday, May 30
Thursday, September 6
New Refrigerator
We finally got our new refrigerator, after much painstaking research and shopping around. We finally opted for the Samsung RF265AA
French Door model in the black color. I spent alot of time online doing research into the different brands and models and then my wife and I went to Home Depot, Best Buy, Sears, and Lowes to see what was out there.
My research found that the Samsung has been the JD Power best rated refrigerator for 2 years in a row. It is considered state-of-the-art, and really looks good, too. (I don't know if my wife considers it "sexy" looking or not). I would consider it a top end refrigerator at a middle range price. The regular price was $1498, and they had a Labor Day sale of 10% off of that, on a 12 month/no interest deal. When we asked the salesman "what if we pay cash", he gave us another 10% off. Bottom line: we paid $1213 plus sales tax. Delivery and installation was included (fully rebated back). So: it pays to ask about getting further discount by paying cash, etc. Worst thing that can happen is that they will say no. In our case, we got an additional 10%. They also use their own trained people to deliver/install/set-up for you - which is a plus, additionally they took our old fridge away at no charge. Some of the stores we shopped said they sub-contract out the delivery - leaving you at the mercy of whoever is delivering (does the deliverer care? does he know what he is doing, etc?)
Another great thing about the Samsung is that it is twin-cooled. The freezer compartment has its own cooling unit, as does the refrigerator. That means no exchange of odors, etc, between the freezer/fridge. It is also EnergyStar rated with an average annual electric usage bill 0f $41. And this is a 25 cf unit. You can store up to 8 gallons of milk in the door compartments (which are designed for this). It also has a slide out deli compartment which has its own temp control for deli trays, fruits/veggies, meats, pizza, etc.
Often, when buying high ticket items (and for me that means over $500), I second guess myself wondering whether I made the right choice, should I have chosen B instead of A, etc. Although we have only had our new fridge for 48 hours, I feel assured we made the right choice. I give this unit five stars (out of 5).
French Door model in the black color. I spent alot of time online doing research into the different brands and models and then my wife and I went to Home Depot, Best Buy, Sears, and Lowes to see what was out there. My research found that the Samsung has been the JD Power best rated refrigerator for 2 years in a row. It is considered state-of-the-art, and really looks good, too. (I don't know if my wife considers it "sexy" looking or not). I would consider it a top end refrigerator at a middle range price. The regular price was $1498, and they had a Labor Day sale of 10% off of that, on a 12 month/no interest deal. When we asked the salesman "what if we pay cash", he gave us another 10% off. Bottom line: we paid $1213 plus sales tax. Delivery and installation was included (fully rebated back). So: it pays to ask about getting further discount by paying cash, etc. Worst thing that can happen is that they will say no. In our case, we got an additional 10%. They also use their own trained people to deliver/install/set-up for you - which is a plus, additionally they took our old fridge away at no charge. Some of the stores we shopped said they sub-contract out the delivery - leaving you at the mercy of whoever is delivering (does the deliverer care? does he know what he is doing, etc?)
Another great thing about the Samsung is that it is twin-cooled. The freezer compartment has its own cooling unit, as does the refrigerator. That means no exchange of odors, etc, between the freezer/fridge. It is also EnergyStar rated with an average annual electric usage bill 0f $41. And this is a 25 cf unit. You can store up to 8 gallons of milk in the door compartments (which are designed for this). It also has a slide out deli compartment which has its own temp control for deli trays, fruits/veggies, meats, pizza, etc.
Often, when buying high ticket items (and for me that means over $500), I second guess myself wondering whether I made the right choice, should I have chosen B instead of A, etc. Although we have only had our new fridge for 48 hours, I feel assured we made the right choice. I give this unit five stars (out of 5).
Monday, September 3
Mission 'New Cooler' Accomplished
Today we were out there in the store wilderness and we bagged our new refrigerator. It was a challenge, but we prevailed. We started out with the idea of the Kenmore or the Whirlpool, but after much tracking of consumer research sites, following the in-store guides and scouts through trails of appliances and learning all the habits of our quarry, we decided to take home a Samsung brand, French door style, black color refrigerator. Black, since the Stainless won't hold magnets. And we all know how important refrigerator magnets are to the well organized family.
The factor that tipped the scale for us was the "twin cooling" feature of the Samsung. It means that there are two separate cooling systems for the freezer and the refrigerated part. Now we are doing the second guessing that comes with big ticket decisions and waiting for tomorrows delivery call.
...a done deal, and we are hoping we are going to be happy with it!
Technorati Tags: refrigerator, kitchen appliances
The factor that tipped the scale for us was the "twin cooling" feature of the Samsung. It means that there are two separate cooling systems for the freezer and the refrigerated part. Now we are doing the second guessing that comes with big ticket decisions and waiting for tomorrows delivery call.
...a done deal, and we are hoping we are going to be happy with it!
Technorati Tags: refrigerator, kitchen appliances
Monday, August 27
Kitchen Appliance : Refrigerator
We need a new refrigerator...badly. We looked around and were just poised to buy one, but held back. Now I have read in the article posted at aol from consumer reports that my best bet might be Kenmore or Whirlpool brand. I am strongly in the market for a French door type of configuration. Maybe we will get the new refrigerator this month- now that we have some working advice on making the brand choice.
I am so ready for my new refrigerator.
Technorati Tags: refrigerator,