Expensive Frige, poor performance
Written: Aug 22 '03
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Pros: Sleek Design, attractive stainless steel door handles
Cons: Poor Quality, 2 repairs after 18 months of operation
The Bottom Line: This is a great refrigerator, when it works!! Make sure if you're going to spend this kind of money, protect it with some type of serivce policy.
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| tivo74656's Full Review: KitchenAid KSCS25FKSS Stainless Steel (25.4 cu. ft... |
I purchased this refrigerator in December '01 from Expo Design Center & I was pleased to replace my old 16 yr old Amana. Overall this refrigerator is very attractive, extremely quiet & energy efficient. Even though I sell appliances and understand the durability of appliances & the life expectancy, I have been surprised that I have had this unit repaired TWICE in 18 months. I had the refrigerator 8 months before it failed the first time. The problem was that the evaporator coil & electronic system failed, which basically means the compressor would run, but the computer wouldn't tell the blower to run & circulate the cool air throughout the unit, so all the food in my freezer spoiled. The repair was covered under KitchenAid's warranty & was repaired in 4 days after ordering a new computer system & coil.
The second problem, which was repaired 2 days ago involved the ice/water dispenser. When you would use the ice dispenser in the door, the frige would not dispense ice, it sounded like ice was jamming. By this time, the regular factory warranty was expired but we purchased a Service Plan on the frige. When the service department came, the repair man knew exactly what was wrong with the frige, because he had repaired SEVEN other friges just like mine before. The entire freezer door had to be replaced due to faulty wiring ( A defect from KitchenAid ).
He said this refrigerator is a brand new model from KitchenAid, and of course when you own a "new" model, there are always "bugs". So after waiting 5 weeks for the replacement door, the door was replaced and it works perfectly.
Now, since KitchenAid's warranty expired, obviously the Service Plan I purchased along w/ the refrigerator covered having the door replaced. IF I didn't, to have the freezer door replaced would have costed me $1000 (That's one thousand dollars!!), & the Service Plan only costed $99.99. My point is this, if you're in the market to replace and/or purchase new appliances, realize appliances today are built for efficiency, NOT durability. "My last appliance lasted me 10-15 years, I expect this to last the same". EXPECT NOTHING, just because you pay top dollar or buy the best model (Which this KitchenAid refrigerator is suppose to be), it doesn't mean you're going to get the same lifespan that your old appliance was. And if you decide to get the "basic" or cheap model, you're getting exactly what you're paying for, a Cheap model with Cheap parts. It's sad to say. More than ever, if you buy an appliance, it's worth it to purchase a service plan on it, even if you never used one, it's worth to know at least for the first 3/4/5 years you'll be completely covered.
KitchenAid's warranty, along with most other vendors is as follows:
1 yr parts & labor (defects ONLY!! which means the vendor will only cover the unit if the failed from a defect in workmanship / Normal wear & tear (which is just using the unit), power surges (especially with computerized units) ARE NOT COVERED BY ANY MANUFACTURER!!!) Manufacturer warranties are not "FULL COVERAGE", just in their own defects, THAT'S IT!!! Anything else, & you have to foot the bill!! By the way, the manufacturer's warranty DOES NOT COVER the water filtration system!!
Most refrigerators come with a 5 year warranty on the sealed system (Compressor, evaporator, etc,) PARTS ONLY & ONLY DEFECTS IN WORKMANSHIP!!!!!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2399.99
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tivo74656
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