Buying European-made vs domestic appliances, service issues?

16 years ago

Background:

Last week the oven stopped working in my many-years-old GE Gas range. Since we have old appliances, we pay for a service contract with our Gas company. So we made an appointment on Saturday and the bad part was replaced on Thursday (yesterday) and the oven is working again now.

While the repairman was here, I asked his opinion about the new appliances and told him I was considering european brands - Bosch, Miele, possibly Bertazzoni for the remodel. His response went kind of like this: "Hey, I am an Italian and like the european appliances myself but it takes forever to get the parts if something breaks".

He proceeded to tell me about another service call just a couple of blocks from us where they had to disconnect a Miele cooktop because of a gas leak due to a bad part and now have to wait 3-4 weeks for the part to be delivered. So the customer can't use her cooktop for over a month.

I am just wondering if this is a huge factor for others or not? And if someone has owned non-US-made appliances, has it ever been an issue?

annab6

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Comments (5)

User
16 years ago
It sometimes takes that long to get a domestically produced appliance part too. Not every part in an "American made" appliance is made here. Most are made overseas as well. Then assembled here. And, even on "American" brands, there is no guarantee that they are American made. GE's new french door firdge comes from their factory in China. Maytag has plants in Mexico.

The appliance market is global, whether you want it to be or not.
sshrivastava
16 years ago
There are a lot of variables involved, I don't think someone can make a blanket statement like that about European appliances, as each situation is different. Some of the more obvious factors that come into play are your location, the robustness of the company's service network, and the competence of the service people involved.
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jerrod6
16 years ago
I agree with Sshrivastava and live_wire and think It's best to research service availability before you purchase ANY appliance. You could check them out via the web or call the company and ask how service will be handled before you purchase their product.

I had 1 question about my Euro brand refrigerator, sent an email and received an answer the next day.

One thing I do not do is get a service contract from any of my utility companies, although they offer them. My feeling is that you will have to settle with their terms and what they can do. I have seen their work force and their products and don't care for them, so I prefer private companies for Heater/AC and other maintenance and for my appliances I try to use the company that I bought the product from.

Bosch is a Euro company but many of their products are made or assembled in the USA and you can even order replacement parts from their web site. Miele Seems to have a good warehouse supply and good product availability. Still it is best to research where on-site service from these companies will be sourced from.

I have Euro appliances and so far have not had any issues with service. Some folks on this forum complain about Sears service and their parts availability so even they are no sure bet.

Its best to research service availability for any product before you buy it regardless of where it is made.
clg7067
16 years ago
I'm reconsidering the foreign products when I remodel my kitchen. Three and a half years ago I bought new Bosch laudry appliances when I moved into this house. Last month the dryer stopped working. It took 4 visits and $500 to get a $650 dryer running again. The parts took less than a week, so that wasn't an issue, but it seems there is only one company in my area that services the foreign brands and they charge double the labor of my preferred appliance repair company. Also, the price to fix would have been $750, except that I was lucky that one part was still under warranty. I'm going to send my receipts to Bosch and see if I they offer any refunds. Oh, and the display on my washer is going wonky already. I'm a single woman and it's not like I doing a lot of laundry.
jerrod6
16 years ago
You mentioned one company in your area that services Bosch. Is this a Bosch certified company?...This company has a contract with Bosch to service their appliances?

Buying European-made vs domestic appliances, service issues?

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