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.
