Potential fire hazard – unsafe appliance
I am posting this review regarding a KitchenAid blender on the Whirlpool Corporation – EMEA Trustpilot page, as the KitchenAid brand falls under their responsibility and I received correspondence from their representative. Based on other reviews and my own experience with customer service, I do not expect a meaningful response. Should that prove otherwise, I will update this review accordingly.
I hope, however, that sharing my experience may help other consumers. I would also recommend reading the NOS article “Ignorance about warranty: ‘As a consumer, you partly have to figure it out yourself’” to better understand your rights beyond the standard two-year warranty period in the Netherlands.
Approximately three years ago, we purchased a KitchenAid blender. After about two years and three months of normal use, the appliance began making an unusual noise and emitting a burning smell, resembling electrical smoke, during operation. This felt unsafe and raised serious concerns about a potential fire hazard.
Although the issue occurred roughly three months outside the statutory two-year warranty period, we contacted customer service to explore possible repair options. Given the brand’s reputation for quality and the price paid (€179), we reasonably expected the product to have a longer lifespan.
Our initial contact was by telephone. We were informed that the product was outside the warranty period, and that inspection would be possible, but at a cost of €99. Charging more than half the original purchase price simply to assess the defect seemed disproportionate.
We subsequently attempted to explain the situation in writing. After considerable effort, we located an email address and contacted customer service. The written response from a Whirlpool representative reiterated the same position. We were also informed that the €99 inspection fee includes transport costs.
We are disappointed by this outcome. This is not a low-cost appliance intended for short-term use. For a product positioned in the premium segment, consumers may reasonably expect durability that exceeds two years. Dutch consumer law also supports the principle that a product should meet reasonable expectations of lifespan. If a Lidl blend costs €20,- and comes with a 3 year warranty, one can expect a little more from a KitchenAid blender worth €179,-.
In addition, one would expect a company such as KitchenAid/Whirlpool to take potential safety concerns seriously—particularly where there are indications of a defect that could pose a fire risk.
Unfortunately, this experience reflects what appears to be a broader pattern in which products marketed as “high-end” fail shortly after the limited warranty period expires. Brands historically associated with quality now seem increasingly focused on cost control rather than long-term customer satisfaction.
This is deeply disappointing.