Faulty Tefal Steam Generator!?

Phill_2

I bought a Tefal steam generator from John Lewis's 14 months ago, and its now faulty (doesn't produce steam, probably a simple blockage?). I'm hopping mad, partly because it was my first leap from cheap irons (£20 or so), partly because Tefal are giving me no customer service, but mainly because I've paid around £150 for an appliance thats only lasted just over a year (yes, warranty was 12 months).

Question - how would I go on approaching this through the small claims court, citing that it should be reasonably expected to last longer than 14 months? I've been advised that this should cost me £25, and compared to sending it away (£15) with return postage (£15) for a quotation, this seems a reasonable option...what are the chances?

Any advice anyone out there, or is it best to grit my teeth, throw it in a skip and never buy another Tefal product again?

Thanks,

Phill:mad:

flea72

i suppose it depends on why Tefal are refuting your claim

have you maintained it as required? steam generator irons, usually need flushing through every couple of uses, to stop them scaling up, so if you havent done this, then i can see why Tefal arent playing ball

Also, although they are expensive, compared to a standard iron, the lifespan is no greater. I think if you get 2yrs out of an iron you are lucky

You could pursue it through the small claims court, but i think i would try John Lewis first. their customer service tends to be good, so perhaps dealing with them might get you better results, than going after Tefal

sillygoose

Had problems with a Tefal steam generator lasting less time than that! got it replaced (Amazon were pretty good) but 2nd one didn't last much longer either.

To be honest I would give it up, they can easily claim you must have not maintained it correctly and unless you hire some sort of expert (and risk losing the cost) its your word against the manufacturer who will be considered an expert.

Wouldn't touch anything Tefal again, fortunately Argos were doing a Bosch TDS2510GB steam generator at a ridiculously low price around that time (about £99 now £160) which works with precision, is far quieter even when pumping and has 2 years Bosch warranty as standard.

Sorry I can't give you any hope.

Phill_2

Yes, it has been flushed every time the flush light came on, and you are right about JL, but not sure how to get them to help...they already tried to put me in touch with the Tefal rep, but I'd just missed them, and they aren't in for another 6 weeks or so...

Hmmm. Disappointing. The steam gen great when it worked, but I'd be VERY hesitant to buy another if they aren't gonna last longer than this...maybe I'll try to dismantle and repair it myself?..

Thanks anyway...

Phill