Advice on Lethal Fridge-Freezer Please

ricardovich

Hi everyone

Some advice if you can?

I bought a Baumatic Quattro fridge-freezer from Appliances Direct on 09/04/2013 and paid £629.98.

2 weeks ago the unit tripped all our switches overnight and stopped working. When I plugged the unit into a non RCD protected socket I quickly noticed a burning electrical smell from the back of it. (THANK GOD it was originally plugged into a RCD circuit or it could well have burnt our house down)

I contacted Appliances Direct who told me I had a 730 day Warranty with Baumatic. After a 2 week wait (without a fridge or freezer!!) Baumatic sent an engineer out who informed me the compressor had blown and that he would get a spare part "within 3 or 4 working days". A week later (and my constant chasing - never a call-back) I have been told by Baumatic that this part is not available (!! a basic part for a unit they still manufacture and sell?!?!) and that they have sent a "Uplift Number" to Appliances Direct so that I can get a new fridge directly from them.

Appliances Direct tell me they can't get me a Baumatic Quattro until OCTOBER!! I can, however, choose a different fridge-freezer from them. HOWEVER, the only other fridge-freezer they stock which is the same dimensions (it needs to fit into a specific space in the kitchen) is £600 more expensive.

I do not want to spend a further £600 on a fridge-freezer, I do not want to be without a fridge and freezer until at least October (I have a 20 month old son - it's been a nightmare dealing with his milk and food over the last couple of weeks).

Does anyone know what I can do next??

Thanks

Richard

ap1986

Maybe you could have a look around and see if the same fridge is available elsewhere, before October, and ask Appliances Direct if they would foot the bill?

I don't know if this is possible and I'm sure someone will be along to offer some good advice soon but, if it's that exact fridge you want/need, it might be worth an ask at least.

SailorSam

You can ask for a refund but it may be to late from the date you bought it.
Have a read about your rights here ...
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/consumer_taking_action_e/consumer_common_actions_e.htm

frugal_mike

They are allowed to repair, replace or refund you (whichever is cheapest to them). Repair is impossible if the manufacturer can't source the part, so that leaves replacement or refund.

Their offer to replace is allowed, however they are not allowed to significantly inconvenience you. Given the fact its a fridge and freezer so without it you have no ability to store fresh or frozen food it could certainly be argued that it is significantly inconvenient to be without it for a month or more.

In that case I would be pushing for a refund, or a temporary replacement with any fridge/freezer they have until they can source the permanent replacement. If they give you a refund they are allowed to deduct money for the usage you have had.

Note that my above reply is assuming the retailer has accepted the fault was inherent. The claim is against the retailer under the sale of goods act.

ThumbRemote

frugal_mikes reply above is excellent advice.

I'd phone them today and ask if they can either supply a temporary unit or give you a refund. If they refuse, tell them you will have to buy elsewhere and pursue them for the cost.