George Foreman fault and consumer rights question

JSUK_2

I bought a George Foreman 18054 compact grill in September 2013. Recently I had noticed the back half of the plug feeling loose. On unplugging the device last night I felt the plug actually come apart. There is a deep split in the plastic down one side. Clearly this could have been extremely hazardous, and does not seem to be natural wear. So my first question is, has anyone else had this happen before with any plug, or specifically for a George Foreman?

The second question is - I've just spoken to someone on their technical help, who has offered to send out a prepay label for a return. However, he said that due to the product being more than 2 years old, they'd only be able to offer a partial refund. Leaving aside any safety implications from the fault, is less than 3 years 'For A Reasonable Time'?

neilmcl

I'd say nearly 3 years of use for one of these grills is fairly reasonable. A few things you need to be aware of. After 6 months the onus is on you to prove the fault is inherent to manufacture and not down to excess wear & tear, or misuse. Secondly a partial refund is in line with your statutory consumer rights, and finally your contract will be with the retailer, not the manufacturer.

Personally I'd say you're fortunate to get any kind of refund from the manufacturer outside it's warranty, especially as it would be pretty hard to prove that a crack on the plug wasn't caused by user damage.

spadoosh

JSUK wrote: »

I bought a George Foreman 18054 compact grill in September 2013. Recently I had noticed the back half of the plug feeling loose. On unplugging the device last night I felt the plug actually come apart. There is a deep split in the plastic down one side. Clearly this could have been extremely hazardous, and does not seem to be natural wear. So my first question is, has anyone else had this happen before with any plug, or specifically for a George Foreman?

The second question is - I've just spoken to someone on their technical help, who has offered to send out a prepay label for a return. However, he said that due to the product being more than 2 years old, they'd only be able to offer a partial refund. Leaving aside any safety implications from the fault, is less than 3 years 'For A Reasonable Time'?

I like how your trying to go the 'ahhh its dangerous route' when you knowingly continued to use it when the back felt loose?!?!

Ive had plugs melt, crack, poorly wired.

White goods can get up to 6 years. From that i would say less than 3 years is reasonable for a george foreman.

Plastic plugs can become brittle (plastic and heat dont normally work too well) and foreman's can draw a good chunk of electrickery. It could just as easily be an issue with your outlet as it is with the plug.

Instead of messing about with posting things out and getting annoyed that they havent refunded you fully could you not just buy a plug and fit it yourself. They cost about 98 pence.

JSUK_2

Replacing the plug did occur to me, but to be honest I don't know how.

I used the device in a double power point, swapped around with a microwave, kettle and (occasionally) toaster. That does mean it's unplugged and plugged in quite often, but my previous George lasted four years (and was only replaced because of the lining wearing down) and my mum's lasted about 8 (though with sole use of the socket), so I'm not sure it's long enough.

spadoosh

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+wire+a+plug

Will take two minutes and much less hassle than you trying to argue that it should last longer than 3 years. And you will have an additional skill to boot!

suki1964

http://m.wikihow.com/Wire-a-UK-Plug

lucy03

If you think it's unsafe I'd post it back and say they might want to check it, just for their reference. It probably isn't unsafe - but I'm sure a manufacturer would rather know than not know. A partial refund, which they've offered, seems realistic. If you want another one see if they'll send one directly for a reduced price - they might be quite generous.

molerat

Am I getting this right, the three pin plug is broken and OP wants a new grill ? Top and bottom halves of plugs do come loose due to being constantly plugged in and out. If not tightened they break. Fit a new plug, job done.