Kitchen Appliance Repair

Kitchens have been around for as long as man learned how to cook. But it wasn’t until after the U.S. civil war that the many of today’s kitchen appliances were invented. Kitchen appliances are the reason why most people no longer so many helping hands in the kitchen.

Now there are so many brands and models of kitchen appliances, from refrigerators, food processors, steamers, rice cookers and the like. But just like other appliances, kitchen appliances can, and do, get broken down. And it is then that you need help in kitchen appliance repair. Where kitchen appliance repair is concerned, there are several options:

(a) Take it to the manufacturer’s service center,
(b) Call in a professional appliance technician, or
(c) Repair it yourself.

As to which route to take, here are some considerations:

* Warranty

Is your appliance still covered by warranty? If this is the case, go ahead and take your appliance to the manufacturer’s service center. It won’t cost you a cent, although you might have to wait for your repaired appliance to be back in your house. Service centers usually have a waiting period from a few days to weeks. Resist any temptation to open your appliance before verifying that it’s still covered by warranty. Warranties are voided when an appliance is opened.

* Cost Vs Benefit of Repair

Don’t have your appliance repaired if the cost of repair is over 50% of the cost of buying a new appliance. Repairs that cost more than 50% generally indicate that the appliance is in very bad shape and is likely to recede into bad shape after the repair. On the other hand, a new model may cost more in the beginning, but it will save you more in electricity since new appliance models are energy-efficient.

* Appliance Age and Spare Part Availability

The age of the appliance matters when you’re deciding on whether to repair it or throw it away. Old appliances that are already broken down are not of much use even when you repair them. By the time they’re broken down, everything would be wobbly and any repairs would simply be life support.

On the other hand, some appliances present spare part problems, especially for brands that are manufactured outside of your home country. If you can’t find spare parts over on the Internet or at the nearby appliance store, then treat yourself to a new appliance.

Repair Costs

These days, it really pays to pinch on your dollars where you can. Most appliance technicians usually charge $50 to $70 on the first half hour and bill $10 to $20 for succeeding work hours. On the other hand, some technicians charge a per job basis. Appliance repairs worked after business hours, on weekends or on holidays will cost you more in overtime. You could be charged could be charged up to 25% more than the regular rates. So, if you need to repair your appliance never have it repaired beyond business hours, unless if the appliance is really important.