Australian Consumer Law - $200 Microwave, Not Working in <2.5 Years, 1 Year Warranty

ram4ram on 10/02/2024 - 11:12
Last edited 10/02/2024 - 16:05 by 1 other user

I have a (Breville) microwave I bought from Target in October 2021. Warranty was for 1 year.

It's been used in a family setting, normal usage. Clean, not abused etc.
It's been just over 2 years (?), and it has suddenly stopped heating food. Very surprising, because my previous LG lasted 10 years.

  • Is it reasonable for a $200 microwave to stop working after just over 2 years?
  • If it's unreasonable, can I return it to Target for a replacement / refund based on the Australian Consumer Law?

Quote: There is no specific time when the consumer guarantees no longer apply to products. They may apply even after the manufacturer's warranty period has past. The length of the consumer guarantee period depends on a number of factors including: …the length of time for which it is reasonable for the product to be used….

Note: I have thrown away the microwave box it came in, just have the microwave.

According to this, a microwave should last 7-8 years.

Poll Options

  • 76
    It IS reasonable for a 2 year old, $200 microwave to be broken.
  • 386
    It is NOT reasonable for this microwave to be broken at this point - Take it back to the store
  • 30
    I don't know, I just want to see the results
Electrical & Electronics Microwave Oven

Comments

  • noz on 11/02/2024 - 22:49

    I have a Sharp microwave oven that I purchased in 2004. Not long after the warranty expired the display lost its backlighting behind the display characters (common problem with some models of Sharp microwave ovens at the time). Otherwise, it still works fine, just need to look at the display a bit harder to make out what time is remaining etc.

  • ahly92 on 12/02/2024 - 00:41

    Yes push for it and ull get it. I prefer directly contacting the manufacturers as oppsosed to where i bought. Success so far are 2x samsung tv (5 and 7 year's) and iphone xs (4years) both taken directly to the manufacturer. Resolution was for new replacemnets btw

  • curtturtle on 12/02/2024 - 10:13

    It is probably the same breville microwave I had. Mine crapped out outside of warranty. I took it back to the store, they said tough sh!t. I went to breville directly and after a little push back they swapped it out for a new one. I just pointed to the ACL statutory consumer rights and that it would be reasonable given its price to get longer than the 1 year warranty out of it.

  • JimB on 12/02/2024 - 11:44

    Breville, Bosch, Miele etc. make some really good stuff but I find they can't make reliable Microwaves like cheaper Panasonics, Sharp… and even LG and Samsung.

  • rentonc on 12/02/2024 - 11:50
    +1

    I inherited a Sharp microwave from my parents. Just replaced it recently with another Sharp because the first one ran fine for 30 years!!!!
    I do realise that does not guarantee the next one will, but worth a shot.

    • Poor Ass on 12/02/2024 - 23:38

      Prob won't

      They don't build anything to last these days

  • cloudie9 on 12/02/2024 - 12:02

    My Samsung also chugging along well for almost 14 years… touch wood. But then, my tips to prolonging the life is to switch of the power wall switch when not in use…

  • Munki on 12/02/2024 - 12:10

    My Panasonic microwave lasted 14 years before needing a replacement. I'd definitely hit up Breville to ask them.

  • Bunnyburger on 12/02/2024 - 12:33

    My parent's Panasonic microwave - working since 1998. Daily usage.

    My NEC microwave - working since 2005 - 3-5 times a week.

  • Hangryuman on 12/02/2024 - 16:13

    question is can you demonstrate that you bought it from them - if no receipt they might deny - in which case you might have to contact the manufacturer directly - Breville was in Sydney for a while …

    but yeah 2 years is not OK - if they hesitate, just tell them you don't want to have to write bad reviews all over the internets … ;-)

  • KaTst3R on 12/02/2024 - 16:46
    +2

    My mum's place still has a microwave from the 90s. It is not as high powered as modern ones but it still works. Appliances these days are so fragile.

  • PR0r on 12/02/2024 - 20:12

    If only Target target was able to sell you an extended warranty for $200

  • john_conner on 12/02/2024 - 23:07

    Most of my Breville stuff is pretty good (food processor, coffee machine) but Breville are not known for their microwaves. For the record my bargain basement microwave lasted 12+ years. Currently have Panasonic, going strong after 3+ years.

  • c64 on 13/02/2024 - 06:42

    it works but doesn't heat? probably a blown HV fuse on the transformer, maybe cockroaches got in.

  • FittyFitty on 13/02/2024 - 07:26

    Our Panasonic from 2003 still works as new; even the door stickers are still 100% in tact…

  • SimAus007 on 13/02/2024 - 09:43

    My Sharp microwave has been going for 14 years and I want it to break down, so I have an excuse to buy a new one as it's looking a little dated after that long. First-world issues, I know :/

  • zyj494949 on 13/02/2024 - 11:06

    I had bad experience with Breville in the past as well. Both thiier toaster and kettle died with in 2 years…
    On the other hand, the replacement KitchenAid toaster lasted more than 4 years now.

    I will stay away with this brand in general.

  • gstfree on 13/02/2024 - 14:04

    My opinion is microwave oven should last more than 2.5 years. That's a reasonable expectation. My current Black Decker microwave was purchased in 2004 or 2005 and it's still working well (although the light was gone). It moved 9 times with me since I bought it.

  • HangryCakeStore on 13/02/2024 - 16:04

    Why’s it only for appliances?

    Why don’t we get 2 years warranty on 200$ shoes or clothes?

    • johnno07 on 14/02/2024 - 00:54
      +1

      If your $200 shoes exploded off your feet after a week I would say you're entitled to an easy implied warranty claim.
      If you run 10000km over the same period in your $280 Ultraboosts and wear through the sole you should not be.

  • financialminimalism on 13/02/2024 - 22:35

    2 years is rubbish. we've had our Omega microwave 15 years and its still going, although I'm surprised it's lasted as long as it has given what we paid for it at the time and its moved house 3-4 times.

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