Why did this Whirlpool microwave go down the drain?

Filipchuk Oleg/Shutterstock
Filipchuk Oleg/Shutterstock
Question: I purchased all new Whirlpool Gold appliances in March of 2011, including a refrigerator, convection microwave/hood, dishwasher, large smooth cooktop, built-in oven.

I’ve been very happy with everything until my microwave stopped working. It doesn’t heat, so it is very likely a bad magnetron. I called Whirlpool and talked to a representative and escalated the call to a manager. The supervisor admitted the product was defective, but said it would cost $300 to repair the unit and to extend the one-year warranty.

We have been very careful with this microwave. We haven’t slammed the door or abused it in any way. Remodeling our kitchen was quite an expensive thing for us. I researched all the major brands and even talked to a Whirlpool rep at Nebraska Furniture Mart. I believed Whirlpool made a quality product that would last, and I still do. But this particular microwave was defective.

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