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“I bought the KM005 about 3 years ago after reading...”

written by mirzha on 12/04/2010

I bought the KM005 about 3 years ago after reading rave reviews about it and also after watching a very seductive demo of the product on the "you tube". I distinctly remember the promoter saying that the machine attachments are suitable for blending Asian spices. The fact that it came with the a glass liquidizer attachment was what finally made me put down my savings on this machine. Little did I know this was the beginning of my nightmare.



A little over a week after I've brought the unit I decided to use the the liquidizer attachment. My experience with other brands of liquidizer had been that once the unit had been properly attached I could leave it alone to run and if the the liquidizer had not been properly attached the machine do not work until the problem had been rectified. After attaching the blender unit to my new Kenwood and having been satisfied that it is running properly, I left it running for a minute to attend to something on my stove. Imagine my horror, when the liquidizer suddenly detached itself from its socket and crashed landed on my floor.



The very next day, I took the unit to the only service agent in my country. Here I was told that there was nothing wrong with my machine and that it is my fault for not holding onto the blender unit when it was running. I pointed out to them that I've used lower end models that do not require me to hold on to the machine while its running. Besides, I also pointed out to them, there was nothing in the instructions that came with the machine that had warned consumers to do so.



Finally they agreed to replace the glass for free but I had to wait longer than a month for the replacement. After that whenever I use the unit I hold on the unit and watch it like a hawk. The blender unit blends the spices very well and I'm most happy with its performance. The downside is, I have to watch the unit for 10-15 minutes while blending my spice, the time I could have used to do other chores in the kitchen.



Now 3 years later, the glass of of my blender unit is still perfect. However, the plastic under the blade housing has worn out and so has the white teeth of the high powered socket of my KM005. I brought it down to the service centre for repair and to buy a spare blade for my blender.



Two shocks awaited me:



1) I'm told that they no longer sell spare parts for the blender unit. They said they used to but they have changed the policy and now I'll have to buy a whole new attachment which of course doesn't come cheap. Mind you the optional attachments that you buy for the machine do not come with a warranty. For just a few extra dollars I can buy a stand alone unit that comes with a year warranty. I just do not see why they just can't sell the blade as a spare part. I think Kenwood is trying to rob me blind.



2) I'll have to wait a month for the plastic teeth of the high powered socket to be repaired. Which means my entire unit would have to languish in the workshop. I won't even be able make cakes. I can accept a repair period of a week but a whole month or more ....ridiculous!





Every time I call their agents here in Singapore, I'm told any spares I need I'll have to wait for months. A steel mixing bowl I ordered in February is only arriving today 12/04/10, too bad I won't be able to use it until a month later,since my whole unit will be with the agents for a month waiting for repairs. The rubber ring of the spice mill attachment tore while I was grinding some nuts. I have not been told how long I'd have to wait for the spares. In any case I'll not be able to use it till I get my entire unit back.





My review is mainly targeted to consumers in Singapore. The service I had from the agents is horrendous. I'm sure Kenwood appliances is a good machine (the review I've read from customers around the world confirms this) and I'm sure Ill be a happier customer if the service from Kenwood agents had been better. As it stands, I regret buying the machine mainly because of the way my problems had been handled by the agents.





I have entertained the idea of buying more optional attachments such as the mincer and the food processor. Now I no longer want to. Just the thought of the problems I may face if any of these units should fall into disrepair has put paid to the notion.