May 17, 2010 12:57 PM
21523 Views
(Updated Feb 04, 2011 02:25 PM)
We had purchased a Siemens refrigerator for domestic use on 06.08.2007 from CROMA store in Juhu, Mumbai.Initially the refrigerator performed well, like any other refrigerator. However 2-3 months after the purchase, the refrigerator stopped cooling and a service representative from RBA Home Appliances Pvt. Ltd. was summoned to address the issue. The service technician removed some of the excess ice that had formed around the ventilating fan inside the unit and brought the refrigerator back to its normal functioning. And to think that frost-free refrigerators are a reality!
The problem however, never ceased completely. Owing to changes in weather, either the excess ice would form in 2 months.. or in some cases after 4 months.. but without fail, the Refrigerator would cease to function normally after 3 months. This was communicated to the service technician several times. On several occasions the technician verbally instructed us over the phone to switch off the refrigerator for a few hours until the ice melts. This is their version of "Frost-Free" .
Recently, we summoned the technician again for the same reason and he assured us that the machine would be taken back to the company workshop for testing and repairs and a stand-by refrigerator would be provided in the interim. This assurance was given to us 1 month ago. We have been following up with the service centres regularly and are truly disappointed with the dilly-dallying and buck-passing.
As a last resort, we have no option but to initiate legal action against Siemens India Ltd. for failure to address issues and for selling a faulty product while knowing about its short-comings. Needless to say, our faith in Siemens as a global brand is destroyed beyond a point of repair.
We hope this information proves to be an eye-opener for Siemens and for gullible homeowners considering Siemens.
Frankly, while the korean twins LG and Samsung may not have as good a brand value as Siemens (Siemens commanding a premium), atleast they've adapted their product lines to suit the Indian climate and usage patterns. With the Korean twins, one has the option of buying a new refrigerator without causing heartburn and a hugedeficit in the bank account. The products are "strategically priced" to ensure that beyond a certain life span, the customer can upgrade or replace the machine.
I wish I'd bought a white elephant instead... Sure! it would've cost me a bomb, but atleast my kid would get to ride on it and be amused by it! Instead we have a white box sitting in our kitchen in the sweltering heat of the hottest summer on record and no means of safely storing our food.
UPDATE (25.06.2010)
A couple of days after posting the above review, and much follow-ups later, a siemens replacement refrigerator was sent to our house and the faulty refrigerator was picked up by them. They returned my original refrigerator within 7 days after conducting tests and fixing whatever was necessary.
So far the refrigerator seems to be working to our satisfaction. The usual problem seems to have been solved.
I would recommend sending emails with as much detail as possible, to Siemens India management team, especially their brand manager. After all... they're here to establish their brand and increase value.
I hope other home-owners can resolve their issues without any such hassles.
V.C
UPDATE (04.02.2011)
It's a little difficult typing with fingers crossed, but I'd like to report that the Refrigerator has not shown its earlier signs of discomfort in the Indian subcontinent. Yes, it does gather too much ice around the ventilator fan, and well, the thermostat device takes over and shuts down cooling for a few hours until the ice melts away. But this happens occasionally now (instead of the quarterly breakdowns).
I'd still not recommend a Siemens refrigerator considering my experience unless I hear of drastic changes in their manufacturing systems and superb product reviews.
Besides, if Siemens is really interested in entering Indian homes, it should look into after-sales service. After all. If we wanted a use-and-throw product, we'd buy a Cheap piece-of-crap refrigerator for 1/10 the price and well, use it and throw it.
V.C
