The Self-Cleaning Cycle
Most KitchenAid ovens, which are manufactured and sold by Whirlpool, include a self-cleaning process often designated by a button on the touch pad labeled "Self-Clean" or "Auto Clean". The self-cleaning cycle is advertised by Whirlpool and KitchenAid in its comprehensive advertising campaign as an important maintenance feature for purchasers of ovens.
The mechanics for the self-cleaning cycle are the same for all Whirlpool manufactured ovens. Once engaged, the oven door automatically locks and the interior of the oven is heated to extremely high temperatures, which burns soil to a powdery ash over a period of time ranging from two to four hours. During this process, the interior temperature of the oven may exceed 1,000 degrees. This excessive heating which is required for the self-cleaning cycle then causes damage to the sensitive electronic components contained in the control panel.
Whirlpool uses the combination of a blower and a thermal fuse (alternatively referred to as a therm-o-disc) to handle hot air and steam from the oven cavity. The blower is supposed to direct hot air away from the control panel and is triggered only after the temperature reaches a certain level and a fan bimetal switch activates. Once the temperature cools, the bimetal switch deactivates and the blower turns off. If the blower should fail, the thermal fuse is designed to melt and break the electrical current, thus preventing the other components from being destroyed by excessive heat.
Whirlpool has designed and/or manufactured its ovens with defects in the blower, the bimetal switch that activates the blower and the thermal fuse. These defects have resulted in the control panel being damaged after use of the self-cleaning cycle. Without an operational control panel, the ovens are no longer useable without repair. Whirlpool ovens that have the electronic touch pad above the oven door are particularly susceptible to damage from use of the self-cleaning cycle.
After as few as two (with a maximum of five or six) uses of the self-cleaning cycle, the control panel becomes damaged necessitating costly repairs. Whirlpool uses a comprehensive marketing campaign in which it markets its ovens with the promise that the self-ceaning "could save you a lot of time in weekly maintenance" and represents that the self-cleaning cycle is an "'important maintenance feature" in its ovens. Whirlpool does not, however, disclose that the self-cleaning cycle is only good for a limited number of uses or that consumers will incur costly repair bills when the ovens are damaged by use of the self-cleaning cycle. Repairing a control panel after it has been damaged from the self-cleaning cycle most often requires a complete replacement of the control panel, as well as the thermal fuse, and often replacement of the blower. Typical repair costs exceed $400.
KitchenAid has had knowledge of the defect since 1996
As early as 1996, Whirlpool issued Service Pointers to authorized repair technicians informing them that there was a defect in the oven that caused it to fail following the self-clean cycle. Additional Service Pointers were issued in 1997, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 and as recently as December 2008. But despite having knowledge of the defect as early as 1996, Whirlpool has nevertheless chosen to conceal from its consumers the reality that the self-cleaning cycle will destroy the internal control panel after only a handful of uses.
To date, Whirlpool continues to advertise the self-clean cycle as a functioning, beneficial feature of its ovens. Indeed, Whirlpool has never disclosed to the consumer that their ovens would be damaged if used in accordance with its marketing materials. Nor has Whirlpool recalled the defective ovens, offered to pay for repairs outside of warranty or offered to extend the warranty for this known defect.
Corporations and merchants making fraudulent claims or providing defective goods never expect to get called out for their behavior. If a consumer complains, they may offer a partial refund, but in other cases they choose to ignore their customer. By hiring a lawyer, you are telling them that you are serious about getting relief for the losses you have suffered. The Mazzola Law Firm, PLLC will vigorously represent you, seeking full compensation for all of your losses.
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Brian N. Mazzola has successfully represented many clients in cases involving deceptive trade practices. He gives voice to people who would otherwise be ignored and works tirelessly to get results for those who have been wronged. Colleagues in the legal profession admire his professionalism and high standards. Clients appreciate his responsive, caring attitude and the results he gets for them. Brian N. Mazzola has been selected as a Super Lawyer Rising Star for 2010 and is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
The Mazzola Law Firm, PLLC will be your strong advocate - seeking compensation and justice for you.
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If you have suffered economic damages as a result of a defective Whirlpool or KitchenAid self-cleaning oven, contact the Mazzola Law Firm, PLLC for a free consultation.
