Corningware 4 slice toaster from Wal-Mart, Ancaster, Hamilton, Canada - broke down within 6 months - need help

# 30 for April 16, 2003

Complaints.com received the following on April 15, 2003:

From: Paul Sterling [Email User]

RE: Corningware 4 slice toaster from Wal-Mart, Ancaster, Hamilton, Canada - broke down within 6 months - need help

The small appliances purchased were "French White". They were made to match the existing cookware / cassarole dishes, and were introduced shortly before the boxed dinner placesettings came on the market. The blender, model # BL-1452 and four slice toaster, model # TS-4318 were both purchased at local Wal-Mart stores( Ancaster, Hamilton). I also forgot to mention that the hand mixer from the same "French White" collection had to be replaced because the motor burned out mixing cake batter.

We were lucky to find one in the Cookstown Outlet Mall (2 1/2 hour drive from Hamilton), and the sales associate gladly exchanged the mixer for us. However no such luck was available with the other 2 appliances. These products were only purchased because of "What" they were, we did not "need" them at the time. As a matter of fact, my granddaughter is still using the originals that we had replaced with the "French White" appliances. This is why it is so upsetting that the quality of a product with the Corningware name on it would be so lacking. We have never experienced problems like this before.

When the hand mixer burned out we just assumed it was a one time thing. We were not expecting any other problems. We have been buying Corningware products for many, many years, but have only been really disappointed with this particular line of products. As stated in my first email we also have a Slow Cooker, Can Opener and Coffee Maker. This was not an inexpensive purchase, replacing the six appliances mentioned, perhaps that is why I am so upset over this quality issue.

I do expect to get my money's worth out of anything I buy, but when a ten dollar toaster is still working after 12 years and the "French White" one,(that we paid considerably more for) has been toasting only one side of a slice of bread at a time for months now I feel ripped off. I also have concerns as to who I can contact if anything goes wrong with the remaining products.

I hope this is the information you required. If anything is missing or required please let me know.

Paul Sterling

One year ago last chirstmas I bought the full line of small appliances for my wife She wanted them to match her complete set of french white dishes.We lost all bills with christmas wrapping paper.Last summer the four slice toaster broke down on one side.Tride to get intouch with you but got the runaround from one phone number to another until I gave up.

Since then the blender cutting blades broke on the blender and the other half of the toaster is not toasting one side.I was told that you do not make these appliances and I cannot get replacement parts here in Hamilton Ontario Canada or anywhere.I still have a slowcooker,can opener coffee craft, egg beater that has not give me problems get.

Had I known that the product lines were discontinued I would NOT have bought them.I tried all Corningware outlets in my area for help but no luck except the 1 800 number that I tried before and gave up on.I bought a computer in Feb. and sending thes letter in hopes that I can get come HELP with problem. Hoping to here from comeone soon.THANK YOU.