Viking Microwave

Viking Microwave

Mr. Fred Carl President of VIKING 111 Front Street Greenwood, Mississippi 38930 Dear Mr. Carl: We have been in the process of renovating our home for two years. Recently, we renovated our kitchen, a complete remodeling and replacement of all appliances. We decided to go with the best brand names available and Viking was one of those names. Of the Viking line, we purchased a six burner gas range, a downdraft ventilator and a microwave oven. It is the microwave oven that brings me to write you this letter. The very first time we used the microwave, it failed. It was less then three minutes into the cooking cycle, the unit shut down, gave off an order and the entire display went blank. Immediately I was concerned that a product of such a well recognized name would fail so quickly. I called my place of purchase and was informed that even though the unit was brand new, they could not authorize the replacement of the microwave. I would have to call the local service organization and they would have to come out to repair the unit. Repair a unit that was virtually NEVER USED! I found this to be absurd, but went along with the madness. After contacting the service company who informed me that replacement was not an option that he had the authority to make, I decided to call the Customer Service Line in Mississippi. I spoke to a representative who informed me that it would have to be handled through the local service representative and that replacement was again not an option. I asked to speak to her manager who told me, "It is not our problem. You must go through the local service organization in New Jersey and that the unit would NOT BE REPLACED." Mr. Carl, I find this type of Customer Service totally and completely unacceptable. A product that does not even last three minutes should be a NO BRAINER. It should be IMMEDIATELY REPLACED WITHOUT QUESTION. I am now told that the service distributor doesn't have the parts needed, Viking does not have the parts needed and there is a possibility that SHARP, the actual manufacturer may not have the parts, which leaves me with a rather expensive piece of JUNK. So while I wait for my piece of garbage to be fixed, I intend to get the word out to all I can that VIKING is not a name to be purchased do to their poor customer service and integrity of the products. I also intend to Black Out the name of Viking on the remainder of the products for the upcoming photo shoot of the remodeled room for the kitchen design company that designed the kitchen. The name VIKING will also not be mentioned in their brochure. Sincerely, Michael Click this link to e-mail the message author: Email User

Comment On This

Consumer Reports has provided repair histories for kitchen appliances and Viking has not fared well in its reviews. In some areas, Viking has the absolute, rock-bottom ratings for repairs. Your experience certainly attests to Viking's well-deserved abysmal repair reputation.

I, too, had considered Viking products for an upcoming kitchen renovation, but I am going with Wolf and Thermador now. At these price points, I want to know that I can rely on the company standing behind its products.

Comment On This

Thanks for your review. I was researching microwave ovens and wanted to check out Viking due to the brand name. I probably would have bought one, except for your experience!