txsupermom Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 Not sure if this is the appropriate forum, but I'm desperate, so here goes. I bought a Tfal Avante Sandwich/Waffle (T-Fal SM6010003) from Target in March. It was on clearance and out of the box, but had all the attachments sans the instruction manual. I downloaded the manual and used the appliance with much delight as it made great little waffles for my family. Yesterday, while making waffles, I noticed a burning smell. Thought at first it might be the waffles, but the smell was very acidic. Unplugged the waffle maker, took a look and the darn thing had bubbled on the bottom (like something inside had burned up and the plastic bottom was melting). In the process, the Tfal Waffle Maker burned a hole in my counter top!! The burn is not huge (about 3mm in diameter) but it SCREAMS at me every time I look at it! My counter is a light blue and the mark is like a beacon to my eyes. Do I have ANY recourse? I know that I can return the defective product (still have the receipt) but is there anything I can do about the countertop?? Or am I hosed?? Any direction would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dealluvr Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 well i'm just saying if this happened to me it would be oh well cause i think by time you take it back explain what the heck happened they are going to look at you like what??? might as well just take it back or at least take it back get your money back and take a pic of it and what happened to your counter maybe sometime in the future they could reimburse you for the trouble but probably wont happen i would send them the pic tho in my world it would be more trouble than its worth i dont have the best of luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hpowers Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 I would contact the Tfal company. They made the product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlock1945 Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 I would contact the Tfal company. They made the product.I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissMom Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 I would contact the Tfal company. They made the product.Totally agree. And if you could send pictures via email to the company, that would do wonders. Try that first and if you don't get satisfaction, and would then call and speak with a manger (be nice, but firm). Keep pressing and Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davephillyj Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 I just purchased new counter tops so I can understand. I will never use one of those types of appliances on my counters again after this. I will be a lot more careful. Take pictures and send to the company and ask for reimbersment for replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juanadeal Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 Unfortunately, I don't think you'll get anywhere with getting the counter repaired or replaced. There's really know way you can proove that it was the wafflemaker that did it. With pictures and a firm e-mail, I'm sure you can get reimbursed for the wafflemaker and maybe alittle extra for your troubles. By any chance, have you looked up the model number to make sure it's not on a recall list? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txsupermom Posted May 22, 2009 Author Share Posted May 22, 2009 Thanks for all the advice. I've taken shots of both the defective appliance and the burn mark on my counter. Sent Tfal my complaint yesterday and will see how far I get. That burn spot is making me crazy! It's smack-dab in the middle of the counter! Of course, while I was using the waffle maker, I put it there so it wouldn't touch anything else and have plenty of room so the steam wouldn't melt anything! Who new it'd burn a whole in my countertop from underneath! Gotta laugh so I don't cry!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davephillyj Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 BLESS YOUR HEART! I feel for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloey Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 If you have a burn there from the waffle maker, what would it cost to replace the counter? Threaten to turn it in to your insurance carrier and have them get in touch with TFal. I would imagine it would cost a lot because it probably can't be fixed and you would have to replace the whole countertop. Don't let them get away with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hpowers Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Any word from Tfal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txsupermom Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 Got a response yesterday. They emailed, wanted me to call, I did. They needed more info then sent me a prepaid label and want the waffle maker mailed to their repair/tech department so they can figure out what malfunctioned. Got it ready to go this afternoon. I'll drop it off in the morning. I'll keep you posted. After hearing me complain one too many times about my countertop, my youngest boy suggested we put a band aid over the burn mark! If only it were that easy . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juanadeal Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Sounds like a step in the right direction! If they can confirm that the waffle maker malfunctioned and they're willing to admit it, hopefully they'll be able to send you some type of compensation for your trouble in addition to a new wafflemaker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KC-Traderbear Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 Wow, I bought one of those from Target on clearance too.... $7.49 down from $30. I use it for grilled cheese sandwiches... it had both the waffle attachments and grilled cheese attachments (if we are talking about the same one). Mine was in the box though. I have realized that you cannot plug the thing in until the stuff is in the maker and ready to go. There is no on/off switch and once you plug it in, that baby heats up FAST. Kind of weird. The first couple times I used it, I plugged it in, but realized how hot it got, so now I don't plug it in til the food is ready to cook. So sorry for your horrible experience. Thanks for posting though. I will watch mine closely. I've used it several times. Sounds like it could be a fire hazard! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txsupermom Posted June 18, 2009 Author Share Posted June 18, 2009 Update: Tfal rep called to let me know that they opened up the waffle maker and one of the "components" had come loose and shorted out causing the unit to overheat. So grateful it didn't start a fire!! He stated that they are waiting for all my paperwork. I just had the estimate completed and am sending off all the documentation tomorrow. Thanks again to everyone for all the support, suggestions and constructive comments! I'll let you know the final outcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joli Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 You are lucky!!!! I hope they pay for your countertop! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hpowers Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Update: Tfal rep called to let me know that they opened up the waffle maker and one of the "components" had come loose and shorted out causing the unit to overheat. So grateful it didn't start a fire!! He stated that they are waiting for all my paperwork. I just had the estimate completed and am sending off all the documentation tomorrow. Thanks again to everyone for all the support, suggestions and constructive comments! I'll let you know the final outcome.Sounds promising! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davephillyj Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Congrats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txsupermom Posted June 30, 2009 Author Share Posted June 30, 2009 Final Update: Got a letter for "Release of all Claims" that basically says if I sign and release them of any/all liability, they will pay for repair/resurfacing to my damaged countertop. I have to say, Tfal has been very up front (I was a little worried when I sent off the defective appliance as to whether I would ever hear back from them) and very efficient. I am satisfied with the outcome. Great input from everyone and I appreciate all of you taking the time to encourage me to follow up with Tfal. Have a great 4th of July! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joli Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 That is pretty cool! Its way better than a band aid! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hannahs_momma Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 Final Update: Got a letter for "Release of all Claims" that basically says if I sign and release them of any/all liability, they will pay for repair/resurfacing to my damaged countertop. I have to say, Tfal has been very up front (I was a little worried when I sent off the defective appliance as to whether I would ever hear back from them) and very efficient. I am satisfied with the outcome. Great input from everyone and I appreciate all of you taking the time to encourage me to follow up with Tfal. Have a great 4th of July!Do you also get a new waffle maker? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juanadeal Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 Wow, great news! I'm VERY impressed. Persistence pays! Now if only I could get Sears to replace my outlet that their stupid microwave melted:mad: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txsupermom Posted June 30, 2009 Author Share Posted June 30, 2009 Do you also get a new waffle maker?They included reimbursement for a new waffle maker, but I'm a little spooked about buying another one. I did buy trivets for all my other countertop appliances, so hopefully I'll avoid this mess ever happening again. Live and learn . . . :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nat1jen Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 It's nice to hear that they are honest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EYGLE Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 Well I for one like when a company stands behind there products. Good for them and Great for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davephillyj Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Let us know when they actually do send payment for your counter tops! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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