AEG- Rubbish

[Brian Reay]

A couple of years back we had our kitchen replaced- due to health issues DIY jobs of that size are too much these days.

The appliances are all AEG and have proved to be the most unreliable, but expensive, we've ever owned in 36 years.

So far, the microwave has been repaired three times and on Saturday the mica cover over the wave guide fell out. Never seen that before!

The method of retaining it is a joke, terrible design. Difficult to get at and requires you to bend the mica, which it doesn't like.

Dreadful, our first microwave (a Tricity, bought in about 1980) lasted 17 years and only vent to the tip as it got a bit tatty. Only repair it needed was the drive belt for the turn table- 35p O rings.

The AEG microwave is so unreliable, we've bought a "back up" just in case.

Dishwasher reported a fault code which was nothing to do with the actual fault, several trips by the engineer to fix (we were not paying) and countless parts.

Fridge door seal and plastic cover on shelf failed (we are the type of people who look after things so this was not due to rough handling).

Sad really, the rest of the kitchen is great, a real show piece. I will admit yhe induction hob is a delight to use.

So, avoid AEG like the plague.

Brian

[Brian Gaff]

Is this not the company that used to be called Tlefunken? Their build ws generally good back then. Maybe they just succumbed to the knock em out as adge engineered cheap rubbish thing.

Brian

[Richard]

The AEG appliances brand is owned by Electrolux these days.

AEG white goods are standard Electrolux / Zanussi designs with "up market" styling.

The only issues with our AEG kitchen appliances has been the oven element failing after 2 years (£24 for a Zanussi replacement) and the Dishwasher salt level indicator has failed. I have not fixed that as the machine still works, just have to remember top the salt up every few weeks.

Richard

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Why did you choose AEG?

[stuart noble]

Because we put such faith in brand names, the manufacturers can cut costs to the bone and still have five years of trading on a reputation some other poor bastard created. It's just too tempting for the little runts that run things these days.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

AEG was never much of a 'brand name' in the UK.

[stuart noble]

As it happens I've used (and seriously abused) an AEG jigsaw for the last thirty years. Absolutely indestructible. At the time it was top end in the local tool shop, and was over £100 even then. Blimey, I must have been flush in those days.

[Timothy Murphy]

I had an AEG washing machine that was absolutely indestructible. It was made in Sweden and was built like a tank. It was only replaced after 20 years because the local agent refused to replace the bearing. I think AEG was regarded as the Rolls Royce of washing machines in Ireland 20 years ago.

I replaced it with a Bosch, which I must admit is very good.

[Martin]

We have had an AEG turbo oven for about 15 years, which is not only the best but also the most reliable and cheapest oven we have ever owned.

[T i m]

We had a similar experience (except it was the motor that went short that finally killed it).

I always saw it as 'up there' as well. When we were buying it I remember the salesperson explaining just why they were better than many of the alternatives at the time (things like stainless rather than plastic drums etc).

I did replace a couple of parts over it's life (inc the bearings) and was often offered Zanussi parts at a much better rate. ;-)

We replaced ours with a 13 month old Zanussi from Freecycle (replaced under insurance because the bearing failed and it had a sealed drum) and that is still running some 5 years later. ;-)

However, I'm not sure much is actually built to a standard these days but down to a price.

Cheers, T i m

[Dave Plowman (News)]

That's going back to the days of twin tubs. My el cheapo Indesit automatic bought in the mid '70s had a SS drum. And lasted some 25 years - with a couple of minor DIY repairs.

[Grimly Curmudgeon]

Yes, it was. For tools, plant, equipment, anything they made was good quality kit. Mind you, that was at least 10 years ago and likely nearer 20.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Well, maybe. But white goods?

Indeed. My parents had an AEG twin tub bought in the '50s. Chosen because 'we' could get it wholesale. But I don't remember AEG having a good reputation for white goods recently.

[The Other Mike]

Yep, had a really good AEG drill from the early 80's, despite being from the days before SDS it would go though anything

Some bastard nicked it.