bump

not resolved

In this case where the options are very limited, you could get the appliance as planned and just be extra cautious and watchful. Try the first self clean at a time when a failure would not result in maximum disruption to holiday plans and a long wait for service. Like after the holidays. If you have a failure make sure you wind up with a reputable appliance service and watch the whole repair procedure like a hawk, ask lots of questions, get the part numbers and the exact locations and names of parts replaced.

Then write a letter to the CEO of Whirlpool and demand an explanation and satisfaction.

With luck, your appliance may never give you a bit of trouble.

A FEW YEARS AGO, THEY CAME OUT WITH AN UPDATE ON THE COOLING
FAN CONFIGURATION THAT INCREASED THE AIR FLOW EXPELLING THE HEAT FROM THE CONTROL AREA BEFORE IT BUILT UP TOO MUCH.
IF THE OVEN YOU CURRENTLY HAVE HAS NOT BEEN FITTED WITH THE
NEW FAN, YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR SERVICE COMPANY TO VERIFY
YOUR MODEL HAS ONE AVAILABLE.

Repairmn - I will be purchasing a new unit. Does that mean that KA has addressed the issue as described?

The GE Profile micro/oven combo unit also fits my cabinet dimensions. I know there are few GE fans on the forum but given the KA issue, would GE be the better option? I like the looks of the KA unit over the GE.

Cindla, I had a Kitchenaid single self cleaning wall oven from 2001. It worked beautifully. Never a hiccup; self clean or otherwise. In our new home, we have just the oven you are looking at. Blue oven liner, Architect II model w/microwave. The cleaning cycle has been used 3 or 4 times now without incident.

Again, it works great and the drop down microwave is integrated so nicely and is much more attractive that the other combination ovens we looked at. We also like the idea the Kitchenaid has a 5 year warranty on the electical parts.

Thankfully, we've been fortunate to not have problems.

Thanks for the feedback. I prefer the KA in both looks and functionality and I've had positive experiences with KA in the past. I was surprised when I read the reviews about the problem with the blown fuse during the clean cycle. Given my limited options, I'll take my chances with KA over GE.

There has not been a lack of KA thermal fuse problem documented on this forum. While there were a few reports of the problem being addressed by the company with Architect II, there are not as many who reported successes.

Cindla, like you my DH desires the KA looks over Bosch or Electrolux. We could not delay making the decision on the 27" double oven anymore, so are taking the chances by purchasing extended warranty over 5 years with the unit. We will have the KA oven installed at the end of Oct. After the holidays I will cross my fingers and use the self-cleaning feature and report back to the forum.

Sometimes we tend to report passionately when things go wrong, but do not do so when things are running smoothly. To help others like Cindla and myself who are seriously considering KA but are scared off by the overwhelming negative reports, I promise to report back either way early 2009.

I will do the same. Thank you, budgeteer

I purchased the KA combo oven/micro in November. My grown kids were here over the holidays and made a mess in the bottom of the oven. I need to clean the oven but keep putting it off because of all the reported problems. I suppose I might as well get it over with. If the unit's gonna blow, it's gonna blow.

Budgeteer - Have you used the self clean cycle yet?

cindla and budgeteer_s:

Just curious.....anything to report about your new ovens? What models #'s did you purchase?

I too would love an update from KA wall oven owners. I am thinking of purchasing the KEBS107SSS - 30 inch single electric. The rep at the store indicated that the fan replacement has resolved the issue. Has it?

Also, aside from this, how do owners like the oven? Does it heat up quickly and cook evenly? Is the fan quiet? Is the fit and finish good?

Thanks all for the help!

Bump -- Anybody know about this?

Just saw this thread today. I am afraid I chickened out after the holidays to use the self clean feature. The oven is still pretty new and clean. After reading the other rather long thread on this problem with newer updates, I am plain scared to use it. I know I will need to turn on the self clean some day, it will be within the 5 year warranty that we bought. :) My model is KEBS277SSS. Anybody with this model and able to clean without it faltering?

Cindla, Have you clean it yet?

Budgeteer_s - I notice your model is not on the service pointer. Neither is the one I am looking at - KEBS107SSS (single 30 inch ). That should give you confidence to try. Also, a 5 year warrenty would cover any probems that might occur. I am also planning on it too, just in case.

Other than this concern are you happy with the oven? Does it heat up quickly and cook evenly? Is the fan quiet? Is the fit and finish good?

I, too, am afraid to use the self clean feature. My kids made a mess of my brand new oven over the holidays and it needs to be cleaned. I'm just afraid to try it out of fear I'll be without an oven for a period of time.

I have the KEMS308SSS02 model. It is the 30" microwave/oven combo. I absolutely love the oven and it looks super sharp in my kitchen. I've never found the fan to be bothersome; however, the microwave also uses the fan to cool the unit, which I was not accustomed to. I would repurchase again in a heartbeat.

If only the self clean feature doesn't blow up on me....

I have purchased the KEMS308 oven/micro combo too. It's not installed yet, but I plan on using the self clean as soon as it goes in. If it's gonna blow I want to know right away. Should be in a month or two. I'll keep you posted.

OK - So I spoke to KItchen Aid service yesterday to ask about this cleaning issue. I mentioned the service pointer cited on GW and asked for clarification.

She said yes, she had heard of it. The service pointer published in December of 2008 calls for not only the replacement of the thermostat, but also upgrade of the fan as well. The current fan is 950RPMs, but is replaced with a new fan which is 1200rpm. The pointer states that there would be an increase of 3dBA because of the increase RPMs.

She said that the 2009 built models have the upgrade in place already. Look for a "Y" in the second spot to indicate 2009.

This would be the best fit for my existing cutout and I am being offered a good price AND a 5 year warrenty, but am scared to pull the trigger on this purchase.

A whole thread full of fear over an oven! I want to like the oven and feel confident, but an having a hard time getting over it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Service pointer

My model number is not listed but my code is XW38 which I assume is prior to XW49. That's it! I'm trying the self clean cycle tonight. The suspense is killing me. I need to know if it's one of the effected models. I'll report back

cindla: My serial number is XW45. If your assumption is correct, mine is also manufactured prior to Dec 08, it has to be because we installed ours in Nov 08. Do let us know how goes it from your experience last night.

cooksdaily: Like you pointed out that mine, cindla and the one you are interested in are not listed in the service pointer. I wonder if it means it should not have the cleaning issue or only if it is manufactured after code date XW49 (Dec 08).

The suspense is better than a 5 star thriller movie, except we can't just leave the theater.

Woohoo! I cleaned the oven last night and everything seemed okay this morning. I haven't actually used it but I set the temp, pressed start and it behaved exactly the way it has since installation in Nov. What a relief!

cindla: I've been anxiously awaiting the results of your test. Hooray!!...soooo glad to hear that it performed without problems! I have model #KEBS177SSS (similar to cooksdaily), but, like you and budgeteer_s, have been hesitant to run the self-clean cycle.

budgeteer_s: I had the same thought that you mentioned. My model also is not listed on the service pointer, however, it was definitely manufactured prior to Dec.'08. Did you ever get clarification?

Does anyone recall if the fuse problem occurred each time the self-clean cycle was run?

If it ends up that our models are included with the problem ovens, do you think we can have it repaired before ever running it or do we have to test it to see if it fails?

There probably are three groups depending on initial design and workmanship, component quality, and later field and factory upgrades. The safety shutdown components may get more sensitive with each exposure to self clean high heat but should last the life (5-10 years?) of the appliance unless called upon to shut off power in a control failure overheat mode.

The worst appliances fail the first time on self clean, the next group fail prematurely some time during their design life, and the third group never fail. Using self clean regularly within the warranty period but at times when a possible failure will have the least impact on your entertaining and waiting for service seems the way to go.

cindla, Congratulations! So glad for you the oven is working after the clean up. Thanks to you I am feeling more confident now.

cooksdaily, I forgot to reply to you that other than the cleaning concern, I am very happy with the KA. I am not a great cook, but have successfully roasted prime rib, back ribs etc. I have baked basic zucchini breads, rum cakes etc and the oven has supported me as far as my limited baking abilities can take me. :) We decided on the KA primarily because of its look and I have not regretted buying it one bit.

Coolmom1 & laat2, it now remains for me to get the nerve to clean the oven, and clean it often.

Cindla - so happy for you! Hope this is a good sign for all of us! And for cleanings in the future. Thanks for keeping us updated. I am planning to order mine on Monday and this gives me more confidence.

Budgeteer_s - Glad to hear you are happy with the other aspects of the oven. Sounds like you have produced some pretty yummy things in the oven. Like you, I do not cook fancy, but I do Cook Daily! ; ) So it's nice to hear that it's cooking performance is up to par.

I am bumping this as am looking at the KA as well. Would appreciate any other input. Now that we are out to the end of July 09 would it be safe to assume that the product fix has been cut in to any units on sale now?

antss -- are you there? you had said that it was not solved as of late 2008 -- what about now????

I still think the poor engineering is still present but it seems that there is at least one tech service bull. on swapping out for a larger fan to help the problem

This is AFTER Kithlchen Aid claimed for years there was no problem with these units. I cannont stand this type of whitewash or poor design so I do not trust them. As far as i'm concerned it's a nice band aid but :

Not resolved

I have the KEMS308SSS02 model. Microwave is not working. only 1.5 years old.
what is next?