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PeterSydney, NSW
Design flaw in handles and drain blocks - seems Miele's standards are slipping
The handle on this fridge and the matching freezer (FN 12827) is clearly a design flaw. I am starting to lose track of how many broken handles there has been. This is the second handle that's broken on the fridge and I think I am on my second for the freezer. The freezer completely failed after about a year and needed to be replaced - I worry over each summer if it will die again as it sometimes seems to be not coping - but so far it comes good. There is also the drain problem discussed below.
Otherwise I do really like the organisation, part...Read more
icularly the dual crisper and multiple tough glass shelve organisation - nothing has broken yet inside! The SuperCool function is handy when you put a big pot of warm food in. The matching freezer with draws is great. I couldn't stand the old days of everything falling out of the top freezer shelves. But back to the handles: I have read about Consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law at: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees/consumer-guarantees - where there is a clear flaw the problem needs to be resolved. Specifically "Products must be of acceptable quality, that is: safe, lasting, with no faults; look acceptable; do all the things someone would normally expect them to do." Clearly this handle is not. This is really poor. My 8 year old son nearly hurt his hand on the nasty remnants of the broken handle before i could remove it this time. Looking at it closely, it relies on very small pieces of metal on either side of the release mechanism and the base is not fixed on the front so when you pull it always puts a bending action on those little pieces of metal, instead of just direct push action. Eventually it bends, cracks and then snaps. I really hope the design has changed on the next replacement when I contact Miele soon. They should have sorted this out by now. I would rather some way of just a fixed handle that will go the distance, rather than this fancy but inept design.1 comment
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DisappointedSouth West, WA
Dissatisfied
We purchased a meile because we thought it was a superior brand but alas the door handle just snaps off in my hand. Over $200 for a new one. Definitely would not recommend to others. Handles very weak and flimsy.
Purchased at Retravision.
2 comments
JoelMiele
Hi, please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience of the matter. If possible, can you email your full name, the state you reside in [so we don’t call you too early] and best contact number... Read more
to [email protected] and a member of our team will be in contact as soon as possible. Please reference your Product Review username so we can identify you. Kind regards, Joel.Pete Moore
Eaton, Western Australia
0419655561
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CattieBrisbane
- 2 reviews
Very disappointed especially given brand and price
Leaks water from the bottom.
Handles broke, paid to have them replaced and the broke again. Seals replaced twice.
No point paying a huge amount to have seals replaced again. Will be buying a new fridge and not a Miele
Purchased at Harvey Norman.
1 comment
JoelMiele
Hi Cattie, please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience of the matter. If possible, can you email your full name, the state you reside in [so we don’t call you too early] and best contact... Read more
number to [email protected] and a member of our team will be in contact as soon as possible. Please reference your Product Review username so we can identify you. Kind regards, Joel.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Miele K 12820 SD (White) compares to other Upright Fridges / Refrigerators
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High Price, and Poor Fittings
We purchased this fridge and freezer combo in 2012, and at the start worked well, as we expected given the great experience we had had with a Miele washing machine and dryer combo in London. The heaviness of the appliances gives the impression of value for money. Unfortunately the handles on both appliances snapped as described in previous reviews, pointless and costly to replace as the problem will recur. It is hard to reopen the doors if you quickly change your mind. After 5 years, the seal on the fridge has started to erode, and needs to...Read more
be replaced. The electronic board on the freezer also needs to be replaced as the beeper goes off warning about the door being open (even if it isn’t) and can only be resolved if the freezer is set at a lower temperature. It will cost one third of the price of the freezer to do so! When you pay a high price for a quality product you are expecting years of use (as advertised), so extremely disappointed. I don’t want to add to the rubbish pile of this sort of stuff given we should be reducing our footprint, and Miele is another brand that is contributing to thisPurchased in February 2021.
1 comment
JoelMiele
Hi, please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience of the matter. If possible, can you email your full name and best contact number to [email protected] and a member of our team will ... Read more
be in contact as soon as possible. Please reference your Product Review username so we can identify you. Kind regards, Joel.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
FifiWestern Australia
- 2 reviews
Should have read more reviews before buying what I thought was a top brand and quality product..
The door handle has broken on the fridge a week after the 2 year warranty. I read up on the fridge to find that you need to drain it, from the back??? What? Don't know how they are supposed to be moved on a regular basis to clean. Really disappointed with this purchase
Purchased in December 2021 at RetraVision for $3,598.00.
1 comment
JoelMiele
Hi Fifi, please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience of the matter. If possible, can you email your full name and best contact number to [email protected] and a member of our team ... Read more
will be in contact as soon as possible. Please reference your Product Review username so we can identify you. Kind regards, Anna.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
DrewSydney
- 11 reviews
Avoid Miele fridges and freezers at all costs.
Warning: the handles on their fridges and freezers are fragile and don't last. They then charge over $200 to replace them. Their customer service won't take your complaint seriously. In my experience they just copied and pasted two standard responses in their reply to me.
"Thank you for your recent email regarding your Miele fridge and freezer.
All Miele Appliances come with a two year manufacturer’s warranty and have been both designed and rigorously tested to last for up to 20 years of normal domestic use. As a result, the incidence of fail...Read more
ure is very low as long as the appliances are being well looked after and maintained correctly However, like any appliance which has a multitude of parts, failures can occasionally occur and a repair is required. When opening the fridge and freezer doors, please remember that the strength of only 1 finger is required and that the 'pop and pull' method should be followed out each time the door is opened to ensure that some of the pressure inside the unit has been released so that the handle is not being put under an excess amount of stress or force. Please be noted that the drain will need to be checked and cleaned regularly as a blocked drain can cause a build up of pressure inside the unit, which will put an execs amount force on the handle when opened. Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Customer Care Team on 1300 464 353. Our Customer Care Centre is open Monday - Friday 7am-8pm (AEDST) and 9am-5pm (AEDST) on Saturdays.2 comments
JoelMiele
Hi Drew, please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience of the matter. If possible, can you email your full name and best contact number to [email protected] and a member of our team ... Read more
will be in contact as soon as possible. Please reference your Product Review username so we can identify you. Kind regards, Anna.Miele have dealt with my issue in a most satisfactory manner. Thanks.
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Mark HeinrichMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 3 reviews
Great fridge, but poor handle design
Handle on the fridge broke within a short time. Replaced handle, and now open the fridge door by pulling from the top of door! Otherwise happy with performance of both
Purchased in September 2021 at Spartan Electrical for $1,599.00.
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Andrew LSouth West, WA
- K 12820 SD (White)
- Verified purchase
Disappointed, great expectations.
I have owned a Miele K12820 for the last 3 years during this time the drip tray in the back of the fridge has blocked up so many times resulting in water leaking from the inside of the fridge on to the laminated floor boards which are now ruined. Initially I had a technician out to clear the drip tray but it is ridiculous that you are expected to clear this every month or so. The handle has also been an issue and now it is just about to break. Two significant design flaws on an expensive refrigerator.
Purchased in January 2021 at retrovision for $1,799.00.
1 comment
JoelMiele
Hi Andrew, please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience of the matter. If possible, can you email your full name and best contact number to [email protected] and a member of our team... Read more
will be in contact as soon as possible? Please reference your Product Review username so we can identify you. Kind regards, Miele.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
C DSloDarling Downs, QLD
Significant Disadvantage
This fridge suits all of the required purposes. Two fruit and vegetable drawers are a particularly desirable feature. Door trays could be just 1cm deeper. Greatest disappointment is that the door handle broke after a year's use. We were always careful not to pull on it roughly especially if it had just closed so it is with huge dissatisfaction I had it break off in my hand. We have a 60 year old fridge in the shed and its handle is still sturdy and working. Longevity of design not considered.
Purchased in November 2021 for $899.00.
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Find out how Miele K 12820 SD (White) compares to other Upright Fridges / Refrigerators
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Broken handle AGAIN
After much research Miele Was the brand For me. I love, love my Miele fridge and freezer. I love the design and function. But the handle has broken 2 times. Why do they make them out of plastic. There is so much stress on the handle and for a product that is used often why plastic. I know I can buy a new handle but they are still plastic and I know the handle will continue to break. So disappointed.
Purchased in April 2021 at JB Hi-Fi.
1 comment
JoelMiele
Hi Diane, please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience of the matter. If possible, can you email your full name and best contact number to [email protected] and a member of our team ... Read more
will be in contact as soon as possible? Please reference your Product Review username so we can identify you. Kind regards, Miele.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Dianne CollinsGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- 3 reviews
Crappy handle!!!!!!
This is a fantastic fridge except for the really poor design of the handle. An item that is under so much stress should not be made of plastic...really!!!!!
MINE HAS SNAPPED and I am not happy. I really dont want to pay for another one as the replacement is the same thing...no improvement is design or manufacture.
I will see if i can improvise another solution as the Miele product is no good.
Purchased in March 2021 for $2,800.00.
2 comments
JoelMiele
Hi Dianne, please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience of the matter. If possible, can you email your full name and best contact number to [email protected] (please be aware this c... Read more
ontact method is for Australia & New Zealand only) and a member of our team will be in contact as soon as possible? Please reference your Product Review username so we can identify you. Kind regards, Miele.Thankyou Miele your customer service is fantastic
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Jacqui41Queensland
- 2 reviews
Both handles on Miele broken in less than 4 years.
These handles are plastic, who puts plastic handles on a $4000 fridge freezer set. I would not vuy this brand again. Apparently they are made to last 20 plus years. Great so for the next 16 years I have to tug the crap out of the doors just to open them. We have to leave the doors open if we are meal prepping, or tag team and get as much as we can in or out in one go. How embarrassing we have renovated our whole kitchen around this set and now everyone laughs at us.
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Handle broke and now door seal
Handle broke within 12 months and now door seal is broken. Called Miele and was told that the whole door needs to be replaced at a cost of $400 + call out fee. I was told it would not be covered under warranty. Fridge is not even 3 years old! not happy to say the least. Would not buy again!
1 comment
JoelMiele
Hi Vincent, Miele appreciates your feedback and apologises for the inconvenience. We will continue to work closely with you to ensure a resolution is met. Kind regards, Miele.
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Do not buy a Miele fridge
Terrible handle design. Has broken 3 times and now it's out of warranty they won't replace the handle. Freezer pair is fine but obviously doesn't get opened as much. Very regrettable expensive purchase. Leaks as well!!!
I am left with a fridge that we have wrestle open, is an embarrassment to us and should be to Miele!
1 comment
JoelMiele
Hi Steph, Miele appreciates your feedback and apologises for the inconvenience. We can confirm the Service booking has been scheduled to assess your appliance and Miele will work closely with you to ensure a resolution is met. Kind regards, Miele.
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ConsumerAU
- 2 reviews
Better with a new handle design
We recently had the handle replaced (under warrant, great service from Miele). The new design seems much stronger and gently breaks the seal before opening the door. The fridge itself works very well, and is extremely hardwearing and easy to clean. We have the pigeon pair and they look great together. This is our first Miele and I have been very impressed by all levels of design in this fridge.
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Find out how Miele K 12820 SD (White) compares to other Upright Fridges / Refrigerators
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Ginga NinjaBrisbane
- K 12820 SD (White)
- Verified purchase
Not worth it
3 month old fridge and seal was faulty. This is being fixed under warranty by replacing the door and seal as they are one unit. I expect this would be very expensive if not under warranty. Rear internal wall gets very wet and you cant store things against it. We were advised that's just how it works. Like some other reviewers we have had cheese go off with mould. I guess we are lucky as we have not yet broken a handle but sounds like it will only be a matter of time. Miele should stick to vacuum's!
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Macca
- 2 reviews
Handle not fit for purpose
This is a good fridge rendered frustrating by a very inferior handle. Two handles have broken within 4 years. One was replaced under warranty and one free with a little persistence. We were told to use a two stage action and wait, to break the seal - which is unrealistic considering the fridge is used by visitors and grandkids. Also that the drain hole can ice up causing a too strong seal - which has not been a problem for us. The handle is obviously just not strong enough and Miele should admit the problem and provide a better designed one free to all. It is NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE.
Full marks though to CustomerCare (email, not phone) who responded to email within an hour - and new handle arrived within 24 hours.
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Nick
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
- K 12820 SD (White)
- Verified purchase
A very Low quality fridge and freezer handles.
Just 4 months out of 2 year warranty, cast iron handle snapped off, cost $179.00 visit fee only without replacing the handle which the technician did not have despite giving them a full description of the part. plus the cost of the handle $144.00 which will be send to me to replace it myself otherwise fees will apply. A product big time waste of money, I wish I read reviews before buying. now I'm spending money I haven't got.
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WendyTHIRLMERE
- 2 reviews
Good Fridge but poor/weak handle design.
Excellent fridge, very quiet, easy to clean and trouble free until May 2017, when the handle unexpectedly snapped off. Not at all happy when Miele's response was that I was not opening the fridge correctly by releasing the seal slowly, before opening the door. This has caused undue stress on the bracket. I'm sorry but that is just unrealistic!
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MichelleGladstone
- 6 reviews
- 1 like
Heaps of room.
Keeps the temperature at a good level. Easy to clean. Heaps of room. Makes a few little funny sounds that take a bit to get used to. However you can't put things in front of the fan which everyone does because it looks like an empty spot but makes the temperature heat up.
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Questions & Answers
Consumerasked
I am having trouble with water not draining away through the little drain yet I can't seem to reach anything that may be blocking it...any ideas? Have tried to use a straw.
No answers
Joeasked
My refrigerator is 5y old. I had this kind of noises since the beginning but recently they became much more loud.
One noise is kind of LOUD BANG - as if somebody hit the refrigerator body with a hammer. Initially it was not as loud. When I made inquiry with the Miele service they said that it is nothing wrong. Maybe it is not but because it has became rather too loud I am concerned.
The other noise that is more noticeable than earlier is the noise as if it was a fluid bubbling into a container.
Anybody has any comment on these noises? Should I contact Miele specialists?
Joe
1 answer
Hi Joe
Bubbling is normal, usually the coolant shuffling about. Our has always made some dripping noises et cetera, as the back wall defrosts and water runs down the hole and out to the container on the compressor to evaporate. Usually louder banging sounds are metal pipes expanding and/or contracting slightly. However a really loud bang could indicate an issue. As it would be even past its extended warranty if bought, as long as it's still working, I wouldn't worry.
Cheers
Jeanaasked
Fridge door pops open about 20 seconds after you close it. What do I have to do to fix it?
2 answers
Hi Jeana,
Can you explain a bit more? It should only open by pulling the handle, or is you handle sticking then "popping" which pops the fridge door open?
Cheers
Josh
There was a broken plastic clip in bottom door hinge jamming the door. From memory part 14 in diagram of door.
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JoelMiele
Hi Peter, please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience of the matter. If possible, can you email your full name, the state you reside in [so we don’t call you too early] and best contact ... Read more
number to [email protected] and a member of our team will be in contact as soon as possible. Please reference your Product Review username so we can identify you. Kind regards, Joel.