Chest Freezer - how flat should the lid be?

[notrub]

Just bought a new chest freezer - a large Hotpoint
Noticed quite a bit of ice build up already just inside the lid at the back.

Checked the seal, seemed not quite right - checked the lid - it's not flat! It curves from side to side with the centre just over 0.5cm higher than the sides, which doesn't sound a lot, but it's the difference between the seal being compressed fully and barely being touched.

I've arranged an engineer to come out and inspect, but I've been told if nothing wrong, I'll pay a £50 charge!

So I accept that getting a big lid completely flat is difficult and there will be SOME curve - as long as it doesn't affect the seal should be ok.

So what is normal here?

I would expect the lid to be flat enough for the seal to be fully... erm... sealed.

True - but all I have to go on as far as the seal being broken is the ice build up - which seems excessive - far more than my 20 yr old machine would produce.

Here's a couple of photos - note the metal straight edge is very much flat!

Is there somewhere you can go and check a real one?

If you put a piece of paper across the edge, does it move freely? As in, put a sheet of paper on the edge, close the lid, then see if the paper can move.

In the centre I can quite easily push a small piece of paper in - there's a tiny amount of friction, but I can waggle it from side to side quite easily.
Comes out wet too which isn't a good sign.

At the sides there's significant resistance to movement.

On my old freezer I can't get the paper in anywhere.

What's the returns policy, not fit for purpose?

The lid shape per se isn't the issue. The fact that the seal isn't sealing is the issue, that's a clear fault.

Who did you "arrange an engineer" from? If it's new, legally the retailer is responsible.

Contact the shop you bought it from and ask for another. It is unfit for purpose and they should replace it.

I got it from Currys - they insist I have to go via Whirlpool to get a returns number. Whirlpool won't give a returns number until an engineer has seen it and say they'll charge if the engineer deems no fault.

That's crap customer service. Curry's are rubbish, I won't use them anymore. Whirlpool don't have a great rep anymore. Sympathies op.

I've just bought a chest freezer and lid is most definitely flat.

They should just immediately replace; customer goodwill etc.

They say that as standard to cover themselves. But its clear to see that it is bent on your photo. I have had dealings with whirlpool for a faulty appliance and they were absolutely fantastic so i really wouldn't worry. It should be a tight seal.

I got it from Currys - they insist I have to go via Whirlpool to get a returns number.

This is bullshit. Your contract is with the retailer.

Whirlpool engineer turned up - was great - agreed damaged goods, issued return number.

Now just the challenge of actually contacting Currys to collect it.

In the meantime I've ordered a replacement from elsewhere.

Good result
Easier to get a god outcome regarding white goods unlike furniture

Shall avoid currys in future as that sounds like a right faff. Glad you had a good outcome OP