Broken Fridge Query

[SymphonyofShadows]

We bought a new fridge just before Christmas, a tall one with a small ice box. I had an online shop delivered at the weekend so it was pretty full.

The next day I noticed that the food wasn't very cold so I measured the temperature which was was 19c, and the ice box had started to defrost. I called the retailer who told me to call the manufacturer direct as it's "quicker". In the meantime they emailed me a copy of my invoice as proof of purchase. I have logged it with the manufacturer, who are supposed to be getting an engineer out, but I would ideally like to claim for the spoiled food. I'm guessing I claim from the retailer as my contract is with them, but I have a feeling they are going to try and push this on to the manufacturer. the fridge wasn't cheap and it has a five year guarantee. I had to throw the food away as it had been sitting overnight. Any advice please?

Open to correction from anyone who knows better but it is my understanding that under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 if the product is faulty then the retailer must either repair or replace (their choice) the faulty item. However as the purchase was longer than six months ago you may find that the onus is on you to prove that the item was faulty when bought. Google is your friend.

With regard to the spoiled food you can't really expect redress from the retailer or manufacturer. However it is very likely that you will have some cover from your house contents insurance. Check the small print.

Good luck

Did you get any kind of guarantee with this fridge. I thought at least a one year guarantee was the norm. Check your invoice. I always go to John Lewis for electrical stuff as their guarantees are good (not a shareholder honest!) I don't think you'll have a claim for spoiled food. If you paid by credit card you can sometimes make a claim from them for certain things.

Yes, it's a five year guarantee. I'm waiting for an engineer to call me to arrange a service call so that's ok, but I am pissed off about the ruined food. It's a big retro fridge that cost a lot so I think it's reasonable to expect that it still works properly after nine months. I don't want to claim for the food on house insurance as there is an excess, it will raise my premium and it only covers frozen food. Most of this was chilled.