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Jenn-Air Cook Tops

Shari of Hot Springs, AR February 16, 2009

Shari of Hot Springs AR (02/16/09)
We bought an old house, built on and remodeled in 1994. We installed a fantastic Thermador smooth top electric cooktop with downdraft vent. It worked like a charm, except my husband really preferred gas. So in 2007 when it was time to remodel, we decided to sell the Thermador and install a Jenn Air based on my previous experience in the 1980s with a Jenn Air cooktop and downdraft vent that I loved. This has been nothing but a headache. The grates that pans are set on are positioned so far above the gas that the downdraft pulls the flame away from the pans. In otherwords, the downdraft vent CANNOT be used when cooking except with the griddle, which is low enough ever the flame to protect it.

I have been trying to make this work for a year. The grill is, of course, useless. The shape of the gas line is ridiculous. It is basically 2 U's or a capital E, which leaves half the surface without heat. The vent automatically comes on when the grill is being used, but the downdraft is insufficient to keep the smoke in check, and so the kitchen smoke alarm goes off, which is deafening. My conclusion is that gas cooktops must be inappropriate for downdraft vent systems.

But, of course, Jenn Air should have known of these problems, testing their cooktops, and NOT SOLD items that would not properly work. I had hoped to convince them to replace the system or refund our money. But obviously this is a company gone bad, which is really sad. Their products used to be THE BEST. I'm sure eventually we'll have to replace this unit. But it is irritating that you pay top dollar for a reputable product only to find it has gone to pot.

Bonnie of Chaplin, CT December 28, 2008

Bonnie of Chaplin CT (12/28/08)
The stove top would never come clean from the moment we bought it. I only used the cleaning methods described by the manufacturer until I became totally frustrated with customer service's lack of help. Food baked on and would not come off of the burner dishes. I purchased the stovetop with the black finish. It works great, but always looks dirty and greasy. I've tried everything to get it clean now. I expected a better product when I spent over 2,000. Customer service wouldn't do anything from the moment I called. I think the finish is defective. I'll never buy another Jenn-Air product.

Permanent stuck on dirt in the cook trays.

Georgina of So. San Francisco, CA December 20, 2008

Georgina of So. San Francisco CA (12/20/08)
We purchased a Jen Air cook top on Sept. 15, 2008 for 1,062.99 plus tax. Installed Oct. 28th, there was a chip on the glass, some weeks later the wrong glass top was ordered. More weeks later the two right elements stopped working. We were treated very poorly at the appliance store, we were placed on hold for a long time were told they could not do anything emailed Rep. Jolene R at Whirlpool on three occasions to no satisfaction. We have asked that this cook top be replaced because we feel that it must have been damaged in shipment. All refuse to do this they will only repair. We purchased a new cook top and that is what we want.

Joan of Manorville, NY December 5, 2008

Joan of Manorville NY (12/05/08)
We also purchased a Jenn Aire cooktop model jec9530adw and it was installed 2 years ago. The switch for the front double burner has already broken twice. The replacement part lasted only 6 months. The repairman ordered another part 3 weeks ago and was told it was on National backorder with a delivery date of 11/28. When 11/28 passed he called again only to be told the delivery date of the part was now 'indefinate'. I should say that when he replaced it the first time he said it would likely happen again because it was a poorly made part. Guess he knows his stuff! I think Jenn Aire/Maytag should replace these parts free of charge.

We also installed at the same time a Jenn Aire microwave model jmv8208aas. After a year steam penetrates in between the glass on the door when we use the cooktop below. We had a GE above range cooktop for 16 years and NEVER had that problem. These are clearly poorly made inferior products from this company. I would advise against buying any appliances from this manufacturer.

The first replacement part cost 115 and the second replacement part was quoted at 118 but is unobtainable.

Ruth of Schenectady, NY October 6, 2006

Ruth of Schenectady NY (10/06/06)
The glass front on my Jenn-Air oven exploded! The gas cook-top was not in use, and the oven was off. Fortunately a local repair man was able to replace the glass the next day. When I called customer service, I weas transferred to a supervisor who told me the glass breaks. Sometimes stress fractures occur and after all it is 8 years old. As a good-will gesture they are sending me a 25.00 check! Apparently, when you buy an appliance witha glass front, you should expect it to break. No more Jenn-Air anythnng for me - after 2 ranges, microwave, Maytag washer, dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal!

A 189 repair bill, and an 18-month old grandson who is now afraid to go into the kitchen!

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