Viking Culinary Arts Center

For the love of god, do not spend your hard earned money on Viking appliances. I purchased an entire kitchen appliance set from an authorized dealer in 2009, spending about $ 20k.
Within the first year of purchase, my top of the line built in fridge stopped working and it took them more than a week to repair and thank god it was under warranty.
Couple of weeks ago, my dishwasher, which I have used maybe 20 times, stopped functioning. Called Viking and discovered that it only came with a 1 year warranty and that I was responsible for the labor portion… WTF I spent almost 2 grand and you need to tell me what it only comes with a 2 year warranty. The following represents my email conversations with the viking rep who basically doesn’t give a crap about a customer who just 3 years ago gave them so much business:
MY FIRST EMAIL TO THEM:
Purchase Date: 08÷05÷09
Type of Appliance: Diswasher
Model Number: VDB325SS
Service Question: August 2, 2012
Dear Sir/​Madam: Less than 3 years ago, I purchased an entire kitchen appliance set consisting of fridge, stove, hood, and dishwasher totaling close to $ 20K. However, I am writing to you today to express my dissatisfaction with the purchase of the dishwasher referenced above. While we have only used it about 20 times, I discovered that your company only warranties the parts for 3 years and not the labor portion. Consequently, I had to pay $ 305 in labor to repair the unit. To be specific, through Viking, I contacted Airflo in Van Nuys, CA, and their technician came out and upon inspection, he stated that, due to lack of «frequent use», the «circulation pump» had gone bad. He said this was common for this type of model and to use the dishwasher at least once per week. He further stated that had I purchased the appliance just months later (early 2010), Viking would have covered both parts and labor for 3 years. Upon hearing that, I became extremely upset at the fact that here, I spent almost $ 2000 for a «professional brand» dishwasher that came only with a 1 year labor coverage, which seems kind of unreasonable as this warranty is comparable to basic units costing $ 200. I honestly do not think I should be obligated to pay the $ 305 especially when «months» later, you decided to extend your coverage. In all fairness, taking into consideration the extraordinary circumstances, Viking should reimburse the labor charge which I paid.
Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you soon.
THEIR RESPONSE:
Dear N_​_​_​_​,
I’m sorry for the issues you have encountered with your dishwasher.
As far as the warranty, the changes to the Viking warranty was implemented 05÷01÷11 not in 2010. I’m sorry for the misinformation you have received. Your unit would have a full 1 year warranty from your purchase date. At the end of your warranty period you would be responsible for the charges.
Thank you
Jennifer Hooker
Customer Support Representative
Viking Range Corporation
111 Front Street
Greenwood, MS 38 930
662.459.2054

MY RESPONSE:
Dear Jennifer:
I believe my concern was not the «exact» date when Viking implemented the change in their warranty policy but rather your company selling a defective product, specifically, the circulation pump in my unit. It seems this is a bit too common issue based on my readings online and according to your Viking «authorized» repair technician statements. In fact it is so common, that the technician always carries around a couple of circulation pumps in in van when he goes out for service as more than likely, this model dishwashers stop working because of the circulation pump.
In any instance, this is not a monetary issue for me, but rather a principle one. Also don’t appreciate the corporate response I received from you since as a customer, I think I deserve more…
Thank You
AS OF YET, ITS BEEN MORE THAN ONE MONTH AND NO RESPONSE. ANYONE CONSIDERING PURCHASING VIKING APPLIANCES BETTER THINK TWICE. THIS COMPANY, THROUGH ITS RETAILERS PROMISE YOU THE WORLD, BUT WHEN YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES, THEY ARE NOWHERE TO SUPPORT YOU OR ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS. I AM GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL MY FRIENDS, FAMILY, CO-​WORKERS, ETC KNOW ABOUT THEIR DIRTY TACTICS.

Beautiful space to see a cooking demonstration.