If the Lid Fits (It Didn't)

This is a post about 2 lids and an older kitchen appliance.

Once upon a time, actually in September, I wrote how after cracking the lid of a small KitchenAid food chopper, a replacement lid was located and ordered from Appliance Parts Pro, an online parts supplier. (This kitchen appliance I've owned for over 15 years was obsolete per KitchenAid.) 

(But, KitchenAid does have a newer redesigned food chopper. I ordered and returned it within a day. It wasn't as sturdy as the original and I didn't like the redesign. This photo shows both units.)

Replacement lid ordered, end of story, you might think. No, it wasn't.

The description for the replacement part said it fit a KFC3100WH model, same as the number on my older unit.

It arrived and the lid didn't fit the bowl (photo shows "new" lid top; "older" one bottom). Called Appliance Parts Pro, explained problem and was issued a FULL refund, including shipping. As for the lid, the customer rep said "hold onto it for 30 days, if no return is requested, do whatever you want with it." (Bottom line, getting something even for "free" isn't always helpful.)

After the experience of ordering then returning the newer KitchenAid chopper hadn't worked out, I decided to look on eBay and searched for the lid only (once again).

WOW ! there were several "lid only" auctions. I contacted a "buy-it-now" seller who offered a money back guarantee if it didn't work. No problem, and I figured it would work after she said the model number was KFC31200WH.

Lid came and it didn't fit and looked like the Appliance Parts lid that also didn't work.
Once again, contacted seller and returned lid.

No, didn't give up and checked eBay auctions selling the entire unit with lid and bowl.

Found one. The seller said the unit worked perfectly, only "issue" was an upside

down nameplate. Placed a bid and won and total cost (with shipping) was under $15. Unit arrived fine, looked as described, done deal (finally).

Curious, I wondered if the lid and bowl from this unit would fit my older unit. Not only did it not fit, but looked same as 2 lids bought earlier that also didn't fit.

Found out why when I looked at the eBay purchased model and saw the model number — KFC3100WH2

Problem solved, manufacturer's fault. KitchenAid had updated/improved this model during the product's lifespan, adding the 2; sellers didn't distinguish between models KFC3100WH and KFC3100WH2.

Not only does the eBay purchase work, I also have a spare lid courtesy of Appliance Parts Pro because it fits too.

Wondering what happened to the older unit that started this chain of events?
It's still working. I glued the cracked part, used it, and it's holding up.

Lessons learned?
Just because something is described as a match, doesn't mean it will work.
Now, it looks like I'll be using these appliances for another 15+ years.

How about you — any appliance stories headaches of your own?

Who Ya Gonna Call?

When you accidentally break a part on one of your favorite and much used kitchen appliances. And, it happens on a Sunday on a holiday weekend (Labor Day in the U.S.) ?

This KitchenAid food chopper is a compact unit with a 3-cup capacity and a single chopping blade. Its (much) larger counterpart is stored away and used for larger chopping jobs. This small one is handy for chopping smaller amounts of vegetables, especially those calling for onions, garlic, carrots and celery.

After using it to chop veggies on Sunday, I washed it (parts can be placed in the dishwasher) and placed the bowl and top lid on the unit. 

For some unknown (to me) reason, I pressed on the lid which resulted in a cracking sound (not good). As a safety measure, the lid dome has an side extension that locks the bowl in place before the unit can be operated. I'd accidentally cracked a piece of that locking mechanism and without it the unit won't turn on. 

Checked the user manual and saw the purchase date was in 2002 — 15 years ago and it's still working. Sort of lends credence to the thought that things built years ago last longer!

Apparently, that's too long a lifespan for a small kitchen appliance, according to KitchenAid website. Checked there for parts availability and the chopper was listed as "obsolete." KitchenAid no longer carries replacement parts, but you can buy a newer one.

More  online checking and I found a site Appliance Parts Pros which not only provided an online parts search, but also offered Customer Support 7 days week and 365-day returns. 

Called on Sunday, spoke to Robert in customer service and a replacement lid will arrive in 5-7 days. According to the reviews, this company has a lot of satisfied customers, now including myself. If you're ever in a similar situation with an appliance, check out this site. It was less costly than replacing the whole unit.

What's not to like?
Less costly than a new one; total cost including shipping = $16.40. Hopefully, the chopper will last a few more years. Because . . . "they don't make them like they used to."

What about you — any repair stories of your own?