Customer Reviews

Whirlpool : GMH6185XVB 1.8 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave - Black

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

UPDATE AS OF FEB 2012
If I could give this ZERO stars, I would. I am updating this review, because as of February 8th, 2012, our Whirlpool Gold microwave / convection oven (model number GMH6185...) is broke AGAIN! It stopped heating again out of the blue, so we had the repair company come out. They said the power board was bad and wasn't sending the magnetron the message telling it to turn on. Through the various tests they ran, however, they were able to let us know that our microwave works, however, at anything less than 100% power. For how long is unknown. The cost to replace the control board is ~$160 plus labor. So, for now, we will be heating everything at 90% power to avoid further expenses on this POS Whirlpool product.

REVIEW -AUG 2011
I bought a stainless steel Whirlpool Gold microwave/convection oven (model number GMH6185XVS0) on Sept 30, 2009. The retail price at that time was ~ $650 for this model. (This is the same as above, just a different color)

As of August 14, 2011, LESS THAN 2 YEARS LATER, it no longer works and it appears that it may be a hefty cost to repair (over $200).

I was making dinner and went to quickly heat something up in the microwave. Immediately I noticed that the microwave was louder and then it made a weird electrical zap kind of noise. I opened the door wondering if there was something metal in the microwave, there wasn't. I proceeded to remove the packaging that the food was on and put it on a paper plate and tried to reheat it again. This time, the microwave appeared fine (no loud noise or zap). The problem, however, is that the food didn't heat up. I tried a few more times with no result.

The next day, my husband tried to reheat something and had the same loud noise and zap. We decided to unplug the microwave and call Whirlpool.

The Whirlpool rep stated they were not able to troubleshoot microwaves over the phone. The only thing suggested was to switch off and on the breaker. I was given names to service repair companies. It appears that the issue is related to an open High Voltage circuit within the microwave (zap noise) and probably with the magnetron.

While obviously frustrated by purchasing such an expensive appliance only to have major problems less than 2 years later, I was mortified to see similar issues posted by consumers like myself across the web.

This issue appears to be more than an occasional glitch! Look at the other reviews, same issue. Whirlpool should own up to it and pay to have these microwaves repaired!

The repair person suggested getting a new microwave since it is cheaper than repairing ours. While I agree that you can get a new microwave for $200, I also think that an appliance should have a life span of more than 2 years, especially when you spend over $650 for it.

Heck, we have an old Emerson brand microwave in our basement that is probably 15 years old and that still works, why won't my 2-year old Whirlpool that was over 6x the cost.

For consumers considering buying Whirlpool, I would reconsider. If you do buy Whirlpool, then spend the extra money on an extended warranty, because it appears that many issues show up or re-surface right after the one year warranty expires.

For our family, we've learned an expensive lesson, and won't be buying from Whirlpool again unless they get their act together and start caring about the quality of products they produce and the consumer that purchase them.

We purchased this unit in April 2009. Seemed to work fine on a light load of nightly popcorn, leftover warming, etc. Used sparingly as a convenction unit only because the directions that came with it were worthless and gave no simple instructions on adapting recipes, combining microwaving and convection, etc. So big waste of money for what invariably became a lightbulp for our stove and the occasional microwaving.

First sign that things were not right with this Whirlpool design was when the lightbulb went out. No problem, that happens. Unscrewed the cover and took out the odd-shaped bulb which I soon found was unlike any other bulb any of the super hardware stores carry; or lighting fixture stores; or anywhere. Whirlpool had one available for roughly $15 plus shipping. No thanks. No bulb.

Then it happend. Two weeks before Thanksgiving 2010, it made an electronic arcing sound and stopped heating. Called Whirlpool. Out of warranty by 6 1/2 months. Shame on me for believing a $600 appliance would work longer than 18 months. Should have bought extended warrenty they said. Should have made a better microwave, or charged a bit more and built-in extended warranty and be industry leader I said. Should have bought extended warranty they said. They win again. Go through their service people A & E. That is a whole other letter! Long story somewhat shorter, gave up on A&E's repeated failure to meet service appointments with much time lost from work and went with quality local repair folks.

Discovered bad magnetron. Whirlpool said it was back-ordered and would contact us when it came in. Thanksgiving came and went. Had to borrow microwave for dinner. Three weeks later, magnetron came in and it was fixed first week of December - one month later.

March 3, 2011-three months later, same thing happend. Contact Whirlpool. Should have bought extended warranty they say. Better microwave, etc, etc. I say. No avail. Repair man comes back. Bad magnetron. Replaces week later.

May 3, 2011 - microwave stops heating again. We are already $300 into this last cycle of repairs with absolutely no support from Whirlpool. They basically admitted they don't stand behind their products other than the one year warranty. I refuse to buy extended warranties as I feel companies should be held accountable for their products, especially in these tough times. If they can't guarantee their work for more than a year, then I will only work with companies that will.

Do not buy this microwave!!!!!!!!

I love it, very nice. Exceding my expectations. Only had a few days, but the convection oven part is great.The sensor is cool too. Pops every kernel of popcorn and baked potatoes are perfect.My take on warranty is if you cant afford to buy a new item or repair it when it is out of warranty. Buy the extended warranty.

Less than one month after the one-year warranty expired, the microwave broke. Repairman says it needs new magnatron. We called Whirlpool, but they gave no sympathy nor offered any compensation. We're now trying to decide if replacing it may be more cost-efficient than getting it repaired. We bought this based on Whirlpool's reputation, but we will look at other brands for our next appliance purchase.

This microwave came installed in my new home in 3/2008. I used it sparingly- to heat water, coffee or make oatmeal. The venting plastic piece broke 1 week after purchase. The built in fan and heating element broke the day after Thanksgiving 2010 - barely 2.5 years after we purchased it. The whole unit will have to be replaced. No warranty. Unbelievable.