Are New Appliances Always Doomed? Why A Grass Roots Movement Could Change Things

[Chetlaham]

This video makes an excellent case as to why modern appliances are so lack luster in reliability. It explores 6 potential causes: Cost, Compliance, Corporations, Computers, Complexity and Conspiracy. And also proposes a solution of customers buying appliances based on reliability along with people demanding changes within the laws which govern energy efficiency.

Personally I agree with all the points and solutions offered in this video. My honest opinion is that the only way things will get better is through a grass roots movement where people learn, act and shop for simple, dependable, well built appliances. He mentions that doing such could actually bring back old proven designs.

I am all for this. However we must first get the word out and do it in such a way as to bring about a growing movement.




What do others think? Agree, disagree, thoughts?

 

[vacerator]

I've seen him. Eh. So many others too and they don't know half of what members here know. I don't agree with telling shoppers to avoid certain features or brands which differ very little between each. Things are what they are. You need appliances to clean, chill, cook and freeze. Choices are vast. News of performance and quality travel from the consumer to others. I highly doubt that corporate deciders care what we think.
We complain about the price of food, fuel, utilities etc. We don't choose to walk, go hungry, or wash garments in a stream on rocks, but you can if you want to.

 

[Zoey]

Thanks! I learned a lot from that video about today's appliance market. He also consulted off the record with a former appliance engineer from a major company.

He explains in a fair amount of depth how government regulations, changing consumer preferences, and market forces have contributed to our present situation of increasing complexity, reduced reliability and serviceability, unaffordable replacement parts, and planned obsolescence.

One thing I found particularly interesting is retail price trends. He shows a 1991 Lady Kenmore washer with a $555 list price. With inflation that would be over $1300 today. That seems to go a long way towards explaining why a machine like the Speed Queen TC5 costs as much as it does. I guess maybe I should keep fixing my 2003 Kenmore direct drive.