I bought a GE Cafe double wall oven from Costco for about $4,000, and while the delivery went smoothly, the installer found a loose internal screw and a bolt inside the box during unpacking. He was concerned about the safety of the installation and refused to set it up, suggesting I get a replacement. There are a few issues complicating this situation:
1. Costco tells me the oven is out of stock, so no replacement is available right now.
2. There's no other installer available in my area—one they called refused to work due to liability concerns.
3. I already modified my cabinets to fit this specific model.
4. Due to recent tariffs, prices have surged, and this model is now over $4,900 at other retailers.
5. Costco offered me 25% off to keep the oven 'as is' but I'd need to find my own installer.
6. I learned I can return it within 90 days, plus it has a 2-year warranty for anything beyond that.
I've already spoken with Costco to confirm that I won't lose warranty coverage if I hire an electrician or install it myself. My main worry is the loose bolt—is it serious? How can I ensure it's not critical machinery like the insulation shield? Also, the installer seemed pretty reluctant to help at all, making the situation even more stressful. I'd appreciate any guidance on how to move forward with this!
3 Answers
I'd take the discount and keep it. If you're handy, look into where the bolt came from before using it. It could be from the door, or maybe something internal that you can fix yourself. If it’s a minor part, you can put it back together and call it a day!
I'd say go for the 25% discount and find a local handyman to help you install it. Check the model number against a parts diagram online to see if you can figure out where that loose screw and bolt might have come from. That'll give you some peace of mind before installation.
Sounds like a reasonable plan! But what if it’s connected to something crucial? Could it be risky releasing the oven like that?
Taking a grand off for what's likely just a loose piece sounds like a sweet deal to me! As for that bolt, inspect the parts diagram and maybe it’s just an extra that fell during manufacturing. In any case, you’ll find out pretty quickly if it’s important once you start using it.
I appreciate that advice! I can definitely troubleshoot. Fingers crossed it's just a loose piece!