Kenmore Microwave - 1100 Watt Review

I purchased an 80833(50) model microwave. This version is near the top of the line from Kenmore. The Electronic controls are intuitive and with the polished stainless steel front it is very easy on the eyes as well. I was able to install it myself in the existing over range space occupied by my previous microwave. It took about an hour or so. We use it for cooking vegitables, defrosting and popcorn. We don't cook in it really it is just for side dishes etc.

 Quality Issues: Almost immediately we had trouble with the translating rotating tray, I is really cool if it works, but the dish inside was constantly popping off the guide and making a racket. We had a service technician come out and there was a modification available that he installed which fixed the issue with out any further problems.

More significantly, and the reason for me writing this review, there is a stainless steel part on the front which runs the entire top of the unit, Part # 3531W1A019A, It has broken off 3 times since I purchased the unit, and is currently broken. Clearly there is a design deficiency in this unit, When the door closes it hits this "Grille assy " and bends the two plastic tabs which attach it to the rest of the unit. These tabs ultimately break because they are preloaded in their installation, and then fatigued in bending every time the door is opened or closed. The technician installed it last time, but it still broke. The first two times it broke just prior to the one year warrenty, then it broke again just before the 90 day part warrenty expired. This time it failed after ~ 9 months, but I will not buy a 50 dollar + S&H part every six months or so. I will be calling the Sears parts number tomorrow. I will update you then on the customer service I get.