On going failures of Sunbeam electric blankets

bargdebarg on 27/06/2016 - 10:53
Last edited 30/06/2016 - 18:57

Update:

Sunbeam emailed me and asked me to return it and if confirmed faulty they'll refund the full amount. Excellent! Pity it took a lot of push from me and four blankets to get here.

Hi,

Keeping this breif!

Purchased Sunbeam BL5551 in May 2014 (three year warranty), failed four times so far, have received three replacement units. Have asked for refund from seller (Best Buy eBay) and Sunbeam multiple times, both have declined. Have contacted ACCC, but don't expect much.

Sunbeam service has been terrible, we waited six months to get the fourth replacement and it only lasted two months.

Anyone else had a poor experience or have any suggestions?

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • cDNA on 27/06/2016 - 11:06
    -6

    Why do you have to use electric blankets?

    Just buy some good quality tontine or sheridan quilts. They'll keep you warm with no issues. I've used them in 0 degree temperatures.

    • mskeggs on 27/06/2016 - 11:44
      +1

      We use the electric blanket in place of a hot water bottle to pre-warm the bed prior to getting in.
      It was colder than 0 here last night!

      • cDNA on 28/06/2016 - 00:42
        +1

        I see your point. My bed feels like ice prior to getting into it at night.

    • JimB on 27/06/2016 - 11:46
      +2

      Good quality tontine or sheridan quilts will keep you warm, but an electric blanket will warm up the bed and the quilts for you.

      It's been bitterly cold in Victoria in the last week. I'm thinking of getting an electric blanket, maybe not a sunbeam :D

    • bargdebarg on 27/06/2016 - 14:18

      We have good bedding and a pillow top which helps but nothing beats a preheated bed!

  • Olokun on 27/06/2016 - 11:11

    failed four times so far, have received three replacement units

    This is the same experience that I have had with Sunbeam. The controllers keep failing for no reason.

    Got a full refund after 4 years and held out for a sale and bought a Breville Bodyzone.

    • bargdebarg on 27/06/2016 - 11:42

      So frustrating isn't it! Particularly when you spend about $200… In this case the controllers are ok, as when I switch them over it's still faulty so have been told it's the element.

      How long have you had the Breville and how is it?

      • Olokun on 27/06/2016 - 11:49
        +1

        Only have had the new one for about 3 months now. So far so good, the main differences I find are:

        • Benefit of the upper and lower zones with individual heat control
        • The new Breville bodyzone model does not have the 'turbo' function
        • Takes long to setup heat/timer settings with using the Digital controls vs the analog way.
  • mskeggs on 27/06/2016 - 11:42

    We also had the Sunbeam multiple failures. I'm keen to hear recommendations for alternatives, as the BigW one (Novo) is dodgy too.

  • bobbified on 27/06/2016 - 13:19

    I've been thinking about electric blankets, but I'm a bit hesitant because I have this fear of potentially getting fried by the blanket during a malfunction.

    Does anyone else think about this?

    • bargdebarg on 27/06/2016 - 14:15

      Can't say that's ever been a big concern to me but could imagine how it is.

    • mskeggs on 27/06/2016 - 15:11
      +1

      It seems extraordinarily unlikely to me. We have an RCD in the meter box for such an eventuality, and if you use it to pre-heat the bed you can unplug it from the wall when you get in.

      • bobbified on 27/06/2016 - 16:09

        Think you're right that it's "unlikely".
        I had a bit of a read on the topic - most seem to be fine to use flat, but they're not supposed to be folded. The articles I saw suggest that it is the blankets that are over 10 years old that caused fires.

        I'll continue looking and decide later whether I'd be comfortable getting one.

  • chrisburnett on 28/06/2016 - 09:23

    I bought a super flash Sunbeam electric blanket from Costco last year and it's been perfect. You've got me worried now. The one I've got I just left on the bed all year as an underblanket and have been firing up as it's gotten colder. Perhaps taking them off and storing them could be part of the problem. I recall reading they've got newer technology in them these days and thermostatic control in the bit you lie on so you can sleep with them on and not cook. That and no hard wires under you anymore has left them delicate and easily stuffed?

  • xylarr on 28/06/2016 - 10:02

    For what it's worth, my Sunbeam blanket is on it's fourth winter now, and all is fine.

    • bargdebarg on 29/06/2016 - 21:38

      I think the older models were better. They started to introduce lots of safety features and I think went overboard as they die through normal use…

  • thefreelunch on 28/06/2016 - 10:48
    +1

    I'll never buy another Sunbeam product. They continually fail despite charging premium prices. I phoned them and they will replace the controller (if faulty) but otherwise said go back to the retailer. Not good enough. This year, I bought the cheapest electric blanket I could find (Goldair from HN - $52 queen size) and it's working great. FYI - Choice gave it their lowest rating and Sunbeam their highest. Sometimes Choice gets it totally wrong.

  • bUrd on 28/06/2016 - 17:09

    two single bed blankets - controllers died
    two queen sized blankets - controllers died
    queen sized blanket - element on one side has died

    The trouble is all other blankets just don't heat the way Sunbeam do! I always thought it was a fault with the power here in Albany, WA because it's quite dirty for power spikes and never kept the receipts. Since seeing reports like this, I've not bought a Sunbeam to replace the latest broken one.

    Got a wool one from Spotlight and it's nice, but the heat just sucks compared to the Sunbeams.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/06/2016 - 17:16

    Stop pissing the bed. Problem solved.

  • chrisburnett on 29/06/2016 - 08:01

    Sleep wonderfully warm with Linda.

    • chrisburnett on 29/06/2016 - 08:04
      +1

      I've just checked, all the Lindas have been recalled as they're dangerous.

  • chrisburnett on 29/06/2016 - 08:05

    Might have to buy whatever Costco carries and return every year when they fail. Their return policy is great.

  • bargdebarg on 29/06/2016 - 21:39

    Thanks for all the replies. Bloody Sunbeam are being pricks about it as expected.

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