Poor after sales service from Bosch

In early 2025 I refurbished and party furnished a home in the Cape for my elderly parents to move into. During 2024, we had, on recommendation, purchased a number of appliances for our own home from Claremont Appliances and received great service. Several of the appliances purchased in 2024 were Bosch. When I furnished the home for my parents, I decided to standardise on Bosch. Once again I purchased through Claremont Appliances.

The purchase was not insignificant, and included:

A freezer/fridge, a separate stand up freezer, a dishwasher, condenser drier, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, kettle, toaster, microwave, oven and hob.

Everything came with a 3 year warranty.

Within a year, there was a problem with the washing machine. The service was prompt, it was determined that it was, in fact, a plumbing problem, which I had sorted out.

In the middle of May 2026, the oven, which had been a bit problematic, stopped working and I logged a service call. The technician came out, said he needed to order some parts from Germany. We waited. That repair attempt failed, they tried something else. Time went on. I started to complain. Through the intervention of the lady I dealt with for the sale, things finally started to move and the matter was escalated. Another technician came out. We were advised that it had been installed incorrectly and needed a ventilation panel. The installer (who had done the refurb) arranged this, but said that he doubted it was the problem. At the time of purchasing the oven, we were NOT given any particular installation instructions. The oven was removed for repair and return. We waited again for parts. I made more noise.

I made the point that surely it was unacceptable to leave a home without an oven for so very long. And surely it was time to admit that the original oven was a 'lemon'.

We are all aware, that even with good brands, occasionally an appliance is a 'lemon'.

This is forgivable. Poor after sales service and dodging of doing the right thing is not acceptable.

Eventually, after more than 3 months, they have accepted that the original oven cannot be repaired and replaced it.

I am unimpressed. Do better Bosch.