Thanks for the reply No the unit is kept indoors and they have not suggested that any damage has been caused by our misuse or neglect. They fully accept that it just a faulty item. Latest update on this is that the engineer came on Saturday and said that the cooling systems now seems 'full of oil'. It is to be repaired this Saturday. With a bit of luck that could be the last problem we have with it. On the other hand, it may well not be. Inbetween my first post and this one, I have been researching my Consumer Rights, and frankly it's very disappointing to find out that, having bought a new expensive electrical appliance which has needed two repairs five months, there is no legal obligation for the manufacturer to replace it a with a new item and a fresh warranty. If I start having the same problems again after the warranty has expired (but within 12 months of the last repair) it seems I am relying on the generosity and good will of the manufacturer to see my point of view and repair it or replace it. That is actually a pretty naff state of affairs, but presumably doesn't affect enough people with loud voices for the law to be changed.

Morning everybody and straight in with a question. My wife and I bought a Hotpoint fridge freezer from Curry's in August. By December the fridge part had broken down and we had to call out a Hotpoint engineer, under warranty. He came twice, one week apart: once to diagnose that the fridge needed re-gassing and a second time to do the job (on Christmas Eve, of all days!). On completing the job the engineer blamed a fractured pipe. Two weeks later, the freezer part has now broken down, in so far as the temp never drops below two degrees, even on the so-called fast freeze setting. Again we have an engineer on call today, on the first of what I will expect will be another two visits. I was just wondering where I stood with the warranty. I didn't take out an extended warranty, nor do I want one now. But after what is now multiple breakdowns (and who knows, it may happen again, and again, and again...), if the infernal machine breaks down again in say September, I will not be pleased to be told "sorry Sir, you didn't take out the extended warranty, so ring someone who gives a toss". Or words to that effect. Where do I stand? Many thanks!