Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

While reading this review, keep in mind that I was talking with both Amazon's Customer Service and KRIËGER's customer service department! The first unit that Amazon shipped came in the manufactures box with a shipping label and a hole in the box. Amazon did not bother to tape the box at all. The next issue was that the unit did not have a serial number which is important for registering the product. When I went to the Manufacturers website, they have an option that does allow you to choose "No Serial Number" but the website refused to let me register - a popup window indicated that the unit is not sold on Amazon! While testing the unit, it shut down after one hours use, while drawing less than 37 watts for my sheds LED flood lights. So I sent a message to Amazons Customer Care group - what a waste of time. I ended up telling them that I would just send the unit back for a refund the day after it had arrived! After I sent the unit back, Amazon sent me an email stating they were sending me a new one that said, "To help you with this, I've created a replacement for you at no additional charge. " Amazon ignored my request for a refund. It should be noted that the day I shipped the unit back, I drove to a local store and purchased a new Power Inverter that actually worked! Despite a request for a refund, the second unit came and again, it was shipped in the manufactures box with a shipping label attached. At least they put tape on the box. When I opened the box, I had a strong burnt electrical smell. I checked the bottom of the unit and again, no serial number. The folks at KRIËGER had been telling me they were having problems with the website and that it was being updated... Folks, it doesn't take a week to repair a web-page and their customers shouldn't have trouble registering products! I tested the unit and it kept my LED Flood lights on over-night. At least that's an improvement over the first unit. I should also mention that in addition to having a burnt smell and again, not having a Serial Number, the second unit gives different power readings from the first unit. Instead of reading 37 watts for the LED Flood lights, the second unit claims I am using 26 Watts of electricity. It also gives different power readings from the solar system in my shed. In other words, I have questions about the quality control for this product! FYI: The maximum outside air temperature that this unit is designed for is 40 C which is 104 degrees. You might want to keep that in mind if you plan on using this item in a vehicle, shed or on a hot summer day. In my opinion, this is not a robust design suitable for today's changing environment. The fact that it is in a plastic case should also be a red flag if you are needing a robust Power Inverter - Plastic will not dissipate heat like a properly designed metal case would. Again, this is just something to keep in mind. So, my advice is before buying a Power Inverter, down load the owners manual and see what the operating temperatures are. The next thing I would do is, after ordering, check to see if it has a serial number and to see if you can actually register the product. Keep in mind that the KRIËGER KU1100 Power Inverter can only run a small drill. It is not big enough to run a Circular Saw and small fans will run slower than what you might want. Also, get a power inverter that is in a metal case, avoid plastic. This power inverter should only be used with Deep Cycle Marine batteries, your car battery isn't designed for this power inverter - for more information Google the subject. In closing: Was I impressed with how Amazon handled this situation? NO! Amazon is banning customers who return items too often. Google that for more information. Why Amazon chose to send me a second unit while ignoring my request for a refund is beyond explanation - I have no idea as to why they did that and I never did get the refund! Was I impressed with KRIËGER's customer service? Between Amazon and KRIËGER, I felt like I was getting the runaround. They advertise a 36 month warranty. They claim if registered, you will get three additional months. Their website claims you will get two additional months if you register. Their customer service people claim you will get eight additional months if you send them an email so they can manually register the product for you - which was stated in the email that 'Power Bright Technologies (KRIËGER) just sent to me... all of this happened in the first week! Some last thoughts: Learn how to hook Power Inverters to a battery properly and in what order. Make sure you are using the "Ground Terminal" properly - I installed two 8' long ground rods that are 8' apart just for the shed's solar system - it doesn't cost that much to do. If you have several battery's, make sure that you are using the correct size of wire. When it comes to electricity and lots of AMP's, do not take shortcuts on safety! Before buying, look over all the negative reviews and take the time to read Techbuy's replies. I mention this because something is wrong. It doesn't matter if the unit is independently tested. It doesn't matter if there is free Amazon Tech support. It doesn't matter if the unit is independently tested and meets standards. It doesn't matter what the warranty claims are because far too many people, including myself, are experiencing the same issues with the product! FYI: This experience is such that, every time I look at the unit in my shed, it will be a reminder that I should be careful about ordering from Amazon... and after reading people's comments, I serious doubts about "Claimed 36 plus 8 months" warranty from this company!