- Mar 12, 2016
- 14
- 10
First, If any of you have had a positive (And consumer verifiable) experience with Maverick I'd like to hear that feed-back too. Just in case that my experience is unique.
The only good thing that I can say about Maverick is that I E-Mailed their "customer service" with the following message, knowing that my unit was already over 7 years old and out of warranty, and they bent over backwards to make it right. Unfortunately, instead of sending me what they promised, "we'll send you the ET-732 unit which is a newer unit with better range," I got the same worthless ET-73 unit that I complained about. Here's the E-Mail "Back-and-Forth":
+++++++++++++++++++
Subject: Terribly Poor Merchandise
Message: First off; I found the receipt for the inaccurate, poorly designed, Commie-Chinese junk that I bought from you. I purchased it in August, 2008. I know, before ya' tell me, waiting over 7 years to complain is a long time although I did send a complaint years ago about this same product with no response and I cannot find a copy of that E-Mail. I am making sure to keep a copy of this one however. [I have!]
So, here goes: The crap in question is an ET-73 Redi-Chek Remote Smoker Thermometer. I purchased it through one of my subscribed B-B-Q/Smoking professional sites. I trusted their judgment - My mistake.
As a life-long product design engineer I quickly saw the design faults with the switch of one of the two units being enclosed behind a panel with a quickly lost plastic thumb nut for access. It has spent most of it's life with that panel taped-down. the other unit has the switch on the outside where it belongs. The instructions too leave a lot to be desired and only thru "trial-and-error" was I able to master the directions that were undoubtedly written by someone with "English as a second language."
The inaccuracy of the unit was not immediately apparent as I was ready to believe anything other than my smoker's poor cabinet mounted thermometer. But, after too many over or under-cooked results, I decided to compare the readings with boil-tested cooking thermometers.
I found both of the probes weren't accurate at all. I thought, 'Too late! You've owned this junk too long to complain.' So, I learned to not rely upon the unit but just use it as a guide and let my instincts take-over along with the use of an accurate kitchen thermometer as a back-up.
This worked fairly well for some time. Now, the probes have either took a dump or something else has, because the transmitter won't talk to the receiver. I must read directly from the transmitter which renders the whole concept worthless.
The unit has always been stored in a lower kitchen drawer, never outside, and although it's been used in all sorts of weather, it has always been used on a covered deck and not in direct contact with the elements.
I really don't know what to expect from sending this complaint other than electing the response I never got the first time. But, I certainly will not be moving-up to a more expensive unit or even buying another Maverick product with the poor experience I've had. And, a recommendation to my circle of B-B-Q/Smoking adherents is certainly out of the question.
+++++++++++++++++++
Their reply:
Good afternoon, Thank you for contacting us. I'm sorry to hear you're having difficulties with your unit.
The unit comes with only a one year warranty, but as a one time courtesy, we can send you a replacement and different model unit if you send us the defective unit that you have. Please send us the defective unit to the address below, along with a copy of this email and your return address. Once we receive it, we'll send you the ET-732 unit which is a newer unit with better range.
Thank you,
Martina
Maverick Industries
94 Mayfield Ave
Edison NJ 08837
+++++++++++++++++++
OK, so those were the original E-Mails back in October '15. "As a one time Courtesy" - And, an appreciated one, I received the same ET-73 Redi-Chek Remote Smoker Thermometer unit from Maverick (Instead of their updated ET-732 Redi-Chek model).
Now fast forward, here it is - Spring! - Smokin' season - I've got a - Hopefully - Pastrami from Corn Beef Brisket, going in my Great Outdoors Smoky Mountain Smoker (Which is not known for keeping smokin' temps. very well) And, ya' know what? My wife's Wal-Mart special, cheapie, oven thermometer is the only accurate guide that I have just for the smoke temperature (I'll let my instant read thermometer be my guide to the meat's temperature) - The Maverick's transmitter will only report to the receiver but not sound an alarm for "Hi" or "Lo" smoker temps. - Same as with the original unit - The receiver will tell me the too "Hi" smoke temp. (Too Late!) but will not sound an alarm in spite of the fact that I have followed their "English as a second language" instructions to the letter. Also, it won't sound an alarm for "Lo" smoke temps. So what is it's function?
Summary of Maverick: Inaccurate, Unreliable, Junk! Save your money and find something better. There may be better for more money from them, I don't know, But why should I gamble on that after being a two-time loser? I won't!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
UPDATE on 04/26/'16:
I can't believe nor understand why many folks are beating me up on this forum posting and not at all understanding its content or my intended warning. From now on I will not share any experiences with shabby merchandise and let the forum members find out the hard way.
I never ask for "service" on such an old purchase and I made that clear in my E-Mail to Maverick (If y'all read it). I was merely trying to get a response from Maverick when they ignored me back during the 1 yr. warranty period. None of you criticizers made mention of my 1st attempt at resolution from Maverick 7 years ago.
Had they responded with something like,"We're sorry to hear about your experience. Unfortunately, your unit is past the warranty period and we cannot honor it." I would have understood.
As I also stated, "The only good thing that I can say about Maverick is that I E-Mailed their "customer service" with the following message, knowing that my unit was already over 7 years old and out of warranty, and they bent over backwards to make it right."
I am as impressed with Maverick's customer service response the last time as I was disappointed 7 years ago. But, the fact remains, in spite of the 7 year difference, the ET-73 still don't work as advertised during my 1st big smoke of the season and 1st attempt to use it. Although I plan on buying a more reliable and expensive unit - It won't be a Maverick!
In summary, in my first paragraph I ask, "First, If any of you have had a positive (And consumer verifiable) experience with Maverick I'd like to hear that feed-back too. Just in case that my experience is unique." For most of the repliers who gave me feedback on your experiences with Maverick, I thank you! I read them all.
As for the rest, buckinducks - Airbusdrvr - SeenRed - cmayna - antrocks22 & SmokinAl
I would respectfully suggest that ya' read and understand a fellow forum member's posting before throwing criticism. It was unnecessary and uncalled for.
PS to antrocks22:
You ask; "Also were the blatantly racist comments necessary?" I had to go back and re-read my E-mail to Maverick just in case I really did screw-up. All I said that could be construed as Liberal/PC (Incorrect) was "Commie-Chinese junk" and "English as a second language" Those are not PC (Incorrect) statements - They are truthful realities that every America-loving person should espouse. I resent the implication!
The only good thing that I can say about Maverick is that I E-Mailed their "customer service" with the following message, knowing that my unit was already over 7 years old and out of warranty, and they bent over backwards to make it right. Unfortunately, instead of sending me what they promised, "we'll send you the ET-732 unit which is a newer unit with better range," I got the same worthless ET-73 unit that I complained about. Here's the E-Mail "Back-and-Forth":
+++++++++++++++++++
Subject: Terribly Poor Merchandise
Message: First off; I found the receipt for the inaccurate, poorly designed, Commie-Chinese junk that I bought from you. I purchased it in August, 2008. I know, before ya' tell me, waiting over 7 years to complain is a long time although I did send a complaint years ago about this same product with no response and I cannot find a copy of that E-Mail. I am making sure to keep a copy of this one however. [I have!]
So, here goes: The crap in question is an ET-73 Redi-Chek Remote Smoker Thermometer. I purchased it through one of my subscribed B-B-Q/Smoking professional sites. I trusted their judgment - My mistake.
As a life-long product design engineer I quickly saw the design faults with the switch of one of the two units being enclosed behind a panel with a quickly lost plastic thumb nut for access. It has spent most of it's life with that panel taped-down. the other unit has the switch on the outside where it belongs. The instructions too leave a lot to be desired and only thru "trial-and-error" was I able to master the directions that were undoubtedly written by someone with "English as a second language."
The inaccuracy of the unit was not immediately apparent as I was ready to believe anything other than my smoker's poor cabinet mounted thermometer. But, after too many over or under-cooked results, I decided to compare the readings with boil-tested cooking thermometers.
I found both of the probes weren't accurate at all. I thought, 'Too late! You've owned this junk too long to complain.' So, I learned to not rely upon the unit but just use it as a guide and let my instincts take-over along with the use of an accurate kitchen thermometer as a back-up.
This worked fairly well for some time. Now, the probes have either took a dump or something else has, because the transmitter won't talk to the receiver. I must read directly from the transmitter which renders the whole concept worthless.
The unit has always been stored in a lower kitchen drawer, never outside, and although it's been used in all sorts of weather, it has always been used on a covered deck and not in direct contact with the elements.
I really don't know what to expect from sending this complaint other than electing the response I never got the first time. But, I certainly will not be moving-up to a more expensive unit or even buying another Maverick product with the poor experience I've had. And, a recommendation to my circle of B-B-Q/Smoking adherents is certainly out of the question.
+++++++++++++++++++
Their reply:
Good afternoon, Thank you for contacting us. I'm sorry to hear you're having difficulties with your unit.
The unit comes with only a one year warranty, but as a one time courtesy, we can send you a replacement and different model unit if you send us the defective unit that you have. Please send us the defective unit to the address below, along with a copy of this email and your return address. Once we receive it, we'll send you the ET-732 unit which is a newer unit with better range.
Thank you,
Martina
Maverick Industries
94 Mayfield Ave
Edison NJ 08837
+++++++++++++++++++
OK, so those were the original E-Mails back in October '15. "As a one time Courtesy" - And, an appreciated one, I received the same ET-73 Redi-Chek Remote Smoker Thermometer unit from Maverick (Instead of their updated ET-732 Redi-Chek model).
Now fast forward, here it is - Spring! - Smokin' season - I've got a - Hopefully - Pastrami from Corn Beef Brisket, going in my Great Outdoors Smoky Mountain Smoker (Which is not known for keeping smokin' temps. very well) And, ya' know what? My wife's Wal-Mart special, cheapie, oven thermometer is the only accurate guide that I have just for the smoke temperature (I'll let my instant read thermometer be my guide to the meat's temperature) - The Maverick's transmitter will only report to the receiver but not sound an alarm for "Hi" or "Lo" smoker temps. - Same as with the original unit - The receiver will tell me the too "Hi" smoke temp. (Too Late!) but will not sound an alarm in spite of the fact that I have followed their "English as a second language" instructions to the letter. Also, it won't sound an alarm for "Lo" smoke temps. So what is it's function?
Summary of Maverick: Inaccurate, Unreliable, Junk! Save your money and find something better. There may be better for more money from them, I don't know, But why should I gamble on that after being a two-time loser? I won't!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
UPDATE on 04/26/'16:
I can't believe nor understand why many folks are beating me up on this forum posting and not at all understanding its content or my intended warning. From now on I will not share any experiences with shabby merchandise and let the forum members find out the hard way.
I never ask for "service" on such an old purchase and I made that clear in my E-Mail to Maverick (If y'all read it). I was merely trying to get a response from Maverick when they ignored me back during the 1 yr. warranty period. None of you criticizers made mention of my 1st attempt at resolution from Maverick 7 years ago.
Had they responded with something like,"We're sorry to hear about your experience. Unfortunately, your unit is past the warranty period and we cannot honor it." I would have understood.
As I also stated, "The only good thing that I can say about Maverick is that I E-Mailed their "customer service" with the following message, knowing that my unit was already over 7 years old and out of warranty, and they bent over backwards to make it right."
I am as impressed with Maverick's customer service response the last time as I was disappointed 7 years ago. But, the fact remains, in spite of the 7 year difference, the ET-73 still don't work as advertised during my 1st big smoke of the season and 1st attempt to use it. Although I plan on buying a more reliable and expensive unit - It won't be a Maverick!
In summary, in my first paragraph I ask, "First, If any of you have had a positive (And consumer verifiable) experience with Maverick I'd like to hear that feed-back too. Just in case that my experience is unique." For most of the repliers who gave me feedback on your experiences with Maverick, I thank you! I read them all.
As for the rest, buckinducks - Airbusdrvr - SeenRed - cmayna - antrocks22 & SmokinAl
I would respectfully suggest that ya' read and understand a fellow forum member's posting before throwing criticism. It was unnecessary and uncalled for.
PS to antrocks22:
You ask; "Also were the blatantly racist comments necessary?" I had to go back and re-read my E-mail to Maverick just in case I really did screw-up. All I said that could be construed as Liberal/PC (Incorrect) was "Commie-Chinese junk" and "English as a second language" Those are not PC (Incorrect) statements - They are truthful realities that every America-loving person should espouse. I resent the implication!
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