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Consumer Advice: What to Do When an Appliance Breaks Down Early A reader recently wrote in asking for advice after her electric kettle stopped heating water only three months after purchase, despite being used normally and stored properly. This is a common frustration, and consumers have more options than many realize when a product fails well before its expected lifespan. First, check whether the item is still within its manufacturer's warranty period, which for small kitchen appliances is typically one to two years. Most manufacturers require the original receipt or proof of purchase, so it is worth keeping digital copies of receipts for anything valued over twenty dollars. Contact the retailer or manufacturer directly, explain the issue clearly, and ask specifically for a repair, replacement, or refund, since simply describing the problem without stating what outcome you want often leads to a slower or less satisfactory response. If the retailer is unhelpful, most provinces have consumer protection laws requiring goods to be of reasonable quality and to function for a reasonable period, regardless of what a store's individual return policy states. Keeping the box, cord, and any included parts also helps speed up the exchange process. Acting quickly matters too, as some warranties have shorter windows for reporting defects, so do not delay once you notice something is wrong.