Universal Appliances

Have been buying from Universal for almost 10 years now, have always been amased by the service. Prices are as good as anywhere else or better, but the small family business has advantages. We were unfortunate to receive two lemon appliances for our kitchen reno. Not the store's fault, it's a post pandemic quality control issue. Had it been a big box store, we would have had a much harder time. Unviversal had the repair companies in as fast as they could get them. Two business days tops. Communication was ongoing, when GE decided to replace the stove (attempts to repair failed), the store immediately sent in a loaner unit. We were able to make do until we got the new unit. They took care of delivery every time. This last experience confirmed that I will ONLY deal with them for appliances in the future, because I know I will be taken care of.

We bought five new appliances from Universal in 2020. I deliberately went to a specialty store over a big box because I wanted the expertise and to support smaller, specialist stores. I won't do that again.

The salesman recommended the GE Profile. Within two years - some within one - all five appliances required repairs. Three years on -- the dishwasher has a broken door that cannot be fixed (plastic piece on the frame). My oven still doesn't work after the element was replaced - but the repairman says no other parts available and may be faulty wiring. Lessons learned: I will NEVER by GE again. And I will NEVER go to Universal Appliances. Not sure if they provide poor advice, stock poor quality products or are buying sub-standard factory cast-offs. But it hardly matters.

After the experience at Universal, we bought our next appliances (LG) from a big box store. Paid much less and so far, no repairs.

Machine GE delivered and installed Dec 19/20 had to push start button numerous time to get door to lock eventually it started. The spin cycle sounded like there were loose parts and machine was shaking violently. Called Universal andwas told machine could not be returned because I had used it. That was how I found out it did not work properly. They promised to put a rush rush to send a repairman. A month later Jan 19/21 repairman came could not get machine started because door would not lock. He could not listen to the spin cycle. Will order new lock but does not knowhow long it will take. Meanwhile I have anew machine that does not work.

We ordered a refrigerator on July 8. By July 22, we had not heard anything about the delivery. The company did not call to ask us if we were available to get a delivery on July 24 and sent an e-mail to tell us this refrigerator would be delivered on that date. I called on the morning of July 23 to inform them that I had a medical appointment in the afternoon of July 24 and asked if we could have the refrigerator delivered before 1:30 p.m. I was told by the representative that they would contact the delivery company and get back to me. I indicated that I needed to go for an appointment at 10:00 a.m. today and the representative indicated that he would contact the delivery company immediately and get back to me before I left. I came back at 12:15 p.m. and no one had left a message on our voicemail; we did not receive an e-mail. I then spoke to the assistant manager who finally apologized after debating with me that they were doing their best. I stated that there was a distinct lack of communication with clients. It should be noted that we have dealt with this company in the past and were satisfied; however, this last experience has been an exercise in frustration and we will seriously contemplate dealing with their competitors next time we need an appliance. I am not a happy camper at this point in time.

My ~20-year old washer and dryer were giving out, so in October 2017 I went on the hunt for a new laundry pair. I had done my due diligence online—reading reviews and comparing the major brands and models out there, settling on an Electrolux pair. I had a hunch that going to a locally owned appliance store would be a more satisfying experience than buying online or at one of the big box stores. The main problem with the large stores, from my experience, is that the sales personnel are not particularly knowledgable about the products they sell.
A couple of the other local appliance stores didn’t carry the particular models I was interested in, so I settled on Universal Appliances The sales person, Tyler, was excellent: knowledgable, and personable. He explained in detail the features of the machines and, even though I had decided on the models, he made sure I was aware of alternatives. He arranged on the spot for delivery, and installation, and the removal of the old machines. I was up and running with the new machines three days after visiting the store. Universal Appliances is a locally (Ottawa) owned appliance retail store and, on the basis of this experience, I highly recommend them.

We had an electric cook top give up the ghost 2 weeks before the closing on the sale of our home. We dealt with Neil Garbett at Universal Appliances Ottawa who arranged to have a new model delivered and installed in our home within 10 days. Beautiful replacement and service beyond our wildest expectations. Five star performance and professional in all transactions. Just a great experience.

Gordon and Violet Parke

This is the "third generation" of appliances we have bought from Universal Appliances. Early on, they were the best deal in town. They may no longer always offer the best price; what keeps us coming back is the knowledge of the sales staff, the collaboration among them and the great all around service.

We recently rennovated our kitchen and included all new appliances. We never intended to purchase an induction stove but the information provided by the salesman Daryl was so detailed we decided to upgrade and purchase this stove. We love it he did not steer us wrong. I am a much bettr cook bcause of my stove.

As part of renovating our kitchen, we visited Universal Applicances and were extremely impressed by the variety and selection of products. Were specifcally looking for a gaz range and the service and knowledge was excellent. Have recommended to family and many friends.

Before buying our new house, we needed to buy a fridge, along with our other appliances. I checked Sears, Best Buy, and Future Shop until a buddy told me about Universal Appliances.
We checked it out and the workers were so helpful and answered so many questions we had the other places couldn't. We did not feel any pressure to buy and they were very professional with us. The delivery and set up of our fridge was on time and they did a good job of not scratching the walls. They rock and I tell everyone about their store!