Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Received July 2017. I switched it on to check operation - it was OK. Stored unit until today (November). When I turned unit on it was making a HORRIBLE ratcheting noise (like a noisemaker at the football game). I called Cuisinart and played the noise over the phone. They were ready to ship a replacement unit for $10.73, and expected me to ALSO cover the cost of the defective unit (presumably doubling the return cost). This was the only option offered. CS rep opined that this policy was normal in the appliance manufacturing industry. I beg to differ. Philips has replaced defective items (which lasted a lot longer than ONE useage) at NO COST to me, the CUSTOMER.That's a policy that I like and that tells me that the company stands behind its products. I declined Cuisinart's "offer". I opened the unit to check the defect. It contains one metal gear pinion (on the motor drive shaft) the rest is PLASTIC. A double gear (transfer) had one large gear pinion and one small one (8 tooth wheel if I remember). One tooth had been sheared off causing the failure. Plastic has it's uses but this was a very poor design. High stress in the wrong place. Cuisinart's THREE YEAR limited warranty appears to be next to USELESS. My overall cost would have been increased 50% because of THEIR manufacturing defect. I opted to trash the unit. I have to say I've not had problems with Cuisinart products in the past - but their Customer Service polices for defective items STINKS. I'll be steering clear of Cusinart in future.