At eSpares we’re constantly promoting a “make do and mend” attitude. It’s really refreshing to hear about how many people are adopting the same and discovering just how easy it is to carry out home repairs and restore your appliances to their full working glory, for a fraction of the cost of replacing them.

Household appliances should be built to last and it’s unacceptable to think that even when used properly and taken care of, they might give up the ghost after only a couple years. Sure, as to be expected with any machine, individual components will endure wear and tear from usage but this is where you can grab the Bull by the horns, identify the problem, find a solution and fix it yourself!

One thing that is a constant source of debate amongst our customers is whether or not to replace with a genuine part or its universal equivalent. In some cases there might only be a genuine (or universal) replacement option but certainly at eSpares we’ve tried to include both wherever possible to offer more choice to our customers.

Presumably a manufacturer would not attach its name to any part that is not of top quality and thus we’ve come to trust anything that is branded or genuine. So whilst some will argue that the genuine part will be the safer, more trusted route others might argue that universal parts will work just as well as their genuine counterpart and usually at a fraction of the cost. There are certainly enough examples to support both sides when considering your position.

Universal 2500 Watt Fan Oven Element

Genuine 2500 Watt Fan Oven Element

Universal Vacuum Cleaner Bags

Genuine Vacuum Cleaner Bags

Universal Cutlery Basket

Genuine Cutlery Basket

Right, so you can see there is a bit of a trend in terms of customer’s feelings towards universal vs genuine parts. There is definitely an inherent sense of apprehension when it comes to ordering universal parts but at the same time the outcome is predominantly a positive one. There are those who will always argue that the genuine part is not to be replaced by a presumably “inferior” universal and that’s okay. Likewise customers who have decided to go ahead and purchase a universal part have, the majority of the time not been let down despite taking a “risk”

Of course it is necessary to proceed with some caution in knowing that “universal” does not guarantee a proper fit for every make and model and in some cases the genuine will be the only option. At times one might not be gifted with an option and only one of either a genuine or universal replacement might exist.

I think it goes without saying that whichever route you chose your machine’s performance must be restored and improved. So whether you go universal or genuine is up to you. The debate continues……………….

Tags: Appliance Spares, Dishwasher Cutlery Basket, Vacuum Cleaner Bags