My review of Lava Lite's new "Designer" 32 oz. lamp

[Erin]

Received my new 32 oz. "Designer" lamp from LL today. Shipping was fast and item was packed well. Customer service was good - I had to cancel and re-order to apply a discount. No problems there. 

 

Globe color: clear/redNumbers on lamp: H4200, 11032401 D (date assembled must be March 24th, 2011). Cap has white and red sticker. 

Price paid: $34 shipped (with 10% discount)

The globe, much to my disappointment, was slightly cloudy. However, it was warm today and I really do expect that it might clear up. The clouding isn't as horrible as some I've seen, for sure. What's a little unsettling (pun intended?) is the fuzzies floating around in globe.

 
Upon first run, I can see some of these little floaties moving around in the liquid. 

 The finish is fairly cheap-feeling, but OK. Nice to see something new, I guess. I haven't owned any of the 20 oz. globes, but Autumn tells me the finish looks to be the same. The holes arount the base are a nice touch, but are a tad higher than the image sown on Lava Lite's website. 

My verdict for now? Don't buy (yet).

 

Rating as of right now: 6

I am running the lamp now for the first time. Updates to follow.

 

VIDEO of said floaties: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPQyBXKaqVM 

Day two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSlLvW0MGBk 

 

[Erin]

Floaties are still very present. Cloudiness hasn't improved. I contacted Lava Lite today to see about getting a refund and sending this lamp back. It's just not pleasant to look at.

[Jim]

Any idea on when these may be available at Spencers?  Not willing to deal with the crap shoot of lucking into a good one.  Would rather open them in store to see for myself before buying.

[Erin]

I don't want another lamp. I firmly believe they will all be like this. 

 

I would NOT recommend buying these from LL directly. Jim, your idea is best - when they are at Spencer's, go check them out there. I thought I heard late summer for Spencer's. 

Art Vandelay said:

Let us know how they handle this; of course they will offer to send you another lamp instead. A refund? This could get interesting.

[LampHead]

Not good to have the floaties, I was hoping the quality would be higher with the oversight. Insist on a refund.

[Erin]

Oh, I will insist. ;)

LampHead said:

Not good to have the floaties, I was hoping the quality would be higher with the oversight. Insist on a refund.

[Erin]

So a refund might be challenging, eh? Hmmm. That just makes me want one even more! I don't want another globe. I *know* they won't be able to send me a clear one. 

Thanks for the tip about Spencer's - I didn't know that. 

Bohdan said:

Hopefully there 52z line up will be better. I will wait till I see them running in the display area at Spencers before buying. Just like before even though it looks nice and clear out of the box there is no guarantee that will be the same once taken home and turned on. A refund from LL yes now that will be very interesting since they have never issued me one over the yrs. They as always will send you out another globe till they get it right. Even the paint finish could have been better looking.

And as always remember to buy the lamp with credit card only since Spencers does not give refunds with a sale done with cash they will only give you a store credit.

 

[Kempton]

Agree, When I Get one at the store it seems to be nice and clear. (As long as I check it)

Jim said:

Any idea on when these may be available at Spencers?  Not willing to deal with the crap shoot of lucking into a good one.  Would rather open them in store to see for myself before buying.

[Erin]

From Lava Lite, today:

 

Please send it to Lava Lite LLC, 321 W. Lake Street, Suite G, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Once I receive the lamp I will refund your money.

[Erin]

Don't know. My guess is no. However, it's not the money I'm after, it's the principle - this lamp is not worth owning and I will not keep it in my home. Sending it back sends the message that their product is NOT GOOD. 

I'll post back about the shipping charges when I get my refund. 

Bohdan said:

Will they also pay for the re-shipping cost that you are sending it back with.

[WeeboTech]

That's right vote with your wallet!!  It sends a big message. 

[Erin]

Agreed!

WeeboTech said:

That's right vote with your wallet!!  It sends a big message. 

[jonny]

this is bad news indeed.

 i'm new here.  i own 1 lamp.  a Lava Lite Midnight series that i bought new in '96.  i just brought it out of storage a few weeks ago and thought i would like another lamp or two in the 32oz size.  but upon researching i realized that the Lava Lite company really let their product go to crap.  my research led me here.  this is a great site.  didn't know there was lava lamp collectors community. 

 

anyway, let the reviews continue.  i'm hoping for some quality 32 oz lamps in the future.  hopefully Lava Lite can get their act together.