Hot Tub Forum
General => General info Somewhat hot tub related => Topic started by: anne on November 19, 2006, 06:47:57 pm
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Sorry- this is only hot tub related in that hot tubs make me happy, and good food and wine make me happy too......
Does anyone have experience with, or an opinion about cookware? I'm looking for some christmas gifts, but also going to be remodeling my own kitchen this spring- I know I'll want new toys. Names like All-Clad and Le Creuset- are they hype, or actually worth their high cost? Every famous chef now has a line of cookware too......I love to cook but have learned to get by with my Target-purchased set of pots and pans. I'd like to get a quality saucepan or two for my brother, who is HUGE into quality, and abhors trendy name-only fashion. Any advice welcomed.
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Sorry- this is only hot tub related in that hot tubs make me happy, and good food and wine make me happy too......
Does anyone have experience with, or an opinion about cookware? I'm looking for some christmas gifts, but also going to be remodeling my own kitchen this spring- I know I'll want new toys. Names like All-Clad and Le Creuset- are they hype, or actually worth their high cost? Every famous chef now has a line of cookware too......I love to cook but have learned to get by with my Target-purchased set of pots and pans. I'd like to get a quality saucepan or two for my brother, who is HUGE into quality, and abhors trendy name-only fashion. Any advice welcomed.
We use Calphalon great stuff but it needs to be seasoned. When it's new I didn't care for it but now I love it.
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Dont suppose you know which Calphalon you have? I think they make 3 lines: Calphalon One (non stick), Simply Calphalon and Kitchen Essentials.
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Hey Anne,
I'm not a "foodie" but can appreciate quality cookware. (I'm right now trying to figure out some quality knives). Overall, I think the "Celebrity Chef" endorsed stuff is a bit hyped. But some of it can be ok.
I prefer the stainless steel pots and pans. A thick consistent bottom to the pans is key (strong even heat) as well as quality handles. All clad SS is, what I think great. but very pricey. The caphlon is good too, but personaly, I think it's ugly.
Copper bottom pans can be decent, but on the low end ones, the copper is more decrotive than functional (just a thin layer). Plus, keeping it looking nice is a chore in of itself.
If your brother hates the trendy names, then all clad stainless is the choice.
I will suggest before you buy, check E-bay. you can find some great deals on new, in box items, just tripple check the model number to ensure you're getting what you think.
On a related note, anyone got any info on kitchen knives?
I was thinking Wusthof, but began to think since my wife insists everything be dishwaser safe. I understand the carbon steel blades can rust in the dishwasher. I'd like Stainless steel, but don't know if they can kept sharp, so would it be a good idea to a signficant amount on a Stainless steell knive set?
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First off, don't bother with sets. Knives, cookware, anything. Buy only what you need or think you will use. Those sets usually have stuff in them you would never use.
All Clad is amazing, but amazingly expensive. Cuisinart puts out an awesome line of cookware and it's a lot less money than anything All Clad offers. Check Amazon for Cuisinart stuff.
Good knives should never ever be put in the dishwasher. And we aren't talking rust. They could bang against other items and get dulled. The harsh dishwasher chemicals can etch the metal and ruin the handles. It only takes seconds to hand wash a good quality knife so not putting it in the dishwasher is no big deal. I have 4 Wusthof knives and love them. Also, get a good steel to keep the cutting edge true.
As you may have guessed by now, I'm a devout food fan. (Foodie is too negative, IMO). I love to cook, I love it when others cook for me. And you don't have to have the best of the best to be a great cook.
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Anne,
Personally I think there's a noticable difference between quality cookware and the decorative or inexpensive cookware. While the good stuff is usually expensive, there are places you can find good deals. One place I've hit on a number of occaisions is Tuesday Morning. Their selection varies, sometimes find what you want, sometimes you don't. But their prices are very good and their quality is generally really good. I've gradually picked up a pretty broad set of calaphon. It's not pretty but it's what I like for cooking. Not too long ago they had some boxed sets of Magnalite, similar quality but prettier, for about 40% of normal retail.
Drewstar - Good quality knives seem to require handwashing. I my mind, there's a safety factor, too. I get a little squeamish at the thought of unloading the dishwasher and not being aware that there's a surgically sharp instrument tucked in with the silverware or lurking alongside the glassware. A sharp knife is a great tool but I like to keep an eye on them.
If the dishwasher thing is a deal breaker, then you might want to check out some of the newer ceramic knives. I've heard they're quite good and they might be dishwasher safe.
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Thanks Hammster. I apprecaite your comments.
The fact is, They will be going in the dishwasher, there's no question about it. Hence, my hesitation to purchase them.
Buying a set can be hit or miss pricewise. Sets however, if you look at the prices, usually will give you a better deal, even with the extra no use knives than if you were to pick up 5 or six from open stock. I don't want a counter block, We won't be "displaying them" in a block or on the counter, but stored in a block in the drawer. I don't need steak knives (my langiones are fine, ...but have lead me to the dishwaser safe requirement. ) I don't need scissors, or fuky cheese and paring knives. I need 4-5 decent chef, cooking, cutting, carving, peeling, dicing, knives that are high quality, dishwaser safe, heft, with a comfotable grib that can be sharpened and give a lifetime of quality service.
I am thinkning the wusthoff culinar line. but then agian, might just go with a capholon set,... i dunno.
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Drew,
Your logic is a bit flawed in the better price per knife if buying a set. That only works if you actually use every knife in the set. For sake of argument and simplicity, lets say you buy a 5 pc knife set for $100. That's $20 per knife. If you use all 5 knives that's a great price per knife. But, if you only use 2 knives, say, then you have $60 worth of knives not only not being used, but taking up space in a drawer. So that additional $60 would get shared by the 2 knives you do use. So, the $20 per knife now becomes $50 per knife. Not a good deal any more. Look for open stock sales, and this time of year they abound, and you will get the best price per knife that you will actually use.
If you will use every knife in a set, then sets usually are the best deal per knife. But if not, go the open stock on sale route. Same thing with pots and pans and other cookware.
Perhaps you would offer to wash the knives and so DW wouldn't be tempted to put them in the dishwasher? Then your investment would last a while longer. (Trying hard here to help you get those great knives. :D)
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Hammster.
I hear ya. And yes, I usually do the dishes (she cooks, I clean). and I', thinking I will go with the wusthofs.
Prices: First,. show me a 5 peice wusthof set for $100 ;D
Will more than likely go open stock with 3 knives and a steel (chefs knife, carver, bread and a steel).
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My criteria for kitchenware is that it 'goes in the dishwaher'. All Clad stainless! I looked at a lot of cookware before buying and the criteria of dishwasher safe eliminated some of my other choices, including other All Clad offerings. I was concerned about burned on gunk on the stainless being an issue, but even the toughest mess soaked in some soapy water for an hour cleans up easily. All Clad is pricey, but can be found on sale and closeouts if you watch for it.
Drewstar.....I've had Wusthof knives for a long long time. They always go in the dishwasher (except for a set of Wusthof wood handled steak knives. That set was what got me started with Wusthof many, many years ago.) The only issue with running the knives through the dishwasher is that the black handles aren't as bright and shiney as they were when they were new 20+ years ago. Wusthof is also harder to sharpen than some of the other brands, but holds an edge longer.
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Well, I think I'm going to start searching for All Clad deals. Thanks. That was the direction I thought I'd go, but needed some reassurance about quality. I'm going to go with the LTD (exterior is anonized Al) or Stainless (exterior is stainless)......looks like the difference between these two is cosmetic- anyone know differently? Either way, the cooking surface is 18/10 stainless and the core is aluminum. I'm going to want to keep whatever I buy for him!!!!!
As for knives, Drew- if you are the one doing dishes, then just hand wash them! The thought of high quality knives being tossed in the dishwasher makes me so sad :'(. And I think you are on the right track just buying a few of them individually. If you bought a set, you'd end up with two favorites that you used over and over. So I'd handle them a bunchin the store, think about the majority of what you'd use them for, and just get a couple really nice ones.
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anne...check on the LTD regarding putting them in the dishwasher. If I remember right the SS is the only one that All Clad recommends for the dishwasher. I got a LTD griddle pan as a perk when I bought another pan and it went in the dishwasher a couple of times, but the exterior looks crappy now. Still cooks great, but I hand wash that one pan now. All Clad has a lot of buy this, get that free deals if you look around. I've found a couple of pans on closeoout at Linens-N-Things, if you have any of those in your area. I bought a 1 quart sauce pan for under $10 because it had no lid. I have other lids that fit it so not a big deal.
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Here's a name I've never heard off before:
ScanPan. The reviews claim it's the best non stick pan on the market. Anyone ever use these?
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/ultimatechefstore/scanpaninfo6.htm
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anne...check on the LTD regarding putting them in the dishwasher. If I remember right the SS is the only one that All Clad recommends for the dishwasher. I got a LTD griddle pan as a perk when I bought another pan and it went in the dishwasher a couple of times, but the exterior looks crappy now. Still cooks great, but I hand wash that one pan now. All Clad has a lot of buy this, get that free deals if you look around. I've found a couple of pans on closeoout at Linens-N-Things, if you have any of those in your area. I bought a 1 quart sauce pan for under $10 because it had no lid. I have other lids that fit it so not a big deal.
You are right. Dishwasher not recommended for LTD. I think my brother would prefer the shine of SS anyway.
Is Emerilware as good as regular All Clad? It has the same warranty, is made by all clad, but is a bit cheaper. I dont get it.
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It's my understanding the all clad have the steel-aluminum-steel all the way up the sides, this helps prevent burns from the side. The emiralware just has the steel aluminum-steel on the bottom. (this is a recent addition)
Emiralware is made in China or Korea, while the all clad is made in the USA.
I'm not sure if you can put the emiralware in the oven?(all clad is rated to 500 degrees).
The emiralware is supposedly very good, but I thought your brother wanted to say away from the names and stuff?
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Anne....don't know on the Emerilware. I've seen it, touched it, but didn't pay all that much attention as I was already down the All Clad path when it came out. It seems like nice cookware and as you already know....a bit cheaper. I looked a lot of different pans. I think it's best to pick 'em up and see how they feel....and imagine 'em with some food in them as well. Some cookware is heavy, which you'd think is better, but then add the food to 'em and it becomes a 2 hander to pick up. The All Clad has a nice feel to it. The handles are right...for me anyway. No....I don't get a comission on AC. I liked the Viking too, but it seemed too heavy and $$$$$.
Does your brother have electric or gas stove? I think some pans work better depending on what heat source you have.
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Drewstar, you read my mind. I just read several reviews/etc I found by Googling "Emerilware vs All Clad" and I found the same info you stated.
My brother is an oddball. He has a love/hate relationship with the Emeril Empire. Yeah, I should avoid name brands, but if he knew that the Emeril stuff were the same quality as All Clad, he'd probably rather have the better value. The thing is, the Emerilware still has a lifetime warranty. If the steel-Al-steel up the sides improves cooking, then it is perhaps worth the greater cost. But if it is just about longevity of the pan, then the warranty should cover any problems.
I think I'll keep looking for the real thing for him. This is going to hurt my pocketbook more than anticipated.
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Anne,
I found this, read the comments at the bottom!
http://www.appetites.us/archives/000177.html
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I have never left a pot on the stove left the room for more than a few minutes- amazing how many people have had molten metal on their stoves/floors/etc!!!
Idaho- he has an electric range now, but he is just renting. I know once he can do his own kitchen, he'll gave gas, though that may be a few years. I'll have to think about that.
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Well, I made the purchase. I got him a 12" omelette pan (differs from the saute pan is that it has curved sides and it not quite as heavy). I went with "Contemporary Stainless" from Calphalon- $107. (Then had a 20% off coupon!) The AllClad stuff was very nice but I did not like the handles. All Clad also does not have an omelette pan quite shaped like this one, so even if he later buffs up his kitchen gear and goes with All Clad, this will be one that will still have function the others dont have. I really like the size and shape of this thing. The outside is brushed steel, the aluminum core goes all the way up the sides, and it is hefty.
I want to try it out!!!!! :'(
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Good choice. Stepping up to some quality cookware really does make a difference.
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My boyfriend seems a little horrified that I'd spend so much of cookware, and even more worried that I might get myself some too, in a few months. But hey, its not like we share finances yet. ;) If he were to question the validity of quality gear in the kitchen, I can just point to his amp....or sub......or speakers...... ;D
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I got Wustof knives when I was in Germany in the Army 20 plus years ago. They are great... However, I recently bought the Kyocera ceramic knives....they are so much better for veggies... I wash them by hand and my wife does not touch them....I did take off the top of my finger nail with one a month or so ago... Very sharp!
I have had a variety of cookware. I had Le Cruset and they are good, but heavy... Also the color may not be what you want over time. My ex took most of them.. I got the calpholon tri ply copper and a few Calphalon one pans. We leave ours out on pot racks so the copper looks good!
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I almost had a new calphalon contemporary stainless steel 3qt saute pan on ebay for $60 !! (Retail would be $150-ish online, $160-ish in stores) Some sniper stole it out from under me in the last few seconds. I'm gonna get one of those programs before I go back to Ebay. Too painful.
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Well, I hope I didn't make a big mistake, but I decided on a Kershaw Shun knife set.....after looking around, I liked the style, the quality, and in the block set, for the price, I think I got a fair deal.
Any one else own Kershaw Shun?
here's the set I got, with a bamboo block:
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j61/GodlikeMoron/kewrshaw2.jpg)
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Well, I hope I didn't make a big mistake, but I decided on a Kershaw Shun knife set.....after looking around, I liked the style, the quality, and in the block set, for the price, I think I got a fair deal.
Any one else own Kershaw Shun?
here's the set I got, with a bamboo block:
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j61/GodlikeMoron/kewrshaw2.jpg)
That looks like a great set. It looks just right with no knives that you wouldn't use. Perfect!!
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Hammster,
that's what I thought. The only thing I didn't care about were the scissors,or the block itself. My must haves, were: a steel, a chefs knife, a bread knife, and a utility. I took your advice and I priced these out seperately, as well as a group and after looking around, I found a set that was cheaper than buying them individualy, belive it or not. So, let's hope the wife likes em.
Other wise,
call me Mr. Bobbett. :o
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Hammster,
that's what I thought. The only thing I didn't care about were the scissors,or the block itself. My must haves, were: a steel, a chefs knife, a bread knife, and a utility. I took your advice and I priced these out seperately, as well as a group and after looking around, I found a set that was cheaper than buying them individualy, belive it or not. So, let's hope the wife likes em.
Other wise,
call me Mr. Bobbett. :o
Scissors come in pretty handy for a few things for me:
cutting chicken in to small bite sized pieces for a stirfry, with it never touching a cutting board.
cutting linear herbs in to little bits, like chives, or cutting roesmary off the stem.
pie dough (making a nice edge once it is in the pan)
cutting up bacon into bacon bits for potatoes!
Anyway, that looks like a great set of knives with nothing too extraneous to just take up space.
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I agree Anne. The thing is, I just bought her some kitchenaid scisors for the kitchen. Granted, they're not like the Shuns, but they were decent. I have just gotten fed up with all the crap knives in the house, and at first she said she didn't want knives, then for the past few weeks she's mentioned them several times. I'm excited about them. Finally a nice set of knives!
IF not, I'll be using the set of luggage I got her, and will be heading towards East Texas looking for a place to stay. ;D
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Yeah, I use a $1 scissors from Ikea in the kitchen. No need for fancy ones. But now you have them! If the blades separate and they can go in the dishwasher, that is even better for chicken.
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Anne,
I've had great experiences with Calphalon. I use the Hard Adonized primarily (nonstick that you can use metal utensils with) and one Contemporary Nonstick that I use as a cheap everyday pan. I do handwash them and don't mind, as it's only my pans and good knives, everything else is in the dishwasher.
I bought all of it from Amazon - they have great deals and free shipping. I just checked, in the line you're looking at (Simply Calphalon Stainless), they have a 1 qt. saucepan with lid for $19.99, 2 qt. for $39.95, and a couple of other items in stock. Here's the page of all of them: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/897514/ref=/sr=53-1/qid=1165377383/ref=tr_35981/102-5649905-7436933
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Anne,
I've had great experiences with Calphalon. I use the Hard Adonized primarily (nonstick that you can use metal utensils with) and one Contemporary Nonstick that I use as a cheap everyday pan. I do handwash them and don't mind, as it's only my pans and good knives, everything else is in the dishwasher.
I bought all of it from Amazon - they have great deals and free shipping. I just checked, in the line you're looking at (Simply Calphalon Stainless), they have a 1 qt. saucepan with lid for $19.99, 2 qt. for $39.95, and a couple of other items in stock. Here's the page of all of them: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/897514/ref=/sr=53-1/qid=1165377383/ref=tr_35981/102-5649905-7436933
Thanks Matt! Actually I was looking at the Contemporary Stainless, and that is what I picked up for my brother, but I may return it. On a bit of a whim, I just bought a new contep. stainless 3 qt saute pan at Ebay for $49. As it retails for $160, I either just got very lucky or very taken, but it seems that at least at Ebay, they go for $49-$75. I think some of these sellers buy them in bulk and then unload them on Ebay. It should arrive friday. If I like it, I'm going back hunting at Ebay and returning the one I purchased at BB&B!
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So you were, my fault, heh. I don't know why there's so much price disparity on eBay, but it sounds like you got a great deal on the saute pan. Let us know how you like it!
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Anne,
I've had great experiences with Calphalon. I use the Hard Adonized primarily (nonstick that you can use metal utensils with) and one Contemporary Nonstick that I use as a cheap everyday pan. I do handwash them and don't mind, as it's only my pans and good knives, everything else is in the dishwasher.
I bought all of it from Amazon - they have great deals and free shipping. I just checked, in the line you're looking at (Simply Calphalon Stainless), they have a 1 qt. saucepan with lid for $19.99, 2 qt. for $39.95, and a couple of other items in stock. Here's the page of all of them: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/897514/ref=/sr=53-1/qid=1165377383/ref=tr_35981/102-5649905-7436933
Thanks Matt! Actually I was looking at the Contemporary Stainless, and that is what I picked up for my brother, but I may return it. On a bit of a whim, I just bought a new contep. stainless 3 qt saute pan at Ebay for $49. As it retails for $160, I either just got very lucky or very taken, but it seems that at least at Ebay, they go for $49-$75. I think some of these sellers buy them in bulk and then unload them on Ebay. It should arrive friday. If I like it, I'm going back hunting at Ebay and returning the one I purchased at BB&B!
My wife LOVES BBB, but you need to clip the 20% coupons to make the prices fair. She's got a stack of them in the car, as the only accept one per item, (as opposed to 20% of the entire purchase). A few weeks ago we were in there and she must have had 8 coupons.
I've learned to ALWAYS check ebay before making a purchase. You've got to be careful and ensure that the product is what is appears to be, Brand name, check the model #, and the seller. Then add in the shipping. I'd guess tahat 70% of the time, - if it is available on E-bay - the price difference is significant. The only thing I don't even consider E-bay for is autographs. I collect 007 autosgraphs, and only deal through known entities.
This year, I bought the Shun knives and I calculated the savings (including tax and shipping) to be 33%. I found a similliar deal on the luggage set I bougt my wife and saved 30% off the best deal through both on line and traditional stores.
Go Ebay! :)
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Anne,
I've had great experiences with Calphalon. I use the Hard Adonized primarily (nonstick that you can use metal utensils with) and one Contemporary Nonstick that I use as a cheap everyday pan. I do handwash them and don't mind, as it's only my pans and good knives, everything else is in the dishwasher.
I bought all of it from Amazon - they have great deals and free shipping. I just checked, in the line you're looking at (Simply Calphalon Stainless), they have a 1 qt. saucepan with lid for $19.99, 2 qt. for $39.95, and a couple of other items in stock. Here's the page of all of them: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/897514/ref=/sr=53-1/qid=1165377383/ref=tr_35981/102-5649905-7436933
I've had a few problems with Amazon, they now have so many independent dealers and stores, you don't know who you are dealing with. The other day I was trying to purchase a few things, and the box on the right hand side of the page kept telling me "If you buy something for 30 more CENTS, I'd be at the correct amount to get free shipping. NO matter what I bought/put into the shopping cart, I couldn't get free shipping as the products were all comming from different stores. Arrrrgh.
I did end up buying several things, but they are all comming from different stores, different times, packed seperatley, I'd paid a bit for the shipping, but the convience was worth it, but some of these sub stores, are idoits.
One store was out of thier item and sent me a note. But they didn't tell me what the item was. Finally, I told them to cancel the order. However, for 3 days they keep sending me notes telling me it's back ordered, I keep telling this lady to cancel. She said she would, and just this morning, they sent me a note that they shipped it to me last night? WTF? I don't want it. I bought another one already, and now I have to go through the whole sending it back crap. Arrrhg. An unnescary hassle. Arrrrrrgh!
Another time, I accidently clicked twice on an item from Sharper image via Amazon. (The item was $400.00, and I was charged for 2, ie $800). Yea, my fault, but I IMEDIENTLY contacted Amazon to reverse it. No dice. Customer Support was useless. They said the moment I clicked it was out of thier control. I called Sharper image, they couldn't help. It was a mess. I told them at the very least don't send me two (it was heavy exercise equipment) and I did not want to do the whole returns thing. It took 2 days to get them not to ship the extra one. and 90 days for the $400 to be put back in my account.
Amazon? Bah. They are just a front end interface for other dealers. Be careful. Amazon doens't produce anything, thier value is customer service and ease. Well if things go wrong, you're on your own. I don't see the value they add, in fact, they make problems worse.
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You for sure have to watch it when you purchase thru them. Fortunately, I've had only good luck- and I've gotten merchandise for really good prices.
One trick is when you find something you want on Amazon, look and see if it's thru them direct, or if they're fronting for another vendor. If they are fronting, the company will be listed. At that point, open another browser screen and go directly to the manufacturer's website and look for the same item.
That will let you know if you're getting any value from using Amazon on that purchase.
It might be easier to order directly from the vendor- just check the charges for shipping and the merchandise. I did that for a couple purchases- a batter charger and some GMRS radios. Dealing directly with the seller is probably easier than dealing
with Amazon should something go awry.
As you've discovered, free shipping from Amazon is only for the stuff that comes from them. Unless that vendor is offering free shipping too.
I saved hundreds thru Amazon for a specific higher end photo printer.
That came direct from them, no shipping.
But I have heard that they can be aggravating to deal with if you need them for anything. Knock on wood, I guess...........
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You for sure have to watch it when you purchase thru them. Fortunately, I've had only good luck- and I've gotten merchandise for really good prices.
One trick is when you find something you want on Amazon, look and see if it's thru them direct, or if they're fronting for another vendor. If they are fronting, the company will be listed. At that point, open another browser screen and go directly to the manufacturer's website and look for the same item.
That will let you know if you're getting any value from using Amazon on that purchase.
It might be easier to order directly from the vendor- just check the charges for shipping and the merchandise. I did that for a couple purchases- a batter charger and some GMRS radios. Dealing directly with the seller is probably easier than dealing
with Amazon should something go awry.
As you've discovered, free shipping from Amazon is only for the stuff that comes from them. Unless that vendor is offering free shipping too.
I saved hundreds thru Amazon for a specific higher end photo printer.
That came direct from them, no shipping.
But I have heard that they can be aggravating to deal with if you need them for anything. Knock on wood, I guess...........
That's exactly what I do. Amazon does have value for gathering info, seeing what's available, comparing prices, and reading reveiws.
I just bought a set of GMRS radios too. yea, from amazon... (the wife wanted a set for ski trips). I purchased Motorola T7400R. I also bought some arm band/cases for them so we could strap them to our arms rather than stuff them in a pocket.
Are you familliar with these? I think I might have overbought, but given the price ranges were $60-80 bucks I decided for $20 to err on what seemed to me being the high end? Maybe I should have asked here before buying?
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j61/GodlikeMoron/motor.jpg)
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That is good stuff to know about Amazon. I dont shop online very much, but I think Ebay has me hooked now, at least as a "window" shopper. As for my purchase, the seller has sold 1000's of items, with a 99.4% good rating, and I could see nothing in the product description that could be anything other that EXACTLY what I wanted......so I'll let ya'll know.
The unit I got from BB&B was with those coupons. I get one in the mail every few weeks. It is the only way to shop there. Now the qutestion is- does my brother get the new saute pan, and I return the one bought as his gift, or does he get to just keep his origial gift and *I* get a saute pan? ::)
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These things can be handy for running around the mall, or at a crowded event when you get seperated- less trouble than dialing a cell phone. I mainly got mine for boating- One radio in the boat, one out. Come's in very handy at the launch ramp.
I got a pair of Midland brand ones, I bet they are very close to what you have there.
One thing I learned is that the range that they are rated at is way unrealistic. I live in a pretty hilly, tree rich environment, and one time I tested the range by getting in my truck and talking to the other radio, which was at our house. I think I got just short of 2 miles and the signal cut out.
They will work for longer distances IF the radios are in line of sight with each other- like across a large lake, or from the top of a tall hill to the top of another, etc...
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Brewman,
I was considering the Midlands as well. But to me, it sounded like a crap shoot either way. I heard that the distance isn't that good either in hilly terrain with any radio. Decided to go with a set that had decent distance, and even if it's half that it might be ok. The one bad think that kept comming up in the reveiws was a cheap belt clip, so I decided to go with the additional arm bands.
They are popular on the ski slopes. I hope these work out.
We'll see.
YOu should have great luck out on a lake.
We celebrate chanukah and have 8 nights of gifts. I am going broke this year. :P But at least my wife is asking for cool stuff like 2 way radios, rather than say "Oh, some romance novels and chocolates and a kitty sweater". ;)
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Is a kitty sweater a sweater made from kitty hair?
On the food topic, my calphalon saute pan arrived, and it is as hoped- looks like I got the real thing. It has stickers on it, which is a royal pain, but it is clearly brand new, and is the "contemporary stainless" that I expected. Go Ebay!
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Anne, have you decided on who get's what pan yet? ;)
I jinxed myself. After years of trouble free internet shopping, I've had 4 orders get messed up this year. ARrrrrgh.
Cheap earings: wrong item shipped
BBQ tools: Vendor doens't know what's in stock keeps telling me a differents story. I canceled and the order shows up.
Limoge Box: PErsonalization is wrong
Autograph pic: Wrong pic.
Arrrrrgh. On the plus side, the Shun Knives arrived. Brand new still in shrinkwrapped box. I was tempted to open them up, but I will wait and let the wife have the honners.
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I get the pan :D
My brother gets one too, but he either gets the one already purchased from BB&B or another one I can find on Ebay. Even though it is more $$$ I may just stick with the BB&B one since he could exchange it if he really wanted.
Sorry about the bad internet purchasing luck. I can't believe all of them messed up your orders so thoroughly.