Williams Sonoma All Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker

yvrvan2075 [OP]: Newbie; Sep 24, 2012; 35 posts; 14 upvotes; Vancouver

Oct 24th, 2012 8:27 pm

Williams-Sonoma Save $100 on All-Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker. Now just $299.95

Hi there,

Fantastic for Fall/winter and holiday meals!
Save $100 on the All-Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker (with nonstick insert, not the regular ceramic) at Williams-Sonoma. The offer is valid until October 28 for in-store purchases only.
Reg $399.95 SALE $299.95

Cheers

Oct 24th, 2012 8:32 pm

visionqueen: Deal Addict; Sep 23, 2009; 2429 posts; 128 upvotes; Toronto

Oct 24th, 2012 8:32 pm

I got the same email from them too. I'm an All Clad fan 100% but I'm not certain what's the difference between the other brands of slow cookers? Can anyone who has this slow cooker share their experiences. Thanks!

Oct 25th, 2012 12:03 am

toguy: Deal Expert; Jun 23, 2005; 23086 posts; 180332 upvotes; GTA

Oct 25th, 2012 12:03 am

$300 for a slow cooker? I have been looking into slow cookers lately (still debating) and based on my research thus far, this doesn't appear to be much of a deal. First of all, this store (Williams-Sonoma) is notorious for having inflated 'regular' prices, to make their sale prices look good. Secondly, All-Clad is known for their cookware (a lot of people would debate as to whether it's even worth the premium, and that's a whole other discussion), but kitchen appliances isn't something I would generally associate their name with. I'm not saying it's a terrible machine, I'm just saying if you are going for name brand, why not look to brands that are known for quality small appliances (i.e. KitchenAid, Cuisinart)?

From what I have read, two common complaints of slow cookers are that you have to prep the ingredients in another saucepan (i.e. browning meat, etc.) before cooking in the slow cooker and that the crocks are often prone to cracking. The following Cuisinart model ($164.99 + free shipping at The Bay) appears to solve both of these:

http://www.thebay.com/eng/home-baydays- ... bay/198677

With this model, you can prep all the ingredients in the cooker itself, since it has brown/saute, steam, slow cook, and roast functions all in one unit, at almost half the price of the All-Clad! Like the All-Clad, the insert is aluminum, so no worries about cracking a ceramic crock.

Take a look at the same product at Williams-Sonoma:

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products ... erchRules-_-

~$293.xx on sale, suggested price of ~$534? Never even once seen a price > $250 for it. It's even $159.99 at Future Shop right now, but they are OOS:

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/ ... 99099.aspx

Any other input on better/cheaper options?

Oct 25th, 2012 12:43 am

visionqueen: Deal Addict; Sep 23, 2009; 2429 posts; 128 upvotes; Toronto

Oct 25th, 2012 12:43 am

toguy wrote: ↑$300 for a slow cooker? I have been looking into slow cookers lately (still debating) and based on my research thus far, this doesn't appear to be much of a deal. First of all, this store (Williams-Sonoma) is notorious for having inflated 'regular' prices, to make their sale prices look good. Secondly, All-Clad is known for their cookware (a lot of people would debate as to whether it's even worth the premium, and that's a whole other discussion), but kitchen appliances isn't something I would generally associate their name with. I'm not saying it's a terrible machine, I'm just saying if you are going for name brand, why not look to brands that are known for quality small appliances (i.e. KitchenAid, Cuisinart)?

From what I have read, two common complaints of slow cookers are that you have to prep the ingredients in another saucepan (i.e. browning meat, etc.) before cooking in the slow cooker and that the crocks are often prone to cracking. The following Cuisinart model ($164.99 + free shipping at The Bay) appears to solve both of these:

http://www.thebay.com/eng/home-baydays- ... bay/198677

With this model, you can prep all the ingredients in the cooker itself, since it has brown/saute, steam, slow cook, and roast functions all in one unit, at almost half the price of the All-Clad! Like the All-Clad, the insert is aluminum, so no worries about cracking a ceramic crock.

Take a look at the same product at Williams-Sonoma:

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products ... erchRules-_-

~$293.xx on sale, suggested price of ~$534? Never even once seen a price > $250 for it. It's even $159.99 at Future Shop right now, but they are OOS:

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/ ... 99099.aspx

Any other input on better/cheaper options?

You definitely have done your research. Thanks for sharing this information which I agree as well. Since I'm in my initial stage of upgrading my slow cooker, I find your recommendation of the Cuisinart an excellent alternative. Cuisinart has an absolutely amazing customer services, #1 in my books in regards to warranty purposes!

Oct 25th, 2012 9:21 am

SKYMTL: Deal Addict; Jul 25, 2006; 2181 posts; 280 upvotes; Montreal

Oct 25th, 2012 9:21 am

We actually use an "Original" Crock Pot from Costco: http://www.costco.ca/Crock-Pot%C2%AE-6. ... 02976.html

Fore the price I actually find it to be quite good. The only issue it has is food sometimes sticking to the sides.

However, $300 for a slow cooker is just scandalous in my books.