RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
We've had the cookware for almost a month. We wanted to cancel the cookware order after several days days but realized, reading our contract we only had a day to do so. Once they got your money, they're not going to give it back. There is a huge killing to be made in selling this cookware.
Now that we're stuck with this cookware, here are my initial observations:
Cooking: Vegetables take a long time cook. Following their cookbook, about 20 minutes total.
The pans really retains the heat remarkably well. However, this cookware isn't designed for frying or even baking, despite the marketing hype. We fried a couple of eggs as recommended and made some pancakes too. The results weren't any better, in fact were much worse comparing it to an iron pan. The manufacturer tries to instill a fear factor and encourages healthy cooking. Adding cooking spray from butane is NOT healthy cooking. Using a plastic oil pump is not much better because the oil you use breakdowns the plastic slowly and it releases harsh chemicals into the oil. Can they not create an internal glass or stainless steel cooking sprays instead of plastic?
Cleaning: It's very difficult or time consuming. You need to use paper towels or a soft sponge or cloth. Any rubbing scratches the cookware. Stainless steel utensils are not recommended. Our skillet became stained with egg and pancake residue. We let the skillet soak overnight with a solution of baking soda and even used the cleanser the manufacturers recommended. The stain is still there.
Basically, if there are any foods without water or moisture in it (most fruits and veggies have lots of water in them) and if you do not add any, the cookware will burn. However, even carrots and brocolli, according to the cookbook provided requires at least 2/3rds full of water. Doesn't this defeat teh purpose of waterless cookware?
This cookware is ideal for cooking (as is ANY half decent cookware) but not frying or baking unless you add some water. It is not practical unless you are on a strict no oil, stew-like, soft food diet. The cookbook is a heavy promoter of PAM like cooking spray.
The handles are NOT stainless steel, but hard plastic. Plastic, all types including teflon, will release toxic chemicals when baking in the oven. These toxins are absorbed by the food you ingest and inhale. The plastic handles will blister when exposed to direct heat. The basic cookware is a major rip off costing us almost $2500!
If you want quality semi-restaurant grade stainless steel cookware that has a good name and doesn't require a loan to buy, try the Wolfgang Puck brand cookware available through the Shopping Channel or elsewhere. Don't even consider this waterless cookware unless you can get a knock-off for under $200. The claim this cookware is waterless should be challenged in court.
The company is only trying to scare you into buying their cookware much like a specific fitness club is preying on people and promoting that their own fitness facilities are the best.
As it stands, we're too afraid to use this cookware as it can easily get damaged and it's hard to clean. We should've caught on at the fair when the pitchman didn't fry anything in his pan. We'll probably sell it on Craigslist to cut our losses.
One final point. Don't be mislead about this made in America hype. Although this cookware is fabricated in the USA, the steel is from anywhere but the good old USA. Did we not learn anything about the lead and other issues from Chinese (steel) products?
Key word: Dan (Daniel) Gauthier, PNE. Americraft, Kitchencraft
Posted on 10/17/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
I have both maxam(two pieces gifted to us) and kitchen craft cookware, and there is a DEFINITE difference between the two. The kitchen craft cookware is of much higher quality, and the maxam is more similar to store bought cookware. Its really just Chinese made wannabe waterless cookware, because it doesn't function the same as the other. I just got our babysitter and dear friend a set of lustre craft a few days ago, which prompted me to look on the internet for reviews(curious) and I found this site.
I have had my waterless cookware for about 7 years, and I couldn't imagine cooking on anything else. We have four kids, and I cook every day. I am so thankful we took the plunge and I don't have to cook on imported junk. Our cookware set I know wasn't cheap...it cost more than our lawnmower. But that is how it should be. And I don't expect to have to buy any more. Don't drop it though. Our pine floors are covered with cookware dings over the past years. You will break your floor, but not the pot! :)
Posted on 03/29/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
My wife recently purchased a set of Kitchen-Craft cookware by Americraft, at a home show in Ohio. I was curious about what she purchased, so I called the Americraft manufacturing plant in Wisconsin. Below is what I was told.
Kitchen-Craft was the brand name of West Bend's waterless cookware. One channel of distribution was a sales organization by the name of Americraft. Americraft Sales has been around for about 40 years. Americraft even bought the Kitchen-Craft name.
About 5 or so years ago West Bend closed its' US manufacturing and the waterless cookware business. Today the company sells a line of kitchen tools, made overseas.
Americraft Sales knew how important it was to have a product made in America. At the same time West Bend closed, Americraft Sales invested in building a manufacturing plant in Wisconsin, and started manufacturing Kitchen-Craft waterless cookware. In fact, the manufacturing facility is very close to where West Bend had their manufacturing plant, and many of the people who work at Americraft manufacturing came from West Bend manufacturing.
Americraft makes all of the waterless cookware products it sells, except for the electric cookware, which is made by Regal Ware, which is a manufacturer also located in Wisconsin.
Hope this helps.
Posted on 01/12/2009 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
Not all the pans in the Kitchen Craft set are made by the Westbend Company. The new sets being sold at the home and garden shows and fairs have pieces made by a company call Americraft. Americraft owns the name Kitchen Craft and makes its own line of cookware sold under different names. One of the names is Healthy Gourmet. Next time you see more than one cooking show at the fair or home and garden show, ask them what's the difference they all say we're the "same". The problem is, Kitchen Craft has a great name and history but the name is owned not by Westbend. What we're going to see now days is Kitchen Craft cookware made by Americraft in Westbend. (Westbend is a town in WI) Americraft set up manufacturing in Westbend so they can engrave on the pans "Made in Westbend" BTW This is coming from a close friend who has been doing the "cooking shows" in the fairs and home and garden show for years.
Posted on 10/19/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
I purchased my cookware in 1971 also. I love it. I even had to make payments of $20-25 per month for 2 years. It was and still is the best purchase I ever made. I also got a set of glasses, which I gave to my sister-in-law.
Posted on 06/10/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
Does anyone know of a guide to "stack cooking"?
Posted on 04/24/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
I purchased my waterless cookware in 1971. I paid around $600 for the set I bought which wasn't a large set, but it was the best investment I've ever made. That was 36 years ago and I still have it and it stills looks like new. All I've done is replaced a couple handles about 10 years ago. Two of my three daughters have bought the Kitchen Craft brand. They paid about $1200 for the sets they bought, but they love it. I highly recommend the cookware. It lasts forever.
Posted on 01/29/2008 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
I would like to know how these waterless pots and pans for thousands differ from the ones you can get on the internet from maxam and chefs secret who only charde 3 to 4 hundred. I have not seen them yet but I would imagine nothing they just dont pay all the people in the middle to sell them. Your thoughts on this
Posted on 12/26/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
I heard you need to pay for the cookware up front and THEN try to sell it. This may or may not be true.
Posted on 11/28/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
Mike, A friend is going for demonstrator training in December. Is it as easy to make money as they say? She thinks that she will make several thousand dollars at the training session. It sounds almost too good to be true. Thanks for your feedback.
Posted on 11/28/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
I have just completed two weeks of training to become a distributor for Kitchen Craft. I can tell you that there is no MSG or spices of any type added to the vegetable medley. And, yes, there can be a slight learning curve in using the cookware. My wife burned the veggies the first time she attempted is because she did not turn it down when the vapor valve alerted here. She learned her lesson. ;)
Posted on 11/25/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
We bought a set at the Texas State Fair, and so far we like it very much. I have burned the cut side of a potato twice but I suppose there was a learning curve...
As for the taste, I don't think they added anything ahead of time but I don't know for sure. Our food has been very good but we still use a little salt or a low-salt spice mix (that comes in its own disposable grinder) from Sam's Club.
I think the hype of the demonstration adds to the effect, so yes, we were excited by that corn and broccoli! At home, I don't think we are quite as ready to give up the salt shaker, but no one is missing the fats, that's a good thing.
Posted on 11/09/2007 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
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By Larry from california (Guest Post)
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I don't know if they use MSG, But I Know their customer service is lousy. I tried to get a small part replaced, and was told I would have to pay $15.00 for shipping, what a rip-off. Is this how they cover their life-time guaranty?
Posted on 01/04/2006 | Report Spam or Abuse

RE: Kitchen Craft Waterless Cookware Feedback
I would not use msg ever!!! That is more of a food stabilzer. Depending on what veggies you are cooikng there are several to choose from. Curry is wonderful with fish and basil, oregano,garlic etc for an italian dish....just for veggies on;y I would add a bit of lemon or orange zest and some ginger. Again curry is an amazing spice as is ginger and fenugreek..experiement., you will find divine. HTH Happy Holidays..Julie
HTH HAPPY HOLIDAYS.....Julie
Posted on 12/12/2005 | Report Spam or Abuse

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