Salad Master cookware - anyone have it?

[kimbercup]

Hi all. I am new to the forum, but saw there was some talk going about cookware.

I recently purchased my first set of "decent" cookware at age 39

It was just always something that we put off. However, hubby is eager for more healthy cooking in our house, so, he felt it was a good time to invest.

I am a PENNY PINCHER and so is hubby!!! So, I really did my homework before taking the plunge. First, we attended a saladmaster demonstration dinner. I FELL IN LOVE with it that night, and was determined to get it. But, my miserly instints would not allow me to spend 3500.00. I just couldnt do it. After we left the dinner, my hubby hugged me tight, and then began wiping the cold clammy sweat from his brow.

I kept looking on ebay to see if I could find a deal on some used saladmaster, but the auctions always went way over my budget +1500.00. So, I began searching for other "brands" that might be equal or at least close to quality of the saladmaster brand.

To make a very long story short, I nailed a great deal on a 22 piece set of nutristahl waterless cookware for 199.95, which would have cost 1995.00 if I had had a home demonsration.
Then, I added an 8 piece set of "magic maid" flutter valve set of cookware for another 190.00.
I finally am able to throw all of my walmart non stick cookware out in the garbage, and our hopes of remaining alzheimers free in our old age is slowly being restored!

Anyway- I have a question for anyone who owns "magic maid" cookware. I have not been able to find any reviews at all online and was wondering if you could share your opinion on the quality, as I have not received mine as of yet.

BTW- I love the nutristahl!!! It is great quality, about as heavy as the saladmaster, and cooks without water, just like the saladmaster. It is stackable as well.

I am new to waterless cooking, so any suggestions would be great!!

Thanks, Kim

 

[MrsPete]

I've been to these dinner parties, and I've sat through the presentation at the fair or the home show several times (good chance to rest, and they give you good food). I've never brought myself to bit the bullet and buy these pots/pans, though I do want them. Here's what I know about them:

My mom and dad bought a set when I was a very small child; my mom replaced them after about 20 years of use -- I really don't know whether they were worn out or what. Several companies make this type of product, and her name brand is Town Craft (or maybe Crafte?).

I've found these sets on the internet for a couple hundred dollars -- much less than the party prices. If I were going to a party, I would definitely print out the internet prices ahead of time so I could ask about a matching price.

I have a couple pieces that I've bought from yard sales (yes, really!) and ebay, and I do love them. Nothing sticks to them, and they clean up like a charm. One day I'll break down and buy a whole matching set.

 

[Jarvis3909]

I've been buying Saladmaster for about 25 years now. We look forward to the county fair every year to see what new products they came out with because we had almost every piece they made. With the fair prices being buy one, get one free, we even had some we didn't use.

Now the bad news. Our house burned down to the ground in the Oct wildfires in Cal. One of the first things I could see where my kitchen was was a large pile of chard pots and pans. No problem you say.....Saladmaster has a lifetime warranty.

Read the fine print. The warranty for fire allows you to repurchase for 50% of current market value. That is a lot more than I paid for it in the first place. I did buy a couple of key pieces, but from here on out, I am the proud owner of All Clad cookware. Also stainless steel, less expensive, all the pro cooks on TV use it, and best of all, the handles are rivited on and don't come loose.

If you already have Saladmaster, you will enjoy it for generations. If you see a natural disaster coming your way, pack it with the important papers.

 

[MrsPete]

I went to the dinner demo last night and I ended up buying a set. It was not cheap!!! It was around $3500. That was one of their bigger ones though and of course they threw in some extra pieces including the electric skillet.

Do a google search -- they're cheaper on the internet. MUCH cheaper.

 

[Debeisus]

I've been to these dinner parties, and I've sat through the presentation at the fair or the home show several times (good chance to rest, and they give you good food). I've never brought myself to bit the bullet and buy these pots/pans, though I do want them. Here's what I know about them:

My mom and dad bought a set when I was a very small child; my mom replaced them after about 20 years of use -- I really don't know whether they were worn out or what. Several companies make this type of product, and her name brand is Town Craft (or maybe Crafte?).

I've found these sets on the internet for a couple hundred dollars -- much less than the party prices. If I were going to a party, I would definitely print out the internet prices ahead of time so I could ask about a matching price.

I have a couple pieces that I've bought from yard sales (yes, really!) and ebay, and I do love them. Nothing sticks to them, and they clean up like a charm. One day I'll break down and buy a whole matching set.

I dont know if any of you have ever had a rep for SM that tried to hire you but im giving you the most honest opionion of this company from the inside out.

They scam you. I worked for them for 5 months in Kansas City. Did about 30+ dinners. My boss was this snake, I cant remember his name, but he loved to gloat about how he was making 75% profit off each set they sold. Ok, so I can see 20-25% but 75%? Wow.

Now, just to be fair to the company. They do a good pitch. The sales is solid, the theory is solid. The part that isnt solid is the owners. Their way of commision is pitiful. I sold four sets in a month as a newb and never saw a penny from that SOB. Finially I raised hell about it and he said I had to do 20 dinners before I could be paid. So, when i finished that 20th dinner I got a hundred bucks.... a hundred bucks. And by the way I had made that SOB over 8grand in profit the last two months prior.

I started to raise hell to the owner and his partner about the ripoff and how I needed money to survive. So, they gave me a check for 500 and asked if i would train a new girl. Of course I felt good about getting the money and felt like I was doing something right by helping in the training process. (brainwashing process).

BIG MISTAKE! I went to a dinner with this new girl and the next day my phone rang to tell me to come in to talk. So, I arrived asap and waited for what I was hoping to be good news. Nope- they apparantly knew the girl, and she claimed I was coming onto her. Ok, tell me if this isnt fishy. First, they want me to do 20 dinners... that was not in the origional agreement before i get paid... second, when i finish and make them over 8 grand in profits they put me with this girl who works part time for them so they can get me booted legally by a complaint...


This company scammed me and about 9 other guys before someone threatened them with a lawsuit. It appears they are still up to thier old crap. I dont know if any other office in the nation is like this but I pray, oh lord do i pray, that nobody has to go through the bulls**t i slugged through.

Sorry but I had to break the downside to this place....

 

[mig2111]

Does anybody know if these pans are NONstick? If you have them, have you had any problems?

I have a set from the 1970's. The are not non-stick.