Well, if I am going to fail this No-Spending Experiment,
I'm going to fail it in spectacular fashion.
Tell me what you see below:
And if you answer (as my husband did) "A box of crap", then you are wrong.
What you see above is a box of All-Clad cookware I bought at my local thrift store.
For $24.95.
ALL-CLAD : $24.95
I very nearly had a heart attack when I realized what lay before me.
And almost had another one as I hoofed it out the doors
& back home to grab some money from my secret cash stash.
I was sweaty and giddy when I handed over my precious dollars to the slightly puzzled clerk.
Even typing this, I am a little light-headed.
Can you feel it?
If you like to cook, and you're not familiar with All-Clad, you need to educate yourself.
All-Clad is to Cooking as Ferrari is to Driving.
Sure, a Yugo will still get you there, but the ride won't be nearly as quick, smooth, or enjoyable.
I know - it's not pretty, but in this case it really is what's on the inside that counts.
The box contained: 2 saucepans, 3 pots, 2 lids, and a steamer insert.
All but the steamer appears to have an anodized exterior (similar to what is now the LTD2 line).
These were clearly used, but not at all loved.
I think that the previous owner didn't know how to take care of them. If I had to guess, I'd say they were put in the dishwasher and the soap and heat discolored the outside.
The insides all looked like this.
But a little Barkeeper's Friend fixed them right up!
They are still not purty, but man, are they amazing to cook with!
Here is a breakdown of what I bought, with approximate retail pricing:
1.5 Qt. saucepan $149.95
3 Qt. saucepan $234.95
2.5 Qt. casserole $110*
3 Qt. casserole $130*
4 Qt. casserole $156*
8” Stainless steel steamer insert $105
Retail total: $884.90!
*These prices are for comparable products in the Stainless line. There are no LTD2 pots in this size right now, but if there were, they would likely be about 30% higher than these prices.
Although I felt awful at breaking down during No Spend month, it was totally worth it. It was serendipity, I swear it was. If I have one actual hobby that I enjoy doing, it is cooking. And cooking is soooooo much more enjoyable if you have tools that work well.
3 comments:
ok, that is so awesome!! way to go! and what was all that business about failing??
:)
I know nothing of all-clad cookware but your sheer excitement and the money you saved........it's like you beat the mother system of good deals and I love a good deal and beating the system!! ---and way to make the pots inside shimmer like new (I do love my barkeepers friend for our porcelain sink- who knew it works so well on pots). Yea for going out in style amd scoring a simply amazing deal!!!! And yea for you to be able to see quality things in not so perfect exteriors- I really think that's a talent in and of itself!
Ps your hubby's comment made me laugh---Haha!!
You really hit the motherlode of deals. Give yourself a big pat on the back. Congratulations!
Post a Comment