Not all cookware is created equal. Anyone who’s purchased a cheap starter set of pots and pans will know—after a few years (sometimes months), the nonstick coating flakes off, the handles loosen, or the entire surface becomes warped and uneven. Buying cheap gear only to replace it is a waste of both time and money.
That’s why we heartily recommend All-Clad cookware. The company’s pots and pans are spendy, but they’re reliable and last practically forever. Like, forever forever. That likely explains why All-Clad gear doesn’t go on sale very often. This Factory Seconds Sale is live right now and runs through Sunday, April 10, with discounts on various All-Clad cookware that wasn’t perfect right out of the factory. The quality is still pretty great though. (I’ve bought a few items over the years.) Other caveats? You can’t return anything, and you need to enter your email address to access the website, though you can unsubscribe from any marketing emails that come later. Flat-rate shipping costs $8, and items ship in 10 to 15 business days.
What Are Factory Seconds?
The Factory Seconds Sale is run by Home and Cook Sales, an authorized reseller for many cookware brands. The items up for sale are products that came off the factory line with (usually) minor cosmetic imperfections. There might be a scuff on the pan, no brand name stamped on the bottom, or a slightly dented lid. Sometimes the only fault is a dented box. Every product for sale lists the details of the imperfection.
None of the flaws should affect the performance of the cookware. I have used a dozen Factory Seconds pots and pans, and they’ve all worked exactly as advertised. Should any issue arise, almost all All-Clad Factory Seconds cookware is still backed by All-Clad’s limited lifetime warranty. (Electric items have a slightly different warranty. Check individual product pages for details.) But again, all sales are final, no returns.
Factory Seconds Deals
We’ve highlighted a few items below that we think are especially noteworthy. For more advice on kitchen essentials, be sure to check out our many buying guides, including the Best Chef’s Knives and Tiny Kitchen Must-Haves.
New, this pan sells for $300. As the name implies, once it’s in your kitchen, this pan becomes essential. The versatile design allows for frying, sauteing, sauce-making, and more. Pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. The listing notes there’s some packaging damage.
This kettle retails for $150 new. I use it every day. It’s a solid option for folks who don’t have room on their countertops for an electric kettle (or if you just prefer the non-electric kind). The stainless steel construction means hard water deposits can build up inside, but it’s easy to clean. The listing notes there’s some packaging damage.
These 8-, 10-, and 12-inch pans have a nonstick coating that holds up well, and the design allows for easy turning of whatever you’re frying. If you’ve ever wanted to flip an egg in the air as if you’re Alfredo Linguini in Ratatouille (er, Remy?), these pans can make that happen. The listing notes there’s some packaging damage.
If your frying pan is warped, rusty, or otherwise damaged, this is a great price on an even better pan. It’s a tried-and-true staple in my kitchen. The big surface area allows for a lightning-fast fond buildup, meaning your pan sauces will be even better.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-Year Subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you’d like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
More Great WIRED Stories
