Discovering the Least Favorite Products from SL's New SA Line

[BethCooks4U]

Jendill - I agree whole heartedly. I do not think I have had to choose a least favorite in a long time. For some reason, I do not look at the products from a personal stand point, I do not have to sell any of these to me! And yes, there will be some that do not sell for me. I know SA won't as they never have for me. "People around here do not entertain that way". Most of my customers have Correll, paper plates and such and go to pot lucks. SA is not something that works for their life styles. So maybe those. I have to agree though about the Itty Bitty Bevs. I loved the idea at launch until I too started reading! My 409 cleaner has fewer ingredients!

What also disappointed me on the Itty Bitty Bevs is that you just get one packet. For that price there should be... Oh, four. Itty Bitty is right. Lol

 

[Amanda_RI]

holy cow--the French Fry Cutter is hard to use! I didn't cut myself, and the potatoes did slice, but man--I had to actually BANG the potato (with the cutter half-way in) onto my cutting board. And these weren't new potatoes. I actually had to go as far down as possible just on the cutting board, and then put the cutter into the base for the last millimeter.

Our fries are in the oven now, and we're excited to eat them, but I don't know that I would want to demo that at a show!

 

[KateInTheKitchen]

I found the French Fry Cutter incredibly easy. Weird!

 

[Amanda_RI]

I found the French Fry Cutter incredibly easy. Weird!

Maybe you're much stronger than me? Although I'm not really a wimp. But I can't see an old lady using this thing!

 

[Brenda.the.chef]

I found the French Fry Cutter incredibly easy. Weird!

I find the french fry cutter easier to use on a table than a counter top because of the leverage I get. I follow the directions exactly and use the palms of my hands with my fingers curved up so I don't cut myself. The first few I tried were a beyotch until I moved to a lower surface.

 

[cathyskitchen]

I find the french fry cutter easier to use on a table than a counter top because of the leverage I get. I follow the directions exactly and use the palms of my hands with my fingers curved up so I don't cut myself. The first few I tried were a beyotch until I moved to a lower surface.

Sounds similar to the Pineapple Wedger to me. I am looking forward to trying this out!

I'm actually excited about the new SA dishes, since this is what I have wanted all along. I never really "loved" the dots, but the dishes were nice so I got them. Now that my husband has broken several of the dishes and they all have the grey marring on them from the utensils, I think it's time to replace them with the new SA! I'll probably save the serving pieces (oval platter, large & medium bowls, etc.), but the regular everyday dishes have had it.

I will not be using the BBQ Roasting Pan w/Can Holder, but I do know several people who will buy this. I am starting to warm up to the BBQ veggie holder, but it is a little odd looking.

Not thrilled about the Itty Bitty Bevs and all of the chemicals in them. We just started the Mediterranean PATH eating plan and I emptied all of my cabinets of this kind of stuff, and now I have more - UGH! I guess I'll give them away as free gifts, but I don't like the idea of giving out chemicals, either.

I'm not a fan of the flexible cutting mats. I just like the feel of the cutting boards. But I'm sure I'll sell the smaller ones, especially to people who don't have a lot of space (or $).

 

[esavvymom]

I haven't gotten to the point where I use the flexible cutting mats, so they aren't a favorite, I DO see the smaller ones as being a great option to create work-stations at a show. Put a tool at each "station".Not crazy about the Itty Bitty Bevs either.

 

[pamperedlinda]

I'm excited about the smaller Flexible Mats, I absolutely love the large Flexible Cutting Mats! I sell a ton of them and they are much lighter in my kit. My least fave for this season would have to be the SA.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I'm excited about the smaller Flexible Mats, I absolutely love the large Flexible Cutting Mats! I sell a ton of them and they are much lighter in my kit. My least fave for this season would have to be the SA.

What she said.

 

[Ginger428]

Excellent, that's very exciting! I'm going to check in to confirm, but I'll be very happy if this is the case. Do we have a list of which products might contain BPA? I'm not so concerned for things I would use only rarely, but something like the tumbler, I'd want to use every day!

there is a list on CC....

 

[Ginger428]

Polycarbonate Plastic Product Inquiries
Recent media reports question the safety of products made with polycarbonate plastic and specifically, Bisphenol A (BPA), which is used in the manufacture of polycarbonate products. Rest assured, all Pampered Chef products designed to come into contact with food meet or exceed all current and applicable regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are food-contact safe. The FDA has studied and approved the use of polycarbonate plastic and BPA for many years. We will continue to monitor any and all FDA developments with respect to BPA to ensure the continued safety of our products.

Some of our products are made from polycarbonate and contain BPA. These products are listed below. No other Pampered Chef products contain BPA.

•1105 Microplane Adjustable Grater (cover and food holder plunger)
•1114 Kernel Cutter
•1188 Gravy Separator (main bowl)
•1665 Baster and Cleaning Brush (basting tube)
•1684 Pastry Cutter
•1785 Salad/Berry Spinner (lid only)
•2157 Wine Bottle Opener
•2158 Dripless Pourer/Stopper
•2175 Easy Read Measuring Cups
•2177 Easy Read Mini Measuring Cup
•2190 Salt and Pepper Mill
•2225 Measure-All Cup (outer sleeve)
•2228 Easy Adjustable Measuring Cup
•2229 Easy Adjustable Measuring Spoon
•2236 Mini Measure-All Cup
•2241 Pocket Thermometer
•2242 Digital Pocket Thermometer
•2257 Measuring Cup Set
•2258 Adjustable Measuring Spoons
•2304 Mini Scoop & Measure
•2305 Juicer (bowl)
•2308 Measuring Spoon Set
•2313 Outdoor Mini Spoon & Tong Set
•2324 Easy Read Measuring Colander
•2590 Easy Opener
•2779 Rice Cooker Plus (outer locks)
•2781 Chillzanne Rectangle Server (lid only)
•2826 Outdoor Tumblers
•2827 Outdoor Utensil Set
•2829 Outdoor Serving Set
•2836 Ice Bucket (hinges only)
To assist you with answering any questions that you receive from your Hosts and Guests about this issue, please click here for the Q & A. Again, we are committed to providing you and our customers with products that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

 

[pampered1224]

Seems HO needs to update this list. The Chillzanne Rectangle Server is still listed! But thank you Ginger for finding this.

 

[Brenda.the.chef]

I'm excited about the smaller Flexible Mats, I absolutely love the large Flexible Cutting Mats! I sell a ton of them and they are much lighter in my kit. My least fave for this season would have to be the SA.

I love the mats and am excited about the smaller ones, mainly for storage issues. They will slip into a drawer with ease and also make it nice for show demos to set up work stations in smaller spaces. I sell those mats at every show as they are a huge hit. I can only imagine how much of a hit the smaller ones will be!

 

[pchockeymom]

Seems HO needs to update this list. The Chillzanne Rectangle Server is still listed! But thank you Ginger for finding this.

Perhaps it's still on there since it was so popular and so many people still have theirs!

 

[KateInTheKitchen]

Sure... it should definitely include older items that people still have. I have emailed HO and asked for an update to include spring products.

 

[Ginger428]

Seems HO needs to update this list. The Chillzanne Rectangle Server is still listed! But thank you Ginger for finding this.

this is updated, it has the Easy Read Measuring Colander on it. Also like someone said & it goes for me too, I still use my Chillzane Rectangle Server

 

[lkhartmann]

I am disappointed by the bamboo sink caddy. If you put anything wet in it it will directly drain onto whatever surface it is on. I have a butcher block countertop it would look nice but be non functional

 

[BethCooks4U]

I am disappointed by the bamboo sink caddy. If you put anything wet in it it will directly drain onto whatever surface it is on. I have a butcher block countertop it would look nice but be non functional

I contacted the test kitchen about that.

What I said:

I LOVE the concept and was excited to get this product (bamboo sink caddy) but I am confused.* If I'm missing something here please let me know. Where are you expecting people to keep this item?* It has drain holes and I understand why they are there but if I put it on the edge of my sink or counter the surface gets wet when I put my damp (but wrung out) scrubbie because it drains.* If I put it IN the sink I would think the bamboo wouldn't stay nice, it would be in the way... just wouldn't work.* For now I pulled out the simple additions rectangle tray for it to set on but that is discontinued so I can't cross sell and I can't think of anything else our line that it would fit on. Maybe the bamboo cracker tray but would it being wet/damp so much ruin it? Fortunately the tray fits behind my sink in a convenient area but not every kitchen has this...

I recommend we come up with a tray for it that would fit under to catch any water that might drain out.* Maybe as a replacement part until the new season?

Here is their response:

Thank you for contacting The Pampered Chef Test Kitchens with your product question and glad to hear you love the new products!
*
During the development of this product we did look at*the caddy without drainage holes. The combination of a moist sponge*and lack of air flow created a mildew smell coming from the caddy. Therefore we felt including the holes was important. Additionally we have been using these in the Test Kitchens for approximately 6 months now and notice that there may be a few drops of water that we wipe away at the end of each day. We also noticed that most of the water that does collect is typically from*water splashed when handwashing and not from the actual sponge itself.
*
We recommend placing the caddy on the countertop and not in the sink. Unfortunately we do not have anything in the line currently that we would recommend placing underneath the product and do not suggest the Bamboo Cracker Tray as this product*does not have a waterproof coating to protect the bamboo.
*
Thank you for emailing us and the terrific suggestion! I have forwarded this onto our Product Development team as well.
*
Best wishes!

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

I'm not thrilled with the itty bitty bevs (mostly because they're overpriced) and the mustard rub, because I think all mustard is vile.I was excited about the french fry cutter ... until I saw other people complaining of it breaking on its 4th potato and it not being able to make sweet potato fries.The new Simple Additions don't match the old ones piece for piece and they seem a lot less unique.And I can't see myself making the beer can chicken, especially at a show.But I love the pizza pan and cooling insert and lid for the salad spinner and most of the other products.

 

[Amanda_RI]

holy cow--the French Fry Cutter is hard to use! I didn't cut myself, and the potatoes did slice, but man--I had to actually BANG the potato (with the cutter half-way in) onto my cutting board. And these weren't new potatoes. I actually had to go as far down as possible just on the cutting board, and then put the cutter into the base for the last millimeter.

Our fries are in the oven now, and we're excited to eat them, but I don't know that I would want to demo that at a show!

I just wanted to say that I used the FFC again today, and it was much easier. So many it is just a matter of getting used to it. I used it today to slice potatoes, then I cut them the opposite way for diced potatoes for beef vegetable soup. Super easy!

 

[esavvymom]

And I can't see myself making the beer can chicken, especially at a show.
.

Yeah, this wouldn't be a show recipe product. Beer-butt Chicken (or soda, which is what we use) does not cook that fast. I think when we cook them on the grill, it's at least an hour or more. I really like this pan though- much sturdier than most can-chicken baskets. But not everyone uses stuff like that.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Yeah, this wouldn't be a show recipe product. Beer-butt Chicken (or soda, which is what we use) does not cook that fast. I think when we cook them on the grill, it's at least an hour or more. I really like this pan though- much sturdier than most can-chicken baskets. But not everyone uses stuff like that.

It's one of those products that will sell from the catalog. The pictures are great and people that want that kind of thing will zone right into it.

We've never done chicken thinks way but we will be trying it soon. Not sure if we'll do beer with it though as we never buy canned beer. We'll probably just use the can holder as a prop for the chicken.

 

[esavvymom]

It's one of those products that will sell from the catalog. The pictures are great and people that want that kind of thing will zone right into it.

We've never done chicken thinks way but we will be trying it soon. Not sure if we'll do beer with it though as we never buy canned beer. We'll probably just use the can holder as a prop for the chicken.

I use half a can of sprite. We don't have beer around much either- and almost NEVER in cans. So I pour half the can of sprite into a glass to enjoy while I prep dinner, and the other half stays in the can to go in the Chicken's "po-po".

 

[BethCooks4U]

I use half a can of sprite. We don't have beer around much either- and almost NEVER in cans. So I pour half the can of sprite into a glass to enjoy while I prep dinner, and the other half stays in the can to go in the Chicken's "po-po".

We don't use canned soda much either. I guess I'll have to save one next time we do. Lol

And I hate auto spellcheck *thinks was supposed to be this.

 

[slhalepc]

My #1 FAV is the Brownie pan. I have one that is non pc and like it but it you need a second pan for a family size brownie mix and you dont use all the wells. Our BP should be perfect for one batch. I just wish we had this at Christmas when I bought my MIL 2 non pc pans like I have. I guess I will have to buy her ONE of the PC BP and tell her to donate the others to charity

MY FA#2 FAV of all things are the silcone handle protectors! I thought I had 3rd degree burns (more than once) from burning myself on my skillet.:cry:

I have never done the beer can chicken on my grill but I have done it in the oven and love it. Let me just say you DO NOT have to use beer, any can beverage will work.But the roasting pan is more flexible that just beer can chicken, That is why the can holder is removable:thumbup: I can see alot of people wanting this product.
We do not do alot of fancy grilling, but I am excited about the grill pizza pan.

Not doing cartwheels over the SA but I can see the visitility of all white and use a color charger or add color with other items.

I love how the insert for the salad spinner. That is a $$$$$ item with few additional options of use. I am always looking for an alternative use for an item. I like multitaskers!

SOOOOO glad they did not leave us hanging on the ice cream scoop!!!!! I just hope it works as good as the other one.

Well to answer the quetion, my least favorite would have to be the Flexible Basket!!!!! but we are not a fancy grilling family.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I can't wait to get my hands on the flexible basket (it's coming tomorrow!!). DH and I have already been talking about all the things we will be able to use it for. My least favorite? I think it would have to be the mustard rub. Yuck. I do not like that condiment.

 

[Brenda.the.chef]

My #1 FAV is the Brownie pan. I have one that is non pc and like it but it you need a second pan for a family size brownie mix and you dont use all the wells. Our BP should be perfect for one batch. I just wish we had this at Christmas when I bought my MIL 2 non pc pans like I have. I guess I will have to buy her ONE of the PC BP and tell her to donate the others to charity

MY FA#2 FAV of all things are the silcone handle protectors! I thought I had 3rd degree burns (more than once) from burning myself on my skillet.:cry:

I have never done the beer can chicken on my grill but I have done it in the oven and love it. Let me just say you DO NOT have to use beer, any can beverage will work.But the roasting pan is more flexible that just beer can chicken, That is why the can holder is removable:thumbup: I can see alot of people wanting this product.
We do not do alot of fancy grilling, but I am excited about the grill pizza pan.

Not doing cartwheels over the SA but I can see the visitility of all white and use a color charger or add color with other items.

I love how the insert for the salad spinner. That is a $$$$$ item with few additional options of use. I am always looking for an alternative use for an item. I like multitaskers!

I don't have a salad spinner, so the cooling insert and bowl lid mean nothing to me.
I like the idea of using a charger with the SA! Now, I'm more excited about them!

 

[Tracy99]

I used the FFC on 6 potatoes yesterday and I didn't have a problem at all. It went very smoothly and I got to almost the end and put it on the base and it worked great. I did over cook them through because they didn't look done after 40 mins and they ended up being very crunchy. But the actual FFC worked great for me. I had medium sized russet potatoes and 6 made enough fries for 3 people with a few leftover because they were too crunchy.

 

[baychef]

I'm not thrilled with the itty bitty bevs (mostly because they're overpriced) and the mustard rub, because I think all mustard is vile.

I am chuckling at your description of vile! I used the rub and love it. I can see uses for deviled eggs, mac and cheese (just a tiny bit), potato and macaroni salad.

For me the Mole Rub lands in the vile catagory for me but I know many love it! (the Maple Honey Mustard Sauce is vile to me too)

Has anyone used the ice cream dipper yet? I will have to use it tonight when I have my dish of ice cream:love:

I am anxious to see how the customers react to the products!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I am chuckling at your description of vile! I used the rub and love it. I can see uses for deviled eggs, mac and cheese (just a tiny bit), potato and macaroni salad.

For me the Mole Rub lands in the vile catagory for me but I know many love it! (the Maple Honey Mustard Sauce is vile to me too)

Has anyone used the ice cream dipper yet? I will have to use it tonight when I have my dish of ice cream:love:

I am anxious to see how the customers react to the products!

Ann! We share the same taste buds! Those are the same two that I think are VILE!:yuck::yuck::yuck:

Oh - but I LOVE the Dijon Mustard Rub. LOVE it! I had the gluten-free meal at Spring Launch, which turned out to be a fantastic Chicken Caesar Salad (my lunch looked SO much better than the non-GF lunches of those around me!) and I sprinkled just a touch of the dijon rub on my salad, and it was DELISH! :chef: But then, I am a self-proclaimed condiment junkie, and I have at least 6-8 types of mustard in my refrigerator door at all times.