Underwhelmed by New Spring Products

[leftymac]

I sooooo agree with you!!



NO MORE RACKS!!!! YAY!!!!!!! Im getting rid of my rectangle stone now!


I love everything........... except, the measuring spoons. Whats the point? Im mean the whole point of the adj ones is so that we dont have to have them all around!! I know I know some ppl say that they cant use them for liquid but geez how long do you let the liquid sit in them??? I NEVER have a problem using liquid in them and I have had one set for years!!!

The point of the measuring spoons is choice. Some will want them, some won't. I don't like the adjustable ones because if I am measuring multiple things, sometimes I need to wash it out, and that gets annoying (I am lazy).

 

[Jules711]

The Mini Mix n Scraper....cute gift for a mini baker. My 7 yr old daughter LOVED it!! It's perfect for her American Girls. I will have to order an extra just for her I think. It's so cute.

I actually like the reusable zip ties too. Odd kitchen tools are alway my faves. I don't know if I need that many wedgers, but I haven't inspected them too closely yet. Very happy about the DCB recipe book, but it missed the Loaded Baked Potato soup! Made that for the super bowl and it was a huge hit with everyone. Oh well, they can't have them all .

I didn't even know to expect my box today. Big fun opening it tonight!

 

[Amanda_RI]

And I'm sorry, but the mini mix n' scraper in person is about the cutest thing ever!

Um, yes. I need, like, 5 of them. They're adorable!

 

[Chefgirl2]

I'm still pumped over the product reveal. There wasn't one item that I loved and felt everyone needed last season.

~You might not want to get rid of your rectangle stone since we still sell it. At a show when you need 2 flat it will help you sell that AWESOME Cookie Sheet Stone. When they asked what our favorite item was I knew everyone was going to say the MFP, but the Cookie Stone is mine!!
~I own 4 sets of Outdoor Party Plates and I can't wait to put them in the clear Outdoor Caddys!
~The Microplane Adj Course Grater is awesome for me because I hate the current Rotary Grater and using that is more practical than hauling out the US&G everytime I need cheese
~The Microplane Zester will probably go to a lot of my shows because it fits better in the TTA than the Adj Graters.
~The Scoop and Drain will probaly be useful after I figure out when I need it. We don't deep fry, but I heard a lot of ooohs over it.
~YEAH for the Grill Press & Pan Cleaner!
~The Mega Lifter will be great for grilled Pizza which I hear makes a great show. This year I will learn how to grill!
~The Outdoor Mini Spoon and Tongs Set...ROCKS...and I don't need to use one of my hosts spoons because I kept forgetting my bamboo!
~The Dots Small Beverage Glasses are high on my list of favorites since they match all of my other cute dishes! I will miss the cranberry SA.
~ Bar Tongs are so much better than an ice scoop.
~Tie-It...nice. If they work they will be top sellers at that price. But they are so stinky. I felt like I was in Dollar Tree in the isle with the smelly rubber flashlights.
~Mini Scoop & Measure...I'm glad we can sell this all year long!
~The Measuring Spoon Set I have mixed feelings about just like I did about the Measuring Cup Set...which I sell all the time. I think some people need traditional items. I love that we have the 1/2 tbsp and 1/8tsp measurements.
~The Make it Fresh Make it Healthy Cookbook recipes look like dishes I'll really eat as opposed to the It's Good For You Ckbk that I hated and would tell people the food tasted like it's good for you...
~The DCB Cookbook...I LOVE IT!!! When I was on the Cooking Show Advisory Committee last year I shared the need for this and even sent them the booklet that was put together here on Chefsuccess...Thanks to you all this idea came to life!!
~SB has great recipes!!! I love it!! Healthy Bleu Cheese Bacon Crisps!!
~All of the Pantry Items are awesome...even the Coconut Lime which I thought might be too much...yumm!
~The MFP - is going to sell! I love that the blades are spaced apart and pop the food back to the center so I can controll the size of the food and not have liquid. The 3 cup capacity is great so I don't have to keep making small batches. The pumping mechanism will be great for people of all ages. My favorite benefit is I don't have to screw on the lid...I always mess that up somehow.
~I think the Mango Wedger will be a hit for certain markets. I love mango's but usually end up wearing it because the juices go everywhere when I peel and cut it. I hope it's as easy to peel as it looks.
~The Veggie Wedger will be a hit especially when doing salsa or fajita shows
~The Mini Mix 'N Scrape is so cute and like our other scrapers I'm sure it will be a customer favorite.
~I think all of the Help Whip Cancer items are going to sell well. The Pink Zebra design is clever, and the High Heel Cake Server cracks me up! I was in a boutique in Florida over the holidays and almost bought one of these for my girly girly cousin. I'm glad I didn't because she'll like this better. The coupon holder is a great $60 incentive for guests!!

Over all I have to say I wasn't disappointed at all. In fact, I'm more excited about this line than I have been of any other in a long time!

The only disappointment of all of Spring Launch was not getting a smaller DCB for people cooking for two or one...oh...and not winning the 3 Nights of free conference hotel!

 

[NooraK]

What are the HWC items? Inquiring mind wants to know LOL

Pink Zebra High Heel Cake Server $17.00
Pink Zebra Ceramic Spreader $10.00
Pink Color Coated Paring Knife $13.00
Pink Zebra Microfiber Towel $8.50

There's also a Pink Zebra Coupon Holder which is free with $60 and the host can also earn it somehow, but I can't remember exactly.

The cake server's high heel is magnetic, so that it can be removed for ease of use. The spreader, knife and towel are just like the existing items in the line, just pink.

 

[pamperedlinda]

I love the new products! My boxes arrived while I was at my show today, but I'm too tired to unpack and play - I'm just going to look for the 2 cookbooks and sit down and browse through them.

 

[Dutchess]

The point of the measuring spoons is choice. Some will want them, some won't. I don't like the adjustable ones because if I am measuring multiple things, sometimes I need to wash it out, and that gets annoying (I am lazy).

I dont rinse I have a set for dry and a set for liquid since I have a new and an old set. Its all going in the same recipe so I dont feel the need to rinse

 

[winklermom]

I think one of my favorites would have to be the cookie sheet. The stoneware is what started this whole PC addiction with me over 12 years ago, so I'm just naturally attracted to another piece to add to my collection! I've actually got it in the oven as I type.I also like the MFP! I'm glad to have it, especially for FREE, since I earned it! WooHoo! I had asked for a food processor for Christmas since my old one died last year and I'm so glad that DH got other things instead of that. The Mini Mix 'n Scrape is too cute and I'll probably be ordering another one, too.The Veggie Wedger is going to be SO nice, I think! DH eats a lot of salads so I can see a lot of tomatoes going through it.I'm excited about the DCB cookbook but the other one doesn't look like there's a lot in there that is appealing to me, although I could really do the Grilled Surf n' Turf right about now and the desserts look yummy, too.The Adjustable Microplane Course Grater will probably get a lot of use around our house.I didn't earn the Scoop n' Drain so that one will definitely be on my wish list! I do very little deep frying but I like that you can scoop noodles (macaroni, ziti, rotini, etc.) with it which is something that we all enjoy.Oh, and how could I forget the grill pan & press scraper/cleaner!!! WooHoo!! I'm super excited about this! I know this will help clean my pan and press up a lot quicker than usual. This is another one that I didn't earn, so on my wish list it goes.I'm sure I'll think of other things that I really like but that's the highlights for now.

 

[winklermom]

I dont rinse I have a set for dry and a set for liquid since I have a new and an old set. Its all going in the same recipe so I dont feel the need to rinse

I still have the old tablespoon one. Not sure where my teaspoon got off to, but I like using the one that I still have for dry ingredients.

 

[esavvymom]

I thought this season's selection had alot more "practical" appeal. Nothing HUGE or maybe "wow", but I had several "finally!" reactions when I saw them.I LOVE and will own the Dots glasses.
I'll have to try the Mango wedger. I've never had much luck with them (I have another brand). We'll see, but I'd love it if it worked. The veggie wedger didn't get me too excited but for me it's a matter of practicality. Why dirty another dish (that can't be too easy to clean the crevices) when I've already gotten my knife dirty to start the process! Not that hard to wedge...plus it's pretty big, and I don't have much drawer space (already full of PC gadgets galore!). I'm happy to see the larger grater and zester. The food processor, I just got today, and I think I will like it. It would definitely be nice if it does everything they say it should and I have no cords to mess with! I have a medium electric FP, and a small Wand Blender with a FP attachment....both are a pain to get out and use. So I hope this works well, so i can eliminate something, or put in my "occasional use" storage space.Seeing things in person helps sometimes too I think, versus just pictures and a catalog. And the HWC cake server is cute! (Did you realize that the "heel" comes OFF, so then it's just the metal part...so for you GUYS...thought you'd like that.)

 

[lesliec]

I am excited about them. I understand that not everything is right for everyone, and if I wasn't a consultant there are some I wouldn't splurge on. I don't think I would've been excited about the MFP had I not been at SL, but they showed in such an amazing light that I am pumped about it and showing it at shows.
Bethany, I too asked for a Food Processor for Christmas. DH gave me $100 to buy one and I have done some research and think I will still buy a full sized Kitchen Aid one (done some research and I think they have the best from all of the reviews I have read), but I am looking for a full sized one w/ all of the attachments for some different crafting things, and don't anticipate PC coming out w/ electric appliances anytime soon.

 

[lesliec]

Oh, and I am really pumped about the Mango wedger. DH LOVES mangoes and we eat them a ton around here. That will be a huge hit in our house.

 

[esavvymom]

I saw that the mango wedger supposedly can do other fruits that have a pit - like medium peaches! That had me just as excited! Living in the south, peaches are golden here in the summer/fall. YUM! I love mangoes too of course, but if it works, that woudl be great! I have to can peaches again this year, and that's what I hate the most- peeling/pitting! Maybe it can make it a bit easier? (or maybe not).

 

[Becca_in_MD]

I don't personally like pineapple or mango. I know, picky, picky, picky. But, I LOVE that I can now cross sell 3 other wedgers when someone says their favorite product is the apple wedger. Plus, I'll have to include the avocado peeler to go along with the mango wedger.

 

[NooraK]

I don't personally like pineapple or mango. I know, picky, picky, picky. But, I LOVE that I can now cross sell 3 other wedgers when someone says their favorite product is the apple wedger. Plus, I'll have to include the avocado peeler to go along with the mango wedger.

The ladies at our launch (Jan Gilbert and Doreen Grass) actually said that at their first Saturday launch someone said that they would now offer a "Wedgie Show"!

 

[minirottie]

Oh, and I am really pumped about the Mango wedger. DH LOVES mangoes and we eat them a ton around here. That will be a huge hit in our house.

Me too...well I eat them like crazy. I actually watched a Youtube video a year or so back to see what the best way to get the "meat" off them was..now it will be easier for me.

My 3 year old already snagged the mini mix n scraper. I'm anxious to use the MFP..I have a baby shower I'm hosting next weekend and I'm thinking to make the mango confetti salsa!

I won the Microplane Grater at SL so now I have two...and I think the Scoop n Drain will be great for raviolis. Now I don't need to use the chef's tongs!

 

[Shari in TX]

The veggie wedger didn't get me too excited but for me it's a matter of practicality. Why dirty another dish (that can't be too easy to clean the crevices) when I've already gotten my knife dirty to start the process!

If I'm cooking, I agree, but I'm trying to get my kids in the kitchen more and I'd much rather they wedge something with the new wedger than with a large knife as they are learning.

Not my favorite kind of show, but I'm actually thinking that the wedgers, new measuring spoons, smaller Mix 'n' Scraper and MFP would add a lot to a "Kids in the Kitchen" show. Lots of great things for them to use with less chance of them injuring themselves.

Shari

 

[wadesgirl]

I have had a lot of people (my sister and aunt included) who have told me they hate our current measuring spoons so they will be getting the new set. I love my current set but will probably switch out for now for my shows.

 

[pcchefjane]

Well as a Weight Watcher who has lost almost 50 pounds (1 year anniversary on WW Feb 22nd), I LOVE all the new Healthy products! Mango is a "0 point fruit" and this will make it so much easier to peel and cut them. There is much less "waste" using the new Wedger rather than just a knife. I am sure many of us can offer these products at WW meetings! Just think how many people want the cookbooks and all the various wedgers and tools! Unfortunately since my biz was really bad due to health problems last year, I didn't earn anything BUT my income tax refund will be purchasing all these great products on Monday!

 

[Jeans Garden]

I am totally blown away by the negativity some of you express. At SL I was very impressed with some items and so-so with others but I am so excited to be able to share them all with my clients because the products will make their lives easier which will make them happier which will make them love PC all the more. I'll I have to do is show them how to use them. I don't particularly like salsa but you better believe I'll make it at almost every show because I know most people do like it.
I haven't received products yet (I live 9 miles north of Podunk, OK - for real) so things take a day or two longer. And I'll brag a bit: all the hard work back in November was worth it to get all the items for free ($6,003!) in a population of less than 30,000 within a radius of 100 miles. If it can be done here, anybody can do it!
Kwitchyerbellyakin! Be thrilled that we are with a company that gives us so many reasons to love what we do!

 

[Dutchess]

Kwitchyerbellyakin! Be thrilled that we are with a company that gives us so many reasons to love what we do!

gotta love it

 

[ShellBeach]

I didn't notice negative vibes-
I MUST have those dots juice glasse and the strainer thing

Woohoo!

 

[babywings76]

I am happy with everything they came out with. Some things will be big sellers, others not so big, but I LOVE them! :love: I am so happy that they came out with real products and not just entertaining or restyled things. Happy, happy, happy. :sing:

I love the focus they are putting on with fresh and quick. They presented things beautifully at Launch. They really do sit down and think about what people are really looking for these days. They have to think about the market and stay current and be proactive to what will be the next big thing. With so many diets, allergies, sensitivities, fresh ingredients are becoming the preferred way to cook for many people.

Way to go PC! :thumbup:

(and can I just say...the new microplane coarse grater is exactly the design I was hoping they would make someday. I've emailed HO twice over the past couple years requesting it! :chef: I was sooo happy when they revealed it!)

 

[cookingwithdawn]

Enjoyed launch!!! New products look good. Excited we won the additional product in Baltimore but not sure I'll personally get much use out it (THE SCOOP AND DRAIN) I always drain all my pasta at one time and I use a small pot to make veggies. I think it will be good for fried oreos I make in the 12 inch skillet. (honestly I think it would be a great litter box scooper, but I don't have a cat, tee hee)

Love, love, love the HWC stuff, expecially the shoe!!

 

[PCJenni]

I love the mango wedger. They are readily available in CA and inexpensive. I have customers asking for that product all the time. I will be taking a mango and a pineapple to every show this summer.. those products together are $40, people probably dont have anything like it at home. Showing them will sell them, thus increasing sales and bookings. I also demo the garlice peeler and slicer at every show... another $20 add on that they did not know they needed!

 

[Mommy2amo]

I don't think there is anything wrong with people honestly discussing what they love and don't love. I don't think anyone would walk into a show and say what they are saying here.... but if we can't be honest here about our biz, where can we be??!

OK that being said, lol...

I like the veggie wedger but I just feel like we have too many wedgers. I can hear guests saying... I don't have room for all of those! And yes, I know they don't have to have them all - but I already have guests that have one of our wedgers and forget what it's "for" and then try the wrong things. For example, they try to wedge apples with the pinapple wedger! I think having too many wedgers is overhwelming and gives people thei mpression that they are just for one function and not versatile, if there is a need for so many, ya know?

I LOVE the coarse adjustable grater.... but I wish they would have done one grater with two blades... again, versatility.... rather than people having to buy two different graters. I really dislike the rotary grater so I'll be using this a LOT! Kind of bummed there's no food holder though - I don't use it a ton but it's nice to have when you do use it.

I love the cookie sheet - I don't like doing pizzas and things like taht on the large bar pan b/c you can never cut the edges - I end up snipping them with my prof shears and then using a pizza cutter. I'll be excited to not have to do that on this BUT still have handles to get it out of the oven (which is why the rectangle stone never appealed to me!)

I thought the HWC products were ADORABLE and anticipate a very good May with those!

I like the dots glasses - I don't sell a lot of dots merchandise other than at vendor stuff - I just don't think they come out in the catalog as nice as they are in person. I have sold more from people being at my house and using them.

Kind of surprised there were no bigger entertaining pieces - I anticipated some more bamboo or something more in the Chill n Serve line.... but who knows, maybe a special summertime product?

 

[lt1jane]

The reason I started this post was to get feedback. I wasn't majorly impressed with the new offerings. That isn't to say I don't like some things, but I wasn't blown away by anything. I brought my thoughts here because I cannot say them at a show.

On a positive note, after hearing from many people who have a MFP in their hands, I AM getting swayed. I will purchase one and my find I like it better than I thought I would. If so, it will become the new "holy cow" item I reference at my shows.

At my shows, instead of asking everyone to introduce themselves and their favorite items, I ask for their "holy cow" item. Something they held off buying for whatever reason or thought they wouldn't be all that impressed until they got it. This happens to me all the time. I have bought things as samples only to discover I really love them and use them a lot (DCB for one). My other Holy Cow items are the oven pads, the Mix 'N Mash, and the vegetable peeler.

Holy Cow items make it hard for me to pare down what I take to shows. Because so often I have changed my mind about a product once it was in my hands.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

I see some things I love, others that I'm not feeling the love for, and many that my customers will love.

The cookbooks ... LOVE the DCB cookbook, and seriously hope the new healthy cookbook is actually healthy ... why, oh why, wont' they listen to people wanting creative options for low carb and gluten free?

I'm liking the wedgers .. was going to try a salad with Mango and passed on it because it would be too much trouble to peel and slice a mango. I don't see the point in the veggie wedger ... to me, that's what a tomato knife is for.

Is the course grater really good for regular, soft cheeses? I really don't see the point in the microplane zester since we have a microplane that does just fine.

Can you really use that lift and serve in hot oil? This is what I use my metal spoons for!

Not feeling the love for the MFP and don't see how it's going to "revolutionize our shows" but to each their own. I have a regular food processor that I use exactly once a year.

Not a big fan of the cookie stone, just because, due to allergy concerns, I refuse to bake cookies on stoneware.

I like the lifter thing (handy not only for the grill but for getting things off flat stones) and that mini scraper is too cute. It will no doubt be added to my collection.

LOVE the HWC products, especially the shoe!

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

One other suggestion ... for those who are looking for a "Holy Cow" item ...

Before buying them, borrow them from a clustermate and force yourself to use it every day. You will find yourself liking the products if you do this.

 

[Barry Carlton]

I like the mango wedger, we have another brand that we like but it only provides 2 usable pieces not four. The new micro plane is grate (hehe) I won it in the first drawing. Tested it already after getting home 3 AM this morn.I think the micro place zester is a joke, They should just have left well enough alone or picked up the full sized Micro planer to resell.Scoop and drain....OKCookie sheet scares me with the thinness of the sheet. I can see the potential for breakage complaints.Loooove the Mega lifter. I grill a lot. And my wife does cakes. Outdoor caddy....ehOutdoor mini S&T set OKDots...over pircedBar tongs eh....somewhat overpricedTie it Great!!!!Mini scoop and measure.......yeah rightMeasuring spoon set....has it place. Many do not like the adjustable spoons. And I personally agree. I also really like the 1/2 Tbl spn.Mini Mix n Scrape has been requested a lot....good call!!!Cook books....yes and yes. I wonder how that should impact our providing the Ebook??Pantry items....Chili lime rub yesssss. The others sure sound great. I don't have the Grill pan & press yet but I think the scraper was an oversight to begin with....good addition. Finally the MFP. I do not think it will be a versatile as they foresee. I think it does have a spot in the kitchen (or camp gear). But I also think it is waaay over priced for the limited use I see it having. However, I really do have an open mind and will be using the daylights out of it in the next 2 weeks. This just MHO