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I have some concerns regarding Williams Sonoma's pricing strategy. While I appreciate their pumpkin spice bread mix and peppermint bark, I find that their prices can be exorbitant for many of their products. While I understand that premium cooking brands such as All-Clad, Breville, and Le Creuset come at a premium, some of these products are sold at their full retail price at Williams Sonoma, whereas other retailers offer them at a lower price. Therefore, it is advisable to compare prices before making a purchase at Williams Sonoma to avoid losing money.
Furthermore, their sales tactics can be misleading, as they often inflate the "suggested price" of a product to make the discount appear more attractive, when in reality, their sale price is still higher than that of their competitors. I do not doubt the quality of the cooking products sold at Williams Sonoma, as some of them have been tested and proven to be excellent. However, some of their products are grossly overpriced, and it is essential to shop wisely when visiting their store or website.
We conducted a thorough investigation into some of the most popular products sold at Williams Sonoma and discovered that they could be purchased at a better price from other retailers. Therefore, we have compiled a list of ten items that you should avoid buying at Williams Sonoma.
1. William Sonoma Cookbooks
Although Williams Sonoma offers an impressive collection of cookbooks on vegetables, pressure cooking, and various cuisines, Amazon remains the leading platform in terms of book prices. The majority of William Sonoma's cookbooks are available at a lower cost on the online giant.
For instance, the highly sought-after Vegetable of the Day cookbook is priced $8 lower on Amazon, and the Williams Sonoma Instant Pot cookbook is also $4 cheaper. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase both cookbooks from Amazon to save on costs.
2. Victorinox knives
Victorinox knives have gained a reputation for their exceptional quality and affordability, making them a top choice for budget-conscious chefs. In fact, they have consistently ranked as the best budget chef knives in our rigorous testing. However, it is worth noting that their affordability is further enhanced when purchasing from retailers other than Williams Sonoma.
For instance, the Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef's Knife typically retails for approximately $34.95 on Amazon, whereas it is priced at a higher $10 at Williams Sonoma, even during sales. Additionally, Amazon often offers Victorinox paring knives and boning knives at even more competitive prices. Therefore, we recommend opting for the Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef's Knife from Amazon, where it is available for the price of $33.49.
3. Smeg products
Although Smeg stand mixers and tea kettles may appear aesthetically pleasing on your kitchen counter, their performance does not live up to expectations. After conducting extensive testing on various cooking products, we have concluded that Smeg products are not worth the investment, particularly considering their exorbitant price tags (specifically referring to the Dolce and Gabbana "Sicily Is My Love" collection).
It is advisable to opt for reputable brands such as Breville, KitchenAid, and Cuisinart, which not only excel in performance but also boast a sleek design.
4. Fancy vanilla extract
My mother, who possesses considerable expertise in baking, consistently maintains a stock of no less than three bottles of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract in her pantry. This particular product is widely acclaimed for its exceptional quality in utilizing pure vanilla, thereby imparting a profound and delightful flavor to all baked goods.
However, I would advise against purchasing it from Williams Sonoma, as it is priced approximately $6 higher compared to its cost on Amazon. Consequently, serious bakers can significantly economize by procuring it from alternative sources.
Opt for the Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract available on Amazon, priced at $20.95.
5. The cult favorite Instant Pot
Although the Instant Pot is highly sought after, it is not necessary to pay full price for it. Presently, the Instant Pot Duo is available at both Williams Sonoma and Amazon. However, Amazon is offering a $5 discount and typically has better sales for this model.
Conversely, Williams Sonoma has increased the suggested price to $200, which is twice the regular price of an Instant Pot. This may give the impression of greater savings, but in reality, it only amounts to a $20 discount. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase the Instant Pot Duo 6 Qt 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker from Amazon for $74.96.
6. An elite toaster oven
Owning a toaster oven can significantly enhance your culinary experience. In addition to toasting bread, it can also serve as a miniature oven for baking cookies or cooking frozen pizzas without the need to preheat a conventional oven. If you are seeking the highest quality toaster oven, we recommend the Breville Smart Oven Pro. While it is a costly investment, it is worth the price.
However, it is important to note that the product is significantly more expensive at Williams Sonoma than on Amazon. Therefore, we suggest purchasing the Breville Smart Oven Pro on Amazon for $259.99.
