Chef’s Catalog is an online and catalog retailer of top quality kitchen items and cooking equipment. In business since 1979, they have built a solid reputation as the go-to retailer for home kitchen equipment and specialty home cooking items. Serving both the home chef and cooking enthusiasts, the Chef’s Catalog offers quality and value in both the items it sells and in service.
Chef’s Catalog offers products including:
The products offered by Chef’s Catalog are from top-quality companies such as All-Clad, Calphalon, Cuisinart, Kitchen Aid and Le Creuset to name a few.
Chef's Catalog also offers it's own line of cooking and kitchen items and tools. Their CHEF's collection is reasonably priced and of good quality. The CHEF's collection also includes specialty food items such as artisan cheese, meat, fish and desserts.
Chef’s Catalog offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can return an item for replacement, exchange or refund. What’s different about Chef’s Catalog is that they will pay for the return shipping fees if you use the FedEx Return Service. This can save you a significant amount of money for items that you aren’t happy with or if you order the wrong item.
If you have a problem with your order their customer service is available by email, live chat and phone from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time, Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Mountain Time, Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Williams-Sonoma is also a well known store for kitchen and cooking items. In addition to their online store they also have 250 store locations and a catalog. They are comparable to Chef’s Catalog in terms of price and selection. The main difference comes with returns. Williams-Sonoma has a 90 day return policy and in some cases you may be responsible for return shipping. Williams-Sonoma also has a membership program which costs $30 annually. This program offers special discounts and free standard shipping on eligible items. Chef’s Catalog does not have a program similar to this.
Sur La Table is another kitchen and cooking item online store which is popular with many home chefs. Although they do not have the wide selection of items that Chef’s Catalog has, they do match them for the uniqueness of the items. They are a go to store for specialty cookware, just like Chef’s Catalog is. The prices are comparable, but in some cases it seems Chef’s Catalog is slightly less. Sur La Table also allows you to return your online merchandise at their stores, if not you’re responsible for the return shipping.
Chef's Catalog sells thousands of products in a wide range of categories and prices including:
The prices are comparable to other online kitchen and cooking store and in some cases slightly less.
You can pay for your purchases using American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, PayPal, Bill Me Later, eBillme, Google Checkout.
Chef’s Catalog offers gift wrapping and a gift message for $6.00 per gift wrapped item. Traditional and eGift Cards are also available for purchase. Traditional gift cards ship for free and are delivered in 7-10 days and expedited service is available. eGift Cards are sent by email and can be customized with a photo. All gifts cards are redeemable online, by phone and at the outlet store in Colorado Springs.
Chef’s catalog offers several types of delivery. Economy shipping starts at $5 and takes 6-10 days. FedEx Ground Shipping, FedEx 2-Day Express Shipping, and FedEx Next-Day Express Shipping, are available at an additional cost. There is also an additional charge for shipping to additional addresses.
Overall most customers were satisfied with the products and service from Chef's Catalog. The main complaints were the cost of shipping, and the time it takes to get an item. The standard shipping of 6-10 days starts at $5.00 for orders under $15.00 which is comparable to most of the other online cooking and kitchen item retailers.
Here are some online review of Chef's Catalog:
"Excellent service and product choice. Will use you again. Thank you." ~Mary Fisher via Nextag.com
"This is the best place to buy everything fpr [sic] your kitchen. Easy! Quick! ...and cheap!" ~Jacob via Nextag.com
"Easy website to use and order from. I especially like that I did not have to register to place my order, I had the option to go right to checkout." ~Theresa M via Nextag.com
“Chefs Catalog shows the quality of their products. You won't be disappointed.” ~Joan via Bizrate.com
Summary of Online Feedback:
As you can see Chef's Catalog is the go to place for many people who like a wide selection of kitchen products to choose from. Most department or big box stores only have a few of each type of cookware or bakeware item or small kitchen appliance. This limits you since many times there is only a few items in a chosen price range. The fact that you'd be able to return the item for free if you're not satisfied is an added bonus, since it allows you to have a no-risk buying experience. As with any store the shipping is not cheap, but in some cases Chef's Catalog may be the only place to get what you're looking for.