Where to buy Le Creuset in Toronto - Not Peppermill @ Hazelton Lanes

[letrell]

Where is the best place to purchase a French Oven in TO?

I've been to Peppermill in Hazelton Lanes researching which piece to buy. Each time the middle age guy at the cash register hasn't even bothered to look up from the computer to mutter "hello" or "may I help you?"

I was at Whole Foods yesterday and decided to go ahead and give it another try. I walked in ready to purchase the 5.5 quart and once again was ignored. The place was empty.

Manners Count. Is Williams-Sonoma the best place to go?

[letrell]

Thanks everyone for your comments regarding my original post. I've since been to The Cook's Place on the Danforth and purchased 2 Le Creuset pieces. I couldn't have asked for a nicer, more helpful staff.
They will also donate your used Cookware to a charity to help someone in need. Fabulous all around.

[Smachnoho]

Wonderful news about your purchases at "The Cook's Place." A real Canadian store (not an American chain store) with great products and great sales people who really know their products.
When I was cleaning out my grandparent's house I saw so many cooking tools and cookware "Made in Canada". Impossible to find now. But let's at least let us look for cookware that is not "Made in China" and buy what we can afford to keep quality companies in business.

[foodyDudey]

I wish they had more "Made in Canada" or USA items to offer. I was in there yesterday looking for cutting boards and every one I saw was "Made in China" so I left without buying.

[petek]

foodyDudey:
I spent weeks looking for a "made in Canada or U.S.A" cutting board to purchase from a local purveyor and ended up buying a boardSmith butcher block.I was lucky my sister was coming back from the U.S so she brought it with her and I didn't have to pay the shipping or duty but if you or someone else is going south of the border I highly recommend these boards.
Check out the website if you're interested.

[foodyDudey]

Thanks petek, I'll check it out.

[jayt90]

I noticed that Costco has a French made 6.5 qt. casserole, burnished red, and very similar to LC, at $79. It really does say Made in France.

[Kagemusha]

Thanks, jayt90. I got some French-made Lagostina enameled cast iron from Sears a few years ago for very little--dead ringers for Staub but a different colour. The line got replaced with iffy quality Chinese-made stuff.

[Smachnoho]

I see that the American discount company "Marshall's" is opening today in Toronto.
Do they carry housewares and cookware like Le Creuset?

[Kagemusha]

No clue. There's one in Mississauga opening soon, too. I keep hearing rumors their product lines will be downmarket and aimed at Walmart shoppers--great.

[sbug206]

Great just what we need. More low end crap from China.

[foodyDudey]

Unfortunately these places can open and survive because all some people consider is the price. I try to avoid buying items made in China but now it is getting very hard to find alternatives. Even Canadian Tire should be called "China Tire"

[Flexitarian]

I've bought things at that store (EDIT: Peppermill) twice in the last two years and my experience has been exactly the same. I thought that that guy was the owner but maybe not. It's like you are bothering him by trying to get his attention. I don't buy anything there any more.

As for informing the actual owner about his staff I think it's his business to manage his employees, not mine. Most smart retailers regularly use secret shoppers to monitor their customer service and this guy could do that if he cared.

[Arcadiaseeker]

Flexitarian, if you're talking about Clay, it just opened in the last 4-6 months (maybe you went to a different store?). This one is a few doors down from Cocoa Latte....

[Flexitarian]

Sorry, Peppermill (edited my reply to note that)

[Arcadiaseeker]

Thanks for clarifying - I really want to like Clay!

[Arcadiaseeker]

There is a new kitchen store on St. Clair West near Christie called Clay - they have Le Creuset. They seem to be very friendly and it looked like they had a good selection. It's 659 St. Clair W. I've not bought anything there yet though.

[topbanana]

If your desire to purchase isn't urgent, I'd spend some time checking the stock at various Home Sense and Winners locations. I've found some awesome deals on french ovens and stone ware at the Yonge St. Home Sense. I've also scored some nice discounts at the Bay (do they still have store wide scratch and save days? Those are always great) - their LC does go on sale from time to time. In December they were offering 30% on pretty much the entire LC range. Williams Sonoma also has periodic LC sales. I saved over $100 on a french oven on a boxing week sale. I've seen sales at other times too.

[atomeyes]

if you want scratched, damaged or refurbished Le Creuset cookware, then go to Winners.
i looked at one location's inventory out of curiosity and i sincerely felt bad for anyone who ended up buying it. it was all damaged in one way or another (usually scratched)

[Kagemusha]

Agree. The stuff I saw looked like casualties from LC's Torture Kitchen. Why bother?

[TorontoJo]

Winners sells LC seconds, which have very minor imperfections that are "sanctioned" by LC, e.g., a tiny bump in the enamel on the lid -- stuff that doesn't affect the performance. The problem at Winners is that they seem to sell them out of the original packaging and the pots get a lot of abuse from customers and staff. I was able to buy one in the original box, untouched and it was a great deal.

[Kagemusha]

True. Westend GTA Winners look like upended yard sales. The LC stock I saw was badly shopworn and not worth buying.

[letrell]

I purchased the 5.5quart at The Cook's Place on the Danforth. Wonderful selection and fantastic service. The store has everything! The staff was so friendly and helpful. It is such a joy to chat with fellow foodies who share a love for cooking.
I'll be back to purchase the All-Clad set. I highly recommend The Cook's Place!

[foodyDudey]

I bought a good Swiss made pressure cooker there last month. They are quite helpful. I received an email a few days ago saying the Le Creuset is on sale now, 30% off.

[atomeyes]

we listed The Cook's Place as our primary store for our wedding registry.
they match a % of your total purchases and make a donation to the charity of your choice.
can't say enough good things about them.

[ylsf]

There was just a 3 day sale on Le Creuset at The Cook's Place on the Danforth.. it was 30% off, don't know how often they do those sales though. Sounded like you could order what you wanted as the e-mail mentioned delivery in April.

[atomeyes]

i second and triple this!!
their prices are great. pop in there often. they had a Le Creuset pot on sale for a ridiculous price. i bought the 4 small pots (for aps or dessert) for $100 including the box and a free cookbook.

[rjp123]

I get my Le Cruset at the Nella store on Bathurst (just North of Bloor).

Pricing is fantastic and the selection is great as well.

[petek]

rjp123 did you happen to notice if they sold paderno or de buyer carbon steel pans?

[rjp123]

I didn't notice the pans at the Nella store - give them a call.

I bought my Paderno pots & pans via their online store - sign up for the newsletter, they have big sales (70% off) twice per year. I got my huge set (14+ pieces) for $350 (vs. the $1300 list).

[mayaishi]

Huge Le Creuset display at the Bay on Queen St.

[Omeghan]

look @ Canadian Tire .. seems they have cast iron ovens and theres some kitchen aid on sale as well.

[Smachnoho]

The owner of the "Peppermill" is a good guy to talk to. he really knows his products. Why don't you phone ahead and find out when he is in the shop. I agree with you about his staff. And they know nothing when they do talk.
Another good place is "The Chief's Place" on the Danforth. And of course "William Ashley" whose prices are cheaper than Williams Sonoma. William Ashley will order any size or color they do not have.
I avoid buying anything at Williams Sonoma except on sale. I find the staff are paid minimum wage and know nothing about cooking except for Bonnie on the second floor of the Bloor St. Store.

[letrell]

I just called The Chef's Place on the Danforth and talked to a helpful and enthusiastic gal. They are offering Le Creuset at 30% off at the end of March.

I'm looking for a great Cookware shop and think I've found it. Great products and service.
Thanks everyone for your help.

[1sweetpea]

I'd be inclined to call the owner of the Peppermill and inform him that the deferential treatment from his staff has cost him a substantial sale. He may be a great guy, but his staff are a reflection of his hiring practices. I don't understand how any employed person in a not-so-good economy can afford to ignore potential customers, even if 99% are simply browsing.

[foodyDudey]

I saw some Le Crueset pieces at "Cheese Boutique" with discounted prices but I don't know how those compare to other stores. They are on the second floor.

[theamanda]

I've always had good luck at Winners, bought many pieces there for a good price.

[PagerFax]

Good Egg in Kensington Market (267 Augusta). According to their website they offer a 20% discount on in-stock pieces, and 10% on special orders. They stock Staub too, and the shop's a fun browse.

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Good Egg
267 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T, CA

[breezey]

Nice selection at Junors at Bayview Village.

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Junors
2901 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M2K, CA

[myriam5555]

The best deals anywhere for le Creuset are on ebay! I just bought a used LC casserole for $60 including shipping. I've added it to the two pieces I inherited from my grandmother, who got them when she was first married. None of them are flashy, but you can't beat the quality!

[plavka]

The prices at Healthy Butcher are probably better

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The Healthy Butcher
565 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V, CA

[petek]

Agree. Healthy Butcher probably has the best price for Le Creuset in the city.They also have a nice selection of knives. The shop on Eglinton is your best bet.

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Healthy Butcher
298 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M4R, CA

[Kagemusha]

Haven't tried Healthy Butcher but LC is a hit-or-miss affair elsewhere around the GTA, especially if you're a bargain hunter as a quick search of the Ontario site should reveal. Often "deals" amount to very limited selections of size and colour that can be seconds. You might also consider US mail order which isn't so painful now despite shipping charges and taxes--worth it if you can't source what you want here.

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The Healthy Butcher
565 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V, CA

[letrell]

Thanks, everyone. I didn't know Healthy Butcher carried Le Creuset and will go this week. I love their store and wonderful service.

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The Healthy Butcher
565 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V, CA