(Steve Pope) wrote:
Most cookware warrantys are pretty useless.
I wonder if a "second" is covered (it already has a defect) plus their
warranty has plenty of escape clauses... I seriously doubt a crack or
chip is covered, or any damage that's attributive to abuse... their
warranty doesn't say what specifically is covered, only a lot of
situations that are not covered. And it would have to have been
registered to the original owner all those ten years ago. Their
warranty only covers manufacturer's defects; probably finish blemishes
like bubbles in the porcelain or color mismatches, things one notices
out of the box... a minor cosmetic defect is probably what made it a
second. I doubt the warranty covers damage that looks like it was
dropped, over heated, or otherwise abused... damage is not a
manufacturer's defect.
http://www.lecreuset.com/en-us/Care--Use1/Cast-Iron-Warranty-Information/
Before shipping it back to Le Creuset (or even contacting them) I
would bring it to a large local department store that carries the
line, often they will exchange it no questions asked, ask to speak
with the cookware department manager, the average sales clerk hasn't
the authority. Stores like Macy's will almost always make an exchange
on cookware they have in stock (even if not the exact model/color). JC
Penney makes cookware exchanges too. Large department store chains
are usually authorized to make exchanges by the various manufactures
as part of the agreement to carry their products. Not too many years
ago I dropped a lid from my ancient 6 qt Farberware Classic pot (my
favorite everyday pot) and it went out of round. Macy's gave me a
whole new pot no questions asked when I showed them how the lid didn't
fit properly, they couldn't give me just a lid because Farberware lids
are not open stock. They gave me the newer/better model with the
stainless steel encapsulated base (an excellent improvement), they no
longer make the ones with the aluminum clad bottoms. Actually I went
to Macy's to see if they'd sell me just the lid. The six qt pot is no
longer the same dimensions (taller and narrower) so a new lid wouldn't
have fit the old pot anyway. I liked the old dimensions better,
greater bottom area... don't let anyone tell yoose gals differently,
men prefer greater bottom area hehe... the new pot won't accomodate
six pork chops anymore to brown for braising, now I do five... won't
accomodate 16 dago saw-seege anymore either, now only 14 will fit, and
snug.
I bet Macy's will exchange your damaged Le Creuset, ask nicely... if
the manager is a man flash a bit of cleavage... that's a better
guarantee than any warranty. lol