PSA: That "lifetime warranty" on cookware is a marketing gimmick

I saw an ad last week for a set of nonstick pans boasting a "lifetime warranty" for $180. Sounded too good to be true, so I read the fine print. Turns out the warranty only covers manufacturing defects, not normal wear like scratched coating or warped bottoms. I called customer service to ask about a pan that started peeling after 4 months, and they said that's "expected deterioration." So basically you pay full price for something that lasts less than a year, and the warranty is just there to make you feel safe. I wasted $180 on a set that's now in the trash after 6 months. Has anyone actually gotten a replacement under one of these deals without jumping through hoops?

3 comments

3 Comments

bailey.jennifer7d ago

My buddy Mark @nathankim bought a $200 set from a big brand and had the handle snap off in six months - they told him it was "cosmetic damage" not covered. He said he spent more time reading the fine print than he did actually cooking with those pans.

nathankim9d ago

You got 4 months out of nonstick pans, most cheap sets fail in 2-3 months.

grant1559d ago

Nah, my decent set from Costco held up over a year with careful use.