StoneDine

Unlike most nonstick cookware, which uses Teflon or a similar substance, StoneDine's surface contains microparticles of stone. The company claims that their cookware is "10 times stronger" and will last "10 times longer" than other non-stick pans. To illustrate their point, commercials show StoneDine pans withstanding repeated assaults from a drill press that leaves a traditional nonstick pan scarred.

Unfortunately, StoneDine doesn't specify the nature of its testing methods, and the drill press test in the infomercial is, according to a fine-print disclaimer, merely a simulation.

The StoneDine eight-piece set includes a roasting pot, cooking pot, saucepan, stewing pot, frying pan and three glass lids (pan dimensions aren't specified). To sweeten the deal, commercials entice consumers to buy by including a bonus 11-inch pan (*Est. $97) and an 11-piece knife set (*Est. $49) for free. The set comes with a 12-year guarantee.  

According to user reviews, StoneDine's merits are overshadowed by confusing marketing and a hefty price. A number of customers complain that they weren't aware of the total price until after their StoneDine set was delivered. If you don't pay careful attention to the fine print, buyers say, you can get stuck with a big bill. The initial order (*Est. $29.97 plus $27.75 shipping and handling) is only a 30-day trial offer.

If you don't send the set back, you'll be billed for the balance (in nine monthly payments) for a grand total of $299.97, plus the aforementioned shipping and handling cost. The infomercial doesn't mention this and doesn't mention the grand total, either. Only in very small print at the bottom of the page does the website clarify this policy.

In his SciMark Report blog, entrepreneur Jordan Pine (who works as a developer for telemarketing products) criticizes StoneDine for being too expensive, but doesn't otherwise comment on the quality of the product -- except to say the he likes it. This blog post is followed by quite a few comments by users who agree with Pine's criticism. A few owners say their StoneDine cookware is well worth the high price and comparable to any quality cookware set. Others praise StoneDine for its easy clean-up, non-stick properties and its ability to produce healthier meals with less fats or oils.

Bottom line: If you don't mind purchasing an expensive set of cookware sight unseen, then it's worth noting that the majority of user reviews say that StoneDine does perform quite well in the kitchen. But make sure you read the fine print first, so you are aware of exactly how much you're paying for the full set.