Samuel Groves + Early Bird Black Friday Offers
Andrew Bluett-Duncan
Director
As I start to write this week’s email, it’s Wednesday morning of the 20th November, nine days before the all conquering day of the 29th or Black Friday as it ubiquitously known. So, please be warned that you will be getting more emails from us in the next couple of weeks than usual. After receiving this email you’ll get several extra ones through the week detailing our promotions around Black Friday. As usual there will be some strong offers amongst them.
Right now, on our Black Friday Sale page we already have some electricals (including a great offer on the Kitchenaid 125 Standmixers), ranges of well discounted kitchen knives from Global, Robert Welch and, as of yesterday, our offers on Pans, Casseroles and on a big selection of Le Creuset pieces. We’ll be adding more over the coming week, Tuesday – Salt and Pepper Mills, Wednesday – Wine Glasses and Decanters, Thursday – Tableware and maybe some surprises for Friday as well.
Warning dispensed with, to product.
If I had a pound for every time someone has asked me if it’s possible to recoat their nonstick pan, I’d be a millionaire. Exaggeration…? Yes, but I have been asked a lot, and I realised the other day that I’d never talked to you about the Samuel Groves 3 ply ranges, one of which is nonstick coated. The possible reason why I’ve not mentioned this are because I’m not fan of non-sticks*, and so we tend to stock far more of their “Stick” (3Ply uncoated stainless steel) pans. Why?
• Usually, you will get tastier food out of a “Stick” pan, sealing the outside, keeping the juices in and better caramelisation.*
• Partly because even the best non sticks (with a lifespan of perhaps 10 years, if used carefully) can’t last as long as uncoated stainless steel, steel, iron or a cast iron pan.
• On top of all that, Non sticks cost more to make and so to buy.
• Most nonstick coatings still contain plastics, the long-term effects of which, are still to be established.
• However, for some things, like fish for example, even I will admit that they are a tremendous convenience.
Getting back to my story of re-coatable nonsticks, Samuel Groves are unique in providing a recoating service for their pans for when (not if) the nonstick wears out. This, so far as I know, is not offered elsewhere. For it to apply, you need to have registered your pan within 14 days of purchase and, although they say it will cost approximately one third of the cost of the pan, they do make it clear, that to some extent this is ‘condition dependent’. They are also clear that it doesn’t apply to pans used commercially. But, the thought behind it is an excellent one. At present we stock just their 3Ply Frying Pans with a nonstick coating, in 4 sizes (20, 26, 28, & 30cm) plus a Wok 32cm. These are the items where coatings are ‘necessary’ more than in say a saucepan or casserole.
The pans are nicely made with 3mm thick 3Ply bodies, not unlike Le Creuset’s 3Ply. They have a rivetted stainless steel handle, which also stays cool. An elegant simple design that is nicely weighted, and looks professional. Believe it or not, they are made in the UK!
We are currently offering a discount of 20% across most Samuel Groves, the offer this weekend is get an extra 10% off when buying two pieces or more with voucher code SAMPAN2024. My thought here is that perhaps you buy a coated frying pan for more general frying, and then an uncoated for the chef in you. The one who relishes steak or chicken thighs nicely seared at high temperature to keep in all the juices and flavours that high temperature** frying gives.
*See our guide to cooking with uncoated pans
**Don’t use very high temperatures with any nonstick pans. You will burn the nonstick off. Keep that work for uncoated pans.
Brené Brown & Vulnerability
Last weekend, we went to Bluewater to do some Christmas shopping. Whilst there, I found myself in HMV, where of all places, I came across an oldish book of Brené Brown’s, of whom I am quite a fan. She’s an American academic who spent a decade or three studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. The book centres on vulnerability and its potential to transform the way we live our lives. A couple of nights ago I was dipping into it and this passage rather jumped out at me and caught my interest and I thought it might yours as well.
She says, “The perception that vulnerability is a weakness is the most widely accepted myth about vulnerability and the most dangerous. When we spend our lives pushing away and protecting ourselves from feeling vulnerable, or from being perceived as too emotional, we feel contempt when others are less capable or willing to mask feelings, and soldier on. We’ve come to the point where, rather than respecting and appreciating the courage and daring behind vulnerability, we let our fear and discomfort, become judgement and criticism.” A beautiful observation of human kind, put without judgment.
She goes on to say, “Vulnerability isn’t good or bad … Vulnerability is the core of all emotions and feelings. To believe vulnerability is weakness, is to believe that feeling is weakness.”
Food for thought there.
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