[CarlAird]

What do you guys think of Wilton
They seem to have a monolopy on the baking industry
ARE THEY REALLY THE BEST??!!
Some of the designs look kinda tacky

[cakerookie]

Well Carl I guess that depends on which side of the fence your standing on. Theres a manufacturer in Chicago thats suppose to be pretty good I do not know. All my cake pans are Wilton and I have gotten great service out of them. I guess it just depends on what you can afford. One word about Wilton pans never, never, ever put them in a dishwasher. I will find out the name of that Chicago company and re post. If you are intrested in finding out more go here www.cooksillustrated.com they do a lot of testing on a lot of kitchen wares and equipment great site.

Rgds Rook

Chicago Metallic is the company name. And I agree with Foodpump too............

[foodpump]

Wilton does a lot of business with home bakers. There are many pieces of equipment made for commercial bakeries that are far better constructed and more robust that do the same job as the equipment that Wilton sells.

[chrose]

I think Food pump gave you a right on target answer. Wilton products are fine quality for home baking and very light commercial work. Professional usage demands a sturdier product, but that's not their niche or target customer.

[CarlAird]

Thank You All For Your Response! I Just Got In To It And Was Wondering Why They Have This GRip On Everything In The Baking Isle!
Thank You

[Free Rider]

I see both Ateco and Wilton in the baking aisles. Oh, that Chicago company is on the tip of my tongue. I believe a couple of my pans are theirs. Also, happened to be in a Kmart the other day and notice a very Wilton-like Martha Stewart cake pan.

[panini]

Carlaird,
There are more and more restaurant supply companies opening up to the public. In fact, some of the locals here have greatly increased their business over the past few years targeting the home baker and cook. If you are starting out, it might be in your best interest to see if any are available in your area. You can also get these products online, but usually through a distributor, so shopping around helps with pricing. It is far more wise to buy a good sturdy product and pay a few extra bucks. If you don't use something that is of quality you can always resell it.
I'm also not so sure you were'nt talking of their cake design books when you refered to designs. They are an inexpensive starter, but most of their material can be found online.
I always use the manufactures website for specifications and such, and then bee-line-it for ebay to see if it's up for auction.
Chicago Bears, oh sorry, Chicago Metallic
pan