Emeril Lagasse is one of the most famous celebrity chefs in America. He has hosted numerous cooking shows on the Food Network and written over a dozen cookbooks. In addition to his culinary fame, Lagasse has created a successful brand of kitchen appliances and cookware that bear his name.
The History of Emeril Lagasse Appliances
Lagasse first lent his name to a line of kitchen appliances in the late 1990s. The original manufacturer was T-Fal, a company known for its innovative non-stick cookware. T-Fal partnered with Lagasse to create a collection of stainless steel pots and pans as well as small kitchen appliances like blenders and toasters.
The Emeril Lagasse appliance brand grew over the next decade to include a wide range of products. In 2002, Lagasse signed an exclusive endorsement deal with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO). MSLO acquired the rights to manufacture and distribute appliances under the Emeril Lagasse brand. This partnership significantly expanded the product offerings to include major appliances like ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more.
MSLO manufactured and marketed Emeril Lagasse appliances until 2012. That year, the brand was acquired by Newell Rubbermaid, a major consumer goods company. Newell Rubbermaid continued to expand the product line with new innovations and technologies.
What Products are Part of the Emeril Lagasse Brand?
Today, the Emeril Lagasse appliance line includes just about everything you need to outfit a kitchen. Here are some of the major products manufactured under the brand name:
- Cooktops and ranges
- Refrigerators and beverage centers
- Microwaves
- Dishwashers
- Small kitchen electrics like blenders, food processors, and mixers
- Bakeware like muffin pans and cookie sheets
- Pots and pans
- Knives and kitchen tools
- Dinnerware
What sets Emeril Lagasse appliances apart is a focus on powerful performance combined with upscale styling inspired by a professional restaurant kitchen. The major appliances typically come in a stainless steel finish, while small electrics and cookware utilize heavy-gauge materials and comfortable handles. In product naming and packaging, the Emeril Lagasse brand emphasizes attributes like “commercial-grade” and “professional” to convey quality and durability.
Where are Emeril Lagasse Appliances Manufactured?
The various products within the Emeril Lagasse appliance line are manufactured in several countries:
- Major appliances like refrigerators, ranges, and dishwashers are made in the United States.
- Small kitchen electric appliances are produced primarily in China.
- Non-electric kitchenware like pots, pans, and cutlery are manufactured in China and Taiwan.
- Some specialty electrics like juicers are made in Korea.
Regardless of the original manufacturing location, Emeril Lagasse appliances meet U.S. voltage requirements and include warranties for purchase and use in North America. All products, even those made overseas, must pass quality control standards mandated by Newell Rubbermaid.
Who Owns and Distributes Emeril Lagasse Appliances Today?
In 2016, Newell Rubbermaid (now known simply as Newell Brands) sold the Emeril Lagasse brand to Tristar Products. Tristar Products is a consumer goods company that specializes in marketing and distributing a variety of kitchen, home, fitness, and other products directly to consumers.
Under Tristar’s ownership, Emeril Lagasse appliances are available through several channels:
- The official Emeril Lagasse website – Consumers can order appliances and other products directly online.
- Television shopping networks like QVC and HSN – Many Emeril Lagasse products are marketed through demonstrations on TV.
- Retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and Amazon.
Tristar utilizes radio, television, print, and online marketing to promote Emeril Lagasse as a premium kitchen appliance brand. The direct-to-consumer distribution model allows the company to control inventory, pricing, and availability.
What Warranties Come with Emeril Lagasse Appliances?
One advantage of the brand is that Tristar Products provides strong manufacturer’s warranties on Emeril Lagasse appliances. Here are the typical warranty terms by product category:
| Appliance Category | Warranty |
|---|---|
| Major appliances | 1-year full warranty |
| Small kitchen electrics | 2-year limited warranty |
| Bakeware and cookware | Lifetime limited warranty |
The warranties cover manufacturer’s defects and early failure under normal use and care. Customers must provide proof of purchase and purchase date when filing a claim. Shipping costs for warranty returns and exchanges are typically paid by the customer.
Are Emeril Lagasse Appliances High Quality?
The vast majority of Emeril Lagasse appliances receive positive reviews from both professionals and consumers. Here are some notable qualities of the product line:
- High-end features – Many appliances mimic professional-grade features at affordable prices. For example, cooktops offer options like powerful burners and griddles.
- Dependable performance – Products are made to withstand frequent daily use without breakage or malfunction.
- Attractive styling – The stainless steel and modern finish provides an upscale, commercial look.
- Easy to clean and maintain – Appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers are designed for maximum convenience when cleaning.
- Good value – Emeril Lagasse appliances are competitively priced for their class and quality level.
There are a few common critiques of the appliances as well. Some customers report plastic parts that break easily. Others feel that the quality has declined slightly under Tristar’s manufacturing compared to Newell. However, these complaints are relatively minor and uncommon.
How Do Prices Compare to Other Brands?
Emeril Lagasse appliances are positioned as an affordable to mid-price range brand overall. Here’s a pricing comparison to other major brands for common kitchen appliances:
| Appliance | Emeril Lagasse Price Range | Other Brand Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| French door refrigerator | $1,000 – $2,000 | GE ($1,500 – $2,500), LG ($1,800 – $3,500) |
| Gas range | $500 – $1,200 | Samsung ($700 – $2,000), Whirlpool ($600 – $1,500) |
| Over-the-range microwave | $150 – $300 | GE ($100 – $500), KitchenAid ($170 – $400) |
As you can see, Emeril Lagasse products are typically priced below premium brands like LG, GE, and KitchenAid. However, they remain competitively priced for less expensive options like Whirlpool and Samsung.
The value is especially noticeable when you consider the commercial-grade quality and performance included with many Emeril Lagasse appliances.
Where are the Appliances Sold?
Here is an overview of where you can buy authentic Emeril Lagasse brand appliances and products:
- Online – The EmerilLagasse.com website offers the full product selection. Amazon and major retailer sites like Lowes.com and Walmart.com also sell many Emeril items.
- TV Shopping Networks – QVC and HSN have regularly scheduled programming dedicated to demonstrating and selling Emeril Lagasse kitchen products.
- Retail Stores – Many major retail chains stock appliances and cookware from the brand. This includes Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy’s, Target, Costco, Kohl’s, and specialty kitchen stores like Sur La Table.
Online shopping provides the widest selection and easy doorstep delivery. TV shopping offers great demonstrations and testimonials plus special deals. In-store shopping allows you to see and touch products in person.
Conclusion
The Emeril Lagasse brand provides a range of high-quality kitchen appliances at reasonable prices. While earlier manufacturing partnerships with T-Fal and Martha Stewart established the products’ reputation, the current partnership with Tristar Products allows for direct-to-consumer distribution. Today, Emeril Lagasse appliances deliver attractive styling, commercial-grade features, and durability for everyday home cooking needs.