Lagostina review with an open letter to Lagostina regarding truth in advertising with Chinese made products promoted as “made in Italy.”
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A Lagostina Review – An Open Letter to Lagostina: Shame on You
Edited Oct. 2020: I’ve had to remove all the screenshots of the 1 star reviews, however, you can easily find them on Amazon. Questioning the fact that there are so many good Lagostina reviews? Maybe this is why.
Dear Lagostina,
It’s time for us to part ways.
When your PR company first contacted me to work together, I was over the moon. Lagostina, the Italian company with a reputation for quality, Italian-made products, wanted to work with Christina’s Cucina. I was totally on board because I thought our brands were a perfect match for each other. We had so much in common: high standards, a reputation for quality, and our Italian backgrounds.
If it wasn’t for my mother’s Christmas gift to me, who knows when I would have discovered the truth. Lagostina is no longer Italian, and most of your products are not made in Italy. Although, the biggest issue for me is that your company is not clearly presenting this information on your website or other retailers’ sites.
The discovery
My mother says I’m difficult to buy for, so when she saw how much I loved my Lagostina pots and pans, she bought me an entire set for Christmas. However, it was upon opening the box that I spotted (in tiny print, on the very bottom of that massive carton) “Made in China”. I cannot adequately express how I felt when I saw those three words, not to mention what my mother’s face looked like when I uttered them out loud.
Cooking rapini before I knew this was made in China.
I’m not alone: the typical Lagostina review.
I knew we were not alone in feeling deceived after reading several reviews on Amazon’s site regarding your company’s products. Below is a recent Lagostina review, and the reason for my choice of words in the title of this post. This customer’s explanation and why she is upset is exactly how my mother and I felt. I think Lagostina should truly be ashamed of this deceitful advertising practice. (Note: I disagree with the reviewer on blaming Amazon as they cannot possibly oversee every single product on their site.)
Since opening that box of cookware, I have spent a lot of time researching Lagostina’s US website and have yet to see the words “made in China”. When I first called Lagostina, I informed your representative how disappointed and upset I was, but there was no apology. I asked him if they could replace the Chinese made items with Lagostina’s Italian made counterparts, but he immediately refused, stating:
“They are not defective.”
Perusing Amazon’s Lagostina reviews gives a different viewpoint, and it’s rather shocking, to be honest.
Keeping vital information from consumers
The next day, I spoke to the Lagostina representative’s supervisor and explained my situation to her. She did have a response to the fact that most products are not made in Italy. She informed me that “Made in China is printed on the box”. I pointed out the fact that there is no box to read when ordering online. To this, she had nothing to say.
The verbiage on Lagostina’s “About” page, clearly leads the reader to think that your products are made in Italy. If you go to your website, see the photo at the top with the “made in Italy” stamp on the cookware? I would hazard a guess that after reading your “About” page (see the photo and text below), most people would come to the conclusion that Lagostina is an Italian company making solely Italian-made products. Sadly, I now know that this is not the case.
My mother had called Lagostina before I did. She explained that she had bought a set of Chinese made cookware for her daughter who was promoting the products as “made in Italy” on her website. Their response? “As a writer/blogger, she should have done her research.” How can one come upon information that is non-existent, or not clearly conveyed where one would think to find it?
The Lagostina Company is no longer Italian
There isn’t a significant difference in price between the Italian made and the Chinese made products, either. Actually, on Amazon the Chinese made pastaiola pot is about $5 more expensive than its Italian counterpart. It’s simply unfair not to inform your customers where your products are made. In fact, I just recently discovered that Lagostina is no longer even an Italian company:
“Groupe SEB (a French company) include All-Clad, Krups, Moulinex, Rowenta, and Tefal. According to the Groupe SEB website. They have faced considerable competition from low-price Chinese competitors, but have managed to maintain a constant sales level. A large proportion of their product lines are now manufactured in China.” -Wikipedia
I met my friend, Marie, for dinner the other night and she told me she had spotted a Lagostina pan at her local TJ Maxx recently. She remembered me telling her about the Lagostina brand, so she purchased it. However, she informed me that she immediately put it back in the box in order to return it when she spotted “Made in China”!
Lack of transparency continues
My contact at the PR company was also surprised to learn that most of Lagostina’s cookware is made in China. Luckily, she was much more understanding of the situation I was in. She agreed to send one of my giveaway winners an Italian made piece as a replacement. The PR rep also sent me a pastaiola pot that is actually made in Italy.
My number one priority is being honest and forthright with my readers. Now that I know that most of Lagostina’s cookware is made in China, I have no choice but to pass on the information to my followers. I also don’t like feeling as though I was purposefully misled. It is an understatement to say that from my perspective, Lagostina’s reputation has been tarnished.
I felt compelled to write this letter as a Lagostina review. Your customer service representatives seemed to not want to hear what I had to say, and I needed to let you know. I do hope that it has some sort of impact in the way that Lagostina (US) presents products on your website. Online customers researching on what they think is an Italian company’s site have the right to know where the cookware is manufactured–before the box arrives at their home bearing the words, “Made in China”.
Sincerely,
Christina Conte
To My Readers ~
I apologize for the Lagostina review posts that I wrote last year informing you that the cookware was made in Italy. As you can see from reading this letter to Lagostina, I had no idea that most of the pieces were made in China. Lagostina’s Heritage Collection is their only cookware line that is still made in Italy (at the time that this was written).
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[…] The reason I discovered the Martellata line and most Lagostina products are made in China, is because my mother purchased a set for my Christmas gift. When opening it, I happened to notice, “Made in China” on the bottom of the box! I am not happy with Lagostina, as you can imagine. I wrote to them HERE. […]
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Hi Christina, I also have had a recent issue. I bought a set of pots less than 20 years ago. Just one of the pots has been peeling since shortly after I bought the set. However, I had put off doing anything about it because I was so convinced that a big company like that just wouldn’t care about my little pot. Well, recently I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and try to get my one pot replaced. I sent many pictures of the bad pot and the other good pots, I sent receipts of ownership and time of purchase. However, I got many, many excuses and assumptions as to how it was my fault – all inaccurate – and why they wouldn’t replace it. The last, and most amusing by far, was that this peeling was normal wear and tear and was not covered by the warranty!!! How do you argue with that?! Isn’t that what a warranty is all about? Incredible! I gave up after that. Yes, Lagostina is not concerned about the “little guy”. How disappointing that I was right in the first place.
Hi Margie,
Unfortunately, I’m not surprised. Lagostina is now owned by a massive corporation and you’re right, they don’t care about the little guy one tiny bit. Never knew that my pans will peel just by using them, hmmm? They’re stooping to new lows, so sad. Just tell everyone you know not to buy Lagostina. It may take some time, but they’ll lose in the end. Thanks for sharing so others can read about your experience, too!
CC
I recently purchased Lagostina pots and after using them found total discolouration on the inside…..when I complained they said it was normal not a warranty thing. I used them according to directions – no high heat, no salt till after water boils etc. but still had discoloration and white spots. Not allowed to use SOS on them which is stupid…I’ve used SOS on my pots forever and I like my cookware shiny, not looking like they are dirty. My old pots from 40 years ago are better than the Lagostina for cleaning. So, all they did was send me their special cleaner, which by the way, have taken the copper off the outside of the pots. Hugely disappointed in this product so, now we know Made in China, it makes all the sense in the world :(
Can you return them? If not, try putting the purchase in dispute with your credit card company. Showing photos of the damage, I’m sure they’re rule in your favor, Linda! This is just wrong. SO sorry!
I’m sorry, but you bought this pot “LESS THAN 20 YEARS AGO” (So I’m assuming more than 10 years have passed) and you wanted to get a replacement NOW?
Of course any company would refuse. If you’re using pots (i.e. cookware for daily use) on a daily basis, you can’t expect to get a refund 20 years later.
Sorry Alina, you are wrong. Here is Lagostina’s supposed warranty, “From the date of purchase in the US or Canada, Lagostina warranties to repair or replace in the country of purchase, any item found defective in material, construction or workmanship under normal use, and following care instructions.”
Clearly, the company no longer makes a good quality product (no longer an Italian company which values quality) and zero customer service backing up their lifetime warranty. Lifetime means lifetime, and yes even after 20 years, they should stand up to honor it.
If we’re talking about nonstick cookware (and “peeling” makes me think that we are), then very, very few companies will replace a pan, even if that pan has a “lifetime” warranty. Nonstick coatings typically wear out in 1-5 years and that is not considered to be a defect in material, construction, or workmanship. It is almost impossible to prove that you followed the proper care instructions; in fact, peeling is a perfect example of a company saying the customer did NOT follow the proper care instructions. (I’m not saying that’s the case, but that that’s how the company will see it.)
So for nonstick coatings, lifetime warranty typically does NOT mean lifetime–nor should it.
Getting almost 20 years of service out of a nonstick set is actually pretty remarkable. (I’d love to hear more about you did that!) :-)
Not sure where you saw “non-stick”??
What are you even talking about? Brands like Ruffoni and Moneta come with a LIFETIME WARRANTY. If the handle comes comes off, they’ll put a new handle on. If it needs a new finish, they’ll refinish it.
There is millions of product that offer a lifetime warranties from jewelry, typewriters, sporting goods and even Tupperware, but if you normally buy the bottom shelf products, you’re probably not familiar with the concept of craftsmanship and extended warranties.
Just to be clear, there’s nothing wrong with generic products, they have their place. You can save a lot of money for an inferior product with a 3 month warranty, the problem lies when companies like Lagostina shamelessly dress up their products and parade around as a luxury brand made with “impeccable Italian craftsmanship“ when there is ZERO CRAFTSMANSHIP- and came straight off a factory line in China.
100% agree with you, Alberto.
I purchased a Lagostina Tuscan 4 qt round porcelain cast iron casserole about six months ago. At $45 Cdn from Canadian Tire I thought it was a great deal.
Within six months a blister appeared in the porcelain appeared in the middle of the base.
Lagostina’s site says the pot has a lifetime warranty, however the fine print excludes glass and porcelain so basically voids the lifetime warranty.
I sent pictures to Lagostina Canada and was told I needed proof of purchase. Apparently owning the pot wasn’t sufficient.
I am so sorry, William. It’s no longer the company it used to be when it was owned by an Italian family with ethics. If you purchased the pot with your credit card, I would absolutely put it in dispute with them. This is beyond ridiculous for a pot to be rendered useless after 6 months, especially when they’re advertising lifetime warranty. Good luck. CC
Hello,
I am looking into the Opera set. Is that also made in China? Thanks
Just checked on Williams Sonoma and it says Made in Italy, but I’ve lost all trust and respect for the company, so buyer beware.
Hello,
We recently purchased the Opera line from William’s Sonoma. “Made in Itay” is stamped on the bottom of the pots and the box also says Made in italy.
Hope this helps.
Maybe they’re back-pedaling because too many people are complaining about “made in china” Italian products! Good to hear.
Christina, Thank you for your useful info. I am checking out Lagostina today. I want to buy a frypan 26 cm – non stick stone material. Do you have recommendation of any REAL Italian brand (made in ITALY). i found a brand – Accademia Mugnano . Is that real made in Italy ?
Just checked and yes, it does appear to be made in Italy. I’ve never heard of them before. Let us know how you like it if you buy one, Emily. I’m sure other’s would like to hear your opinion. :)
LOL! Which chef / cook does not know that metallic handles will get hot?
I’m sorry, I’m a bit confused by this comment. From this entire post you chose to focus on this miniscule part of one Amazon buyer’s review? I don’t understand how you know that the reviewer is either a chef or cook? If you re-read the review you’ll find it was purchased as a gift. Also, he/she wrote this comment in response to the fact that Lagostina advertises “stay cool handles”. I don’t think it’s something to LOL about at all.
[…] One company I’m really excited about sharing with you is called Made In. You might remember I was promoting Lagostina cookware a few years ago believing that ALL of their products were quality, Italian made pots and pans, only to discover that most were being made in China! I was livid, which you can probably tell from this post. […]