Great Jones Cookware: Elevate Your Culinary Game
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Great Jones is a startup that specializes in producing visually appealing cookware in vibrant colors that resonate with the millennial aesthetic. The company's eye-catching Dutchess pot and Holy Sheet pan have gained significant visibility on social media platforms, thanks to endorsements from influential food personalities such as Molly Baz and Molly Yeh.
However, the founders of Great Jones embarked on this venture with the intention of creating cookware that is both accessible and affordable, distinguishing themselves from established brands like All-Clad and Le Creuset.
Sierra Tishgart, a distinguished recipient of the James Beard award and former food writer and editor at New York Magazine, joined forces with Maddy Moelis, a former product manager at Zola, to establish Great Jones in 2018. Their motivation stemmed from recognizing the limited options available to recent graduates and financially constrained individuals in their twenties when it comes to reasonably priced cookware.
For millennials, who may or may not face the same financial constraints as their parents did at a similar age, the exorbitant price tags of $400 dutch ovens are simply unattainable. Consequently, the emergence of small-scale direct-to-consumer startups that cater to this middle ground has become an increasingly popular solution.
We have had the opportunity to test various Great Jones products over the past few years, including the Deep-Cut saute pan, Big Deal stockpot, Dutchess Dutch Oven, and Holy Sheet baking sheet. Despite their prices reaching a maximum of $155 for an individual pot, we were pleasantly surprised by the exceptional quality and durability of these items.
Great Jones utilizes corrosion-resistant, kitchen-grade stainless steel with 8% nickel for the handles of their pots, which are also TIG (tungsten inert gas) welded. This welding technique ensures a neat and robust connection without the need for screws, rivets, or seams that could potentially trap food or bacteria.
Additionally, the handles on the pots and pans undergo a meticulous hand-polishing process using PVD (physical vapor deposition), resulting in a charming, aged stainless steel appearance. The handles on the Dutch oven, on the other hand, are coated with ceramic.
In addition to their exceptional products, Great Jones has established a "potline" for cooking advice. Individuals can reach out for real-time advice, recipe suggestions, and more by texting 1-814-BISCUIT (1-814-247-2848). A knowledgeable representative from the brand is available to respond to texts Monday through Friday from 4 to 5 pm EST. This service aims to be a valuable resource for novice cooks or those who find themselves cooking more frequently.
The organization's nomenclature pays tribute to the esteemed cookbook author and editor, Judith Jones, who revolutionized the American culinary landscape by propelling the careers of previously unknown culinary writers such as Julia Child, Edna Lewis, and James Beard. Drawing inspiration from Jones' legacy, Tishgart and Moelis endeavored to simplify the art of home cooking by offering a select range of high-quality products, including a Dutch oven, a stockpot, a saucepan, a skillet, two frying pans, and a baking sheet, to facilitate the process of equipping a kitchen.
The Dutchess Dutch oven
Upon acquiring The Dutchess, a remarkably stylish Dutch oven, my mind immediately began to envision the countless recipes I could create with it. From bread to stews to a succulent roast chicken, this versatile piece of cookware is an essential addition to any kitchen. The Great Jones iteration of this Dutch oven is truly exceptional, boasting enameled cast iron that rivals the quality of renowned brand Le Creuset, but at a much more affordable price of $155.
The Dutchess is not only robust and durable, but also features spacious handles that facilitate easy maneuverability of this weighty utensil. With a generous 6.75-quart capacity, it provides ample space for even browning of meats, vegetables, and any other culinary creations. The light gray interior of the pot allows for easy monitoring of browning or potential burning, while also concealing any food stains.
I recently utilized The Dutchess to prepare a delectable mushroom bourguignon, and I am confident that it will continue to be my go-to cookware for crafting many more delicious one-pot meals. Its exceptional heat distribution ensures even cooking, while its effortless cleaning process requires nothing more than soap and water to remove any burnt residue.
Additionally, its visually appealing design adds a touch of whimsy to my stovetop. Some of my colleagues who have also invested in The Dutchess have mentioned its weightiness, as it weighs in at 15 pounds, a few pounds heavier than comparable pots from Le Creuset and Staub. However, if you prefer a lightweight pan, it may be advisable to explore alternatives to enameled cast iron altogether.
Pros: Roomy handles, ceramic-coated like pricier options
Cons: Heavy (but they're all heavy)
Deep Cut sauté pan
If you are seeking to optimize your dinner options while dealing with limited kitchen space, the Deep Cut is the ideal pan for you. This innovative kitchen tool combines the features of a sauté pan and a skillet, allowing you to prepare a wide range of dishes. With a depth of two inches, it enables you to create saucy recipes without causing any mess, while the sloped sides make it suitable for classic fries. During my experience of cooking beef, the Deep Cut demonstrated excellent heat distribution, resulting in a delightful crispy sear.
The handle design of the Deep Cut is visually appealing, although it may not provide the utmost ergonomic comfort due to its unique outline. If you possess a strong wrist or do not mind a brief period of discomfort, the Deep Cut will undoubtedly satisfy your needs. However, if functionality takes precedence over aesthetics, I would recommend considering the Sauté Pan from Sardel.
Based on my initial usage of the Deep Cut, I find it to be a robust and comfortable pan overall, capable of tackling any everyday cooking task with ease. Additionally, its effortless cleaning process and sleek appearance are definite advantages in my opinion.
Pros: Takes care of need for sauté pan and skillet
Cons: Handles might be thin for some, not as finely finished as other, pricier pans (but who cares?)
Big Deal stockpot
The Big Deal stockpot is an exceptional choice for those seeking a high-quality cooking utensil. Its exquisite design, featuring brassy ergonomic handles and stainless steel construction, adds a touch of elegance. However, its true value lies in the enhanced convenience and enjoyment it brings to the cooking experience.
Personally, I had the pleasure of preparing a delightful pumpkin curry using this stockpot, and I found its standard selling points, such as even heat distribution and a generous 8-quart volume, to be highly commendable. Additionally, the pot's thoughtful details, such as handles designed to provide an extra secure four-finger hold and laser-etched measurements on the interior, further impressed me.
Considering its exceptional features, the price of $95 appears quite reasonable. In fact, the Big Deal stockpot exudes a sense of luxury that would typically be associated with a higher price point. As a senior reporter, I can confidently recommend this stockpot to those seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing addition to their culinary arsenal.
Pros: Even heat, roomy handles, laser-etched interior measurements
Cons: Doesn't come in a bigger size (yet)
Holy Sheet baking sheet
The Great Jones Holy Sheet pan is constructed from aluminized steel, a material known for its superior resistance to corrosion compared to traditional steel and its exceptional heat stability when compared to aluminum. This unique composition ensures that the pan remains free from warping even when subjected to high temperatures. Additionally, the pan features thin steel rods that run through it, providing additional structural support to maintain its shape.
During a recent cooking experiment, I utilized the Holy Sheet pan to broil a whole fish, aiming to achieve a crispy texture before serving. Remarkably, I was able to elevate the heat to well over 500 degrees Fahrenheit without encountering any warping issues.
While I appreciate the impressive performance of the Holy Sheet pan, it is important to note that it may not be suitable for everyday use. Despite regular usage, I have observed that the Holy Sheet pan has not withstood the test of time. Presently, I find myself needing to engage in rigorous scrubbing to ensure thorough cleaning, which unfortunately results in damage to the ceramic coating- Owen Burke, Senior Reporter