I used to order from King Arthur a lot, because they were a gadget-lover's paradise, but they seem to be focusing on selling mixes these days.

I still get a few things from them, like pastry flour and the baker's special dry milk, but I think I've only ordered once in the past year.

I have been a member of the Baker's Rewards for as long as the program has existed. It was a much better deal when I could get 25 lb. bags of flour, but they stopped shipping the large bags.

Some ingredients I buy exclusively from KAF: the special dry milk, medium rye flour, Bakewell Cream baking powder, pumpernickel flour, maple sugar, and Vermont Cheese powder. I can no longer get white whole wheat flour locally, and Bob's Red Mill no longer carries that product, so when I need it, I have to use mail order.

Other ingredients, like their dried mixed fruits or candied ginger are occasional purchases.

I usually buy their 100 sheets of parchment paper, which is not available locally.

I agree with Mike that KAF used to have a wider array of gadgets, many of which found their way into my kitchen. I still use them. Lately, they have had less, although that mini spatula/spoonula set I picked up has been wonderful, especially the spoonula for drizzling glaze.

I can usually get KAF AP locally (when there isn't a pandemic!) Usually, I buy my bulk yeast from KAF. I'm rarely near a store where I could buy it.

I've bought various bread baking dishes and pans over the years and so don't need the standards.

One thing that I like about the Bakers Rewards is that you don't have to wait for a shipping special. However, you do have to buy $25 worth to qualify for BR free-shipping, and if you use a BR $10 off coupon, the total before the coupon is applied must be $35. You do earn extra Bakers Bucks if you are a Rewards member.

For me, since I live in a rural area not close to an array of stores, it makes sense to have the membership--even though I'm not happy that KAF has not extended expiration dates on Baker's Bucks when they don't have much of what I want in stock.

Bob's Red Mill had the best shipping deals (free over $59--excluding 25 lb. bags), and pre-Pandemic, I would do a couple of large orders per year. That is why I switched to their bread flour, whole wheat flour, and other specialty flours. They also have grains and beans. I do not know if the shipping special will come back after all of this.

So, Kimbob, think about your particular case and needs when making your decision.

I am not a Rewards Plus member; since I live just 10 miles away from the store, I would never have anything shipped. As a regular Rewards member (the original program) I do earn $10 off every, I think, $100 purchase.

Most, I believe all, of the sales and promotions that KAF has are not good on items sold in their store; they apply only to things that are shipped. However, twice a year, spring and fall, they have a "family and friends" sale which is, I recall, 20% off your entire purchase. And then I do buy mixes for friends and relatives who are not bakers.

Years ago, I bought tons of gadgets and pans at KAF; now I own them all and feel like I could open my own store! I do not buy very much there any more as I feel most of their products are very expensive and obtainable elsewhere for less - either the same item or something of comparable quality. The USA pans, which they often claim are "their" own design/product are mostly available on line. I do, however, buy quite a bit at KAF for Christmas gifts; I like to make up my own gift baskets for relatives, like bagel bundles last year. And of course I do have my favorites that I buy there: 50 pound bag of AP flour twice a year, pumpernickel, lemon juice powder, and some whole grain combo flours like the Harvest Grains and the Super 10 Blend.

I've only visited the King Arthur store once, nearly 10 years ago, but it was a great visit and I wish we lived closer to it.

KAF has been an annual trip for us since our boy began going to summer camp up that way. I wish I'd purchased some giant bags of flour occasionally but I can find them down here at restaurant supply stores for less. I love gadgets but we just do not have the space AND I am cheap (maybe those should be reversed). But it is great to walk around and see everything and the people are so nice. And then my oldest began going to running camp way up in the Northeast Kingdom (15 minutes north of St. Johnsbury, Chocomouse).

I've always been a little disappointed with their café and there are some phenomenal places in the towns nearby. It's always been a fun couple of weekends, dropping off and picking up.

Sadly there is no camp this year. Our kids are second generation as my wife went there. My middle will age out and unless he wants to be a CIT he is done. But Violet will be old enough to begin going in a year or two.