Are kaf bakers rewards worth it?

[kimbob]

I guess it depends on how much you order. I always wait for free or reduced shipping usually around holidays. I don't think there will be much free shipping in the future. So, is spending 40 bucks on bakers rewards worth it? Thanks.
Kim

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[Mike Nolan]

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.

[kimbob]

Yeah, they do have a lot of mixes now which I rarely buy although some of the cake mixes are good in a pinch.

[BakerAunt]

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.

[kimbob]

BA, I have alot of the gadgets, too, including the mini spatula/spoonula which, I also, use frequently. I can get 10 lb bags of kaf ap at BJs and white wheat at stopnshop but they don't have any ww now. I think I still have 5 lbs in the freezer. I also buy the parchment, vital wheat gluten, lecithin, dried fruit, saf yeast to name a few but they last a long time for me. I'll have to think about the bakers rewards as I don't need anything at the moment. Thanks for your comments and thoughts.
Kim

[chocomouse]

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.

[kimbob]

Chocomouse, you're lucky to live so close! My husband and I visited kaf twice a long time ago -- at least 25 yrs. One time we stayed at the Norwich Inn and had a fabulous meal at the restaurant there. I don't remember what we ate but I do remember it was wonderful. Lol I was like a kid in a candy shop at the kaf store. Bought a lot of stuff and delicious pastries. They had things in the store that they didn't have in their catlg. It was fun. I doubt if we'll ever get back there. 😪

[Mike Nolan]

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.

[cwcdesign]

My Mom was giving me the Rewards Plus as a Christmas present, but I wanted to get it off her credit card (she's very forgetful now). I reupped on my own. Part of the reason I did it is that I like to be able to order in smaller quantities when I need them. The only things I can get locally when they have them in stock are the "signature" flours. So it works for me.

I live in coastal Georgia far from any good sources. But, for me it's worth it, as is Thrive Market which is a newfound favorite for me. I read lots and lots of articles about whether it was worth the membership. The best review I read said that you had to decide for yourself if it was - basically if you are not near an urban area that has options like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, it could be a good choice. I've placed two orders and have been really happy with what I've gotten. Good quality, non-GMO products and for every membership they give one to someone in need.

[kimbob]

Hiya, cwcdesign. I'm still on the fence with the bakers rewards. Leaning toward no. I'm pretty stocked up at the moment so I'll wait until holiday time to see if they have free shipping. I'll check out thrive market, too. Thanks for your input! And welcome back!!

[cwcdesign]

Thank you Kimbob!

[aaronatthedoublef]

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.

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