I have been reading several post lately about unhappy Wilton customers. Maybe they are instructors, too, I don't know. I am an instructor myself, and I would like to take the time to set the record straight with everyone and inform you on Wilton's place in the cake decorating world.
I know that we cannot please everyone all the time, but I get really upset when people are bashing Wilton for having so called "crappy products". You have to understand why they are here. Wilton Industries has been around since the late 1920's and the class program has been around since 1975. Wilton has been a staple in the way (most Americans) decorate cakes today. Their intention and business focus is on the hobby/ home baker and decorator. Their products as well as class programs were designed to be the easiest to learn, use and teach. The products were not meant to be used commercially, although some can be. I am well aware of the other brands of decdorating tools, as I am also a professional decorator. Wilton is NOT inferior. Every company has their own target market and develops product accordingly.
I would like to explain some commonly discussed products.
#1 Fondant. We all know the taste leaves something to be desired. It used to be worse. The Wilton Fondant, however is made to last long in packaging, is made to be easy to work with if you have never used it before and was made to be used to make durable decorations. The fondant can be flavored. I agree, too that the texture is like gum that does not bond, but the purpose of fondant is the look and versatility vs. buttercream. I feel it is very forgiving compared to other better tasting recipes.
#2 Turntables. Trim 'n Turn: the "cheapy" plastic one. This turntable is very durable, very versitile, and lasts forever. It will actually support 100 lbs. of cake. It is the most popular for beginning decorators. BEGINNERS. People just starting out or people who do not decorate much. What is a turntable? One of the most essential decorating tools there is. if it spins and spins smoothly, it is a good turntable. Tilting Turntable: Some of you have had issues with the locking mechanism not staying in place. I spoke with my supervisor on this and she said at the beginning of production, there were problems with this as well as the non slip surface not working as well as they would have liked with all cake board surfaces. The tables were pulled and the issue had been addressed and as far as she knew, fixed.
#3 Shimmer Dust. This was not at all meant to be Wilton's attempt at Luster dust. Shimmer dust is nothing more than finely ground cake sparkles edible glitter. It will not brush on fondant like luster dust, but it is not supposed to. You can't mix it with alcohol like luster dust, it will disolve. It was intended to be used like cake sparkles, with other applications, as well. It is sparkly, not metalic.
#4 Buttercream. Not the best tasting, I know. The recipe in the course book and yearbook is again intended to be the easiest to make and use for someone who has never done it before. There are minimal ingredients and minimal mixing. For decorating, as long as it is mixed properly, beginning decorators will be able to produce satisfying results like professionals. I myself do not use Wilton's recipe anymore. I have developed my own. But again, it was intended to be easy.
One of my biggest issuse with the Wilton bashing on here is that decorating newbies are reading these posts before jumping into the classes and are shying away from Wilton products because some of you have one-sided views about them. If you think way back when to when you first started decorating and all that was available were commercial products would you have a clue as to how to use them? I'll bet a vast majority of members here have taken a Wilton class at some time or another. Where would the decorating world be without Wilton instructors to share with you the wonders and possibilities of cake decorating?
I just wanted to let everyone know that Wilton products are not inferior to others, nor "crap". They are great for what they were intended for. And sometimes good for things they were not. I do not make any commission off of Wilton product, but I do stand behind them and will continue to promote them in my classes and out. I will continue to defend Wilton's name on Cake Central, as well. Please understand the intentions of the company before speaking badly of them publicly.
Thank you and happy decorating.
I will jump in on this one, I don't want to bash wilton on products necessarily. I feel alot of there products are good. I don't like the taste of the fondant. I am not dumb I do know it has to have shelf life. But the taste is still not pleasing to me. And if I am going to invest my money in say the tilting turntable that even with a discount I want to make sure it is worth my dollars. I am on a huge budget. I can't buy something because I think it sound like it works at $ 60 dollars(That is a guess I can't remeber the exact price) Still pricey for my budget. I am comparising shopping. I can't buy something and it stinks. I will be taking food out of my families mouths. Yes for beginners the products are helpful. I don't think newbies are shying away because of comments, just being cost aware. Yes that is your job to promote products you need to or lose your job as in any job. If you don't believe in the product it will not sell. I am not saying wilton doesn't have good products. I am new to this and experimenting all the time, but my money is important to me and if I find something that bugs me I will tell everyone about it so they don't make the same mistake I did. Do you blame me for sharing I hope not. Because what is this sight for SHARING 
We help one another. I am not a professional I can't even spell the word probably 
But give us a break on saving money 
I agree with kaychristensen. My money is in scarce supply, too. I WANT to hear what works and what doesn't, so that I can make an informed decision BEFORE I buy something I was told would be super, only to find out after I buy it, that this or that keeps coming off, or it ruins the very thing I bought it to use it for.
This site IS for sharing....information, pictures, ideas, kudos, etc....and for that reason, I am EXTREMELY GRATEFUL to those people who tell us how the products work for them. It is not only Wilton that is being discussed, but all brands. Some just work better than others for what is needed.
I have read a lot of threads here about how great and how horrid an experience people have had with all kinds of brands, not just Wilton. I have also read horror stories about Wilton instructors. That doesn't mean that all instructors are bad, but when you find one, it's better to warn and laugh about the experience than to stay quiet, and let someone else waste their money and time.
In essense, this site is not just about Wilton products, good or bad. It's about community and friends. Shouldn't it be this way for everyone?
I agree, if someone has a horrible experience with a product (doesn't matter who made it!), they should tell us so we can decide for ourselves whether to buy it or not! It may seem like 'Wilton bashing' at times, but as they are the biggest manufacturer of cake decorating equipment, the most complaints are bound to be about their products, because they get used the most!!! I have lots of Wilton stuff I am very happy with, but there are things that weren't worth the money I paid. We are all intitled to free speech, don't you think?!
I respect your point of view... but...
You know, I think it's great that we can all come to this site and learn about cake decorating from real professional pastry chefs, to the house wife who has earned her " pastry chef" hat through years of baking experience, and from the Wilton taught instructors.
I am a self taught from a Wilton yearbook many years ago! I love Wilton and will always appreciate what they have done to teach the average Jane/Joe how to make cakes in a professional way. The joy I have given my children from decorating their special cakes has been immeasurable! Let's face it, I think it's pretty darn cool that I can take Wilton cake classes in Okinawa, Japan!!
Here comes the but...
I see where you're coming from, but I would not like this site near as much if everyone were all Wilton drones, only promoting and pushing Wilton as THE only correct way. They have their own website for that. I come here to learn from other people's experiences. If there is a product or a method that is better, I want to hear about it. I think I'm adult enough to decide whether or not it's going to work for me.
What it comes down to is Cake Central is about cakes and products, they don't promote any one brand. Wilton has it's own website and promotes their own brand name as it should. I don't want to see the forum become censored because some may be offended because they have a special interest in a certain company. When you're teaching your cake class, you can't tell me that you don't share extra tips not in the student book, and what about your special icing that you made up. You don't share that??
It's all about opinions and experience and everyone has one and I want to hear it.
I love Wilton and I love my Wilton instructor! Do I need a bumper sticker?
I agree with you 100% ckdcr8r and I am so glad someone has finally stood up and said something. I am a former Wilton instructor and I loved the Wilton experience - both taking all the classes myself and being able to share my abilities with others. When I was teaching I did inform my students of the Wiltong products but if there was something that I had better experience with (that wasn't Wilton) I let them know that too.
I believe everyone is entitled to share their experiences with others and this is a great forum to do that - BUT I have seen threads on this site that have gotten so nasty and so caddy expressing opinions that they've had to be removed - not just Wilton.
I'm sorry to say this, but I think that Wilton had the market cornered for so long that they did not have to worry about competition. Personally, I am GLAD there are a lot more choices out there BESIDES Wilton. I have not had great experiences with Wilton, and would never "support" the products if I did not like them. Their pricing is out of line with the superior and less expensive products out there. I have not used ONE Wilton product that I feel is superior to something else out there, and when you also take into account the COST of Wilton, I purchase it ONLY when there is a deep discount, like the 50% off sale at Hobby Lobby. When the products are superior, they deserve to carry the bigger price tag. Otherwise, they are just more expensive products of mediocre quality. If this was a Wilton-sponsored website, I can see pushing that brand, but it isn't, so those who have bad experiences with ANY brand should feel comfortable putting that information out there for the rest of the members to see!
I do agree with some things that you have said regarding Wilton but as others have said, we are going to share with one another if a product is not up to par, Wilton or other. I love Wilton stuff too! Most of everything I have is Wilton. They have great pans and the yearbooks are a must buy every year. I also would love to take the classes at the school. However, the one thing I do disagree with is the fondant. It may be that it needs to be that way for packaging but all fondant needs to last in packaging. Most fondant I have tried will last for up to a year if stored properly. Wilton's, no matter what you do to it, just is not satisfactory to me. Whether I am a pro or a home baker, making a cake for a customer or a family member, I want it to taste good. Their fondant just does not provide the taste and texture that is pallitable (sp?) and there are many other alternatives that tase much better and are better to work with so I do think that they have dropped the ball on making their fondant worth getting.
I don't mean to fuel the fire on this subject but I had to jump in on that aspect of it.
Heather
I agree we should not necessarily lump Wilton into a cheap, lower class company. They have done alot to allow the average wife and mother to take up cake and candy decorating and made it a fun hobby for alot of people.
But since Wilton products are not really made for people who are doing this for more than a hobby (for instance that staggered three tiered cake stand that is plastic and styrofoam), I think its fine on this board to discuss other products and warn against some Wilton products that might not be good for long term use. I don't think we have to get nasty to say "The Ateco aluminum turntable is a much better use of your money than the one by Wilton if you are going to be making a ton of cakes."
I like Wilton, I always buy their yearbooks, and I have fondant tools they have made. Most of my decorating tips are Wilton and its helpful to have some of their products at Walmart in case I need something last minute. I use their pans as well. But I'm not "diehard" Wilton and prefer to use whatever works best for the result I need.
All points here are quite valid... I just wanted to add, if any of you live near Chicago, Wilton has an awesome tent sale for 3 weeks in June.
You can get pretty much everything 40% and more off. I stock up once a year. It's worth the drive if you're within driving distance.
Wilton was there when I first became interested in cake decorating at about 11 years old. Even though I use products from most any company, I rely greatly on Wilton products and ideas.
I say, if there is a product, regardless of who puts it out, that has issues with it, we should share our experience with it
"that wilton tilt n turn table! my cake slipped right off it!"
"i'm sorry that happened to you! what did you do to save your cake...?"
but as far as lodging a complaint, i firmly believe the company should be contacted and given the opportunity to make things right. then, if things ain't made right...
BASHTHEHELLOUTOFEM!
Well I'm still a newbie at all this decorating stuff and as a newbie you can understand I would not want to buy expensive products just to find out they dont work or taste bad. I appreciate everyone's comments on this site just for that purpose. As far as bashing wilton well when a thread comes up about a certain product I have seen people that hate it and people that like it so I would say that it is bashing when both opinions are expressed. To me bashing is when everyone comes down on a product. Also just think if we all just went ahead and bought Wilson's and stuck to it weather we liked it or not well then we wouldnt have all these better tasting products that unsatisfied customers have gone to the trouble to experiment and bring us something better and affordable. It's like when store bought cake mixes came out and scratch cakes went in the background well now with everyone's experiences with doctoring we can all have a better product. I see nothing wrong with that. One more thought isnt a forum for expressing ideas and opions no matter the topic? Isnt that why we have more than one catagory on this site? I say hear hear!!! to the democratic process and free speach.
I am new to decorating and new to CC... I'm taking the Wilton classes at Michaels as they are pretty much the only option to learn cake decorating in my area.
For me, the joy of CC, is that there are so many people from so many different places and levels of experience that a lot of my guesswork has been done! I think it's fair to say that even the wealthiest person on CC doesn't want to waste money on a product that may or may not be of superior quality.
Don't get me wrong, for my classes I do and buy everything by the (Wilton) book. However, I'm not taking the classes so I can make rainbow and clown cakes for the rest of my life, so I like a little bit of input from people with experience on what works and tastes the best so that my loved ones enjoy what I turn out.
That being said, the best thing about the information age is access to different information and opinions.
I agree that some people are hyper-critical of anything with the Wilton name on it. Wilton has done alot to further the interest of cake decorating and many of us here began in this art by taking their classes and using their products. Do they teach everything - no, the classes are a springboard. But would Colette Peters and Nick Lodge teach classes for Wilton or have their name affiliated with them at all if they were so inferior?
I agree that the fondant tastes bad. I don't use it to cover cakes although I do like it for bows. I use alot of their products and they are just fine. In fact - that little white turntable is the only one that I've ever used and I LOVE it. Never had a single problem and I do quite a few cakes every week!
I don't really understand the problem with the class buttercream. It's basically the same as any other crusting buttercream. Crisco, sugar, liquid and flavorings.....I think if many people would add the optional salt and tweak the flavorings they would find that the recipe is fine. But some people just don't care for any crisco based buttercream so they should learn with the class buttercream before they try it with their favorite buttercream just to have a better chance of perfecting their skills before they move on to a more challenging medium. The fact is that a softer buttercream will make it harder to learn and that is one reason why Wilton suggests this recipe - to give students the best chance to learn quickly!
I am a Wilton Instructor and don't make any money on products that are sold as a result of my classes, but I am always happy to recommend the Wilton products that I've used and have been happy with. I use other products as well. I appreciate Wilton for what they are - they are readily available decent products for home bakers and decorators and they provide inexpensive beginners classes so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn the basics of this art.
I agree that it is wonderful to have a forum to share our experiences and to help others learn from our mistakes. It is a valuable tool and I enjoy being a member here.
Since I'm a "newbie", I don't want to venture into the fray too much here. I will give you a perspective from this cakeaholic.
About 2 years ago a friend and I decided it would be fun to take a cake decorating class at Michaels. Little did I know that that class would change my life. AFter all...I'm a nurse...not a cake decorator. Today I"m taking the first steps to open my own cake decorating business. I do What I've learned in 2 short years is the old adage..."one man's poison is another man's medicine". What some love....others hate...what some abhor...others love. I didn't care for my tilting turntable either....so I took it back to Michaels. They were happy to refund my money. And since there are no cake product stores anywhere near me...other than the internet...I have to rely on purchasing Wilton products. Some are great...others, not so great. Do I agree that we all have the right to free speech? Absolutely...but there is a personal responsibility that comes with exercising that right. 
Thank you all for your responses and opinions. I am not saying that on CC we need to promote Wilton or any other brand specifically. Yes, we all have our opinions and are welcome to voice them. What I don't like is the occasional nastiness. I think a lot of times that people expect certain things out of a product that it was not intended for and therefore deem it "crap". I like to look at everything from different points of view to make my educated opinions about something. The shop I teach at is an independent cake supply store that carries several different brands. It is my job as an instructor to promote Wilton as much as possible, but my students see everything else and ask questions. As a cake decorator mentor, I am happy to share that with them as well. My shop owner does not even carry Wilton pans, except the character ones. Colors, either, they are Americolor. I do happen to like those better, mostly because of the squeeze bottle. I have used other brands, I even prefer other brands, but I also respect what Wilton has done for the world of cake decorating. I just wanted everyone to be aware of where they are coming from on their product development before making a nasty comment. If there is something you are unhappy with, please share it. And please share it with Wilton, as well. They are very nice people at customer service and are more than willing to make sure you are satisfied with your products. They rely on instructors as well as other decorators to give feedback, good or bad, on the products, so they can improve them in the future. We are the ones using them, so if there is a problem, a common one, they need to know about it. And whoever said about Nicholas Lodge and Collette Peters, you are right. They both teach classes at the Wilton school and wouldn't do so if they thought ill of their products. Not that they are die-hards either. Nicholas is from the UK and that is a whole other world of product.
And as far as the classes, Wilton is the one out there. They don't teach every technique, but enough to get you started. Most of my education was on the job and self taught. Once you get the basics, you can teach yourself just about anything because it is all based on the fundamentals. Wilton's classes, again were developed to be the easiest method to learn, use and teach. I have had much success and great satisfaction teaching the Wilton Way. If you think you have a better way, than by all means, develop a program.
And as far as you newbies, there is much to learn on this site. I learn stuff, too. That is why I joined CC, to learn from others and help others, too. I encourage you to learn as much as you can about a product before you buy it. If you see something you like, post a poll and see what we all think. I am not afraid to give my honest opinion about a product or it's competitor. But I won't be nasty about it.
Well ck you have totally baffled me. You started out with saying how wilton's is being bashed. Well in my opion if you have a few people that use "occasional nastiness" with a wilton product this is not bashing. I think most of us got our backs up because of the way you phrased your first comment. It also stands to reason that Wilton's would get the most comments as it is the biggest supplier for most of us. I also feel that if using the word "crap" was upsetting to you well just think how the person using the product felt. There is nothing like starting on a project only in end to find you have wasted your time, effort and money and I am sure some of us use more explicit words lol but just dont print them due to the sensibilities of others. So since you decided to open this can of worms then you should be willing to accept the feed back without feeling offended. You say we should voice our opinions and that seems to be what we have done no matter the words we use. Sorry to say but your comments sound like they come from a shareholder or ceo of wiltons at least to me. Well this is just my honest opnion on the hole subject and hope we can now put it to rest. 
I appreciate what I've learned through the Wilton cake decorating classes.
Does that mean that each time a product is given a demo that I'm going to go buy it...nope. For example the extracts...thanks, but no thanks, I use my own brand and have no plans to buy extracts from Wilton "just b/c they are clear". Yes they may allow a "pure white BC" but I haven't noticed a drastic change even though I use Watkins pure vanilla (even though it's brown).
The products that I do buy that are "Wilton only" for me, would be the cake decorating tips.
My only gripe per se w/ Wilton, would be the fact that if the majority (not all) of the products are intended to be used by a beginner/novice, why the devil are they so pricey -even w/ a discount?!
I may be the lone voice here, but I don't find the Wilton products particularly expensive compared to what else is out there. I agree some products are better than others. Without forums like this to discuss the pro's and con's of various products alot of us would waste alot of money. Wilton has a particular segment of the cake decorating market and they cater to that market very well. They are able to mass produce and distribute a product to the entire world. Their products are readily available to almost all cake decorators. Wiltons market is primarily the hobbiest, not the professional.
That being said, I find the fondant inexcusable. There are plenty of companyies out there that produce a shelf stable fondant that tastes good and is easy to work with. Wilton should take enough pride in their name not to put a product on the market that tastes universally bad. Would you give a cake to a customer that you knew no one liked?
The cake sprinkles are another sore spot with me. What happened to the shaker top? I was told by Wilton that they didn't even know that the packaging had been changed. Evidently they contract with another company to produce the product and put the Wilton name on it. The independant company decided to save themselves some money and just changed the packaging. My issue is: Why was Wilton asleep at the wheel? How did this happen and why is it still not fixed? A major player like Wilton should have more control over their product.
Like any company there are pro's and con's to Wilton. Not every shoe made by Manlo Blanik is a hit and nor should everyone expect every product put out by Wilton to be a hit, however every shoe carrying the Manlo Blanik name on it is quality and the problem is that not every product with Wiltons name on it is quality.
Well, I feel that Wilton, regardless of whether their target consumer is a professional or a hobbiest, should want to provide a quality product. Maybe spend some more time on creating a fondant that is stable but also tastes good. Or come up with a tilting turntable that works. By saying that they (Wilton) only intend for their products to be used by the hobbiest,so that's why they're not great quality, you're pretty much saying that the hobbiest doesn't deserve a product that is functional. I understand their products maybe not being of the highest quality compared to professional products, but that doesn't excuse them being mediocre or just plain defective.
That being said, I do have a lot of Wilton products. I am a hobby baker. I, however, avoid Wilton if there is another option because I prefer the other products. I don't like the Wilton coloring paste because trying to get color out of the pot with a toothpick is a lot less convenient than just squeezing it out of a bottle. I hate wilton fondant because it tastes horrid. Also, why can't they create a better tasting buttercream recipe that is just as easy to make and decorate with?
If Wilton really shares the views you expressed in your post then I certainly will be buying less items from them. Why should I be spending my hard earned money on shoddy products just because I'm a home baker and, well, Wilton feels like its okay for me to get those kinds of products.
Edited to add: I wanted to add that I have never gotten the impression that anyone on here has bashed Wilton. All I have ever come across are people sharing their experiences with Wilton products. I, for one, really appreciate the first-hand information.
Hey I'm jumping in
I agree that Wilton has done a LOT for the cake decorating world - just the yearbook and the classes alone prove that. I know I didn't have any other classes around me and was grateful to take the Wilton classes. I actually took them twice b/c I had such a long time between classes and I got interested in cake decorating again - and I was VERY happy to see they added some fondant work to the third class. I also think they make most of their products fairly affordable - it's not like you're paying $25.00 for one type of mold or something..... I've definitely seen more expensive products out there and I question WHY on earth some of them are so expensive - I understand quality and all but my gosh some things are made of plastic and cost an ungodly amount of money (well at least I thinks o).
That being said..... I didn't have a problem w/ the Wilton fondant until I tried others - I think if you leave the Wilton fondant on a cake for at least 2-3 days, it "soaks up" the buttercream flavor of the cake and you hardly taste it...... however, I do agree that they could alter the taste AND could still have a shelf-stable product. After all, if other companies can do it, why can't Wilton? They seem large enough and capable enough of coming up w/ a better recipe......
I DO get frustrated w/ some of Wilton's products though - ESPECIALLY when they have NO labeling of any kind to tell us what they are for. I bought something - can't even remember what it was called - but the front said "to revitalize colors" or something to that effect. I put it in my Wilton colors thinking it would help my older ones be useful again - my Wilton teacher told me it was for fondant - but I still have NO idea how you use it or what for..... There are other products that I think could use some more instructions too - like the Wilton ribbon roller/cutter - I couldn't figure that out for the life of me - it would have been helpful to have even a tiny booklet w/ black & white instructions on how to use it....
IF their products are ESPECIALLY made for people who aren't professionals or home bakers, shouldn't they provide CLEAR instructions on the use of their products?
I am also a little upset about the tilting turntable - I never use it but it's too late to return it to Michael's now. It would have been nice to have seen some kind of notification about its defectiveness and that the company would take it back - I'm fairly sure it's too late now and I KNOW I don't have a receipt for it.....I DID however return the large cake leveler - it cut my cake to pieces and also cut me..... THAT to me is not a product that is easy to use or effective in any way for ANY cake decorator - beginning or advanced.... I also think that some of their products break or get distorted easily - the small leveler for me I finally stopped using b/c it kept tearing my cakes apart - the "tautness" of the wire was destroyed and I got frustrated when I tried the large leveler.
Okay whoa this went on much longer than I intended - sorry. I DO feel Wilton is great in that it offers classes and it distributes its products in several craft stores, however, I also feel they could try to do a little more testing of their products or take into consideration customer complaints and work to improve products so that they are easier to use and effective.
I've never taken a Wilton Class, therefore I cannot say anything on that aspect of it. But I buy Wilton products,,although not a lot.
I have bought some of their cookie cutters, Parchment papers, disposable piping bags, two pans, a couple of books and cake boards. That's pretty much it because I just don't find all their products worth buying.
At least we live in a country where we don't get beheaded if we disagree with eachother... and let's be very thankful for that.
well hopefully none of you will behead me - 'cause I had one more thing to add.... 
Those "dusts" really disappointed me - I understand what cake sparkles are for and have used them - that's why I'm so confused as to why Wilton made those little dusts - the ones you can buy in 3 color packages - I think it's pearl, gold & silver and then like pink green and some other color - so it LOOKS like they're selling luster dusts.... if they had given some more explanation of how to use them on the packaging - or if they had said they were "fine cake sparkles and work just likes cake sparkles" - I probably wouldn't have bought htem and thought they would work like luster dusts - I'm just so glad CC is here so people could tell me what I needed to buy to get the effect I was going after.
I definitely want to hear about products - Wilton or not that don't work or that DO work so that I can spend my money wisely
ckdcr8r...i felt the same way last week, and didn't speak up and glad I didn't as you summed it up better than I could.
I think the point is that there WAS some Wilton bashing, as an instructor it does bother me quite a bit, but no one spoke up to defend anything Wilton, including me (although I did vent to some friends), and it was left at that. It seemed alright to bash Wilton but not to stand up for it.
Main point is that is why there is a forum such as this, not one product or brand works for everyone, and that is fair. Like many of you Wilton started my love of cake decorating and will always have a home in my tool caddy.
A lot of good points have been made in this thread--and I'll add some that I have experienced personally.
This may sound harsh, but I think Wilton is feeling very ambiguous about the HUGE surge in interest in cake decorating and design. All of a sudden, they are host to celebrity decorators that fill classes to overflow waiting lists of 125 people--for 24 seats! The internet is allowing rapid exchanges of materials and ideas, but R&D and manufacturing don't allow the company to be immediately responsive to consumers--so they become defensive, instead.
Sorry, but I think the shimmer dust was a sad attempt at a poor man's luster dust--one with no additional liability because the cake sparkles are tried and true.
Their fondant is expensive--$4/lb. if you don't have a coupon--and I don't pay that much for a 20lb. bucket of Satin Ice, even with shipping! They have been getting complaints about that product for several years now and have done NOTHING to improve it! Sheesh, they're the one's who showcased it as a product for everyday use when they devoted nearly an entire yearbook to it a few years back.
I brought this up PERSONALLY to corporate employees and was told that "most people don't eat it anyway", that I can flavor it 
, that other than the taste it is a wonderful product 
, that Wilton products are designed for the "home decorator",....To me, the implication is that it's good enough for the little guy because the big guy isn't part of their demographics.
I'm so grateful for the start Wilton gave me. I love their classes and I'll continue to go to those that fit my needs, but....I only buy products with coupons and it's generally nickel and dime stuff. In general, my money goes elsewhere now that I "know better".........sorry.
I think they're missing a big, big boat. I've walked with my wallet, over and over again. At this point, all I can assume is that they are happy with the bottom line and that the complaints aren't annoying enough to change anything.
Rae
I agree Wilton did get me started in cake decorating and I love it. But some of their products do suck. And I like the fact that people here can discuss the problems with any brand. Just to give their opinion about so that a potential buyer can weigh the pros and cons. I remeber buying the large icing comb with the interchangeable teeth and I thought it sucked. I havbe tried many times and still hate it. Wilton gives you no instruction on how to use it or anything. So if Wilton is for the hobby baker then I would think they would explain how to use a product. I still do buy Wilton products but I do use other products. This forum is here just to inform others about products. Like the KA mixer if I would have just gone by what everyone here says about them I would have been really mad if I had bought one. I had a friend that let me borrow hers and I have to honestly say that I HATE the KA mixer. So I guess because I have said that, am I Bashing KA now? No, just voicing my opinion.
Newbie entering into the ring here. I do mostly baking, not so much cake decorating. I do not have a turntable but that has always been on my want list. I guess I don't care if I'm a home hobbiest or a professional, I want my equipment to work like it should no matter what the price. Certainly, I am reading everyone's opinion on the equipment so I have a better feel on who will get my money. Having a negative comment is not bashing. Have you ever had a car, TV, computer, panty hose, etc., that gave you nothing but trouble? Wasn't it a great day when we found SO many forums on the internet to share opinions and ideas on so many aspects of our lives. I know that personally, I have saved money but also spent lots more money from reading forums and having "friends" help me with a purchase.
Ellen
I suppose my vent was a HUGE can of worms... 
. I just see that some people get so frustrated when they did not get the results they wanted and immediately vent that it was the product's fault without thinking maybe I used it wrong, or read the directions wrong. To say that you hate Kitchen Aid, for example is fine, but to say that it is a worthless *&%$#piece of@#$%, and no one should waste their money, to me is bashing. I am going to ask my supervisor about the chain of product development and the steps they must go through to reproduce something. Just because you complain doesn't mean it will be fixed tomorrow, but it doesn't mean they don't care, either.
I use mostly Ateco brand at work. I know that their tips are cheaper than Wiltons, and essentially function the same, but the Wilton ones are nickel coated to prevent rusting and discoloration. I would not use my nice Wilton stuff in a commercial setting because I know the abuse they are put through on a daily basis and I need to use lesser priced products so incase of inevitable wear and damage, they are easy to replace. Bags, too. I would not use featherweights commercially because they just won't stand up to the daily abuse. But at home, they last for years.
I will also bring up the issue of the lack of instructions on the products to my supervisor. I guess that one didn't occur to me, but most everything is explained in the yearbooks. In the last few years with this big cake decorating boom and everyone wanting to learn, more professional type products have been made available to the home decorator, through Wilton. Since Wilton has just started manufacturing some of these, you can't always expect them to be perfect. When I first started decorating, one of the first things I asked for was cake boxes. At the time, they told me it was not yet practical because the demand was not there. Now they sell cake boxes.
I applaud everyone for debating this issue with me as the feedback has been helpful to us all. Yes, that is what this forum is for. I am trying to hold up my end of the contract with Wilton by conducting myself in a professional manner inside the classroom and out. If any other instructors out there have been speaking badly in public (including this forum) about the company you represent, that is not professional and puts a bad mark on us all. Those issues should be addressed directly to Wilton or your supervisor, not in a public forum or in class.
I would be happy to tell you what I do or don't like about Wilton products. I have my opinions, too. I will even tell you if I think it is worth buying or if I know something else is better, even another brand. I have already done that on here several times. I would not however call anything ---pieces of ----. That is not professional of me and I know that it just might offend somebody. I am not one that is easily offended, for sure, but once I have seen so much of something that gets under my skin, I feel the need to get it out.
Thank you again for all your opinions. I do respect your views, but I also encourage everyone to see all three sides of the coin.
Happy decorating
I bought something - can't even remember what it was called - but the front said "to revitalize colors" or something to that effect. I put it in my Wilton colors thinking it would help my older ones be useful again - my Wilton teacher told me it was for fondant - but I still have NO idea how you use it or what for.
Are you talking about glycerian? If you have a jar of color paste that has thickened up you can add a few drops of it into the jar, stir it, then put the lid back on. It will soften the color paste back up.
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