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Sunday, February 16th
Williams Sonoma has built a reputation for high-end kitchenware, gourmet ingredients, and specialty foods. Since its founding in 1956, it's been a go-to for those who appreciate quality and craftsmanship. But, when it comes to pies, their selection is mid-tier at best, and their overall customer service leaves a lot of room for improvement. But, let's take a look and let you decide for yourself.
Pies are grouped with other desserts
The first thing you'll notice is that Williams Sonoma groups pies in the same category as cakes, panettone, cupcakes, and cake pops. Browse all of those if you like, but if you'd rather filter out the 40+ items that aren't pies, jump over to the filters and click on "Pies”.
Selection hovers around a dozen pies
The pie selection can vary from season to season, but overall you can expect to see around a dozen choices at Williams Sonoma. (When we began our research, there were 13 options; a week later, there were 11.) Some flavors are definitely holiday-oriented, like the Southern Baked Pumpkin Pie ($79.95) and the Gluten Free Valentine's Day Tart ($49.95), while other flavors are more year-round (Gooey Birthday Butter Square Pie at $49.95, Southern Baked Apple Pie, $84.95). And, don't forget to look for clearance bargains after the holidays; while the discounts aren't as deep as we'd like to see - $21.99 instead of $29.95 or $44.99 instead of $59.90, for example - it can make your Williams Sonoma experience a little more wallet-friendly.
Almost half of pies are gluten-free
How about dietary needs? It's easy to quickly browse the pie selection and see what's currently on offer, though you can use the filters to look for gluten-free, organic, and vegan options if you prefer. We were impressed that 4 of the 11 selections at the time of our visit were gluten-free, including pecan and cherry pies and a raspberry tart.
Shipping and delivery options aren't great
Shipping costs are a common complaint when ordering from Williams Sonoma. Unless you pay for their $99/year Reserve membership, you can expect shipping fees to add a hefty amount to your total - around $24 per order or more. Even more frustrating, there's no way to schedule a specific delivery date. This means you might receive your pie earlier or later than planned, making it difficult to time your order perfectly for a special event.
No customer reviews to help you decide
Another downside when ordering pies from Williams Sonoma is the lack of customer reviews. Without feedback from previous buyers, it's tough to gauge whether the pie will live up to your expectations. You're left to trust the product descriptions and photos, which, while appetizing, may not always reflect the real-life experience.
Too many complaints
Delivery issues have plagued Williams Sonoma for years, and pies are no exception. According to customer reports, late or missing deliveries are a frequent problem. The Better Business Bureau rates the company poorly (with an "F”), with numerous complaints about orders arriving well past their expected dates. This is a huge concern if you're ordering a pie for a holiday dinner or special occasion. No one wants to plan a party around a dessert that may not show up in time.
Not a pie delivery option we'd recommend
While Williams Sonoma's pies may look stunning and sound delicious, the risks involved with ordering from them can outweigh the benefits. High shipping costs, inconsistent delivery, and the absence of customer feedback make it hard to fully trust that you will wind up satisfied when you buy a pie here. If you want a pie that arrives on time and tastes as good as it looks, we would strongly recommend that you order from one of the higher-rated pie shops on our list. Williams Sonoma is too likely to be a disappointment, and earns a correspondingly low rating of from us.
Let's talk about convenience. Ordering pies online has made it easier than ever to enjoy a fresh-baked treat without stepping foot in the kitchen. Whether you're planning a celebration, gifting a pie to a loved one, or just satisfying a personal craving, online bakeries offer the ideal solution.
Many vendors ship pies nationwide, carefully packing them so that they arrive fresh and ready to enjoy. You'll find specialty pies from artisan bakeries, classic favorites from heritage brands, and even customizable add-ons to make your order truly unique.
Pies hold a special place in culinary history, dating back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians are credited with the earliest pie-like recipes, typically made with oats, honey, and dates. (Bake like an Egyptian?) The concept evolved as it traveled through Greece and Rome, where meat-filled pies became a staple.
By the time pies reached medieval Europe, they had transformed into a versatile dish with sweet and savory options wrapped in sturdy crusts. Today, pies are a beloved dessert and comfort food in many cultures, with flavors that range from classic to cutting-edge.
Speaking of flavors, traditional favorites like apple, pumpkin, and pecan remain at the top of the list, especially during the holidays. But adventurous bakers have introduced novel creations to delight the foodie in all of us. Imagine a tangy-sweet key lime pie infused with coconut, a decadent chocolate-bourbon pecan pie, or a savory dinnertime pie like tomato-basil ricotta. Pies continue to adapt to modern tastes, making them a perennial crowd-pleaser.
Ready to order pies online? We are too! As you browse all of your options, here are some key factors to consider when choosing a website:
Ordering pies online is a deliciously easy way to enjoy this timeless treat, and the pie fans at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked some of today's most popular pie purveyors (say THAT ten times fast). With so many options at your fingertips, you're sure to find the perfect slice for any occasion - and have it conveniently delivered right to your doorstep!
Select any 2 Pie Delivery to compare them head to head