$950 for a pan? Campers outraged after YETI’s new must-have item sells out online

“Are they made from a very special metal? The price is a bit steep, I will stick with the ones I’ve had for 30 years!"

“Tell ‘em they're dreamin’!” Campers have raged online over the new camping staple that’s now become a pricey collectible.

One of the best purchases I’ve ever made for my home - and camping equipment stash - is a cast iron pan.

It was around $25 from a camping store 10 years ago - something very similar to what Bunnings is selling these days.

This piece of kitchenware is indestructible, and as long as we don’t let it rust, will likely outlive anyone in my family.

It became so useful in fact that we bought two more in different sizes, and they have all worked perfectly no matter what type of kitchen we’ve moved into and camping set up we’ve had going at the time.

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Image: YETI.

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They're no longer created equal

Raving about a cast iron pan is nothing new for seasoned campers - pun intended.

Once upon a time, they were all pretty much created equal, and you would have change from $50 no matter what size you bought.

Now, however, the unlimited choices delivered by internet shopping has made the choices of a cast iron pan as complicated as buying a BBQ.

What if we just want it to cook a piece of meat well? Is there a difference between one type of cast iron than another? How much is a good one meant to weigh? How thick should the base be?

I don’t know the answers to these questions, and apologies, that’s not what this article is about.

The debate is ongoing - and now that camping brand YETI has entered the fray, campers are already up in arms.

The camping brand recently released a range of three cast iron skillets - and immediately, just like their iconic tumblers - some versions have already sold out, making them the country’s newest must-have items.

But wait until you hear about what they cost.

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They cost HOW MUCH?!

The YETI cast iron skillets are priced from $225 for the eight-inch, $300 for the 10-inch, and $375 for the 12-inch.

The pre-seasoned skillet can be used on live-fire, induction, gas and ceramic stoves and are designed and made in the USA, says its website.

When the company posted about the skillets on its Facebook account earlier this month, followers were divided.

“Are they made from a very special metal? The price is a bit steep, I will stick with the ones I’ve had for 30 years,” one person wrote.

“Tell ‘em they're dreamin’,” another commented.

One did not hold back: “Lol. Happy to pay a small to moderate premium for your gear because I like the design (and let's be honest, the marketing works on me). But this is so egregious that I'm now embarrassed to be seen with your products. You've become the Gucci of the outdoor world. Has the company recently changed hands and had some MBAs take over?”

There were just as many fans of the new product however, with several customers showing their support.

“Just ordered mine. I love the YETI products great quality,” one wrote.

“Sensational pans, I have all 3,” another said.

When does it go too far?

While the price point may turn up some noses, there’s no questioning the popularity of the product, which has sold out in the two biggest sizes.

That’s right, the $300 and $375 skillets have both sold out on YETI’s Australian website, making them this year’s most wanted camping item so far.

Knowing just how avid the YETI fandom can be, eBay sellers are capitalising on the brand’s popularity by selling skillets on the auction website for prices that have to be seen to be believed.

This listing has put a jaw dropping $951 price tag on a new 12-inch pan - and you’ll need to pay $210 in shipping costs on top as it’s coming from the US.

The other three listings that appeared at the time of publication were only slightly more affordable, with the cheapest being $672 plus $90 in shipping for a 10-inch skillet. For that money, you would want to lock up a new pan in the caravan under the bed rather than leave it out with the grill at night, that’s for sure.

So, if you happened to score one of the sought-after pans, will you be using it on the campfire or auctioning it off to the highest bidder?

Kidspot has contacted YETI who did not respond at the time of publication.

Originally published as $950 for a pan? Campers outraged after YETI’s new must-have item sells out online