Elevate Your Culinary Journey: A Guide to MADEIN Cookware

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to review Made In cookware. This brand-new line of cookware was launched in September 2017 and what sets it apart is that it is designed, sourced, and manufactured right here in the USA!

Over the years, many of my readers have asked me to recommend American-made cookware, and until now, I only knew of All Clad. However, All Clad comes with a hefty price tag that not everyone can afford, and I was unaware of any affordable yet high-quality alternatives.

Enter Made In cookware.

When this young company approached me to review their cookware lineup, I was eager to do so. I am impressed by their mission to provide consumers with high-quality cookware that is made in America, all at an affordable price point.

And do they deliver on this promise?

Absolutely!

Not only that, but they also bring a fresh and exciting approach to the kitchen.

As one of the co-founders puts it, their goal is to "shake up the sleepy cookware industry."

Now, let's dive into this review and discover what Made In cookware is all about.

Please note that some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase Made In products through my link, I will receive a small referral fee, which helps support this website. However, I want to assure you that this does not impact my review. I am genuinely excited to introduce this innovative company and their products to my readers, especially those who have been searching for American-made cookware.

WHAT IS THE PRODUCT LINE UP FOR MADE IN COOKWARE?

Made In cookware provides a range of options for customers, including pre-made sets and individual selections. While they offer 'kits', their emphasis is on allowing consumers to customize their own cookware set.

Personally, I have accumulated unnecessary pieces of cookware because they were included in a set. Therefore, I appreciate Made In's modular approach.

Currently, Made In offers a variety of products, such as stainless steel fry pans in sizes of 8", 10", and 12", as well as nonstick fry pans in the same sizes. They also have a 4 Qt stainless steel sauté pan, 2 Qt and 3 Qt stainless steel sauce pans, and 5 Qt and 8 Qt stainless steel stock pots.

If you prefer a pre-made stainless steel set, Made In has curated selections that cater to your needs. They offer The 6-piece (formerly The Starter), The 10-piece (formerly the Sous Chef), and The 13-piece (formerly, the Executive Chef) sets.

In 2024, Made In expanded their product range to include Carbon Steel Sets, Non Stick Sets, Enameled Cast Iron, and some Copper items. Additionally, they have a separate collection for bakeware and knives.

This review primarily focuses on Made In's stainless steel collection.

WHAT ABOUT THE LIDS? IS THERE ONE FOR EACH PAN?

It has always puzzled me why cookware manufacturers fail to provide clear information about which lids are compatible with which pans, pots, or fry pans. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing cookware. However, there is one exception to this trend - Made In cookware.

What sets Made In apart is their optional add-on lids. You have the choice to purchase a lid or not, and the price is adjusted accordingly. Remarkably, the company sells these lids at cost without any additional markup, which is highly unusual in the industry.

But what truly won me over is their dedicated section on their website solely for lids. Here, they explicitly state which lids are compatible with each pan and even provide information on interchangeability. Gone are the days of searching for this crucial information and taking a guess at what might work.

Upon exploring their lid lineup, I discovered that they offer lids for all their pans and pots, with the exception of the 8" and 12" fry pans.

Furthermore, these lids are crafted from solid, rust-proof stainless steel and fit snugly on the cookware without creating a vacuum seal.

WHAT IS MADE IN COOKWARE MADE OF?

Made in Cookware is a top-quality stainless steel cookware that boasts 5 layers of metal, including a premium aluminum core. Ply refers to the layers of different metals that are bonded together, and in this case, the layers run throughout the cookware, not just on the base. This makes Made in Cookware a premium choice compared to cookware that only has aluminum on the base. The inner and outermost layers of Made in Cookware are made of high-grade American stainless steel, while the 3 thick layers of premium aluminum are sandwiched in between. Additionally, the innermost aluminum layer has unique properties that enhance the overall structural strength of the cookware.

HOW DO I KNOW ITS GOOD QUALITY?

This topic is extensively covered in the article "Buying Stainless Steel Cookware? Read This First." In order to assess the quality of stainless steel cookware, there are three key factors to consider (without the need for calipers):

1. Stainless steel grade: Made In Cookware utilizes high-grade American Stainless Steel. The inner layer, which comes into contact with the food, is made of 18/10 304 series stainless steel. This type of stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion, and it doesn't easily warp. The outermost layer is made of magnetic stainless steel, making the pans compatible with induction cooktops.

2. Weight of the pot: One noticeable feature of Made In Cookware pans is their substantial weight. These pans have a solid and balanced feel when held. While they are not excessively heavy like cast iron, their weight indicates quality. The use of more metal in their production makes them more expensive to manufacture. Additionally, the heavier weight reduces the likelihood of warping and ensures more even heating without hot spots. Furthermore, the fact that these pans are made entirely in America, from sourcing to finishing, adds to their quality. America is renowned for its premium metals and craftsmanship.

3. Core material: Stainless steel alone is not a good conductor of heat, so an additional metal layer is necessary to enhance heat conductivity. The performance of a stainless steel pan depends on how effectively it spreads heat across the cooking surface without creating hot spots. This, in turn, relies on the thickness of the middle layer. Made In Cookware incorporates three layers of thick aluminum between the outer stainless steel layers. This design ensures quick and even heat distribution, eliminating hot spots in the pan.

So far, it seems promising. However, considering its American origin and high-quality 5-ply construction, it might come with a hefty price tag.

HOW EXPENSIVE IS IT ?

Made in Cookware has an innovative business model that allows them to deliver their products directly to consumers. This means that there are no middlemen involved, which keeps the costs low and the quality high. By cutting out the middleman, Made in Cookware is able to offer premium quality cookware at affordable prices. They have a helpful diagram that shows how they can provide a premium pan for only $69, while a comparable pan would cost $150 at retail.

While $69 may seem expensive for a single pan, it's important to note that Made in Cookware's products are comparable to All Clad and are made with high-quality metals. They are designed, sourced, and manufactured in America, ensuring that they are built to last a lifetime. As I always say in my Buyer Guide, it's important to buy the best cookware that you can afford, especially when it comes to products that are designed to last a lifetime.

Overall, Made in Cookware's business model is a game changer for American-made premium cookware. It's now possible to get high-quality cookware at a more affordable price, making it a great alternative for anyone looking for an All Clad alternative.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

It is often said that one cannot judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to cookware, I have a different opinion. High-quality cookware is expected to have an exquisite appearance due to the superior craftsmanship and the use of premium metals.

Made In cookware perfectly exemplifies this notion. Their pots and pans are not meant to be concealed in a cabinet, as stated on their website. The cookware features a brushed finish, achieved through a meticulous process of polishing and brushing.

According to the company, this additional step results in a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing brushed product.

Moreover, this industrial-chic finish also serves the purpose of concealing any scratches or thumbprints, providing an added bonus.

WHAT ABOUT THE HANDLES? 

The pans' handles provide an exceptional level of security and comfort. Made of stainless steel with a sleek design, they are firmly attached to the pans through rivets. According to the company, the long handles on the sauce pans, fry pans, and sauté pan are specifically designed to remain cool even when the pan is hot. To verify this claim, I conducted a test by boiling water in a saucepan and allowing it to simmer on medium heat for an hour. Remarkably, the handle remained cool to the touch throughout the entire duration.

WE PUT IT TO THE TEST!

8 QT Stock pot

Pot test: I put the stock pot to the test by making beef stew and was impressed with how quickly it heated up. The helper handles also remained cool to the touch, eliminating the need for pot holders.

Simmering success: I left the stew to simmer for an hour on the lowest setting and was pleased to find that it didn't require any stirring. This is in contrast to my other stainless steel pots which need a higher heat setting for simmering.

Efficient heat distribution: The Made In pot's ability to conduct heat evenly and efficiently is a testament to the quality and thickness of its aluminum layers.

Easy cleaning: Cleaning the pot was a breeze. After letting it soak for a few minutes, I used a soft foam sponge with soap to clean it effortlessly.

Heat stains: Upon air-drying the pot, I noticed some rainbow stains at the bottom.

These marks, commonly referred to as heat stains, typically appear when a pan is subjected to excessive heat (although I cannot confirm any wrongdoing on my part!). However, it has been reported that readers have experienced these stains even at lower heat settings. 

In my personal experience, all stainless steel products, whether they are high-end brands like All Clad or more affordable options like T-fal, eventually develop these stains. I have provided a detailed explanation of why this occurs in my article "6 Stains on Stainless Steel" for those who are interested. Ultimately, these stains are insignificant and tend to fade with continued use. They only affect the appearance of the cookware.

Normally, I wouldn't pay much attention to these stains, but it gave me an opportunity to test out the Made in Cookware Stainless Steel cleaner, which is marketed as "Make It Like New!".

Following the instructions provided with the cleaner, I moistened the base of the pot and sprinkled the cleaning powder over it. Using a soft sponge, I gently scrubbed the pot, then washed and dried it. The end result was quite impressive.

If you are dealing with rainbow-like heat tints on your stainless steel cookware, you can also try using lemon juice or vinegar. Alternatively, you can simply wait for the next round of cooking, as chances are the stains will disappear on their own.

NONSTICK ON STEROIDS?

Made In Cookware offers a range of nonstick fry pans in three different sizes. These pans are designed with a PFOA-free and PTFE-based nonstick coating, similar to Teflon. What sets these pans apart are their remarkable features:

Unlike most non-stick pans that have only 1 or 2 layers of nonstick coating, Made In's fry pans are coated with 3 layers of the highest quality nonstick formulation made in the USA.

Through rigorous in-house testing, the company has proven that their pans are 10 times more durable than other brands tested, making them the most long-lasting option available in the market.

With a safe temperature limit of 660°F, these pans can withstand higher heat compared to even the most expensive nonstick pans, which are typically limited to 500°F. This ensures that there is minimal risk of overheating, fumes, or damage to the coating.

Furthermore, Made In's nonstick coating is highly scratch-resistant, making it safe to use with metal utensils. However, it is still advisable to use wooden or silicone utensils to prolong the lifespan of any nonstick pan.

Overall, Made In Cookware's nonstick fry pans offer exceptional durability, heat resistance, and scratch resistance, making them a reliable choice for any cooking enthusiast.

We put it to the ‘Egg Test’!

Typically, I don't mind lightly brushing butter or oil onto my regular non-stick pans before adding eggs. However, the company recommends using this pan without any oil, butter, or spray.

So, I followed their instructions.

Please excuse the quality of the photo, as it was taken early on a Saturday morning before I had my coffee. But here's a picture of the eggs effortlessly sliding out of the pan.

According to the company, the non-stick coating will endure. Only time will tell, but all indications suggest that it will.

*Update Nov 2019: I have been regularly using this 12" non-stick pan (approximately 4-5 times a week) for over 2 years now, and it is still in excellent condition. Yes, there are signs of wear from daily use, and there are fine lines in the non-stick layer (which is inevitable in any non-stick pan over time), despite only using plastic or wooden utensils and a soft sponge for cleaning. However, the non-stick coating remains intact, the pan continues to perform well, and crepes and eggs still effortlessly slide off. I have no complaints whatsoever!

CAN MADE IN COOKWARE PANS BE USED IN THE OVEN?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to use Yes Made In cookware in the oven. This applies to all their products, including the non-stick coated fry pans, which can withstand temperatures of up to 500 F in the oven.

WHAT ABOUT THE BROILER?

Made In cookware is designed to be broiler safe, including our non-stick pans that can withstand temperatures up to 500 F. However, it is not recommended to use any non-stick pans under a broiler as it goes against their intended use and may potentially reduce their lifespan.

ARE THEY DISHWASHER SAFE?

Although all the cookware, including the non-stick pans, can be washed in the dishwasher, I recommend hand washing them. The pans I tried were effortless to clean, and I wouldn't want to expose them to the harsh conditions of a dishwasher.

CAN THE POTS BE USED WITH INDUCTION COOK TOPS?

This cookware is ready to be used on an induction cooktop as it is made with a high-quality magnetic stainless steel outer layer.

IS THERE ANY WARRANTY?

Made in cookware provides a lifetime factory guarantee for any manufacturing flaws, ensuring the highest quality standards. Additionally, they go above and beyond by offering a 45-day no-risk home trial, demonstrating their confidence in the exceptional craftsmanship and performance of their products.

I asked the company to explain what this means.  In their own words:

This is a 45 day no questions asked return policy. So if they don’t like the cookware, they can return it back to us and we’ll pay for return shipping from 45 days of the date of purchase. It is definitely the best return policy in the cookware industry.

~Chip Malt, CEO & Co-founder, Made In Cookware

ANY NEGATIVES WITH MADE IN COOKWARE?

In this review of Made In cookware, I have been thoroughly impressed with their product offerings. The quality of their products, the appeal of being made in America, and their commitment to customer satisfaction through a 45-day risk-free trial and lifetime warranty are all commendable.

However, one minor drawback I noticed was the absence of lids for the 8" and 12" fry pans. While this may not be a deal breaker as most fry pans do not come with lids, I decided to reach out to the company for clarification. To my delight, I discovered that they are already working on developing a lid for the 12" pan, although they have not provided a specific timeline for its release.

Update 2024: I am pleased to share that the company now offers two Universal lid options, featuring a silicone exterior and a stainless steel interior. One lid is designed for pots and pans, while the other is specifically tailored for fry pans. This innovative solution sets Made In apart from other cookware companies.

And there you have it. I believe I am prepared to deliver my ultimate judgment in this review of Made In cookware.

AND THE VERDICT IS…?

The Cookware Advisor highly recommends purchasing Made In cookware. They excel in meeting all the requirements for top-notch cookware and are dedicated to providing high-quality premium cookware that is manufactured in America, all at a reasonable price.

WHERE CAN I BUY MADE IN COOKWARE?

Made In cookware is available for purchase on their official website, as well as on Amazon (#ad). They do not distribute their products to physical stores or shelves, as they operate on a Direct to Customer business model. This allows them to reduce costs and offer you the best possible prices.

Made In cookware currently ships to US and Canada.