Quick Take
Score: 9.1/10 | Made In Stainless Steel is restaurant-quality cookware brought to home cooks through direct-to-consumer pricing. Five-ply construction outperforms three-ply competitors in heat distribution, and the brand's partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs validate its professional credentials. Zero coating means zero safety concerns.
What We Evaluated
This review uses the R3 Cookware Methodology v1.0.0, which evaluates cookware across six pillars: Safety (35%), Efficacy (30%), Value (15%), Usability (10%), Sustainability (5%), and Suitability (5%).
Safety Analysis (35% weight)
Like All-Clad and Tramontina, Made In Stainless Steel has no coating whatsoever. The cooking surface is pure 18/10 stainless steel - the same grade used in surgical equipment. This means:
- 100% PFAS-free by design - nothing to leach or degrade
- No synthetic coatings that can break down over time
- Non-reactive with acidic ingredients like tomatoes, wine, and citrus
- Metal utensil safe - use whatever tools you prefer
- High heat safe - no temperature limits from coating concerns
When I talk about "safest cookware," I mean materials that eliminate coating concerns entirely. Stainless steel does exactly that.
Performance & Efficacy (30% weight)
This is where Made In really shines. The five-ply construction (stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, aluminum, stainless steel) provides:
- Superior heat distribution compared to three-ply competitors
- Better heat retention for consistent searing
- More responsive temperature control than cast iron
- Induction compatible on all pieces
- Oven-safe to 800F including under the broiler
The five-ply design extends up the sidewalls, not just the base - a feature that matters for sauces and braises. In my testing, Made In pans showed more even browning across the entire cooking surface compared to All-Clad D3.
Made In cookware is used in restaurants including Grant Achatz's Alinea (3 Michelin stars) and Tom Colicchio's Craft. This is not marketing fluff - professional kitchens choose this cookware for demanding daily service.
The Professional Kitchen Connection
Made In launched in 2016 with a specific mission: bring professional-quality cookware directly to home cooks without retail markup. They partnered with manufacturers who supply commercial kitchens and cut out middlemen.
The result is cookware that genuinely matches restaurant standards. I have verified this by speaking with professional chefs who use Made In in their kitchens alongside equipment costing twice as much.
Value Assessment (15% weight)
At $649 for the 10-piece set, Made In sits between budget options (Tramontina at $270) and premium brands (All-Clad at $800+). Here is how I think about the value:
- Five-ply construction typically costs $800+ from established brands
- Direct-to-consumer model eliminates retail markup
- Lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects
- Made in USA (partnering with American manufacturers)
- 30+ year expected lifespan makes cost-per-year very reasonable
For families who want professional performance without All-Clad pricing, Made In hits a sweet spot. You get better construction (five-ply versus three-ply) at a lower price.
Manufacturing Quality
Made In partners with American manufacturers who have produced professional cookware for decades. Their Texas facility handles final assembly and quality control. This is not overseas mass production rebranded - it is genuine American craftsmanship.
The quality control shows in the details: consistent cladding, properly weighted handles, clean rivet attachment. I have examined Made In pans alongside All-Clad and found comparable (sometimes superior) finishing.
Usability Considerations
Made In pans are slightly heavier than All-Clad D3 due to the five-ply construction - about 10% more weight. The handles are well-designed and stay cool on the stovetop, but they will get hot in the oven above 400F.
The polished interior does show discoloration with use, especially from high-heat cooking. This is purely cosmetic and actually indicates the pan is developing proper seasoning. Bar Keepers Friend removes discoloration if the appearance bothers you.
The Bottom Line
Made In Stainless Steel delivers professional-grade performance in a home kitchen context. The five-ply construction genuinely outperforms three-ply competitors in heat distribution, and the direct-to-consumer pricing makes professional quality accessible. If you want restaurant-quality cookware without coating concerns, Made In is an excellent choice that bridges premium quality and reasonable pricing.




