Made In Cookware Review: Battle-Tested Premium Pots & Pans Worth Buying?

As a home cook who takes pride in trying the latest innovations in my kitchen, I‘ve tested everything from bargain-bin pans to premium ceramic-coated cookware over my 15+ years cooking for friends and family.

But once I tried Made In‘s commercial-grade stainless steel cookware at a family member‘s house, I realized aluminum and ceramic don‘t hold a candle to hardworking steel and carbon steel. Now after nearly 5 years of almost daily usage across Made In‘s frying pans, sauce pots, sauté pans and more – as well as putting their knives through the wringer on meat, veggies, and crusty loaves of bread – I can definitively say their products earn their keep.

Sure Made In commands premium price points, with frying pans starting at $65. But when it comes to heirloom-quality cookware engineered to last decades, not years, Made In delivers professional performance for hundreds less than the overpriced giants.

In this exhaustive cookware review, I’ll share my hands-on experiences with some of Made In’s most popular best-sellers. You’ll discover what makes their pots, pans and knives stand apart, from the patented 5-layer construction that Made In pioneered to their American-made craftsmanship.

I’ll also showcase stunning meals and recipes that the Made In products Excel at, and compare their performance head-to-head against favorites like All-Clad. Consider this your consumer guide to evaluating if Made In earns a permanent spot on your stovetop or wedding registry menu.

Let’s get cooking!

Brand Overview: American Craftsmanship Meets Commercial Grade Durability

Before reviewing individual products, let me showcase why so many home cooks adore this company‘s frying pans and cutlery collections after testing them personally.

For starters, Made In utilizes commercial-grade metals far exceeding run-of-the-mill cookware brands focused on the mass market. We‘re talking surgical-grade stainless steel sourced stateside before getting formed and welded entirely by hand into gorgeous 5-ply cookware right in their Austin, TX headquarters.

Every pan then undergoes a patent-pending "tempering" process called Fahrenheit Technology to optimize heat conductivity from the base up through the walls.
Stovetop to oven easy flexibility up to a blistering 900+ degrees Fahrenheit means I can sear peppercorn tuna steaks on high then roast root veggies without missing a beat.
The American-forged stainless steel even boasts up to 6x higher thermal conductivity versus cheap import options, delivering consistent results I can depend on.

Beyond stainless, Made In‘s carbon steel line charms with its natural patina seasoning that just gets better with age. Heating and cooling faster than cast iron while weighing nearly half as much, the Made In carbon steel pans offer complete versatility across the cooking spectrum. From frying crispy over-easy eggs for breakfast to hosting an elegant Braised Short Rib dinner party entrée the guests can’t stop raving about.

And with precision-honed knives crafted from a single metal ingot to limit weak points before sharpening and polishing entirely by hand, no detail gets overlooked.

Simply said – this exceptional level of quality and durability justifies why so many professional chefs covet Made In. Now home cooks like us get commercial-grade power and precision at accessible prices.

Next I‘ll share why their flagship frying pan and saucier collections stole my heart – and stomach!

Review of Made In 12” Stainless Steel Frying Pan & 3 Qt Saucier Pan

My first Made In pieces – the 12” Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan and matching slim 3 Qt Saucier Pan – quickly became my kitchen workhorses once I experienced their heat mastery in action.

While the frying pan‘s 3 layers of surgical-grade stainless steel distribute heat evenly whether I’m stir-frying veggies on high heat or slowly braising short ribs low and slow, the saucier’s curved walls and rim make crafting velvety reductions and pan sauces magical.

Let me share a bit about what makes both of these Made In gems so special in my kitchen.

The Commercial-Grade 12” Stainless Steel Frying Pan offers exceptional precision across the cooking spectrum thanks to several clever design elements:

The extra depth + gently sloped walls provide a surprising 12” cooking surface. Perfect for hosting dinner parties since I can sear up to 6 pork chops with room to flip and rotate.
5-Layers with an brushed aluminum core encases by durable stainless steel translates fast, even heating whether I’m frying eggs or charring peppers on max fire. No annoying hot spots!
An ergonomic handle stays cool while I cook thanks to the brushed stainless steel and extended length. Combined with the light 3 lb. weight even when loaded with ingredients, maneuvering feels effortless.
Stainless steel composition means it transitions from stovetop to oven up to 800 degrees for added flexibility. I‘ll often sear chicken or salmon fillets before adding veggies and popping into the oven 15 minutes to roast everything together.

After nearly 5 years including many dinner parties and holiday feasts worth of use, it still looks shiny and new despite my tendency to cram it full of ingredients! Can’t beat that performance given the reasonable $140 price tag.

Now onto my trusted sauce and gravy wizard…

The Made In 3 Qt Saucier Pan proves indispensable anytime I‘m creating pan sauces from fond, boiling pasta, crafting risottos and gravies, or preparing curries and braised meat dishes needing ample liquid.

Here‘s why I reach for this slim beauty at least 2-3 times per week:

The curved walls and edges prevent ingredients from getting stuck in corners, making whisking smooth pan sauces or folding risotto a breeze
Equally handy for boiling pasta, blanching vegetables, even steaming seafood thanks to the included lid
Pour spouts integrated into the rim means I don’t dirty extra ladles or risk spilling when moving liquid contents
Sauteing onions or frying meat before deglazing offers incredible fond from the sauté pan-esque base
Weighing only 2.4 lbs due to the brushed aluminum core yet still oven safe up to 500 degrees, I get superb maneuverability

I‘d pay triple for these capabilities yet it‘s priced at only $115. Worth every penny and so versatile!

For home cooks wanting commercial-grade stainless steel cookware without commercial pricing, Made In sets the benchmark. Next I’ll share how their knife and cookware sets compare.

Made In Knife Sets + Cookware Bundles Review

Let’s explore two more Made In best-sellers that I‘ve adopted into heavy kitchen rotation – the Essentials Knife Set and 5-Piece Cookware Set.

The Made In Essentials Knife Set provides every blade I need from dicing onions and mincing garlic to slicing juicy roasts, chopping vegetables, and all prep tasks in between:

8” Chef’s Knife – My new go-to for uniform dices, chops and slices. Rocking motion feels intuitive with the rounded bottom yet still excels on herbs with the straight back half.
5.5” Utility Knife – Perfect for mincing shallots or precise knife work when cheffing it up. Comfortable in either a pinch grip or proper hold.
3.5” Paring Knife – Ideal for delicate tasks like deveining shrimp, slicing tender strawberries, trimming vegetables. Love the control.
6” Serrated Knife – Cuts through crusty loaves and tender tomatoes without squishing. Scalloped edge is super sharp.
Acacia Wood Shears – These kitchen shears slice meat off the bone and trim fish flawlessly. Shears nest for storage.

At $395 for the 5-piece set, I expected quality and wasn’t disappointed. The full-tang triple riveted handles provide the ideal ergonomic grip without tiring my hands even after extended use.

Chops come out perfectly uniform thanks to the tapered blade tapering into a spine – just the right thickness to support the ultra sharp edge yet still nimble. Rocking or straight cuts both feel intuitive.

And the gorgeous acacia shears cut parchment paper without issue, ideal for slicing up whole chickens or pork shoulder.

For the money I can’t imagine finding better quality and performance knives that I know will last decades.

The Made In 5-Piece Cookware Set offers the core must-have pans and pot for most home kitchens:

10” Stainless Steel Frying Pan
12” Carbon Steel Frying Pan – my newest obsession for weekend pancake breakfasts!
1.5 Qt Sauce Pan w/ Lid – ideal size for boiling vegetables, heating sauces, and preparing grains
5 Qt Saute Pan w/ Lid – extra depth to handle braises, paella, soups and more
8 Qt Stock Pot w/ Lid – expansive enough for pasta, stocks, even cook multiple lobster

I adore this set because between the tri-ply stainless steel and natural carbon steel pans combined with the slim sauce pan and deep saute pan, I can cook almost any recipe imaginable either stovetop or oven.

And the expansive stock pot with sturdy handles lets me boil pasta, seafood or make bone broth in bulk for freezing.

For only $795 instead of the $1,055 it would cost to buy separately, this set delivers commercial capability that meets all my cooking needs. I utilize every piece multiple times per week without fail.

While Made In commands premium prices, the decades of usage I’ve enjoyed proves worthwhile. Their expansive frying pan options, must-have saucier, impeccably sharp knives, and high value cookware sets earn my recommendation for upgrading your own meal preparation.

Next I’ll compare my experiences against other premium brands before addressing common questions asked by home cooks.

How Does Made In Cookware Compare: All-Clad vs. Made In Showdown

While researching the best cookware to invest in years back, All-Clad kept appearing alongside Made In as a premium brand built to last. After browsing options from both, I decided to pit them head to head by purchasing All-Clad’s 12” fry pan alongside Made In’s.

Here’s how the core specs and performance compared after 6 months of near equal testing:

||Made In 12” Frying Pan | All-Clad 12” Fry Pan |
|-|:-:|:-:|
|Materials | 5-Layer (Aluminum Core)| 3-Layer (Stainless Only) |
|Thickness| 4.5mm | 4mm |
|Cooking Surface | 12 Inch | 10 Inch |
|Weight | 4 lbs| 6 lbs |
|Handle | Contoured Stainless | Contoured Stainless |
|Oven Safe Temp| 800 F| 600 F |
|Dishwasher Safe | Yes | No |
|Price | $160 | $200 |
|Cooking Performance | More responsive heat, higher searing temp | Slightly less even heating |
|Cleaning Ease | As easy as stainless gets | Not bad but polish fades |
|Handle Comfort | Very comfortable | Comfortable but heavier |
|Balance When Full | Excellent | Slightly bottom heavy |
|Verdict | Clear winner to me! | Still very good |

As you can see, while All-Clad makes exceptional cookware, I give the edge to Made In for bringing innovative 5-layer construction with an aluminum core leading to quicker, more even heating and temperature control.

The made In felt lighter in hand yet with ample 4.5mm thickness to retain heat beautifully. And being oven safe to 800 F gives me more flexibility still when roasting.

Considering Made In costs 20% less than the All Clad for superior cooking and maintenance, for my dollar they offer better value. But home chefs can‘t go wrong with either brand when investing in your kitchen.

Common Made In Cookware Questions from Home Cooks

I‘ll wrap up this review by addressing what I‘ve found to be the most common questions home cooks have around Made In‘s luxury line of stainless steel and carbon steel cookware:

Are Made In pans oven safe?

Yes the stainless steel pans and skillets can handle up to 800 – 900 F depending on specific item. But know the handles will get hot in oven so wear mitts removing them.

Can Made In pans go in the dishwasher?

While I prefer to hand wash my cookware, Made In stainless and carbon steel are dishwasher safe. I‘d skip the harsh soaps though and always hand dry them thoroughly after to prevent surface rust.

How should you clean Made In stainless steel pans?

While you can pop them in the dishwasher, hand washing with warm soapy water and a soft sponge ensures the polished cooking surface stays pristine for decades. Barkeeper‘s Friend also shines them up beautifully.

Does Made In offer sales or discounts?

As a premium brand they don‘t offer seasonal sales, but I have seen them run limited promos like 10% off your first order for signing up to their email distribution list.

Can Made In pans work on induction ranges?

Yes their stainless steel and carbon steel pans/pots work on all stove types including induction. But not their nonstick collection.

How long does Made In cookware last?

With proper care I don‘t see why their pans wouldn‘t last 30+ years. The company stands behind them with a lifetime warranty should anything happen. But no signs of wear on mine so far!

What are Made In pans made of?

It depends on the exact pan, but mostly either commercial grade 304 stainless steel for their clad cookware, or raw carbon steel similar to cast iron without the extra weight.

Is Made In worth the money?

For cooks serious about having professional-caliber pots, pans and knives without paying commercial prices, Made In delivers commercial durability for hundreds less. Their American made craftsmanship shows in everyday performance that will last decades.

The Verdict: My Honest Made In Cookware Review

If you can‘t tell yet, I am thoroughly impressed by Made In Cookware after nearly 5 years relying on their frying pans, sauce pots, stock pots, knives and more several times a week.

Their innovating 5-layer stainless steel cookware technology creates a responsive cooking experience unmatched in my opinion. Breezing from simmering sauces to screaming hot sears keeps meal preparation exciting!

And the natural seasoning their raw carbon steel develops over time imparts a nonstick slickness perfect for weekend pancake breakfasts. Yet still sears steaks with beautiful fond too.

When it comes to Made In‘s cutlery, simply said everything feels exquisitely crafted. From the full tang knife blades tapered precisely for their intended uses, to the ergonomic handles minimizing fatigue. Precise cuts makes chopping herbs and dicing veggies almost cathartic!

Have questions about whether Made In‘s commercial style cookware deserves a spot in your arsenal? Leave a comment below and I‘m happy to offer my first-hand advice!

And if you manage to catch one of their limited promos, you can stock your kitchen with heirloom-quality pots, pans and knives that I promise bring joy for decades to come.

Happy cooking my friend!