Choosing between HexClad and Made In cookware comes down to a core difference in philosophy: innovation versus tradition. HexClad is known for its patented hybrid cookware that combines non-stick surfaces with stainless steel durability in a single pan. In contrast, Made In focuses on perfecting classic, professional-grade cookware types like 5-ply stainless steel, carbon steel, and traditional non-stick, all sourced from renowned European and American factories.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which premium cookware brand belongs in your kitchen.
HexClad Cookware
HexClad has made a name for itself with a unique approach to cookware, creating a hybrid that aims to deliver the best of both worlds. Its signature laser-etched hexagon pattern creates a surface of stainless steel "peaks" and non-stick "valleys," allowing for great searing while maintaining easy cleanup and scratch resistance.
- What it is: A premium brand of hybrid cookware that merges stainless steel construction with a non-stick surface, best known for its durability and versatility.
- Key features: Patented hexagon-patterned cooking surface, tri-ply construction (aluminum core between two layers of stainless steel), PFOA-free non-stick coating, and safe for metal utensils.
- Price: Premium pricing, with individual pans typically starting at $150 and sets ranging from $300 to over $600.
- Style: Sleek and modern. The distinctive hexagon pattern and polished steel handles create a high-tech, contemporary aesthetic.
- Materials/Construction: Each pan is built with a three-layer construction for even heating, and the cooking surface is a laser-etched stainless steel grid filled with a non-stick coating.
- Pros: Excellent durability and scratch resistance. Easy to clean compared to traditional stainless steel. Versatile enough for searing meats and cooking delicate foods like eggs. Comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Higher price point than many competitors. The non-stick properties are not as completely effortless as a traditional non-stick pan and require a small amount of fat or oil.
This cookware is a great fit for the tech-savvy home cook who wants one versatile pan that can do it all, values extreme durability, and is willing to invest in an innovative, long-lasting product.
Shop this brand: hexclad.com
Made In Cookware
Made In is a direct-to-consumer brand that has quickly earned the respect of professional chefs and serious home cooks. It focuses on producing high-performance, single-material cookware - like 5-ply stainless clad and high-grade carbon steel - by partnering with premier manufacturers in the United States, France, and Italy.
- What it is: Professional-grade cookware specializing in traditional materials, offering separate lines for stainless clad, carbon steel, traditional non-stick, and more.
- Key features: 5-ply stainless steel construction for superior heat control, European-made carbon steel, high-quality PTFE non-stick coatings, and transparent sourcing from historic factories.
- Price: Mid-range to high-end, with individual pans starting around $80-$150 and larger sets costing $300 to $800+.
- Style: Classic and professional. With clean lines and polished finishes, Made In cookware looks and feels like the tools you’d find in a high-end restaurant kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: Products feature multi-ply stainless steel with aluminum cores, French-made carbon steel, and premium non-stick surfaces, focusing on maximizing the performance of each specific material.
- Pros: Exceptional heat conductivity, distribution, and retention in their stainless clad line. Offers excellent value for professional-level quality. Wide variety of pan types for specific cooking tasks.
- Cons: Stainless steel requires proper technique to prevent sticking. Traditional non-stick pans have a shorter lifespan than stainless or carbon steel. The warranty varies by product line and isn't a comprehensive lifetime warranty like HexClad's.
Made In is designed for the culinary enthusiast who appreciates the distinct performance characteristics of different materials and wants restaurant-quality tools at a more accessible price.
Shop this brand: madeincookware.com
HexClad vs. Made In Comparison
Materials & Construction
The core difference between the brands lies here. HexClad uses a tri-ply hybrid construction in every pan, aiming to create an all-in-one solution. The laser-etched steel provides durability and searing capability, while the non-stick coating offers easy release and cleanup.
Made In uses a 5-ply construction for its stainless steel pans, which features more layers of conductive material than HexClad's, resulting in superior control over heat distribution. Their focus isn't on a hybrid solution, but on perfecting the performance of each material, whether it's stainless clad for searing, French carbon steel for a lifetime patina, or a slick non-stick for eggs.
Performance & Versatility
HexClad excels at versatility. It can sear a steak almost as well as stainless steel and release fried eggs almost as well as a non-stick pan. It’s a workhorse for someone who doesn’t want to switch pans often. However, there’s a small learning curve to achieve the best results.
Made In's cookware is designed for precision. Its 5-ply stainless skillets offer incredibly even heating, making them ideal for getting a perfect, edge-to-edge crust on a steak. Its Carbon Steel pans are loved by chefs for their heat retention and ability to develop a natural non-stick seasoning over time. This targeted performance means you get the best possible results for a specific task.
Price & Value
HexClad positions itself firmly in the premium category. You're paying for the patented technology, modern design, and the peace of mind of a lifetime warranty. Their pans are an investment intended to last forever.
Made In generally offers a better price-to-performance ratio. By selling directly to consumers, they provide cookware made in the same factories as elite restaurant brands for a fraction of the cost. While not cheap, a Made In stainless steel skillet often costs less than a comparable HexClad skillet, making it a strong value proposition for those focused purely on build quality and thermal performance.
Style & Aesthetics
Your style preference will heavily influence your choice. HexClad's hexagon pattern is unmistakably modern and will appeal to those who love contemporary design and cutting-edge technology. It's a statement piece.
Made In embodies a classic, professional aesthetic. Its brushed stainless steel and riveted handles are timeless and functional, fitting seamlessly into any kitchen style, from classic to industrial. It’s all about professional, no-frills performance.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands produce excellent cookware, but they serve different types of home chefs with distinct priorities.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want a single, versatile pan designed to handle nearly any cooking task.
- Scratch-resistance and the ability to use metal utensils are important to you.
- You value an easy cleanup process and the peace of mind of a lifetime warranty.
- You have the budget for a premium product and love a modern, high-tech kitchen aesthetic.
Choose Made In if:
- You're a serious home cook who prefers using the right tool for the job (e.g., stainless for searing, non-stick for eggs).
- You prioritize precise, even heat distribution for maximum cooking control.
- You appreciate a classic, professional aesthetic and the craftsmanship story behind your tools.
- You want the best possible professional-grade quality for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between HexClad and Made In?
The primary difference is their core product philosophy. HexClad offers a patented hybrid cookware that combines stainless steel and non-stick properties in one pan. Made In focuses on perfecting traditional, materials-specific cookware with separate lines for exceptional 5-ply stainless steel, carbon steel, and non-stick pans.
Can you use metal utensils on HexClad pans?
Yes, one of HexClad's key selling points is that its unique grid of stainless steel protects the non-stick material in the "valleys," making the surface highly scratch-resistant and safe for use with metal utensils.
Is Made In's non-stick cookware durable?
Made In uses a high-quality, multi-layer PTFE coating on its non-stick pans. While it is durable for its type, it's important to remember that all non-stick coatings have a finite lifespan and require proper care, like avoiding metal utensils and high heat.
Which brand has better heat distribution?
Made In's 5-ply stainless clad construction is specifically engineered for professional-grade heat conduction and evenness. This generally gives it an advantage in precise temperature control over HexClad's tri-ply construction.
Is this cookware oven-safe?
Yes, cookware from both brands is oven-safe. HexClad pans are typically safe up to 500°F. Made In's stainless steel pieces are often safe to 800°F, while their non-stick skillet is limited to 500°F.
Which brand is easier to clean?
HexClad is generally easier to clean than traditional stainless steel due to its hybrid non-stick surface. Properly used, most food releases with minimal effort. While Made In's dedicated non-stick pans are equally easy to clean, their standard stainless steel requires more effort.
Do I need to season HexClad or Made In pans?
HexClad recommends a one-time simple seasoning process before first use. For Made In, their stainless steel and non-stick pans do not need to be seasoned. However, their popular Carbon Steel pans require seasoning and ongoing maintenance to build up a naturally non-stick layer.
Does HexClad offer a lifetime warranty?
Yes, HexClad backs its core cookware products with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects, which is a key part of their value proposition.
Where is Made In cookware manufactured?
Made In is transparent about its sourcing, partnering with specialized, multi-generational factories in the USA (for non-stick), France (for carbon steel and stainless clad), and Italy (for saucepans and stockpots).
Which cookware is a better investment?
This depends on your definition of value. If you value all-in-one versatility and a lifetime warranty, HexClad is a strong investment. If you value best-in-class performance from traditional materials and professional quality at a direct-to-consumer price, Made In offers an incredible return on investment.
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