The primary difference between Made In and HexClad cookware lies in their core materials and philosophy. Made In focuses on professional-grade, US-made cookware using traditional high-performance materials like multi-ply stainless steel and carbon steel, targeting serious home chefs. HexClad, on the other hand, is built around an innovative hybrid technology that combines stainless steel durability with non-stick convenience in a single pan, appealing to cooks who prioritize versatility and easy maintenance.
Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you choose the right cookware brand for your kitchen needs.
Made In Cookware
Made In is a premium direct-to-consumer brand that offers professional-quality cookware designed for home kitchens and restaurants. With a strong emphasis on American manufacturing and high-grade materials, Made In brings durability, performance, and a classic, minimalist aesthetic to an audience that's serious about cooking.
- What it is: Professional-grade cookware crafted from premium materials, including multi-ply stainless steel and carbon steel.
- Key features: Multi-ply construction for even heat distribution, stay-cool handles, made in the USA and Europe, lifetime warranties.
- Price: Mid-to-high range, frying pans begin around $100, with comprehensive sets often exceeding $500.
- Style: Sleek, timeless, and minimalist with a professional appearance defined by polished stainless steel and clean lines.
- Materials/Construction: High-grade stainless steel with an aluminum core for excellent heat control, alongside options in carbon steel and traditional non-stick surfaces.
- Pros: Exceptional heat retention and distribution, extremely durable construction built for longevity, made in the USA, a trusted choice among professional chefs.
- Cons: Generally more expensive, stainless steel requires proper technique to prevent sticking, and the cookware can be heavy.
This brand is ideal for dedicated home cooks and culinary enthusiasts who value professional-level performance and are willing to invest in American-made quality that lasts a lifetime.
Shop this brand: madeincookware.com
HexClad Cookware
HexClad has made a name for itself with its unique hybrid cookware that merges the best attributes of stainless steel and non-stick. The cooking surface features a patented, laser-etched hexagon pattern that provides the durability and searing power of steel with the easy release and cleanup of a high-quality non-stick pan.
- What it is: Innovative hybrid cookware combining a stainless steel structure with a non-stick surface.
- Key features: Patented hexagon design, metal utensil safe, scratch-resistant, dishwasher safe, PFOA-free non-stick, oven-safe up to 500°F.
- Price: Mid-range, individual pans often start around $150, with sets ranging from $300 to $500.
- Style: Modern and tech-forward, with a distinctive black and silver hexagon pattern on the cooking surface.
- Materials/Construction: Tri-ply construction (aluminum core between two layers of stainless steel) with a laser-etched non-stick coating. Made in China.
- Pros: Excellent balance of searing power and non-stick performance, extremely easy to clean, highly resistant to scratches from metal utensils, versatile for various cooking styles.
- Cons: A hybrid surface may not sear quite as deeply as pure stainless steel, manufactured in China, premium price for a non-stick product.
HexClad is designed for everyday home cooks who want fuss-free, durable, and versatile cookware that can stand up to heavy use without sacrificing the convenience of a non-stick surface.
Shop this brand: hexclad.com
Made In vs. HexClad Comparison
Materials & Construction
Made In builds its reputation on its 5-ply stainless clad cookware, which features multiple layers of stainless steel and aluminum. This construction provides superb heat conduction, distribution, and control, making it a favorite in demanding professional kitchens. Their focus on US and European manufacturing highlights their commitment to quality sourcing and craftsmanship.
HexClad’s tri-ply construction is also high quality, but its defining feature is the hybrid surface. Stainless steel "peaks" protect the non-stick coating in the "valleys," allowing you to get a good sear while food releases easily. This technology, while effective, means the product is fundamentally a non-stick pan, though one of the most durable available.
Durability & Performance
When it comes to pure longevity, high-quality stainless steel like that from Made In will last virtually forever with proper care. It excels at searing meat, developing fond for pan sauces, and precise temperature control. However, it has a steeper learning curve for managing heat to prevent food from sticking.
HexClad offers outstanding everyday durability. It is scratch-resistant, allowing for the use of metal utensils, which would ruin a traditional non-stick pan. It offers a great non-stick release and is far more forgiving for beginners. Its searing capability is impressive for a non-stick product, though it may not achieve the exact same crust as a pure stainless steel or carbon steel pan from a brand like Made In.
Style & Aesthetics
The two brands present very different visual identities. Made In embodies a classic, minimalist kitchen aesthetic. Its polished, hand-finished stainless steel looks professional, timeless, and sophisticated. It’s a design that feels right at home in a high-end restaurant or a modern scullery kitchen.
HexClad has a distinctively modern, almost futuristic look. The geometric hexagon pattern is instantly recognizable and signals the tech-forward nature of the product. This makes it a statement piece for cooks who appreciate contemporary industrial design and innovative visible technology.
Price & Value
Both brands sit in the premium cookware segment, but their value propositions differ. Made In’s price is justified by its professional-grade construction, superior materials, and American manufacturing. You are paying for a "buy it for life" product that excels at classic cooking techniques.
HexClad's price reflects its patented technology and versatile performance. The value comes from getting the benefits of two types of pans in one, coupled with extreme durability for a non-stick product and ease of maintenance (e.g., being dishwasher safe).
Who Each Brand Works Best For
Made In ultimately targets a high-performance user. If you are passionate about developing deep sears on steaks, building complex pan sauces, and mastering heat control, Made In's stainless clad collection is built for you. It's for the purist who sees cookware as a long-term investment in their culinary craft and values traditional materials and domestic manufacturing.
HexClad is perfect for the ambitious and busy home cook who wants excellent results without the fuss. If your priorities are easy cleanup, the ability to cook delicate items like eggs and hearty steaks in the same pan, and rugged day-to-day usability, HexClad’s innovative, low-maintenance design is a fantastic fit.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent brands that deliver on their promises, but they excel in different areas for different types of cooks.
Choose Made In if:
- You prioritize the highest level of heat control and searing performance.
- You want professional-grade cookware that is made in the USA or Europe.
- You appreciate a timeless, classic kitchen aesthetic.
- You are investing in a "buy it for life" cookware set and are willing to care for stainless steel.
Choose HexClad if:
- Your top priorities are easy cleaning and low-maintenance convenience.
- You want a durable pan where you can confidently use metal utensils.
- You need a versatile, all-in-one pan for a wide range of recipes.
- You prefer the convenience of a dishwasher-safe product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Made In and HexClad?
The main difference is the cooking surface. Made In specializes in traditional materials like 5-ply stainless steel and carbon steel for maximum performance and heat control. HexClad's entire brand is based on its patented hybrid technology that puts a non-stick coating in the valleys of a stainless steel hexagon pattern for combined durability and easy release.
Is HexClad truly scratch-proof?
HexClad is highly scratch-resistant, not completely scratch-proof. The stainless steel latticework protects the non-stick coating below from most damage, making it safe for metal spatulas and whisks. However, very sharp implements like knives or aggressive scraping could potentially cause damage.
Is Made In cookware oven-safe?
Yes, Made In's stainless steel cookware is oven-safe up to 800°F, and their non-stick pans are typically oven-safe up to 500°F, making them very versatile for recipes that go from stovetop to oven.
Which brand is better for professional chefs?
While HexClad is used in some professional settings, Made In is far more common in professional kitchens. Most chefs prefer the heat control, durability, and pan-sauce-building capabilities of traditional stainless steel or carbon steel cookware.
Where are Made In and HexClad pans made?
Made In's cookware is manufactured in the United States, France, and Italy, depending on the product line. HexClad cookware is designed in Los Angeles and is manufactured in China at a dedicated, high-end facility.
Can you use metal utensils on Made In pans?
You can use metal utensils on Made In's stainless steel and carbon steel cookware, as they are very durable. However, you should never use metal on their traditional Eterna non-stick coated pans to avoid scratching the surface.
Is HexClad cookware dishwasher safe?
Yes, all HexClad pans are dishwasher safe, which is a major selling point for those who prioritize easy cleanup. However, hand washing is often recommended for any premium cookware to extend its lifespan.
Which brand offers a better warranty?
Both brands offer excellent lifetime warranties against manufacturer's defects, reflecting their confidence in their product quality.
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