The primary difference between Made In Cookware and HexClad comes down to tradition versus innovation. Made In crafts professional-grade, American-made cookware using classic multi-ply stainless steel for superior heat control, whereas HexClad features a patented hybrid technology that combines the durability of stainless steel with the ease of a non-stick surface.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which cookware brand is the right investment for your kitchen.
About Made In Cookware
Made In is a direct-to-consumer brand focused on creating professional-quality kitchen tools for home cooks. They emphasize high-grade materials, thoughtful design, and American manufacturing, offering cookware that is built to last a lifetime. With a clean, minimalist aesthetic, their pots and pans are favorites among serious culinary enthusiasts who demand performance and durability.
- What it is: A premium cookware brand offering stainless steel, non-stick, and carbon steel pots and pans designed for serious home chefs.
- Key features: Multi-ply (5-ply) stainless steel construction for even heating, ergonomic stay-cool handles, and a lifetime warranty on most products.
- Price: Premium pricing. A 10-inch skillet costs around $150-$200, with comprehensive sets starting around $600.
- Style: Sleek, timeless, and minimalist with a brushed or polished finish that fits seamlessly into professional and modern kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: High-grade stainless steel with an aluminum core for excellent heat conduction. Their non-stick coatings are PFOA-free.
- Pros: Superior heat control and retention. Made in the USA with a focus on responsible sourcing. Extremely durable and built for longevity. Classic, professional look.
- Cons: A significant upfront investment. Stainless steel requires proper heating and oiling to prevent sticking. Generally heavier than lower-quality cookware.
This brand is ideal for passionate home cooks ready to invest in heirloom-quality pieces that offer professional-level performance and durability.
Shop this brand: madeincookware.com
About 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 pans. A laser-etched hexagon pattern protects the non-stick surface within a stainless steel grid, making it safe for metal utensils and incredibly durable. This innovative design appeals to cooks who want versatility and easy cleanup without sacrificing performance.
- What it is: A modern cookware brand known for its patented hybrid technology combining stainless steel durability with non-stick convenience.
- Key features: Patented laser-etched hexagon design, scratch-resistant surface, PFOA-free non-stick, dishwasher safe, and oven safe up to 500°F.
- Price: Mid-range to premium. Individual pans are typically $100-$200, and sets range from $300 to $600.
- Style: Contemporary and high-tech, defined by the distinct hexagonal pattern on the cooking surface.
- Materials/Construction: Tri-ply construction with an aluminum core, a stainless steel grid, and PFOA-free non-stick valleys.
- Pros: Scratch-resistant and safe for metal utensils. Easy to clean and is dishwasher safe. Combines good searing capabilities with easy food release. Heats up quickly and evenly.
- Cons: Hybrid surface is not as slick as traditional non-stick. It's a premium price for non-stick technology. Manufactured in China, which may be a drawback for some buyers.
HexClad is for the everyday home cook who values convenience, durability, and a pan that can handle everything from delicate eggs to a hard sear.
Shop this brand: hexclad.com
Made In Cookware vs. HexClad Comparison
Price & Value
Made In Cookware generally carries a higher price tag, positioning itself as a long-term investment in professional-grade tools. Their focus on multi-cladded construction and American manufacturing justifies the premium. The value comes from its expected longevity, often a lifetime, and superior cooking performance for those who master stainless steel.
HexClad is slightly more accessible, though still a premium product. Its value lies in its hybrid functionality - it bridges the gap between stainless steel and non-stick, potentially reducing the need for multiple types of pans. For cooks who often ruin traditional non-stick pans, HexClad's durability and scratch resistance offer excellent long-term value.
Quality & Materials
Made In focuses on classic, proven materials. Their 5-ply stainless clad construction features layers of stainless steel and aluminum, designed for precise and even heat distribution across the entire pan surface. This construction is heavy, durable, and highly retentive of heat, which is ideal for searing meats and professional cooking techniques.
HexClad’s quality is rooted in its innovative hybrid design. The core is a standard tri-ply construction, but the surface is the main story. The network of stainless steel "peaks" protects the non-stick "valleys," allowing you to get a good sear while still enjoying an easy release and protection against scratches from metal utensils.
Style & Aesthetic
The aesthetic choice here is between classic and contemporary. Made In boasts a timeless, sleek design with clean lines and a beautiful brushed metal finish. It’s the kind of cookware you'd see in a professional kitchen or a thoughtfully designed minimalist home. It’s understated and elegant.
HexClad has a bold, modern look dominated by its signature hexagon pattern. It is visually striking and instantly recognizable. This tech-forward appearance appeals to those who appreciate modern design and want their cookware to make a statement.
Sustainability & Ethics
Made In puts a strong emphasis on sustainability, with its cookware being made in the USA from responsibly sourced metals. Their lifetime warranty encourages repair and long-term use over replacement, which is a key tenet of sustainable consumption.
HexClad contributes to sustainability by creating a highly durable product that's designed to last much longer than typical non-stick pans, reducing waste. While their cookware is manufactured in China, the company emphasizes quality control and uses PFOA-free coatings.
Who Each One Works Best For
Made In is the perfect choice for the serious home cook who sees cooking as a craft. If you love the precise heat control of multi-clad stainless steel, enjoy developing cooking techniques, and want to invest in heirloom pieces that will last for decades, Made In is for you.
HexClad is ideal for the busy, practical home cook who wants performance without fuss. If you need a versatile workhorse pan that can sear steaks, cook eggs without sticking, and be tossed in the dishwasher, HexClad is an excellent fit. It’s also better for households where different people cook, as it’s more forgiving than pure stainless steel.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer excellent, high-quality cookware, but they are tailored to different cooking styles and priorities.
Choose Made In Cookware if:
- You prioritize professional-level heat control and responsiveness.
- You want heirloom-quality cookware that could last a lifetime.
- You prefer classic designs and are comfortable with stainless steel cooking techniques.
- American manufacturing and responsible sourcing are important to you.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want the convenience of non-stick with the durability of stainless steel.
- Scratch resistance and the ability to use metal utensils are top priorities.
- You need a versatile, all-in-one pan that is easy to clean.
- You are drawn to innovative, modern designs and technology in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Made In Cookware and HexClad?
The main difference is the material philosophy. Made In Cookware uses traditional 5-ply stainless steel construction for professional-grade heat control. HexClad uses a patented hybrid technology merging a stainless steel grid with a non-stick surface for durability and convenience.
Which cookware is more durable?
Both are extremely durable, but in different ways. Made In's stainless steel cookware can last indefinitely with proper care, as there is no coating to wear out. HexClad is exceptionally durable for a non-stick pan, with its scratch-resistant surface designed to outlast traditional coated pans significantly.
Which brand is better for professional chefs?
Most professional chefs are trained on and prefer traditional stainless steel or carbon steel due to its predictable responsiveness and superior heat control, making Made In the typical choice for professional applications.
Can you use metal utensils on HexClad pans?
Yes. The stainless steel lattice in HexClad's design protects the non-stick coating in the valleys, making it safe to use with metal utensils without causing significant damage.
Is Made In Cookware oven safe?
Yes, Made In's stainless steel cookware is typically oven safe to high temperatures (often up to 800°F), whereas their non-stick versions are safe up to 500°F. Always check an individual product's specifications.
Which brand is better for a beginner cook?
HexClad is generally more forgiving and easier for beginners due to its non-stick properties, which help prevent food from sticking and make cleanup much simpler. Stainless steel, like that from Made In, has a steeper learning curve.
Is the higher price of Made In worth it?
For cooks dedicated to mastering their craft who want to invest once in heirloom-quality tools, the excellent performance and longevity of Made In are often considered worth the price.
Which brand heats more evenly?
Made In's 5-ply construction is specifically designed for superior, even heating across the base and up the sides of the pan. While HexClad's tri-ply base provides good heat distribution, culinary enthusiasts often find high-quality 5-ply construction to be more precise and uniform.
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