The Made In and HexClad cookware brands both offer premium, durable pans for serious home cooks, but they cater to very different cooking philosophies. Made In focuses on professional-grade, traditional materials like stainless steel and carbon steel for classic performance, while HexClad built its name on innovative hybrid technology that combines a non-stick surface with the durability of stainless steel.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which brand is the right investment for your kitchen.
Made In Cookware
Made In is a direct-to-consumer brand that delivers professional-quality cookware without the traditional retail markup. By manufacturing in the USA and France, they offer meticulously crafted stainless steel, carbon steel, and non-stick pans that rival legacy brands in performance and are designed with a clean, minimalist aesthetic that works in any kitchen.
- What it is: A premium cookware brand focused on professional-grade materials and transparent, high-quality manufacturing.
- Key features: Sourced and manufactured in the USA and France, professional-grade construction, stay-cool handles, and oven-safe designs.
- Price: Individual pieces range from approximately $50 to $250.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and functional. It has a modern and timeless aesthetic that wouldn't look out of place in a restaurant kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: Main lines include 5-ply stainless clad cookware for excellent heat distribution and high-performance carbon steel for superior searing and heat retention. Non-stick options include PFOA-free coatings.
- Pros: Excellent heat performance and control, especially with stainless and carbon steel. Durable construction built to last for decades with proper care. Transparent sourcing and manufacturing. Generally more affordable than competitor HexClad.
- Cons: Stainless steel and carbon steel require proper technique to prevent food from sticking. Carbon steel requires seasoning. Traditional non-stick surfaces are less durable than HexClad's hybrid design.
Made In is the perfect brand for cooks who appreciate traditional materials and want professional-level performance and longevity, particularly for techniques like searing and sautéing.
Shop this brand: madeincookware.com
HexClad Cookware
HexClad is known for its distinctive hybrid cookware, which merges the benefits of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick. Their signature pans feature a laser-etched hexagon pattern that creates a durable, scratch-resistant surface, allowing you to get a great sear while enjoying easy food release and an effortless cleanup.
- What it is: An innovative cookware brand featuring a patented hybrid of stainless steel peaks and non-stick valleys.
- Key features: Patented hybrid technology, tri-ply construction for even heating, scratch-resistant surface that is safe for metal utensils, dishwasher safe, and oven safe up to 500°F.
- Price: Individual pieces generally fall between $100 and $300.
- Style: Modern and tech-forward, defined by the signature hexagon pattern that is both functional and aesthetic.
- Materials/Construction: A tri-ply construction (stainless steel, aluminum core, stainless steel) with a PFOA-free, non-stick coating protected by the stainless steel hex pattern.
- Pros: Combines non-stick ease-of-use with stainless steel durability. Exceptionally scratch-resistant and safe to use with metal utensils. Incredibly easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Excellent for everyday, multitasking use.
- Cons: A higher price point compared to many of Made In's offerings. Less manufacturing transparency compared to Made In. May not provide the same raw searing power as well-seasoned carbon steel.
HexClad is ideal for the busy home cook or tech enthusiast who wants one pan that does it all - providing easy cleanup and incredible durability without sacrificing performance.
Shop this brand: hexclad.com
Made In vs. HexClad Comparison
Materials & Construction
The core difference between the brands lies here. Made In uses classic, high-performance materials. Their 5-ply stainless clad pans have an aluminum core for quick, even heating, providing chefs with precise temperature control. Their carbon steel is a single-piece workhorse known for its heat retention and natural non-stick properties once seasoned. It is designed to last a lifetime.
HexClad, on the other hand, uses a single innovative construction across its line. The tri-ply build ensures solid heat distribution, but the surface is the main story. The laser-etched stainless steel grid protects the non-stick coating in the valleys from scratches, which is why the company confidently states you can use metal utensils. This makes HexClad's surface far more durable than a traditional non-stick pan.
Style & Aesthetic
Your design preference plays a big role in which you'll choose. Made In cookware looks like it belongs in a professional kitchen. It features brushed and polished finishes, clean lines, and sturdy, ergonomic handles. It's a timeless, functional look that prioritizes performance over flashy design.
HexClad has a very distinct, modern, high-tech appearance. The hexagon pattern on the cooking surface and on the bottom of the pan is instantly recognizable. It appeals to those who appreciate cutting-edge design and want their cookware to make a visual statement. The mix of textures gives it a unique feel that stands out from any other pan on the market.
Price & Value
When comparing similar pieces, Made In is typically the more budget-friendly option. A 12" stainless steel frying pan from Made In is priced lower than HexClad's 12" hybrid equivalent. The value from Made In comes from getting professional-grade, multi-generational materials at a direct-to-consumer price point.
HexClad commands a premium for its patented technology and convenience. The value proposition is a single pan that offers great searing, true non-stick performance, and extreme durability, which could reduce the need for multiple types of pans. For those who frequently replace cheaper non-stick pans, the investment in a long-lasting HexClad pan can provide better long-term value.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer excellent cookware, but they're built for cooks with different priorities.
Choose Made In if:
- You enjoy the craft of cooking with traditional materials like stainless steel and carbon steel.
- You want maximum control over heat for precise searing and sauce making.
- You value Made-in-USA/Europe craftsmanship and manufacturing transparency.
- You are looking for professional performance and durability at a more accessible price point.
Choose HexClad if:
- You prioritize convenience and want a pan that's extremely easy to use and clean.
- Durability is your top concern and you want a non-stick surface that resists scratches from metal utensils.
- You're looking for a versatile, all-in-one pan for everyday cooking.
- You are drawn to innovative technology and a modern, distinctive design aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Made In and HexClad?
The key differences are material and philosophy. Made In uses traditional, professional-grade materials like 5-ply stainless steel and carbon steel for classic cooking performance. HexClad uses a patented hybrid technology that puts non-stick coating in the valleys of a stainless steel grid, aiming for the best of both worlds: durability and easy release.
Is HexClad really non-stick and scratch-resistant?
Yes, its hybrid design is very effective. The stainless steel peaks protect the non-stick valleys below, making it highly resistant to scratches from metal spatulas or whisks. The non-stick surface works well for things like eggs and fish, while the steel provides a good searing surface.
Which brand is better for professional chefs?
Many professional chefs use cookware similar to a Made In product - stainless steel and carbon steel pans are found in nearly every restaurant kitchen due to their durability and heat control. However, HexClad's versatility and resilience make it popular as well, including with its celebrity chef partner, Gordon Ramsay.
Can you use metal utensils on Made In pans?
You can safely use metal utensils on Made In's stainless steel and carbon steel pans. However, you should never use them on their traditional non-stick cookware, as it will scratch and ruin the coating.
Is HexClad worth the money?
For those who want a single, do-it-all pan that is incredibly durable and easy to clean, many users find it is worth the investment. It eliminates the need to frequently replace cheaper non-stick pans and offers versatility that justifies its premium price.
Where are Made In and HexClad pans made?
Made In is transparent about its sourcing, with its stainless steel made in the USA and its carbon steel and knives made in France. HexClad cookware is designed at their Los Angeles headquarters and manufactured in Asia.
Which brand is easier to clean?
HexClad is unequivocally easier to clean. Its hybrid non-stick surface and dishwasher-safe design make cleanup almost effortless. Made In's stainless steel cookware can require a bit more effort to clean if food sticks, and its carbon steel line requires specific hand-washing and seasoning care.
Do HexClad pans have any forever chemicals like PFOA?
No. HexClad cookware is PFOA-free, as is Made In's non-stick line. This is now the standard for quality cookware brands.
Which brand offers better heat distribution?
Both brands offer excellent, even heat distribution. Made In's 5-ply construction and HexClad's tri-ply construction both feature an aluminum core designed specifically to eliminate hot spots and provide consistent temperature across the cooking surface.
Which brand is better for searing steak?
Made In's carbon steel skillets are arguably the best option for getting a deep, restaurant-quality crust on a steak due to their incredible heat retention. Their stainless steel pans also provide an excellent sear. While HexClad provides a very good sear for a hybrid pan, heavy carbon steel or stainless steel offers superior performance for high-heat cooking.
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