The Made In Stainless Clad and the Caraway Stainless Steel cookware lines both offer excellent performance, but they cater to very different kitchen philosophies. Made In delivers professional-grade, utilitarian cookware focused on durability and heat performance at a slightly lower price, while Caraway emphasizes a sleek, modern aesthetic and eco-conscious manufacturing for style-focused home cooks.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which stainless steel set is the right investment for your kitchen.
Made In Stainless Clad Cookware
Made In is a direct-to-consumer brand that has built a strong reputation for producing professional-quality cookware that meets the demands of restaurant kitchens and serious home chefs. Their Stainless Clad collection is the workhorse of their lineup, designed for superior heating, resilience, and function-first performance.
- What it is: A line of 5-ply stainless steel cookware with an aluminum alloy core, designed for even heat distribution and durability.
- Key features: 5-ply (multi-layered) construction for rapid and even heating, stay-cool handles that are comfortable to grip, oven-safe up to 800°F, and a classic, polished finish.
- Price: Individual pieces start around $100, sets typically run from $300 to $600.
- Style: Timeless and utilitarian with a polished, professional look. It’s designed for function over form but still maintains a clean and sleek appearance.
- Materials/Construction: Features a 5-layer composition of alternating stainless steel and aluminum, which provides excellent heat control and durability for techniques like searing and sautéing.
- Pros: Professional-grade durability built for heavy daily use. Superior heat conduction and retention. Resists warping. Slightly more affordable than Caraway. Extensive range of sizes and specialty pans.
- Cons: The aesthetic is purely functional and may seem plain to design-conscious cooks. Heavier due to the robust construction. No color or finish options.
This cookware is for the home chef who prioritizes cooking performance and long-term durability over decorative style and is looking for a set that will perform reliably for years.
Shop this product: madeinc.com/collections/stainless-steel
Caraway Stainless Steel Cookware
While Caraway first became famous for its colorful ceramic non-stick cookware, its stainless steel line applies the same core philosophy: pairing high-quality materials with a modern, stylish, and eco-friendly design. It's built for cooks who want their tools to perform well and look beautiful on the stove.
- What it is: A collection of multi-ply stainless steel cookware with an aluminum core, designed with a focus on minimalist aesthetics and sustainable manufacturing.
- Key features: Multi-layered construction for even heating, fully clad steel build, non-toxic and eco-friendly production, sleek minimalist design, and oven-safe.
- Price: Individual pieces start around $150, sets range from $400 to $700.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and very design-forward. It features smooth curves and a refined aesthetic meant to be displayed in a contemporary kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality, durable stainless steel with an aluminum core for proper heat conduction. The brand highlights its commitment to responsibly sourced and vetted materials.
- Pros: Beautiful, minimalist design complements modern kitchens. Eco-friendly brand ethos and sustainable manufacturing. Good heat performance and versatility. Highly-rated customer experience.
- Cons: Higher price point. Less focus on professional-grade resilience compared to Made In. Fewer size and shape options available.
The Caraway Stainless Steel collection is perfect for the aesthetically driven home cook who values a clean, modern look and eco-conscious principles just as much as cooking performance.
Shop this product: carawayhome.com/collections/stainless-steel-cookware
Made In vs. Caraway Stainless Steel Comparison
Materials & Construction
Both brands use multi-ply, fully clad construction with stainless steel exteriors and aluminum cores, which is the gold standard for quality stainless steel cookware. This method ensures even heating from the base all the way up the sides of the pan. Made In uses a 5-ply construction, often perceived as slightly thicker and more robust, giving it a feel that's ready for intense, daily use in a demanding kitchen.
Caraway also uses a quality multi-layered build and focuses on responsible sourcing for its materials. While durable and effective, the feel is often described as slightly more refined and balanced for daily home cooking rather than the heavy-duty demands of a professional kitchen.
Style & Aesthetics
This is the most significant point of difference. Made In cookware is designed with a classic, utilitarian aesthetic. It looks like it belongs in a professional kitchen - clean, polished, and functional, but without any decorative flair. It's timeless and will complement any kitchen style without drawing attention.
Caraway’s design is a primary selling point. Its stainless steel line is intentionally minimalist and modern, with smooth, gentle curves and a sophisticated finish. It’s designed not just to be used, but to be seen. If you want cookware that serves as a piece of your kitchen décor, Caraway is the clear winner in the style department.
Price & Value
Made In generally offers a better price point, with individual pieces and complete sets costing less than Caraway's equivalents. Because its focus is on pure performance and longevity, the value comes from getting professional-grade durability at a surprisingly accessible direct-to-consumer price.
Caraway is priced at a premium, and that premium covers its design-forward aesthetic and commitment to eco-friendly production. The value for a Caraway customer is a product that delivers on performance, style, and sustainability. For cooks who value aesthetics, this bundled proposition is often well worth the extra cost.
Sustainability & Ethics
Sustainability is a core pillar of the Caraway brand. They emphasize non-toxic materials, eco-conscious manufacturing processes, thoughtful sourcing, and sustainable packaging. This resonates strongly with environmentally aware consumers.
Made In also practices responsible sourcing and transparency in its supply chain, ensuring its products are made ethically and without harmful chemicals like PFOAs. However, it is a less prominent part of their marketing compared to Caraway, which positions eco-friendliness front-and-center.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer excellent stainless steel cookware, but they are designed for different cooks with different priorities.
Choose Made In Stainless Clad if:
- You prioritize cooking performance and durability above all else.
- You're a serious home cook who needs gear that can withstand heavy, frequent use.
- You prefer a classic, no-frills professional kitchen aesthetic.
- You want the best possible performance for your money and are on a slightly tighter budget.
Choose Caraway Stainless Steel if:
- The visual design of your kitchenware is a top priority.
- You value sustainable manufacturing and eco-friendly products.
- You are a daily home cook who wants high-quality gear that looks beautiful on the stove.
- You are willing to invest a premium for cookware that merges style, ethics, and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Made In and Caraway stainless steel?
The primary difference is their focus. Made In is performance-first, offering professional-grade durability and heat control with a utilitarian design. Caraway is design-first, combining minimalist style and eco-conscious branding with quality construction for the modern home cook.
Which brand is more durable?
Made In generally has the edge in raw durability, as its cookware is specifically engineered to withstand the demanding environment of a professional kitchen. Its 5-ply construction is exceptionally tough and resistant to warping.
Do I need 5-ply construction?
For most home cooks, a quality multi-ply construction (like both brands offer) is excellent. The 5-ply construction from Made In provides slightly better heat retention and sturdiness, which is beneficial for high-heat searing and professional use, but may not be a noticeable difference for everyday cooking.
Are both brands' cookware oven-safe?
Yes, both Made In and Caraway stainless steel pots and pans are oven-safe. Made In specifies an oven-safe temperature up to 800°F, highlighting its professional-grade tolerance for high heat.
Which is a better value?
It depends on what you value. Made In offers better value if your sole metric is performance and durability per dollar. Caraway provides better value if you are looking for an all-in-one package of style, sustainable practices, and reliable cooking performance.
Do they work on induction cooktops?
Yes, both Made In and Caraway stainless steel cookware are fully compatible with all cooktop types, including gas, electric, and induction.
Is stainless steel cookware hard to clean?
Both brands’ cookware can be cleaned effectively with soap, water, and a non-abrasive sponge. Proper heating and oiling of the pan before cooking can prevent most food from sticking. For tougher stains, a specialized stainless steel cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water works well.
Where can I buy Made In and Caraway?
Both are primarily direct-to-consumer brands that sell their products through their official websites. This model helps them maintain quality control and offer better pricing by avoiding traditional retail markups.
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