The Made In Non Stick Pan and the Le Creuset Non Stick Fry Pan both offer excellent performance, but they cater to different cooks based on price, style, and brand philosophy. Made In is a direct-to-consumer brand offering professional-grade, modern cookware at a mid-range price, while Le Creuset is a premium heritage brand known for its iconic, colorful designs and higher price point.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which non-stick pan is the right fit for your kitchen.
Made In Non Stick Cookware
Made In has earned a loyal following by offering restaurant-quality cookware directly to home cooks, cutting out the retail markup. Their non-stick line is built for reliability and performance, featuring a sleek, minimalist design that focuses on function over fluff. It's a true workhorse pan designed for serious everyday cooking.
- What it is: A line of professional-grade, PFOA-free non-stick pans from a modern, direct-to-consumer cookware brand.
- Key features: Multi-layer, non-stick coating for durability and easy release, 5-ply stainless steel or aluminum base for quick and even heating, stay-cool handle.
- Price: $70 - $120 for a standard fry pan.
- Style: Contemporary and minimalist. The matte black or dark gray finish fits perfectly in modern kitchens.
- Bestselling Sizes: 8", 10", and 12" non-stick frying pans are the most popular choices.
- Pros: Excellent value for the performance, heats very evenly and quickly, lightweight for easy handling, durable non-stick surface for everyday use, sleek and modern aesthetic.
- Cons: Limited color options, the professional-style stainless handle can be less comfortable for some users, sold primarily online so you can't see it in person before buying.
This cookware line is for the practical home cook who values performance and durability at a reasonable price and prefers a simple, modern look.
Shop this product: madeincookware.com/collections/non-stick-cookware
Le Creuset Non Stick Cookware
While famous for its enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, Le Creuset applies the same commitment to quality and style to its non-stick collection. These pans feature a hard-anodized aluminum body for superior durability and a high-quality coating. They are as much a kitchen style statement as they are a functional cooking tool.
- What it is: A premium, PFOA-free non-stick cookware line from an iconic French heritage brand.
- Key features: Forged hard-anodized aluminum construction for strength and even heating, triple-reinforced PFOA-free non-stick coating, ergonomic handles for a comfortable grip.
- Price: $150 - $250 for a standard fry pan.
- Style: Classic yet colorful. While less vibrant than their enameled iron, the non-stick line often incorporates the brand's signature aesthetic into its design.
- Bestselling Sizes: The 9.5-inch and 11-inch Toughened Nonstick Pro fry pans are common choices for daily cooking tasks.
- Pros: Exceptional build quality and long-lasting non-stick surface, iconic brand reputation, beautiful and timeless design, comfortable and ergonomic handle, available at many retail stores.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than other high-quality options, heavier construction may be cumbersome for some, style might feel too traditional for very modern kitchens.
The Le Creuset collection is ideal for those who see cookware as a long-term investment in both kitchen performance and timeless design.
Shop this product: lecreuset.com/cookware/nonstick
Made In vs. Le Creuset Non Stick Comparison
Price & Value
There's a substantial price difference here that defines the value proposition of each brand. Made In offers a top-tier cooking experience for around $100, which is fantastic value for a pan that performs this well. You get 90% of the performance of a luxury pan for less than half the price.
Le Creuset commands a premium price, with pans often costing over $150. The value here comes from the brand heritage, exceptional build quality you can feel, potential for a longer lifespan, and the aesthetic appeal of having a Le Creuset piece in your kitchen.
Materials & Construction
Both brands use high-quality materials. Made In's 5-ply construction provides excellent heat distribution and control, making it feel responsive on the stove. Their multi-layer non-stick coating is built to withstand regular use.
Le Creuset uses a forged hard-anodized aluminum body, which feels incredibly substantial and is highly resistant to warping. Their triple-reinforced coating is designed for superior durability, offering peace of mind that its non-stick properties will last for years with proper care.
Style & Versatility
This is a major point of difference. Made In's aesthetic is clean, modern, and utilitarian. The matte black finish and polished stainless steel handle blend seamlessly into contemporary and professional-style kitchens.
Le Creuset’s design is more classic and elegant. Even in their non-stick line, the curves of the pan and the design of the handle reflect an heirloom quality. It’s designed to be seen and helps cultivate a sophisticated, high-end kitchen aesthetic.
Who Each One Works Best For
Made In is for the modern, practical home cook. If you prioritize performance-per-dollar and want a durable, no-nonsense tool that helps you cook better every day, this is your pan. It’s perfect for those who are building their kitchen arsenal and want high-quality essentials without the luxury price tag.
Le Creuset is for the design-conscious cook and brand loyalist. If you already own Le Creuset pieces or aspire to, their non-stick line is a natural fit. It’s for someone who appreciates timeless craftsmanship, wants cookware that doubles as a serving piece, and is willing to invest more for a product that combines function with high-end style.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Made In and Le Creuset offer fantastic non-stick pans, but they serve different needs and budgets.
Choose Made In if:
- Performance and value are your top priorities.
- You appreciate a sleek, modern, and minimalist kitchen aesthetic.
- You want a lightweight, responsive pan that is easy to handle.
- You need a reliable, professional-grade workhorse for daily cooking.
Choose Le Creuset if:
- You view your cookware as an investment in both function and kitchen style.
- Budget is less of a concern than brand reputation and heirloom quality.
- You love a classic look and the feel of substantial, heavy-duty cookware.
- You want cookware from an iconic brand known for durability and timeless design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Made In and Le Creuset non-stick pans?
The main differences are price, style, and brand model. Made In offers modern, professional-style pans at a mid-range price through a direct-to-consumer model. Le Creuset offers classic, heavier, premium-priced pans backed by a famous heritage brand and sold through traditional retail.
Is Le Creuset non-stick cookware worth the money?
For many, yes. The worth comes from its exceptional durability, timeless design, comfortable ergonomics, and brand reputation. If you value cookware that will last for years and adds a touch of classic style to your kitchen, it can be a worthwhile long-term investment.
How long does Made In's non-stick coating last?
With proper care (avoiding metal utensils, high heat, and dishwashers), Made In's non-stick coating can last for several years of regular home use. Like all non-stick surfaces, its lifespan depends heavily on how it is used and maintained.
Are both brands' pans PFOA-free?
Yes, both Made In and Le Creuset non-stick cookware are made without PFOA, a chemical previously used in non-stick coatings.
Which pan heats more evenly?
Both pans offer excellent, even heating thanks to their construction. Made In's 5-ply stainless base and Le Creuset's hard-anodized aluminum body are engineered to eliminate hot spots and provide consistent temperatures across the entire cooking surface.
Are these non-stick pans oven-safe?
Yes, both are oven-safe. The Made In pan is typically oven-safe up to 500°F. Le Creuset's Toughened Nonstick Pro line is also oven-safe to 500°F. Always check the specific product guidelines before use.
Can you use metal utensils on these pans?
It is not recommended. To preserve the life of any non-stick surface, you should always use wood, silicone, or plastic utensils. Metal utensils will scratch and damage the coating on both Made In and Le Creuset pans, voiding the warranty.
Where are Made In and Le Creuset pans made?
Made In sources materials and partners with manufacturers in the United States and Europe, particularly Italy and France. Le Creuset's non-stick cookware is designed in France and manufactured in their global facilities, which include Asian manufacturing partners that adhere to the brand's strict quality standards.
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