The main differences between Made In and Le Creuset stainless steel cookware are their price, design philosophy, and construction. Made In offers professional-grade, 5-ply stainless steel cookware with a modern, utilitarian aesthetic at a more accessible price point thanks to its direct-to-consumer model. Le Creuset is a heritage luxury brand with a premium price, offering classic, elegant designs and heirloom-quality craftsmanship in its multi-layered stainless steel collection.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which premium stainless steel cookware brand is the right investment for your kitchen.
Made In Stainless Steel Cookware
Made In is a modern cookware brand built for serious home chefs who want professional-grade tools without the traditional luxury markup. Its stainless steel line, crafted in France and the USA, features a 5-ply construction admired for its durability and exceptional heat control, making it a popular choice for cooking enthusiasts.
- What it is: Professional-grade, 5-ply cookware designed with a focus on performance and durability for the modern home cook.
- Key features: 5-ply clad construction, aluminum core for even heating, stay-cool handles, induction-compatibility, and oven-safe up to 800°F.
- Price: Mid-range, individual pans range from approximately $89 to $149, while complete sets cost between $300 and $800.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and functional with a brushed stainless finish that feels at home in contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Each piece features five layers of American metal, alternating between stainless steel for durability and aluminum alloy at the core for superior heat conductivity.
- Pros: Excellent value for professional-level performance. Heats evenly and retains temperature well. Durable build designed for daily use. Sleek, no-fuss design. More affordable than many other premium brands.
- Cons: Primarily available online through a direct-to-consumer model. Less brand pedigree than Le Creuset. Aesthetic is functional but not particularly decorative.
This cookware excels for cooks who prioritize performance and heat control over brand prestige and are looking for a workhorse set that will last for years.
Shop this product: madeincooking.com/collections/stainless-steel
Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware
While famous for its colorful enameled cast iron, French brand Le Creuset also produces an esteemed line of stainless steel cookware. This collection combines the brand's iconic design ethos and legendary craftsmanship with modern multi-layer technology, resulting in cookware that is both beautiful and highly functional.
- What it is: Premium tri-ply stainless steel cookware from an iconic French heritage brand, known for its timeless design and heirloom quality.
- Key features: Tri-ply construction with a full aluminum core, precision-pour rims, ergonomic stay-cool handles, and iconic three-ring lid design. Dishwasher and oven-safe.
- Price: Premium, individual pieces typically start around $150, and full sets can cost $500 or more.
- Style: Classic, elegant, and polished. The design mirrors the brand's renowned cast iron aesthetic, making it suitable for both cooking and serving.
- Materials/Construction: Features a proprietary blend of professional-grade metals, with a heat-responsive aluminum core bonded between two layers of stainless steel.
- Pros: Exceptional, polished craftsmanship with a luxe feel. Trusted brand with a century-long reputation. Timeless design works in any kitchen style. Built to last for generations.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than other premium brands like Made In. Typically heavier, which may be a drawback for some users. Tri-ply construction is high performance but less complex than Made In’s 5-ply.
It is the ideal choice for home cooks who see their cookware as a long-term investment in both performance and kitchen style and deeply value brand heritage.
Shop this product: lecreuset.com/cookware/stainless-steel
Made In vs. Le Creuset Stainless Steel Comparison
Materials & Construction
Both brands deliver exceptional quality, but their approach differs slightly. Made In uses a 5-ply clad construction across its stainless steel line, providing outstanding heat distribution and durability. This complexity gives their pans excellent responsiveness and prevents hot spots.
Le Creuset uses a highly effective premium tri-ply (3-layer) construction. While it has fewer layers, the build is exceptionally solid and often features a thicker gauge of metal, giving it a substantial, heavy feeling that is superb for heat retention. Both are built to professional standards, but Made In's 5-ply often gives it an edge in pure heat control for enthusiasts, while Le Creuset's build speaks more to timeless durability.
Style & Aesthetic
This is where the brands really diverge. Made In's aesthetic is clean, modern, and utilitarian. It features brushed stainless finishes, simple handles, and a focus on function over form - it looks like it belongs in a professional restaurant kitchen.
Le Creuset brings its famous design sensibility to its stainless line. The cookware has a beautifully polished finish, graceful curves, and ergonomic handles. The lids often feature the brand’s signature three-ring concentric circle design, creating a cohesive look for those who own other Le Creuset pieces. It is cookware designed to be seen and displayed.
Price & Value
Made In offers considerable value. By cutting out retail middlemen with its direct-to-consumer approach, it delivers professional-grade, multi-clad cookware at a price that is significantly lower than legacy luxury brands. For the level of performance, Made In stainless steel is an excellent investment.
Le Creuset commands a premium price reflecting its brand heritage, material quality, and iconic status. You are paying for top-tier performance as well as the timeless design and the confidence of a century-old brand. While the sticker price is higher, owners see it as an heirloom purchase that will last a lifetime.
Who Each One Works Best For
Made In is perfect for the serious home cook, the food enthusiast, and anyone who geeks out on cooking performance. If you prioritize heat control, durability, and value over brand name or aesthetic flair, Made In is extremely hard to beat. It’s for the user who wants professional results and appreciates a modern, function-first design.
Le Creuset is ideal for someone setting up their "forever" kitchen, a dedicated home chef who appreciates brand history, or anyone who values a cohesive, elegant kitchen aesthetic. If you're willing to invest in heirloom-quality pieces that blend performance with classic design, and if budget is less of a concern, Le Creuset is an outstanding choice that you'll be proud to use and display for decades.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands create exceptional stainless steel cookware, but they are designed for different cooks and kitchens.
Choose Made In if:
- You prioritize top-tier cooking performance and value for your money.
- You prefer a modern, minimalist, and utilitarian kitchen aesthetic.
- You want professional-level 5-ply construction for precise heat control.
- You are building a high-quality cookware collection on a more approachable budget.
Choose Le Creuset if:
- You are making a lifetime investment and budget is not a primary concern.
- You value brand heritage and an iconic, timeless design.
- You want cookware that is as beautiful for serving as it is for cooking.
- You own other Le Creuset pieces and want a beautiful, coordinated collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Made In and Le Creuset stainless steel?
The core differences are price and design. Made In offers high-performance 5-ply cookware with a modern, functional design at a more accessible mid-range price. Le Creuset is a premium luxury brand offering heirloom-quality tri-ply cookware with a classic, elegant aesthetic at a much higher price point.
Which is better for induction cooktops?
Both Made In and Le Creuset stainless steel cookware are fully compatible with induction cooktops and perform exceptionally well on them due to their magnetic stainless steel exteriors.
Is 5-ply cookware better than 3-ply?
Not necessarily "better," but different. 5-ply construction, like Made In's, can offer more precise temperature control and evenness due to the extra layers. 3-ply, as used by Le Creuset, is often slightly more responsive to heat changes and remains the choice workhorse construction for many professional kitchens.
How do you clean and maintain stainless steel cookware from these brands?
For both brands, it's best to allow the pan to cool slightly before washing with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. To remove tough stains or restore shine, a stainless steel cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend is highly recommended. Hand washing will prolong the cookware's lifespan.
Can I put these pans in the dishwasher?
Yes, both Made In and Le Creuset stainless steel pans are technically dishwasher-safe. However, harsh detergents can dull the finish over time. Both brands recommend hand washing whenever possible to keep the cookware looking its best for longer.
Will food stick to stainless steel pans?
Unlike non-stick pans, there is a technique to using stainless steel to prevent sticking. The key is to properly preheat the pan, add oil and let it shimmer, then add your food. A properly heated stainless steel surface will become naturally food-release.
Where are Made In and Le Creuset made?
Made In's stainless steel cookware is crafted in France and the USA. Le Creuset produces its stainless steel cookware in Portugal, adhering to their strict quality standards.
Which brand is heavier?
Typically, piece for piece, Le Creuset stainless steel is often heavier than Made In. This is due to its thicker gauge construction, which can aid in heat retention.
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