MadeIn creates professional-grade cookware with a focus on high-quality, traditional materials like stainless and carbon steel, while HexClad specializes in innovative hybrid pans that combine the durability of stainless steel with the convenience of a non-stick surface. The fundamental difference lies in MadeIn's classic, performance-first approach versus HexClad's technology-driven design that prioritizes versatility and easy maintenance.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right cookware for your kitchen.
MadeIn: The Professional-Grade Cookware Choice
MadeIn is a direct-to-consumer brand that has earned a devoted following among serious home cooks and professional chefs. They deliver premium cookware by partnering with artisans in the US and Europe, focusing on high-performance materials and timeless, functional design. Their target audience values craftsmanship, even cooking performance, and tools that are built to last a lifetime.
- Product mix: Extensive collection including 5-ply stainless clad cookware, blue carbon steel, non-stick skillets, Dutch ovens, bakeware, and professional-quality knives.
- Style/vibe: Minimalist, sleek, and modern with a professional kitchen aesthetic. The focus is on function over flashy design, resulting in classic pieces that never go out of style.
- Price point: Mid-range to premium. A 10-inch Stainless Clad Frying Pan is around $150–$180, while multi-piece sets range from $300 to over $600.
- Quality: Professional-grade and highly durable. Their stainless clad cookware uses 18/10 stainless steel for the cooking surface and multiple layers of aluminum for superior heat conduction, ensuring no hot spots.
- Sustainability: MadeIn emphasizes transparency in its sourcing and manufacturing. Their non-stick cookware is made without PFOAs, and they use sustainable packaging materials.
- Warranty: Offers a lifetime warranty on many of its cookware products, reflecting confidence in its durability.
- Cooking Experience: Known for incredible heat control and retention, making it ideal for tasks like searing meat, sautéing vegetables, and creating delicate sauces.
MadeIn is the choice for culinary enthusiasts who see cookware as a long-term investment and prioritize performance over everything else.
Shop MadeIn: madeincookware.com
HexClad: The Innovative Hybrid Cookware
HexClad burst onto the scene with its patented hybrid technology, featuring a laser-etched hexagonal design across the cooking surface. This pattern creates a unique surface of stainless steel "peaks" and PFOA-free non-stick "valleys." The result is a pan that promises the searing power of steel, the easy release of non-stick, and the toughness to withstand metal utensils.
- Product mix: Focused on their signature hybrid cookware line, which includes frying pans, woks, griddles, and complete sets. They also offer knives and other kitchen accessories.
- Style/vibe: Bold, modern, and tech-forward. The distinctive hexagon pattern is instantly recognizable and communicates the brand's innovative approach.
- Price point: Mid-range. A 12-inch Hybrid Fry Pan runs about $170–$200, with cookware sets typically priced between $350 and $700.
- Quality: Built with a three-ply (tri-ply) construction for even heating. The patented hybrid surface is designed to be highly scratch-resistant and durable, setting it apart from traditional non-stick pans.
- Durability: Marketed as metal-utensil safe, oven safe up to 500°F, and dishwasher safe, making it a rugged option for busy home cooks.
- Shopping Experience: Sells directly from their website and is also available at major retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond and online marketplaces.
- Cooking Experience: Offers great versatility, allowing you to sear a steak and then fry an egg with minimal sticking and easy cleanup.
HexClad appeals to the home chef who wants professional-level results without the classic maintenance challenges of pure stainless steel.
Shop HexClad: hexclad.com
MadeIn vs. HexClad Comparison
Price Comparison
On an individual piece basis, the prices are competitive and often comparable. A MadeIn 10-inch skillet might be slightly less expensive than a HexClad skillet of a similar size, but costs can fluctuate. When looking at full sets, both brands represent a significant investment, with collections running from a few hundred to over $700.
The value proposition differs. With MadeIn, you're paying for premium, traditionally crafted multi-ply materials known for their longevity and beloved by chefs. With HexClad, the cost is tied to its patented hybrid technology, scratch resistance, and the convenience of combining two types of cooking surfaces in one pan.
Quality & Materials
Both brands use high-quality, multi-layered construction for even heat distribution. MadeIn’s 5-ply stainless clad cookware is a benchmark for professional quality, offering exceptional responsiveness and heat control favored by experienced cooks. Their carbon steel line provides a durable, naturally non-stick alternative once seasoned.
HexClad’s tri-ply build is also excellent for heat distribution. Its key differentiator is the patented surface. Unlike delicate traditional non-stick pans, HexClad's surface is engineered to handle metal spatulas and whisks without scratching, giving it a durability advantage over other non-stick options.
Style & Aesthetic
The visual difference is stark. MadeIn opts for a timeless, professional look with clean lines, polished finishes, and ergonomic handles. It's a classic design that fits seamlessly into any modern kitchen. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and craftsmanship.
HexClad's aesthetic is defined by its cutting-edge technology. The shimmering hexagon pattern is the star of the show, creating a bold, industrial, and high-tech look. It is designed to be a statement piece that immediately communicates its unique function.
Product Selection
MadeIn offers a more expansive range of cookware materials and types. Beyond stainless steel pans, they have deep collections of carbon steel, non-stick, enameled cast iron, bakeware, and professional knives. This allows cooks to build a complete kitchen arsenal a la carte from one brand.
HexClad is more specialized, focusing primarily on its signature hybrid cookware. While they offer frying pans, woks, pots, and sets in this style, the selection outside of the hybrid category is more limited. Their focus is on perfecting a single, versatile line of products.
Shopping Experience
MadeIn's experience is entirely direct-to-consumer through its well-designed website. This model allows them to share detailed stories about their manufacturing processes and material sourcing, appealing to customers who appreciate transparency. They also offer a lifetime warranty on many products.
HexClad utilizes a hybrid model, selling directly through its own site but also partnering with major retailers. This gives customers the option to see the pans in person before buying, which can be an advantage for some. They also have a strong marketing presence, often endorsed by professional chefs like Gordon Ramsay.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your cooking style, priorities, and what you want from your cookware. Both brands offer excellent products, but they cater to different needs.
Choose MadeIn if:
- You are a passionate home cook who wants truly professional-grade tools.
- You value the superior heat control and searing capability of classic stainless steel or carbon steel.
- You enjoy the process of cooking and don't mind the extra care stainless steel sometimes requires.
- You appreciate a timeless, minimalist aesthetic and want cookware that will last decades.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want the best of both worlds: searing power and non-stick convenience in a single pan.
- Your top priority is easy cleanup and a low-maintenance cooking experience.
- You often use metal utensils and need a scratch-resistant non-stick surface.
- You love innovative technology and a modern, distinctive design in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MadeIn or HexClad cheaper?
Their pricing is very competitive, and neither is a "budget" brand. A single frying pan from either brand typically costs well over $100. MadeIn may have some individual pieces priced slightly lower than HexClad's equivalents, but for multi-piece sets, they can be similarly priced or even more expensive depending on the collection.
Which has better quality build?
Both have excellent quality, but they focus on different things. MadeIn's quality is in its traditional, multi-ply construction using premium metals, mirroring the standards of high-end restaurant cookware. HexClad's quality is in its durable tri-ply body combined with its innovative and rugged patented hybrid surface. Quality is high in both, but the technology and materials are different.
Is HexClad really scratch-resistant?
Yes, one of HexClad's primary marketing claims is its resistance to scratching from metal utensils. The stainless steel ridges of the hexagon pattern protect the non-stick coating in the valleys below, making it far more durable than traditional non-stick pans.
Can you use MadeIn and HexClad on induction cooktops?
Yes, both MadeIn's Stainless Clad cookware and all HexClad cookware are compatible with all cooktops, including induction, gas, and electric. This makes them a versatile choice for any modern kitchen.
Where are MadeIn and HexClad pans made?
MadeIn is transparent about its sourcing, making its stainless clad cookware in the USA and Italy, its carbon steel in France, and its knives in France. HexClad designs its cookware in Los Angeles and manufactures it in a custom facility in Asia.
Which brand is better for searing meat?
Both are fantastic for searing. MadeIn's 5-ply stainless and carbon steel pans achieve a uniform, screaming-hot surface that creates a perfect crust. HexClad's stainless steel peaks also get incredibly hot and provide those crucial contact points for a great sear, while the overall pan is more forgiving for cleanup.
Is MadeIn's non-stick cookware PFOA-free?
Yes, MadeIn's non-stick skillets are made with multiple layers of a professional-grade coating that is made without PFOAs and other harmful chemicals.
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