In today’s market, aesthetically pleasing cookware is widely available, tempting me to make multiple purchases due to their attractive colors and effective marketing strategies. However, having relied on non-stick pans for the past ten years, I am well aware of their susceptibility to scratches and wear. While a product may be crafted from sustainable materials, I believe true sustainability lies in its durability and longevity.
When Made In started appearing more frequently on my social media feeds, their distinctive advertisements immediately captured my attention. Unlike many other brands, Made In’s marketing focused on quality, durability, and endorsements from professional chefs and home cooks who swear by their products.
Established in 2017 by childhood friends Jake Kalick and Chip Malt, Made In aims to introduce high-quality cookware typically found in restaurants to everyday households. Kalick’s family background in restaurant supply has enabled the brand to establish strong relationships with top artisans and suppliers in the industry. While Made In’s stainless steel line is manufactured in the US and France, their bakeware, knives, and carbon steel items are crafted from local materials in France.
In essence, Made In possesses a keen understanding of premium cookware and collaborates with skilled artisans renowned in the industry. I had the privilege of testing products from their popular collections, including stainless steel, non-stick, carbon steel, and cast iron. Here are the specifics:
What I tested:
- Stainless clad saucier ($149)
- Blue carbon steel wok ($99 currently)
- Stainless steel non stick frying pan ($129)
- Enameled cast iron dutch oven ($199)
- 8-inch chef knife ($119)
I’ve been using these Made In products for six months, and I have to say I’m delighted. Read on for more info about each product and what I thought!
The two quart saucier
The saucepan size is a must-have in my home. Our previous one was always in use, waiting to be cleaned, or drying on the rack. When I tried Made In’s saucier, I was excited to discover it was dishwasher-safe!
It’s important to note the distinction between sauciers and saucepans. Sauciers have curved sides, ideal for dishes requiring constant stirring or for finishing pasta in sauce for even distribution. On the other hand, saucepans with flat bottoms are perfect for quick heating, making them suitable for reducing stocks and cooking grains. Every day is a chance to learn something new, isn’t it?
This versatile little saucier excels at multitasking. While I haven’t prepared any saucier-specific recipes in it yet, I’ve successfully cooked soft-boiled eggs, barley, rice, and even indulged in some mac and cheese on particularly tiring days. The flared lip at the top is crafted to facilitate pouring, resulting in less spillage, and the entire saucier cleans up swiftly without leaving any residue. I particularly appreciate the lightweight lid; although it lacks the usual air vent, it’s easy to balance on top for steam release.
A couple of observations; the stay-cool handle is effective as long as you avoid gripping too close to the pan (a rookie mistake on my part). Additionally, I underestimated how small a two-quart capacity truly is. I’m considering adding the four-quart saucepan ($139) to my kitchen arsenal to enable cooking multiple components simultaneously.
My parents have owned the same wok for over thirty years, and I’ve admired its quality ever since the handle of my inexpensive Target wok broke. Not ideal! Made In’s wok arrived with a protective canvas bag and is truly impressive (am I the only one who finds woks to be among the most stylish cookware items?) It’s quite heavy, a characteristic common to many of Made In’s pans, but I’m accustomed to flimsy, unreliable cookware.
To put this wok to the test, I prepared the crispy tofu recipe that has been on my mind since I featured it in The Daily Good a few months back. I’m usually hesitant about frying due to my experiences working with careless fry cooks at Sonic Drive-In during past summers, but this wok made the process incredibly simple. The heat distribution was uniform and steady, the handle remained cool (as long as you avoid getting too close to the heat), and any splatters were contained effectively thanks to the wok’s ample size.
The heat distribution was uniform and steady, the handle remained cool (unless held too close to the heat source), and any splatter was effectively contained due to the ample size of the wok.
After finishing cooking and adding the next set of ingredients, I found it easy to pour out the oil without experiencing any burns or blisters. The sizzling sound as I mixed everything was truly unique. Upon cleaning up, I noticed some darker and lighter marks on the wok, similar to my parents’ seasoned wok, which I believe is a natural part of the pan’s seasoning process. I plan to look into how to maintain its seasoning for longevity.
Currently, the wok is priced at $99, but its regular price is $139. Regardless, I consider it a worthwhile investment due to the anticipated usage and durability. I am confident that this wok will serve me well for years to come.
The 10″ frying pan
In the past, my cookware with a nonstick coating got significantly scratched within a year of use, despite warnings against it. Made In’s nonstick frying pan boasts a 100% nontoxic coating made without PFOAS, a reassuring feature in light of growing concerns about household materials. What sets this brand apart is its avoidance of misleading “ceramic” coatings that may not be as natural as they seem.
Putting the frying pan to the test, I cooked overeasy eggs, a challenge for me despite watching numerous tutorials. Unfortunately, the pan didn’t resolve my aesthetic issues, as the eggs lacked the picture-perfect appearance and easy slide-off seen in commercials. However, the eggs’ color, taste, and texture were spot-on. On a positive note, we also prepared various pasta dishes in this pan, appreciating how effortless it was to clean the surface.
Key Takeaways:
Made In offers high-quality cookware at prices that are more affordable for the average home cook. The products are manufactured in the United States and France by top-tier producers. The cookware is free from harmful substances and is available in various materials to suit different cooking preferences.
Among my preferred items were the chef’s knife and the wok, both of which stood out to me. I am thrilled to incorporate them into my kitchen routine. I also tried out the nonstick frying pan, cast iron dutch oven, and stainless steel saucier, all of which exceeded my expectations in terms of quality compared to cheaper alternatives from retailers like Amazon or Target. I wholeheartedly endorse this brand.
The cookware may be a bit heavy, and not all pieces are dishwasher-safe. It is advisable to verify the weight and washing instructions to ensure they align with your cooking requirements.
Made In cookware is available in sets for additional savings. Due to its longevity, the cost per use is comparable to some of the more popular cookware brands seen on social media platforms.
