Made-In Pans: Worth The Hype?

Made In is a direct-to-consumer cookware brand that has been shaking up the market since its launch in 2017. With its mission to bring restaurant-quality cookware into everyday kitchens, the brand has quickly gained popularity with both seasoned and beginner cooks. But are Made In pans any good?

Made In pans are a good alternative to All-Clad, but they are not without their flaws

One of the main selling points of Made In pans is their price. The company claims that its direct-to-consumer sales model allows it to offer steep discounts on premium-quality pans, with a $69 pan from Made In costing $150 at a typical retailer. However, some reviewers have found that the quality of the pans is not as high as expected, with issues such as warping and customer service problems being mentioned.

In terms of performance, Made In pans heat up quickly and evenly, with "stay-cool" handles that prevent burns. The nonstick coating on the pans works well, although it always needs oil or butter to function properly. The carbon steel pan also requires seasoning before use, which can be a bit of a hassle.

Overall, Made In pans are a good alternative to All-Clad if you're looking for something more affordable, but they may not offer the same level of quality and durability.

Made In's non-stick frying pan is a good buy, but it is not scratch-proof

While the pan is easy to clean, some users have reported scorch marks on the bottom of the pan that cannot be scrubbed off. This may be a flaw with the stainless-ferrite bottom of the pan. Overall, the Made In non-stick frying pan is a good option, but it is important to note that it is not scratch-proof and may develop scorch marks with prolonged use.

Made In's carbon steel frying pan is a steal for its quality and performance

Made In's carbon steel frying pan is a great choice for those seeking a durable and high-performing cooking companion. Here's why it's a steal for its quality and performance:

Versatility:

Made In's carbon steel frying pan offers the best of both worlds, combining the advantages of cast iron and stainless steel. It delivers excellent heat conduction and distribution, similar to cast iron, while being lighter and easier to handle. The unique high-sided shape allows you to use it as a traditional sauté pan, a wok, or even a small saucepan. It's perfect for everything from stir-fries to steaks and eggs.

Non-Stick Properties:

With proper seasoning and maintenance, the Made In carbon steel frying pan becomes highly non-stick. The seasoning layer improves with use, and the pan only gets better over time. You'll be able to cook delicate dishes like eggs and crepes with ease, and cleanup will be a breeze.

Durability:

Carbon steel is known for its durability, and the Made In pan is no exception. It can withstand super-high temperatures and transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven, grill, or campfire. With proper care, this pan will last you a lifetime, making it an excellent investment for your kitchen.

Ease of Use:

The Made In carbon steel frying pan is designed with functionality in mind. Its arc-shaped stainless-steel handle provides good leverage and keeps your hand away from the heat. The tall, rounded sides make it perfect for stir-frying or shallow-frying, and the wide, sloping edges prevent food from spilling out. It's also oven-safe up to temperatures of 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Price and Value:

While the Made In carbon steel frying pan may require a bit of maintenance to keep it in top shape, its performance justifies the effort. Compared to other cast iron or stainless steel pans in the same price range, the Made In pan offers superior functionality and versatility. It's a moderate investment that will pay off in the long run, as you won't need to replace it anytime soon.

In conclusion, the Made In carbon steel frying pan is an exceptional choice for home cooks and professionals alike. Its combination of cast iron and stainless steel qualities, along with its durability and versatility, make it a true workhorse in the kitchen. With its non-stick properties and ease of use, you'll find yourself reaching for this pan again and again, making it a steal for its quality and performance.

Made In's stainless steel pans are heavy hitters, but they have their limitations

Made In's stainless steel pans are a great buy for anyone looking for a complete cookware overhaul or for those wanting to start off on the right foot in a new home. While the price tag on the whole set can seem a bit steep, the set is designed to last a lifetime and includes most everything you need to cook on the stove. It's a worthy investment that will pay off for years to come. Each piece performed well in our testing, offering supreme caramelization, and suffered no lasting damage from a week of routine use. Overall, this is a set that you'll be happy to reach for time and time again.

However, while most of the tests showed even heating across the pans' surfaces, when we placed the 10-inch pan over a six-inch burner, we noted some unevenness when using a high heat. Stainless steel is not like cast iron and can't maintain that same evenness of heat distribution but it will heat up in a fraction of the time. For best results, pair the pan you're using with a burner of an appropriate size, ideally not more than two to three inches wider than the pan you're using.

Those looking for the ease of nonstick cooking might be disappointed in this set, which doesn't offer a nonstick option (though Made In does offer other sets that do). Many home cooks rely on the simplicity of nonstick cookware to pull off basic recipes like scrambled eggs or pancakes, but stainless steel pans can offer the same properties with the proper steps. During our testing, we were able to pull off stick-free eggs and crepes with little effort once we had prepped the pan correctly. Likewise, stainless steel has microscopic pores in the surface that can develop heat staining if care isn't taken. There are ways to remedy it, but it isn't quite as simple as wiping off a nonstick pan (though it will last you decades longer).

Made In's customer service has been criticised, but the company has since improved it

Made In is a direct-to-consumer cookware brand founded in 2017 by Jake Kalick and Chip Malt. The company aims to bring restaurant-quality cookware to everyday kitchens, with a focus on quality and longevity. Their products include stainless steel, non-stick, carbon steel, and cast iron collections.

While some customers have praised the quality of Made In's products, there have been criticisms of their customer service. Some customers have reported issues with receiving incorrect or defective items and difficulty in obtaining refunds or exchanges. There were also complaints about the lack of responsiveness from the company, with no phone number listed for direct communication.

However, the company has acknowledged these issues and has since improved its customer service. Made In's founder, Jake Kalick, responded to customer feedback, stating that they have revamped their customer service team and leadership. They have also implemented technological changes to streamline the returns process and improve overall customer satisfaction. As a result, their customer service satisfaction rate has increased to around 95%.

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