Home » Made In Review: Michelin-Level Cookware for Home Kitchens—Or Just Marketing Hype?

Made In Review: Michelin-Level Cookware for Home Kitchens—Or Just Marketing Hype?

by Lena Elliott

In today’s crowded cookware market, brands often make bold claims—but few garner as much attention as Made In. With endorsements from Michelin-starred chefs, a sleek direct-to-consumer model, and cookware that promises restaurant-quality performance, Made In is quickly becoming the talk of the town in culinary circles and foodie forums alike.

But the real question is: does it really live up to the hype or is it just another beautifully marketed kitchen brand?

We spent several months cooking, sautéing, searing, and simmering a whole range of Made In products—from stainless steel workhorses to blue carbon steel pans—to see if this chef-favorite brand really delivers on its promises.

🍳 About the Brand: What Makes Made In Different?

Made In was founded in 2017 with the mission of bringing professional-quality cookware directly to home kitchens—without the luxury markup. Founders Jake Kalick and Chip Malt come from a family with 100 years of experience in kitchen supplies and have combined this heritage with modern manufacturing and online retail expertise.

What sets Made In apart:

  • Made in the USA and Europe: The cookware comes from family-run manufacturers in the USA, France, and Italy.
  • Restaurant-grade quality: Used in top restaurants such as Alinea, Eleven Madison Park, and Le Bernardin.
  • Direct price: High-quality materials without traditional retail markups.

So far, so promising. But good branding only takes you so far—we wanted to see how it performed under pressure.

Pros
Restaurant-grade quality at fair prices
Made in USA, France & Italy
Excellent heat control & retention
Sleek, modern design with welded handles
Endorsed by real chefs, not just influencers
Cons
Not ideal for beginners (especially stainless)
Carbon steel requires care & seasoning
Nonstick will eventually need replacement
Not the cheapest option
No flashy color options like Caraway or Our Place

📦 Unboxing Experience & First Impressions

The packaging is simple and functional—nothing too flashy. But as soon as you take the cookware out of the box, the quality is undeniable. Each piece feels heavy, solid, and well-balanced.

The stainless steel parts shine with a mirror-smooth surface, and the welded handles are eye-catching—no rivets mean no trapped grease and a clean overall appearance. The carbon steel and non-stick pans have a professional, matte black aesthetic that fits in any commercial kitchen.

🔥 Performance Review: Putting Made In Cookware to the Test

We used Made In cookware for dozens of recipes: high-heat sears, slow-roasts, tangy tomato sauces, sticky reductions, and tender eggs. Here’s how they performed in each category:

Stainless Set (6-Piece)

Stainless Set (6-Piece)
  • Products Tested: 10” CeramiClad™ Non Stick Frying Pan, 10" Stainless Clad Frying Pan, 2-Qt Sauce Pan, 8-Qt Stock Pot

  • Construction: 5-ply bonded stainless steel with an aluminum core

  • Highlights:

    • Heats evenly and quickly with no hot spots

    • Excellent searing and browning

    • Responsive temperature control

    • Welded handles stay cool longer than most

    • Compatible with induction, oven-safe up to 800°F

Best For: Daily cooking, sauces, browning proteins, and serious meal prep
⚠️ Watch Out For: Like all stainless, it requires a learning curve—proper preheating is key to avoiding sticking.

Original price was: $676.00.Current price is: $559.00.

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ProCoat Non Stick Frying Pan

ProCoat Non Stick Frying Pan
  • Construction: Aluminum base with PFOA-free nonstick coating (made in Italy)

  • Performance:

    • One of the most durable nonstick pans we’ve tested

    • Eggs, pancakes, and delicate fish glide effortlessly

    • Reinforced with 5-ply steel bottom for sturdiness

Best For: Eggs, quick sautés, and anything you want to clean up in seconds
⚠️ Watch Out For: Not metal-utensil safe. Also, like all nonstick, it won’t last forever—expect 3–5 years with proper care.

$159.00

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Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan

Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan
  • Construction: French-made blue carbon steel (seasoned like cast iron)

  • Performance:

    • Incredibly lightweight yet retains heat beautifully

    • Develops a nonstick patina over time

    • Can handle open flame, broilers, grills

Best For: High-heat searing, oven-to-stove dishes, stir fry
⚠️ Watch Out For: Requires seasoning and maintenance. Not ideal for acidic dishes.

$129.00

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Florida State University 5.5QT Dutch Oven

Florida State University 5.5QT Dutch Oven
  • Construction: Made in France, enameled cast iron

  • Performance:

    • Holds heat like a tank

    • Stunning design and colors

    • Braises, bakes, and slow cooks beautifully

Best For: Soups, stews, sourdough, and roasting
⚠️ Watch Out For: It’s heavy (as expected). Needs gentle care to preserve the enamel.

$299.00

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🧼 Cleanup & Maintenance

  • Stainless steel: For longevity, handwash and dishwasher safe. Bar Keepers Friend is your best friend for a shiny shine.
  • Non-stick coating: A quick rinse with a sponge is all it takes – do not use in the dishwasher.
  • Carbon steel: Must be handwashed and dried immediately. Occasional re-baking is required.
  • Dutch oven: Enameled interior for easy cleaning, but avoid metal utensils to preserve the finish.
In short, if you take care of these pieces, they will last a lifetime – and possibly for the next generation as well.

🛍️ Pricing Breakdown: Is It Worth the Investment?

Made In isn’t cheap cookware—but it’s not overpriced either. Here’s an overview of current prices:

Product Price
Stainless Frying Pan (10”) $129
3.5-Qt Sauté Pan $189
8-Qt Stock Pot $249
Nonstick Fry Pan $159
Carbon Steel Fry Pan $129
Dutch Oven $299

Considering the 5-ply construction, professional-grade quality, and performance, we’d call this an excellent value—especially compared to All-Clad or Mauviel, which are almost twice the price.

🚚 Shipping, Returns & Warranty

📦 Shipping:

  • Free U.S. shipping over $99

  • Ships within 1–2 business days

  • International shipping available to select countries

🔄 Returns:

  • 45-day return window—even after use

  • No restocking fees, prepaid return label included

  • Full refunds once item is received back

🛡️ Warranty:

  • Lifetime warranty on stainless steel and carbon steel

  • Covers manufacturing defects and performance failures

  • Nonstick has a 1-year limited warranty

They clearly stand behind their products and their customer service is fast, responsive, and easy to reach via chat or email.

⭐ Final Verdict: Hype or Game-Changer?

Made In isn’t just hype—it’s the real deal.

This is professional-quality cookware that’s affordable even for home cooks, without cutting corners or driving up prices with marketing flair. Every piece appears well-thought-out, well-crafted, and performance-tested.

If you’re serious about cooking—or ready to finally ditch your cheap, mismatched pans—Made In is a rock-solid investment. Whether you buy a single piece or the complete set, you’ll immediately feel the difference in your kitchen.

🥇 Made In brings restaurant-grade tools to your home kitchen—and earns every bit of the buzz it gets.

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