When you’re a professional chef, owning a ton of pots and pans isn’t necessary. Most chefs say a mix of durable stainless steel, decent nonstick, and workhorse cast iron is more than enough to cook anything you can dream up.
But if you’re a home cook, you want to own cookware that’s stylish, nonstick that’s easy to clean, and durable enough for everyday use. And you want to get those items at a reasonable price.
Enter Made In. The company’s direct-to-consumer sales model promises US-made, premium-quality cookware at prices that are typically half of what you’d pay at a retail store. And if you’re skeptical, the company’s ever-growing line of stainless steel pots and pans is already being used in the kitchens of top hotels and restaurants, including Encore Boston Harbor, where the executive chef chose to replace his entire collection of Teflon and other cookware with Made In.
While the cookware does have a nice look to it, it’s not perfect. The flat handles, for example, don’t have the heft and comfortable grip of traditional cookware. Plus, the surface scratches easily and can pick up dark stains that are difficult to remove (a common complaint with hard-anodized cookware). But if you’re willing to overlook these shortcomings, the set is a solid choice for those looking for durable, attractive nonstick cookware that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. You just have to know what you’re getting into before buying this cookware as seen on tv.