This pan is a smart buy that brings professional performance without breaking the bank. It's durable, well-balanced, heats evenly, and excels with everything from delicate sauces to high-heat searing.
Pros of the Pan
Reliable, sturdy, and well-balanced
Even heating from 5-ply construction
Handle stays cool
Non-reactive with acidic foods
Free from toxic materials
Resists fingerprints
Built to last
Excellent value
Cons of the Pan
Not ideal for delicate eggs
Can discolor slightly
Expert reviewers rigorously test products, providing insights to help you select the best options. Many home cooks express a desire to replace their non-stick pans but hesitate with stainless steel. It requires a bit of skill—proper heating and oiling are key. When mastered, it delivers restaurant-quality results.
Chefs frequently recommend Made In, a brand known for its quality. The Made In Stainless Steel Pan features five layers of high-quality metal, a cool-touch handle, and a straightforward design. It seemed promising, but could it truly simplify cooking under pressure? I put it to the test for a month.
Specifications
- Materials: 5-ply stainless steel and aluminum
- Sizes: 8 inch, 10 inch, 12 inch
- Heat tolerance: Oven safe up to 800°F
- Induction safe: Yes
- Dishwasher safe: Yes, hand washing preferred
- Origin: Made in Italy & USA
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
- Price: Starts at $119 at Made In
Design & Initial Thoughts
The Made In Stainless Steel Pan has a brushed finish, less shiny than other brands, making it more resistant to fingerprints while maintaining a professional appearance. It felt surprisingly lightweight yet solid when placed on my induction stove.
However, I made a rookie mistake ordering the 12-inch model, which was too large for my induction hob. Always check sizes before purchasing; larger isn't always better.
Cooking Performance
Over three weeks, I tested the pan with various foods, from fried eggs to seared chicken. To achieve the best results, I learned the importance of making the pan non-stick through proper technique.
Before cooking, I let ingredients reach room temperature and used the Leidenfrost test to ensure the pan was hot enough. Here's how it performed:
- Onions: They caramelized evenly without sticking, showcasing excellent heat distribution.
- Creamy tomato pasta sauce: It heated up quickly, taking just 1 minute 12 seconds, with even bubbling across the surface.
- Seared chicken breasts: The pan delivered a perfect sear, creating a flavorful fond for sauce.
- Gyozas: They cooked beautifully, crisp on the outside and juicy inside, with no sticking.
- Fried eggs: A bit tricky here; I generally avoid eggs in stainless steel, and the brand recommends against it.
Overall, the Made In Stainless Steel Pan felt well-balanced and easy to maneuver. The handle remained cool during cooking.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Contrary to popular belief, cleaning stainless steel isn't overly difficult. With warm soapy water and a silicone scrubber, I removed residue quickly. For stubborn stains, soaking helps.
This pan resists rust and scratching, allowing metal utensils to be used safely. While it's low maintenance, it can experience discoloration over time, so occasional polishing is beneficial. I recommend using Barkeeper's Friend for a polished look.
Comparative Analysis
I keep only a few frying pans due to space constraints, and while Made In is solid, it hasn't quite made my permanent collection. My daily go-to is a Hestan CopperBond skillet priced at $350. It's luxurious and offers exceptional performance.
While Made In is reliable and well-constructed, it lacks the high-end appeal of Hestan but still achieves a fantastic sear, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
Tramontina is an even more budget-friendly brand, but its higher-end lines are only 3-ply, which results in less refined cooking performance.
If you're hesitant to switch from non-stick, the HexClad Hybrid Pan combines stainless steel with a non-stick surface, making it versatile for delicate dishes, although it doesn't give the same sear quality.
In summary: Hestan is premium, Made In offers great value, Tramontina is basic, and HexClad provides a middle ground.
Customer Feedback
Users highly rate the Made In Stainless Steel Pan, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars.
One customer shared their experience: 'I was hesitant about using stainless steel, but after learning the right techniques, I couldn't be happier. This skillet has minimal sticking and cleans easily.'
Most negative reviews cite sticking issues, likely due to improper technique. Adjusting your approach may be necessary, as different brands behave uniquely.
Concerns about warping have also surfaced, but during my testing, the pan remained in excellent condition. I plan to continue using it for 6-9 months to monitor any changes.
Should You Purchase It?
Absolutely. At $119 for an 8-inch model, it's a fantastic investment that delivers professional results without the high-end cost. It's robust, well-balanced, heats evenly, and handles various cooking tasks. The brushed finish minimizes maintenance, while the cool handle enhances comfort.
If you're ready to transition from non-stick, the Made In Stainless Steel Pan is a worthwhile choice. You may also want to consider adding their CeramiClad non-stick pan for eggs.
Testing Methodology
To evaluate a frying pan, it must excel in versatility, weight, cooking performance, and cleaning ease.
I tested the pan for over a month, assessing its long-term performance. Many pans perform well initially but may stick or discolor with use, which can be frustrating.
I looked for a pan that can handle tasks from frying eggs to searing steaks while feeling balanced and substantial enough for even heating.
Additionally, I focused on challenging recipes like tofu, sticky cheeses, and fried eggs, observing their performance and the cleanup required.
Having trained in a culinary school and worked as a food writer, I maintain high standards in my evaluations.
