Consumers now have plenty of options when seeking out performance cookware. Established kitchen brands are often relied upon; however, newly-developed technologies and advancements in the industry have created exciting new competitors such as Made In Cookware and HexClad Cookware. Both offer high-quality and innovative cookware products to meet your culinary needs at home.
Founded in 2017, Made In Cookware has since established itself as a competitive provider of high-quality, affordable cookware. All of their products are made in the US, ensuring their quality and favorability amongst cookware connoisseurs. Similarly, HexClad Cookware entered the cookware market not too long ago in 2016. Their product line features a unique hybrid design that combines stainless steel with non stick surface, allowing for incredible versatility while cooking as well as durability. While their products are designed at their LA headquarters, HexClad’s cookware is manufactured in Asia, mainly in China and Korea.
When it comes to cost, both brands are more affordable than luxury cookware lines, with Made In being the more affordable choice between the two. While we feel that Made In offers better value overall, this may also depend on what features you’re specifically looking for in your cookware. Home cooks and professional chefs may have different preferences when selecting their cookware, especially as there is much more than just affordability to consider. Performance, durability, ease of use and even the brand’s customer service ratings and product reviews (and more!) should go into your decision-making process. Additionally, the type of cooking you’ll be doing in the kitchen will decide which material is best for you; from non-stick coated surfaces or stainless steel pots & pans all the way up to hybrid models that offer a blend between them. To make an informed choice about suitable cookware for your needs remember each material has its pros & cons regardless of its popularity. When it comes to Made In Cookware vs HexClad Cookware, both offer their benefits and drawbacks and depending on your cooking style one brand may be a better choice for your kitchen than the other.
Read on to find out how they compare and which one best suits your needs.
Customer Rating Overview
On their website, Made In shares several thousand third-party verified 5-star reviews with over 97% of reviewers rating the product as excellent (5 stars), while customers of HexClad do not view the brand nearly as favorably. While customers gave Made In 5 stars across the board in several areas including Shipping & Returns, Customer Support, Trial & Warranty, Performance, Durability and Ease of Use, HexClad doesn’t have a single 5-star customer rating in any of these categories. They were rated the lowest for durability with 3/5 stars, which is not surprising as with most non stick cookware, there is a shorter lifespan than alternative materials like stainless steel. However, the brand claims to have the durability of cast iron and that their products “last a lifetime,” plus they offer a unique design that features raised stainless steel honeycomb shapes designed to protect the nonstick material, so with proper care you may be able to get more use out of them than with other non stick products.
Shipping, Warranty, and Return Policies
Made In only offers free shipping for orders over $49 within the contiguous U.S., while HexClad offers free shipping with no threshold. However, when it comes to return policies, Made In’s is a bit more generous at 45 days compared to HexClad’s 30 days. Both brands cover manufacturer’s defects under their lifetime warranties but be sure to review the warranty information for both in-depth before making a purchase to ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions.
Customer Service
Made In cookware customers have made it evident through their reviews and feedback that they feel the brand provides outstanding customer service, especially when compared to their competitors. The support section of their website is easy to access and includes a live chat feature with a quick connect option to bypass the chatbot and go straight to live support. Also featured are a telephone number, helpful links and a robust help center. While HexClad’s site also boasts a comprehensive help center, their contact page defaults users to a web form versus a chatbot or phone number.
Why Choose Made In Cookware?
Ideal For:
- Suitable for all levels of cooks, from home chefs to professionals
- Offers a complete line of kitchen products including both nonstick coating and regular frying pans in a wide range of sizes, stock pots, saute pans, roasting pans, universal lids, clad cookware and more –all of which can be purchased separately or in sets.
- Ideal choice for customers who want long-lasting, high quality cookware
Considerations:
- Direct-to-consumer model allows for competitively priced restaurant quality cookware that runs around $65+ per piece
- All products are covered for any manufacturer’s defects under their limited lifetime warranty and they offer a 45-day money-back guarantee
- Their nonstick surface cookware is a safer choice, made without PFOA, and is extra durable and resistant to degradation
Why Choose HexClad?
Ideal For:
- People looking for a pan that will release food as well as traditional non stick cookware, but will pan-sear meats, fish and vegetables better
- Those in search of pots and pans sets with lids and woks that use HexClad non stick hybrid technology for more versatility and durability than traditional non stick
- Ideal choice for avid chefs or home cooks who are particularly rough on their cookware causing it to break down quickly
Considerations:
- If non stick is your preferred material for daily cooking, a HexClad pan will save you from having to replace your pan as often
- HexClad fry pans may perform better than traditional non stick skillets, but they won’t replace a stainless pan when it comes to searing your favorite foods
- While HexClad’s cookware is free of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an alternative compound used in non-stick cookware coatings, they do use polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Made In’s Best Seller
10 Piece Stainless Set
Products Included
- BFCM LIMITED TIME OFFER: FREE 8″ PRO COAT NON STICK PAN!
- 8″ Frying Pan, 10″ Frying Pan, 2 QT Saucepan with Lid, 4 QT Saucepan with Lid, 3 QT Saucier with Lid, 8 QT Stock Pot with Lid
HexClad’s Best Seller
Hybrid Cookware Set
Includes
- 8-Inch Frying Pan
- 10-Inch Frying Pan
- 2-Quart Saucepan with Lid
- 3-Quart Saucier with Lid
- 8-Quart Stockpot with Lid
- Glass Lids for all pans
Made In Cookware Report
We consolidated verified reviews from existing Made In customers – here’s how they rated the brands product categories
Stainless Cookware
Avg. Customer Rating
Non Stick Cookware
Avg. Customer Rating
Bakeware
Avg. Customer Rating
Kitchen Knives
Avg. Customer Rating
HexClad Report
We consolidated verified reviews from existing Made In customers – here’s how they rated the brands product categories
Stainless Cookware
Avg. Customer Rating
Non Stick Cookware
Avg. Customer Rating
Bakeware
Avg. Customer Rating
Kitchen Knives
Avg. Customer Rating
Noteworthy Awards & for These Cookware Brands
Despite being newer brands, both Made In and HexClad Cookware have won several awards. Made In has made the lists of Best Cookware Sets from the likes of Consumer Reports, CNET, and CNBC and recognition by Time Magazine for its outstanding quality and innovative design. Moreover, many celebrity chefs including Gramercy Tavern Cofounder Tom Colicchio choose to outfit their restaurant kitchens with Made In Cookware and many Michelin Starred restaurants. HexClad has similarly received wide recognition for its innovation and performance, winning awards from CNN, Esquire, Bustle and Buy Sid from The Wall Street Journal. Furthermore, HexClad is backed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay who calls the brand “the Rolls Royce of pans” and claims to use it at home as well as outfit The Gordon Ramsay Academy with HexClad cookware.
Made In Cookware Awards
HexClad Awards
- Consumer Reports’ Best Cookware Sets of 2022
- CNET’s Best Cookware Sets for 2022
- CNET’s Best Direct-to-Consumer Cookware for 2022
- CNBC UPSTART 100 2019
- Made In’s Universal Lid Is One of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2018
- HexClad’s 10-Inch Hybrid Pan is one of CNN’s Best Non Stick Pans of 2022
- HexClad 1 of Esquire’s 12 Best Cookware Brands Worth Investing In for 2022
- Bustle’s 2022 Choice for The Overall Best Pan For Oil-Free Cooking
- HexClad’s 13-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set Buy Side from WSJ’s Best Non Stick Cookware Set in 2022
Pricing + Affordability:
Made In is able to offer world-class stainless steel pots and pans at a fraction of the cost of high-end cookware brands by selling directly to customers. Their products are affordable compared to competitors, especially when considering value. HexClad cookware is also more affordable than luxury cookware brands; however, Made In is the more affordable option and we feel it offers better value. While HexClad does get an advantage for its dishwasher-safe range, we’re skeptical about those claims. while HexClad is reasonably priced compared to high-end clad stainless steel cookware because their products feature a non stick component, comparing the cost to other non stick brands makes more sense. With this in mind, HexClad is considerably expensive for non stick. Further, it’s expensive for pans made in Asia and more expensive than most Chinese-made brands of clad stainless cookware. If you’re looking for long-lasting cookware like stainless steel, more affordable options like Made In are better. Similarly, if you’re looking for a high-quality non stick pan, you can find one for less. However, if you’re intrigued by the hybrid pan design and versatility for home cooking, then HexClad might be a good choice for you.
Product Performance
Made In’s product performance was rated 5 stars by customers for even heat distribution, sturdy but lightweight construction fit for everyday use, easy cleaning and maintenance, and long-lasting durability. Their nonstick line is especially hyped for its heat conductivity, safety, ease of cleaning, and longevity. HexClad’s products are also known for excellent heating performance; however, while their products may release food as well as traditional non stick cookware, they don’t sear as well as fully clad stainless steel cookware.
Product Durability
Made In Cookware is made with premium materials including high-quality stainless steel. They also offer non stick products, but as they are purely made from non stick materials, unlike the hybrid design of HexClad, these items are not as durable. That said, if you prefer cooking on materials like cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless, Made In is the better choice. HexClad names durability as a significant benefit of its products. Keep in mind, however, that while their stainless lattice design protects the nonstick inner, making their cookware more durable than other non stick products, it also makes them less non stick, so you have to use cooking oil or butter to avoid sticking. Furthermore, as with most non stick cookware, HexClad products will have a shorter lifespan than stainless steel.
Product Ease of Use
Both brands rate well in terms of ease of use. Made In Cookware is designed to be sturdy but not too heavy, offering everyday versatility. Furthermore, their pots and pans clean easily, especially when cleaned with their Made Like New cleaner. HexClad’s products were also designed with ease of use in mind. When used correctly and with care, their products are designed to perform well for everything from scrambling eggs to flipping meats. They are easy to wield on the range but a bit heavier than non stick counterparts. HexClad cookware, including the lids, are dishwasher safe, making cleanup convenient and easy. However, hand washing can extend its shelf life.