The three brands I find myself recommending most often, and using heavily in both my home and test kitchens, are HexClad, All-Clad, and Made In. Each claims to offer professional performance, but they approach the goal very differently. I cooked everything from 12-hour Bolognese to seared scallops, stir-fried noodles to caramel sauce, all to understand how these pans behave under pressure, heat, and the stress of real-world use.
HexClad Cookware
Hands-On Experience HexClad grabbed my attention with its sci-fi aesthetic—but kept it with performance. I cooked a bone-in ribeye to a textbook medium-rare with a rich crust and finished it in the oven. Delicate dishes like omelets and crepes released cleanly without oil. It straddles the line between nonstick and stainless with more success than I expected.
Material & Technology This is where HexClad really innovates. It uses a tri-ply construction: stainless steel exterior, aluminum core for heat conductivity, and a unique laser-etched stainless-steel surface overlaying a nonstick layer (PTFE-based). That hexagonal grid gives you enough stainless steel exposure to brown and sear, while keeping the nonstick coating protected in the recessed areas.
Heat Performance Heats steadily, and while not quite as fast as All-Clad or as conductive edge-to-edge, it retains heat well. Great for proteins, rice dishes, and sauces that need gentle simmering.
Durability I used metal tongs and whisks with no issue. After a year of heavy use, the surface still looks nearly new. The exterior shows some discoloration over time, but the cooking surface is resilient.
Ergonomics Moderately heavy, but well-balanced. The handles stay cool on the stovetop, and the flared lips make for drip-free pouring. Great for flipping and tossing.
Cleaning Arguably its biggest win. Most messes wipe away with a sponge. For baked-on sauces or grease, a short soak and soft scrub does the trick.
Price & Value It sits on the premium end, but if you value versatility and ease, it’s a strong investment.
Warranty & Packaging Lifetime warranty, sleek packaging, and a support team that actually responds within 24 hours.
All-Clad Cookware
Hands-On Experience This is the pan I’ve trusted on the line during a Saturday night dinner rush. It delivers surgical precision. I once reduced a wine pan sauce to velvet in under 4 minutes thanks to the speed and consistency of the heat.
Material & Technology All-Clad D3 (their flagship line) is a three-ply sandwich of stainless-aluminum-stainless, with full cladding up the sides. The D5 adds a second stainless layer for even more stability. Copper Core is their top-tier option, and it delivers heat like lightning but with a price tag to match.
Heat Performance Absolutely top-tier. It reacts instantly to temperature adjustments. Searing, sautéing, and deglazing feel intuitive. Every bit of the pan surface performs evenly.
Durability I’ve seen these survive 10+ years in restaurant kitchens. Mine has a few surface scratches but performs like day one. No warping. No coating to chip.
Ergonomics The handles are polarizing—wide and with a center groove that some find uncomfortable. They’re built for control, especially over a flame. Not ideal for long cooking sessions unless you use a towel or sleeve.
Cleaning Not beginner-friendly. It will show every bit of burnt residue. Bar Keepers Friend or baking soda is a must. Worth the effort if you want that pro sheen.
Price & Value Expensive. But it’s generational cookware. You’ll probably leave it to your grandkids.
Warranty & Packaging Reliable lifetime warranty. Packaging is utilitarian but secure. Their repair/exchange policy is transparent and consistent.
Made In Cookware
Hands-On Experience Made In feels like a chef’s secret: boutique quality without the boutique markup. I pan-fried chicken thighs, reduced balsamic glazes, and cooked risotto all in one week, and it never stumbled. It’s an all-rounder that punches above its weight class.
Material & Technology Their core stainless line is 5-ply: two layers of aluminum for conductivity sandwiched by stainless steel. It also comes in carbon steel and nonstick. The stainless line is made in the U.S. and France, with a focus on craftsmanship.
Heat Performance Almost as responsive as All-Clad. The thicker construction distributes heat with minimal hotspots. Browning is beautiful, and sauces cook evenly without scorching.
Durability My sauté pan has seen heavy use and held up exceptionally well. No warping, even heating, and the brushed finish hides wear better than All-Clad’s mirror polish.
Ergonomics Thoughtful design. Lighter than All-Clad, easier on the wrists. Handles stay cool and are comfortable even when wet.
Cleaning Not as easy as HexClad, but easier than All-Clad. The brushed surface resists discoloration. Their nonstick pans are among the best I’ve tested.
Price & Value This is where Made In shines. You’re getting near-All-Clad performance for a fraction of the price. Excellent value for serious home cooks.
Warranty & Packaging Lifetime warranty, and some of the best packaging I’ve seen. Eco-friendly and giftable. Customer service is stellar.
Comparison Chart
| Feature | HexClad | All-Clad | Made In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Conduction | 8/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Oven/Stovetop Use | 500°F / All cooktops incl. induction | 600°F / All cooktops incl. induction | 500°F / All cooktops incl. induction |
| Weight | Medium-Heavy | Heavy | Medium |
| Aesthetics | Futuristic hybrid | Timeless industrial | Sleek modern |
| Price Range | $$$ | $$$$ | $$ – $$$ |
| Best For | Modern kitchens, hybrid fans | Precision cooking, pros | Savvy home cooks, gifts |
Use Case Recommendations
For Home Cooks: Choose Made In. You’ll get pro-level results without breaking the bank. Its lighter weight and easy maintenance make it a joy for everyday cooking.
For Professional Chefs: Stick with All-Clad. The responsiveness, control, and proven durability are essential in fast-paced kitchens.
For Gift Buyers: Go with HexClad. Its eye-catching design and unique hybrid performance make it the most memorable gift of the three.
Pros and Cons
HexClad ✔ Hybrid tech that actually works
✔ Great for everyday cooks who want versatility
✔ Stunning design and presentation
✔ Easy cleanup
✘ Price is high for casual use
✘ Not quite as responsive as clad-only pans
All-Clad ✔ Unmatched performance and control
✔ Built like a tank
✔ Trusted in commercial kitchens
✔ Multiple product lines for various needs
✘ High cost of entry
✘ Handles aren’t ergonomic for all users
✘ Requires thorough cleaning
Made In ✔ Pro-grade performance at fair price
✔ Lightweight and ergonomic
✔ Strong customer support
✔ Beautiful brushed finish hides wear
✘ Slightly less responsive than All-Clad
✘ Shorter brand history = less long-term data
Final Verdict: Which Cookware Would I Buy Today?
If I were stocking a kitchen from scratch today, Made In would be my starting point. It delivers exceptional performance at a price point that makes building a full set realistic. It’s versatile, beautiful, and holds up to serious cooking.
But if you want precision performance for advanced techniques—say, making beurre blanc or deglazing for pan sauces—All-Clad is still the king. And for those who want the style of nonstick with the backbone of stainless, HexClad fills a unique niche.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of these brands. But as a chef who values both form and function, Made In is the cookware I reach for most often—and the one I recommend to friends who ask, “What pan should I really buy?”
Leave a Reply