The Made In 5 Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set that Made America's Test Kitchen Stand Up and Cheer
By: Simon
June 19, 2026 | Updated: July 22, 2026
Credit: ©Made In
Features
- 10-piece set (6 cookware pieces + 4 lids): 8-inch frying pan, 10-inch frying pan, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 4-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucier with lid, 8-quart stock pot with lid
- 5-ply fully clad construction: stainless steel / pure aluminum / aluminum alloy / pure aluminum / stainless steel, extending rim to rim
- Stay-Cool hollow core stainless steel handles that remain comfortable to grip during stovetop cooking
- Oven safe up to 800°F (427°C)
- Rolled rims for drip-free pouring and tight-fitting lids
- Compatible with all cooktops including induction, gas, electric, and ceramic
- Lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
- Made in Italy from domestic and imported components
- Dishwasher safe (hand washing recommended)
- Brushed exterior finish resists fingerprints and scratches
- Co-winner of America's Test Kitchen cookware set review
- Recommended by Food Network and Good Housekeeping
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 5-ply fully clad construction with exceptional heat distribution and responsiveness
- Stay-Cool hollow core handles remain comfortable to grip without a towel during stovetop cooking
- Excellent piece selection includes a versatile 3-quart saucier rarely found in other sets at this price
- 4-quart saucepan is larger and more useful than the standard 3-quart included in most competitor sets
- Rolled rims provide drip-free pouring and snug lid fit for efficient simmering
- Oven safe to 800°F
- Induction compatible
- Lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
- Co-winner of America's Test Kitchen cookware set review
- Made in Italy with professional-grade build quality
- Priced competitively against All-Clad D3 and D5 sets, especially during sales when it drops to $599
- Brushed finish resists fingerprints and looks professional
- Lightweight enough for comfortable one-handed use (8-inch pan at 1.75 lbs, 10-inch at 2.25 lbs)
Cons
- No 12-inch skillet included in the set, requiring a separate purchase for larger cooking tasks
- Skillet sidewalls meet the bottom at an angle rather than a smooth curve, which can trap food particles
- Some induction users report pans not sitting perfectly flat on certain induction cooktops
- 5-ply layers are relatively thin compared to some tri-ply competitors (2.7 mm bottom thickness measured by ATK)
- Price fluctuates significantly, dropping from $799 to $599 during sales, which can frustrate full-price buyers
- Stainless steel requires proper preheating technique to prevent sticking, with a learning curve for new users
- Rainbow discolouration and water spots develop with hard water and high heat, requiring Bar Keeper's Friend to remove
- Hand washing strongly recommended despite being labelled dishwasher safe
- Saucier can feel redundant alongside the 2-quart and 4-quart saucepans for some cooks
If you’ve been circling the high-end stainless steel cookware aisle with your wallet half out, wondering if you really need to remortgage the house for All-Clad, the Made In 10-Piece 5-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Set is the answer you didn’t know you were looking for. This is a chef-driven, direct-to-consumer set that has quietly (and not-so-quietly) earned co-winner status from America’s Test Kitchen, rave reviews from The Kitchn, and a 4.8-star rating from nearly 5,000 customers on the brand’s own site. It’s also a finalist in the ongoing “All-Clad vs. Made In” debate that’s been raging on Reddit’s r/cookware for the better part of three years. Spoiler: it holds its own.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Made In Cookware |
| Model Number | KIT-10-ISS |
| Total Pieces | 10 (6 cookware pieces + 4 lids) |
| Included Items | 8" Frying Pan, 10" Frying Pan, 2QT Saucepan w/ Lid, 4QT Saucepan w/ Lid, 3QT Saucier w/ Lid, 8QT Stock Pot w/ Lid |
| Construction | 5-Ply Clad (Steel / Pure Aluminum / Aluminum Alloy / Pure Aluminum / Steel) |
| Country of Origin | Made in Italy (from domestic & imported components) |
| Oven Safety | Up to 800°F |
| Cooktop Compatibility | Gas, Electric, Induction |
| Handle Type | Stay-Cool Hollow Core Stainless Steel |
| Rim Design | Rolled Rims |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| Price (MSRP) | $1,024 (typically sold at $799 on Amazon & MadeInCookware.com) |
| Lowest Recorded Price | $599.00 (March 2022) |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes (hand wash recommended) |
| 8" Pan Weight | 1.75 lbs |
| 10" Pan Weight | 2.25 lbs |
| 8QT Stock Pot Weight | 4.25 lbs |
| Large Skillet Bottom Thickness | ~2.7 mm |
🧪 Build Quality & Materials
This is a 10-piece collection built around 5-ply fully clad construction, which means every single pot and pan, from the base right up the sides to the rim, is composed of five alternating layers of metal. According to Made In’s specifications, the layers run: stainless steel, pure aluminum, an aluminum alloy, more pure aluminum, and an outer stainless steel layer. This isn’t a cheap disc-bottom setup; the cladding is continuous and seamless from rim to rim.
America’s Test Kitchen measured the large skillet’s bottom at approximately 2.7 mm thick, noting that while the five layers are individually thinner than some tri-ply competitors, the pan’s overall performance was excellent and didn’t take significantly longer to heat. The brushed exterior finish gives the set an understated, professional look that won’t show every fingerprint, a welcome departure from mirror-polished sets that demand constant buffing.
The Stay-Cool handles are a standout feature. They’re hollow-core stainless steel, which slows heat transfer from the pan body to the handle, meaning you can comfortably grip them without a towel during most stovetop cooking. The Kitchn’s reviewer noted this immediately: “The first batch of fried eggs I cooked in the smallest 8-inch frying pan was easy to flip thanks to a handle that, as promised, stayed cool even though part of the handle was directly over my burner.”
The rolled rims are another well-considered design touch. Instead of a sharp, stamped edge, each pot and pan has a smoothly rolled lip that makes pouring sauces, stocks, and pasta water drip-free and controlled. The lids fit snugly thanks to this design, creating an effective seal for simmering and braising.
One small critique from ATK: the skillets’ sides meet the bottom at an angle rather than a smooth curve, which can trap food particles in the corner. It’s a minor annoyance during cleaning, not a performance issue, but worth noting if you’re particular about your pan geometries.
🔥 Performance & Heat Distribution
In practice, this set performs like a serious piece of culinary equipment. The 5-ply cladding delivers heat quickly and spreads it evenly across the cooking surface, which is critical for tasks like searing chicken thighs, caramelising onions, or making delicate pan sauces.
The 3-quart saucier is the unsung hero of this set. Its wide, gently curved bowl and sloped sides are designed for exactly what its name suggests: reducing sauces, stirring custards, and whisking delicate emulsions without ingredients getting trapped in sharp corners. The Kitchn’s reviewer wrote: “The 3-Quart Stainless Clad Saucier became my go-to pan for weeknight cooking… it held as much pasta as my old pan but seemed to cook pasta and noodles more evenly.” This is a piece most 10-piece sets simply don’t include, and it genuinely earns its place.
The frying pans heat evenly across the full cooking surface. A dusting of flour over medium-high heat browns uniformly, without the hotspot pattern you see in cheaper disc-bottom pans. This matters when you’re searing a batch of scallops or trying to get an even crust on a fillet of fish.
The 4-quart saucepan is larger than the standard 3-quart you see in most sets, and it’s a meaningful upgrade. You can boil a dozen eggs, cook a full batch of rice, or blanch green beans for a crowd without crowding.
On induction cooktops, the set is fully compatible, though a small number of Amazon customers have noted that the pan bottoms don’t sit perfectly flat on some induction surfaces, leading to slight wobble. This isn’t a universal complaint, but it’s worth a quick check if you have an induction cooktop.
The 8-quart stockpot handles big-batch jobs admirably, pasta for six, a whole chicken for stock, a batch of chilli for the freezer. It’s wide enough to stir comfortably, and the loop handles make lifting even a full pot manageable.
Oven safety up to 800°F means you can sear a steak on the stovetop and finish it under the broiler or in a hot oven without swapping pans. That’s a temperature ceiling most home cooks will never hit, but it’s there when you need it.
🍳 In Use
After a month of exclusive use, The Kitchn’s reviewer summarised the daily handling experience succinctly: “Made In outperformed my expectations. Each frying pan and pot heated quickly, and the tight-fitting lids made simmering and steaming efficient and tidy (no splatter or boil over).”
Weight and balance are excellent. The 8" frying pan weighs just 1.75 lbs and the 10" is 2.25 lbs, light enough to toss vegetables or flip a pancake with one hand, heavy enough to feel substantial and durable. The handles have a level, natural angle (rather than an upward tilt) that ATK praised as feeling secure and comfortable during lifting and pouring.
Cleaning is straightforward. While the pans are labelled as dishwasher safe, Made In and most reviewers recommend hand washing. One delightful surprise from The Kitchn’s testing: “No one complained about hand-washing these pans! This is unusual since my 11- and 14-year old are in charge of dinner cleanup.” For stubborn residue, a quick deglaze with water while the pan is still hot, followed by a scrub with Bar Keeper’s Friend (Sponsored link), will restore the original shine.
Sticking is the usual stainless steel story, it happens when you rush the preheat. The pan needs to be hot enough for the Leidenfrost effect (a drop of water should skate across the surface) before adding oil. Once you get the hang of it, even eggs and tofu release without a fight. The Kitchn’s reviewer noted: “By the second week of using the pans, I was frying up eggs, tofu, and even pancakes without any issues or sticking.”
The pieces stack reasonably well for storage, though the saucier’s wider shape doesn’t nest as neatly as a straight-sided saucepan would.
💬 What Customers Like
The positive feedback across Amazon, Made In’s own site, and third-party review platforms is remarkably consistent:
Even heating and performance. A verified buyer on MadeInCookware.com said: “These pans are everything I was looking for. Lightweight, sturdy and very even heating. I ordered them to use with my new induction cooktop and they have exceeded my expectations.” This sentiment is echoed across hundreds of reviews.
The Stay-Cool handles. Multiple reviewers cite the handles as a deciding factor over competitors like All-Clad. On Reddit’s r/StainlessSteelCooking, one user wrote: “I went with Made In over All-Clad because of the handle.”
No filler pieces. Customers appreciate that every pot and pan in this set serves a purpose. There’s no steamer insert, no tiny 1-quart saucepan you’ll never use, no glass lids waiting to shatter. Just core, versatile cookware.
Build quality and durability. A long-time buyer on the brand’s site wrote: “This is the third set of pans that my wife and I have purchased after 30+ years of marriage. By far the best quality, fast delivery and everything arrived in great shape ready to use. These pans (all of them) are the best I’ve ever used.”
The saucier. Several reviewers single out the 3-quart saucier as their most-used pan, a piece you simply don’t get in other sets at this price point.
Lifetime warranty. At this price tier, the lifetime warranty provides genuine peace of mind. Made In will replace defective cookware under normal household use.
Awards and recognition. The set has been named a co-winner by America’s Test Kitchen, recommended by Food Network, and recognised by Good Housekeeping. That trifecta of approval carries weight.
😕 What Customers Do Not Like
No piece of cookware is perfect, and this set has its share of honest criticisms:
No 12-inch skillet. The largest frying pan in this set is 10 inches. For serious home cooks who regularly sear a whole cut-up chicken or cook for four or more, a 12-inch skillet is essential. You’ll likely need to buy one separately. America’s Test Kitchen noted: “We wish all sets had 12-inch skillets… it was harder to cook a recipe calling for an entire cut-up chicken in a 10-inch skillet.”
Angle at the skillet’s sidewall. ATK pointed out that the skillets’ sides meet the bottom at a defined angle rather than a smooth curve, which can trap food during cooking. It’s not a dealbreaker, but you’ll notice it with delicate ingredients like shredded cheese or finely diced onions.
Induction concerns. A small number of Amazon customers have reported that the pans don’t sit perfectly flat on induction cooktops. One review titled “Not ideal for Induction Stoves” raised this issue. It’s not a widespread problem, but it’s worth noting if you’re an induction user.
Price volatility. The set’s price has fluctuated significantly, from a low of $599 to a high of $799. If you buy at full price and see it drop $200 a month later, it stings. Price history data shows the best deals tend to appear around Black Friday and Prime Day.
5-ply is relatively thin. ATK measured the large skillet’s bottom at 2.7 mm, noting that the five individual layers are thin compared to some tri-ply competitors. While this didn’t affect performance in their testing, it’s worth knowing if you equate “more layers” with “thicker pan.”
Staining. As with all stainless steel, the pans can develop a rainbow discolouration or white calcium deposits from hard water and high heat. This is cosmetic, not functional, and easily removed with Bar Keeper’s Friend. But if you expect your cookware to look showroom-new forever, this will test your patience.
Hand washing recommended. While technically dishwasher safe, Made In and most reviewers strongly recommend hand washing. If you’re someone who wants to toss everything in the dishwasher, this set will require more attention.
The saucier can feel redundant. ATK noted that with a 2-quart saucepan, a 4-quart saucepan, and a 3-quart saucier, there’s some functional overlap. Most cooks will find they use one or two of these three pieces most of the time, leaving the third taking up cabinet space.
🛠️ Maintenance & Care
Stainless steel is low-maintenance compared to cast iron or carbon steel, but it’s not zero-maintenance. Here’s how to keep this set performing for decades:
Cleaning: Hand wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. For stuck-on food, soak the pan or deglaze with a splash of water while the pan is still warm. For stubborn stains or rainbow discolouration, use Bar Keeper’s Friend Cleanser or a stainless steel-specific cleaner like Made In’s own cleaner.
Dishwasher: Technically safe, but the harsh detergents can dull the finish over time and cause spotting. Hand washing is strongly recommended.
Preheating: Always preheat your pan gradually over medium heat for 2–3 minutes before adding oil. This prevents warping and helps achieve a non-stick effect through the Leidenfrost principle.
Oven use: Pans are oven safe to 800°F, but remember that handles will get hot in a hot oven, always use a thick towel or oven mitts.
Storage: The pans stack reasonably well, but consider placing a soft liner or paper towel between pans to prevent scratching the cooking surface.
Avoid thermal shock: Don’t plunge a hot pan into cold water. Let it cool naturally before washing. Rapid temperature changes can cause warping.
🧠 Editorial Verdict
The Made In 10-Piece Stainless Clad Set occupies a fascinating sweet spot in the cookware market. It’s priced to compete directly with All-Clad’s D3 sets (both currently hover around $799), but it offers 5-ply construction where All-Clad D3 is 3-ply, and a saucier where All-Clad gives you a sauté pan. It’s Made in Italy rather than the USA, but the build quality is certified by both America’s Test Kitchen and hundreds of thousands of home cooks.
Where this set truly shines is in the thoughtfulness of its curation. Every piece is useful. The 4-quart saucepan is larger than standard. The saucier is a genuine bonus. The Stay-Cool handles are a meaningful comfort upgrade. The rolled rims make pouring genuinely drip-free.
The weaknesses are real but manageable. The lack of a 12-inch skillet is the most significant gap, if you regularly cook for more than two people, budget another $129 for the Made In 12-inch frying pan. The angled skillet sidewall is a minor ergonomic quibble that most cooks won’t notice in daily use.
At $799, this set represents excellent value for 5-ply fully clad cookware. At the sale price of $599–$639 that appears during major shopping events, it’s an absolute steal. Compared to the Hestan Nanobond Cookware, you’re saving hundreds for near-identical performance and a better handle design.
However, for a more comparible set than All Clad or Hestan the Misen 5-ply stainless Steel Cookware set is more on par with the Made In price-range.
🏁 Final Recommendation
Buy this if: You’re looking for a complete kitchen overhaul with professional-grade, lifetime-warranty cookware. You value a saucier (and you will) and appreciate larger saucepan sizes. You want 5-ply construction without paying All-Clad D5 prices. You’re willing to learn the stainless steel preheating ritual and hand-wash your pans.
Skip this if: You absolutely need a 12-inch skillet included in the set. You prefer a smooth, fully curved skillet sidewall. You’re an induction user who needs perfectly flat pan bottoms. Your budget is under $500.
The bottom line: This is one of the best stainless steel cookware sets money can buy at this price point. It’s earned its co-winner status from America’s Test Kitchen, its place in The Kitchn’s permanent rotation, and its spot in thousands of home kitchens. It will likely be the last cookware set you ever buy, and that’s exactly the point.
Made In 5-Ply 10 Piece Set Unboxing Video
Price History
Price history not available
Image gallery
Primary view of the Made In 10‑Piece 5‑Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set showing its polished finish and Italian craftsmanship.
Close‑up of the Made In 5‑Ply stainless steel saucepan and skillet highlighting even‑heating construction and stay‑cool handles.
Overhead layout of the Made In 10‑Piece stainless steel cookware set displaying all pots, pans, and lids together.
Side profile of Made In stainless steel cookware showing the 5‑ply bonded layers and ergonomic handle design.
Made In stainless steel stockpot and sauté pan arranged to show capacity, riveted handles, and brushed interior.
Angled view of the Made In 5‑Ply cookware set emphasizing durable construction and balanced weight distribution.
Detail shot of the Made In stainless steel pan surface showing its smooth finish and professional‑grade build.
Lifestyle image of the Made In 10‑Piece stainless steel cookware set in a kitchen setting highlighting its premium Italian design.
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