Made In Cookware 12-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan – A Chef’s Dream or Overhyped Kitchen Gear?

Let’s be honest—most of us have been there. You’re halfway through making dinner, and your eggs are sticking to the pan like they’re glued on. Or worse, one side of your steak is charred while the other is still cold. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and honestly, it ruins the joy of cooking. The right cookware shouldn’t just heat food—it should make cooking easier, more consistent, and even a little magical. That’s where Made In Cookware steps in with their 12-inch stainless steel frying pan, promising professional-grade performance without the Michelin-star price tag.

Founded by a team of passionate cooks and engineers, Made In Cookware has quickly gained a reputation for delivering high-quality, direct-to-consumer cookware crafted with integrity. Their mission? To bring restaurant-level tools into home kitchens—without the middleman markup. The 12-inch stainless clad frying pan is one of their flagship products, boasting Italian craftsmanship, a 5-ply construction, and compatibility with every cooktop, including induction. With a 4.5-star rating from over 2,470 reviews and a price point of $109, it’s positioned as a premium yet accessible upgrade for serious home cooks. But does it live up to the hype? I put it through its paces in my own kitchen to find out.

What is the Made In Cookware?

The Made In Cookware 12-inch stainless steel frying pan is a professional-grade skillet designed for versatility, durability, and precision. At its core is a 5-ply stainless steel construction—layers of aluminum sandwiched between stainless steel—that ensures even heat distribution and retention. This isn’t just another shiny pan; it’s engineered for performance. The pan features a 12.5-inch total diameter with a 9.5-inch cooking surface, making it ideal for searing steaks, sautéing vegetables, or frying eggs for a family of four. It stands 3.5 inches tall with the handle and has a depth of 1.75 inches, giving you enough room to toss ingredients without spillage. Including the handle, it measures 20 inches in length—perfect for sliding into standard ovens or under cabinet storage.

What sets this pan apart is its Italian craftsmanship. Each piece is meticulously constructed in a family-owned factory in Italy, where generations of metalworking expertise come together. The exterior is polished to a mirror finish, while the interior is brushed for better food release and easier cleaning. The handle is forged from the same stainless steel and secured with three stainless steel rivets, ensuring it stays firmly attached through years of use. And yes—it’s fully induction compatible, thanks to a magnetic 430 stainless steel base layer. Whether you’re using gas, electric, or induction, this pan works seamlessly across all heat sources.

This pan is ideal for home cooks who value quality over quantity. It’s perfect for those transitioning from nonstick to stainless steel, aspiring home chefs looking to build a professional kitchen, or anyone tired of replacing cheap pans every year. If you’re serious about cooking—and want tools that grow with your skills—this pan deserves a spot in your cabinet.

Key Features of Made In Cookware

✅ 5-Ply Stainless Steel Construction

At the heart of the Made In Cookware frying pan is its 5-ply design: layers of aluminum bonded between stainless steel. This construction delivers superior heat conductivity and retention—aluminum spreads heat quickly and evenly, while stainless steel provides durability and a non-reactive cooking surface. Unlike single-layer pans that create hot spots, this multi-layer system ensures your food cooks uniformly, whether you're searing a pork chop or simmering a delicate sauce. The result? Fewer burnt edges, more consistent browning, and better control over your cooking.

✅ Stay-Cool Handle Design

One of the most thoughtful details is the stay-cool handle. Crafted from solid stainless steel and shaped for ergonomic comfort, it remains cool to the touch even during prolonged stovetop use. I tested this by heating the pan on high for 10 minutes—while the cooking surface was scorching, the handle stayed comfortably warm, not hot. This is a game-changer for safety and convenience, especially when you need to adjust the pan or move it to the oven. The handle is also fastened with three stainless steel rivets, ensuring it won’t loosen over time—a common failure point in cheaper pans.

✅ Induction, Gas, Electric—You Name It

Compatibility is key, and Made In Cookware delivers. The base includes a layer of 430 stainless steel, which is magnetic and fully induction-compatible. I used it on my induction cooktop, and it heated up faster than my old non-induction pan. But it doesn’t stop there—it performs just as well on gas and electric stoves. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or moving to a new home with a different cooktop, this pan adapts without a hitch.

✅ Oven and Broiler Safe Up to 550°F

This pan isn’t just for stovetop cooking. It’s oven and broiler safe up to 550°F, making it perfect for finishing dishes under the broiler or baking casseroles. I used it to sear a chicken breast on the stove, then transferred it directly to a 450°F oven to finish cooking—no need to dirty a second pan. The stainless steel construction handles high heat without warping, and the handle stays secure even in extreme temperatures.

✅ Easy to Clean (Yes, Really!)

Stainless steel often gets a bad rap for being hard to clean, but Made In Cookware makes it manageable. The brushed interior resists sticking when used properly (more on that below), and most residue wipes away with warm soapy water. For tougher messes, a quick soak or gentle scrub with a non-abrasive pad does the trick. It’s also dishwasher safe, though I recommend hand washing to preserve the finish and extend its lifespan.

✅ Lifetime Warranty & Made in Italy

Quality isn’t just in the materials—it’s in the promise. Made In Cookware offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, which speaks volumes about their confidence in the product. And knowing it’s crafted in Italy, where metalworking is an art form, adds a layer of authenticity and pride. This isn’t mass-produced cookware; it’s built to last generations.

How Does Made In Cookware Perform?

🍳 Eggs & Delicate Proteins

I started with a classic test: fried eggs. Using medium heat and a light coat of butter, the eggs slid around the pan with minimal sticking. The even heat distribution prevented hot spots, so the whites cooked evenly without burning at the edges. I also tried poached-style eggs by adding a splash of water and covering briefly—again, perfect results. For fish, I seared salmon fillets skin-side down. The pan achieved a crisp, golden crust without tearing, thanks to the responsive heat control.

🥩 Searing & Browning

Next up: steak. I brought a ribeye to room temperature, seasoned it generously, and heated the pan over medium-high. Within minutes, it developed a deep, caramelized crust—exactly what you want for that restaurant-quality finish. The pan held heat well, so even as I added the steak, the temperature didn’t drop drastically. The result? A juicy, perfectly seared steak with beautiful grill marks (even on a flat stove).

🥦 Sautéing Vegetables

For sautéing, I tossed in bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The pan heated quickly and maintained consistent temperature as I stirred. The vegetables softened evenly without burning, and the fond (those tasty brown bits) developed nicely—perfect for deglazing with wine or broth. The depth of the pan allowed for easy tossing, and the wide surface area gave everything room to breathe.

🍝 Deglazing & Sauces

One of the best tests of a stainless pan is its ability to deglaze. After searing chicken, I added a splash of white wine and scraped up the browned bits. The pan released the fond effortlessly, creating a rich base for a pan sauce. The non-reactive surface meant no metallic taste, and the even heat helped the sauce reduce smoothly without scorching.

Pros and Cons of Made In Cookware

✅ Pros

• ✅ Exceptional heat distribution – No hot spots, even on lower-end stoves.
• ✅ Versatile across all cooktops – Works flawlessly on induction, gas, and electric.
• ✅ Stay-cool handle – Safe and comfortable, even during long cooks.
• ✅ Oven and broiler safe – Seamless transition from stove to oven.
• ✅ Easy to clean – Brushed interior reduces sticking; dishwasher safe.
• ✅ Lifetime warranty – Confidence in long-term durability.
• ✅ Beautiful design – Polished exterior looks great on display.

❌ Cons

• ❌ Learning curve for stainless steel – Requires proper preheating and fat use to prevent sticking.
• ❌ Heavy – At nearly 3 pounds, it’s not ideal for those with wrist issues.
• ❌ No nonstick coating – Not suitable for low-fat cooking or delicate items like crepes.
• ❌ Price point – $109 is an investment, though justified by quality.

What Customers Are Saying About Made In Cookware

Customer Review: "No company has perfect quality control and I received a skillet that slipped through the cracks. It was slightly warped, but they stood by their product and I had a replacement the next day. This is a wonderful skillet. It heats very evenly and it holds it incredibly well. Compared to other skillets, this one is in a league of its own."

Customer Review: "In my many decades of fun and irreverent home-cheffing for my family and friends, I’ve made nearly every mistake in the book! But I’ve always eventually mastered my goals. In that time, I’ve realized my cookware and appliances really matter, and that every one worth its weight has a learning curve. This pan is no exception—but once you get the hang of it, it’s unbeatable."

Customer Review: "Amazing pan! I’m a former chef and can tell you that this pan and all of the stainless Made In cookware is top notch. Please do your homework before cooking with stainless steel. There is a slight learning curve, but it’s not rocket science. I can cook anything from eggs to fish in these pans with no issues."

Is Made In Cookware Right for You?

The Made In Cookware 12-inch frying pan is ideal for:

• Aspiring home chefs who want professional tools without the pro price.
• Induction users needing reliable, high-performance cookware.
• Those upgrading from nonstick and ready to embrace stainless steel’s versatility.
• Anyone building a long-term kitchen set—this pan is built to last.

However, it may not be the best fit if:

• You prefer nonstick for everyday cooking.
• You have limited storage or mobility issues (due to weight).
• You’re on a tight budget and need multiple pans immediately.

Is Made In Cookware Worth the Price?

At $109, the Made In Cookware frying pan sits in the mid-to-high range for stainless steel skillets. Compared to brands like All-Clad (which can cost $150+ for similar specs), it offers excellent value. You’re paying for Italian craftsmanship, 5-ply construction, and a lifetime warranty—not marketing fluff. Over time, this pan pays for itself by eliminating the need for replacements. If you cook regularly, it’s a smart investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use metal utensils?
A: Yes! The stainless steel surface is highly durable and resistant to scratching from metal spatulas or tongs.

Q: Does it work on induction?
A: Absolutely. The 430 stainless steel base is fully induction-compatible.

Q: How do I prevent food from sticking?
A: Preheat the pan properly, use adequate fat (oil or butter), and don’t move food too soon. Stainless steel needs a proper sear to release naturally.

Q: Is it dishwasher safe?
A: Yes, but hand washing is recommended to maintain the finish.

Q: Can I use it in the oven?
A: Yes, up to 550°F—perfect for finishing dishes or baking.

Q: What’s the difference between this and nonstick pans?
A: Stainless steel offers better browning, durability, and oven use, but requires more technique. Nonstick is easier for low-fat cooking but degrades over time.

Q: Does it come with a lid?
A: No, but it’s compatible with standard 12-inch glass or stainless steel lids.

Q: How heavy is it?
A: Approximately 2.8 pounds—solid but manageable for most users.

Q: Is the handle removable?
A: No, it’s permanently riveted for maximum strength.

Q: What’s covered under the warranty?
A: Manufacturing defects like warping, loose handles, or delamination—lifetime coverage.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Made In Cookware?

After weeks of testing, I can confidently say the Made In Cookware 12-inch stainless steel frying pan is a standout performer. It earns a solid ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) for its even heating, durable construction, and versatile design. While it requires a bit of technique to master, the results are worth it. Whether you're searing, sautéing, or deglazing, this pan delivers professional-quality results in a home kitchen.

If you’re ready to invest in cookware that will last a lifetime—and elevate your cooking game—this is the pan to buy. It’s not just a tool; it’s a kitchen companion.

Conclusion

The Made In Cookware 12-inch stainless steel frying pan combines Italian craftsmanship, smart engineering, and real-world performance into one exceptional skillet. It’s built for cooks who care about quality, consistency, and longevity. While it demands a bit of learning, the payoff is a pan that sears like a dream, cleans up nicely, and works on any stove. At $109, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about cooking.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to sticky pans and uneven heat, click “Add to Cart” and welcome a new kitchen essential. Your future meals will thank you.