All-Clad vs Made In stainless cookware

All-Clad vs Made In at a glance

All three sets are fully clad, which means the layers run up the sides of each pan, not just across a disc on the base. All three work on any cooktop including induction. The main differences are the number of layers, the handle design, where each is made and what pieces come in the box.

Construction: tri-ply vs 5-ply

All-Clad D3 is the original bonded tri-ply line: stainless inside and out with an aluminum core. The aluminum spreads heat quickly and evenly, and the stainless gives a durable cooking surface. D5 has five bonded layers. All-Clad's listing says the D5 core gives supremely even, steady heat, which suits braising and pan roasting.

Made In's stainless clad line is 5-ply. Its listing describes five layers of metal for even heat and a 430 stainless top layer that makes it induction compatible. In practice, tri-ply heats a little faster and 5-ply a little more evenly and steadily. Both build types cook well, and technique matters more than layer count for most home cooks.

For a deeper look at layers, see what is clad cookware and All-Clad D3 vs D5.

Handles and how they feel

Handle shape is the most personal difference, and it is worth holding both if you can. All-Clad D3 uses its classic riveted handle, designed for a chef's underhand grip. It has a channel down the middle, and some cooks find it digs into the palm on a heavy pan. D5 uses generously sized, double-riveted stainless handles.

Made In's handle is designed to stay cool while cooking and is fastened with stainless steel rivets. It is a more rounded, conventional shape. If you have tried an All-Clad handle and disliked it, the Made In handle is the main reason to switch. If you like the All-Clad grip, there is no reason to leave it.

Oven limits

Both are well above anything a home recipe needs. All-Clad rates D3, D5 and Copper Core to 600°F, and its listings say they are broiler safe too. Made In rates its stainless clad cookware to 800°F on its own page. Either one can go from a hard sear on the stove into a hot oven to finish a steak or roast chicken.

Glass lids are where limits usually drop, so check the lid that comes with any pan, and any lid you add. Our oven temperature limit checker works out the limit for a pan with its lid and handle.

What comes in each set

Set contents differ more than the piece count suggests, because lids count as pieces. The All-Clad D3 10-piece includes 8 and 10 inch fry pans, 2 and 3 qt saucepans with lids, a 3 qt saute pan with lid and an 8 qt stockpot with lid. The D5 10-piece swaps the saucepans for 1.5 and 3 qt sizes and otherwise matches.

The Made In 10-piece includes 10 and 8 inch frying pans, an 8 qt stock pot with lid, 4 qt and 2 qt saucepans with lids and a 3 qt saucier with lid. It has no saute pan, but adds a saucier, which has rounded sides for whisking sauces and stirring risotto. If you braise or shallow fry often, the All-Clad saute pan is useful. If you make sauces, the Made In saucier is.

Neither set includes a 12 inch skillet, which many cooks use most. See the best stainless steel frying pans to add one.

• All-Clad D3 10-pc: 8 and 10 inch fry pans, 2 and 3 qt saucepans, 3 qt saute pan, 8 qt stockpot
• All-Clad D5 10-pc: 8 and 10 inch fry pans, 1.5 and 3 qt saucepans, 3 qt saute pan, 8 qt stockpot
• Made In 10-pc: 8 and 10 inch frying pans, 2 and 4 qt saucepans, 3 qt saucier, 8 qt stock pot

Compare stainless cookware sets →

Where they are made, care and warranty

All-Clad's listings say D3 and D5 are made in the USA at its Pennsylvania factory with global components. Made In's listing says its stainless clad set is crafted in Italy. All-Clad's set listings state a limited lifetime warranty. The Made In listing does not state warranty terms, so check Made In's own site before buying if that matters to you.

All-Clad says its stainless is hand wash only. Stainless steel is tough, but hand washing keeps the polish and rims looking new. Food sticking is a technique issue more than a brand issue on both: preheat the pan, then add oil, then food. See how to cook with stainless steel pans, why food sticks to stainless steel and how to clean a burnt stainless steel pan.

Which one should you buy?

Choose All-Clad D3 if you want US-made tri-ply with a stated lifetime warranty, a saute pan in the set and a classic look. Choose D5 if you want All-Clad with steadier, more even heat and a brushed finish, and the extra cost does not bother you. Choose Made In if you prefer its stay-cool handle, want a saucier, or like the highest oven rating of the three.

If neither price fits, All-Clad vs Tramontina looks at a much cheaper tri-ply set, and is All-Clad worth it covers what the premium buys. For all of All-Clad's lines, see the best All-Clad cookware.

Frequently asked questions

Is Made In as good as All-Clad? Both are fully clad, induction ready and built to last. Made In is 5-ply with a stay-cool handle and an 800°F oven rating; All-Clad D3 is tri-ply, made in the USA, with a 600°F rating and a limited lifetime warranty in the listing.

Is Made In cookware made in the USA? The stainless clad set listed here is crafted in Italy, per its listing. All-Clad D3 and D5 are made in Pennsylvania.

Do these sets work on induction? Yes. All three listings say they work on any cooktop including induction. See induction compatible cookware.

Is 5-ply better than tri-ply? Not always. 5-ply tends to heat more evenly and hold heat a bit longer; tri-ply heats a bit faster. Both cook well.