For years, my kitchen cabinet was a graveyard of failed frying pans. It started with a cheap, department store non-stick skillet that promised effortless cooking. For a few months, it was bliss—eggs slid right off, and cleanup was a wipe away. Then came the first scratch. Soon, the coating began to flake, and its “non-stick” magic vanished, leaving me with a pan I no longer trusted. I upgraded to a more expensive ceramic-coated model, which met the same fate a year later. It’s a frustrating and wasteful cycle: the constant search for a reliable, durable pan that can handle a blistering hot sear on a steak one night and delicate fish the next, without surrendering to wear and tear. This search for a “buy it for life” skillet is what leads so many serious home cooks away from disposable non-stick coatings and toward the gleaming, professional promise of stainless steel.
- Total Diameter: 12.5” | Cooking Surface Diameter: 9.5" | Height (with handle): 3.5” | Depth: 1.75” | Length including handle: 20"
- Essential for Every Kitchen - The Made In Stainless Clad Frying Pan is a must-have kitchen tool, offering maximum heat control,...
What to Consider Before Buying a Professional Stainless Steel Skillet
A stainless steel skillet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking a higher level of cooking. Unlike non-stick pans, which are primarily designed for convenience and low-to-medium heat cooking, a clad stainless steel pan is built for performance. Its main benefit lies in superior heat control—it heats up quickly, distributes that heat evenly across the cooking surface, and responds instantly when you adjust the temperature. This responsiveness gives you the precision to achieve a perfect, edge-to-edge sear on proteins, develop complex flavors through fond (those delicious brown bits at the bottom of the pan), and move seamlessly from stovetop to a ripping hot oven without fear of damage.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who is passionate about cooking and ready to move beyond the limitations of non-stick surfaces. They are home chefs who want to master techniques like searing, pan-roasting, and creating pan sauces. It’s for the person who values durability and longevity over the initial convenience of a coated pan. However, it might not be suitable for those who prioritize effortless cleanup above all else or are unwilling to learn the specific techniques required for cooking on stainless steel. If you primarily cook eggs and pancakes and want a truly “wipe-clean” experience, a high-quality non-stick or hybrid pan might be a better fit. But for performance, nothing beats classic stainless steel.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Construction & Materials: Not all stainless steel is equal. Look for “fully clad” construction, which means multiple layers of metal are bonded together through the entire pan, not just on the base. The Made In 12-Inch 5 Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan features a 5-ply construction, which typically involves an aluminum or copper core for heat conductivity, sandwiched between layers of durable, non-reactive stainless steel. This is superior to cheaper tri-ply pans and provides more even heating and durability.
- Heat Performance & Control: A great skillet must heat evenly to prevent hot spots that burn food in one area while leaving another undercooked. Its ability to handle high temperatures is also critical. This pan is oven-safe up to an incredible 800 degrees Fahrenheit, offering immense versatility for techniques that start on the stove and finish in the oven, something most non-stick pans simply cannot do.
- Design & Ergonomics: Consider the weight, balance, and handle design. A pan should feel substantial but not unwieldy. The handle should be comfortable to hold and, ideally, stay cool on the stovetop. Riveted handles, like those on this Made In pan, are far more secure and durable than welded or screwed-on ones, ensuring a lifetime of safe use. The 12-inch size offers a generous 9.5-inch cooking surface, perfect for cooking for a family.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: This is the most critical point for stainless steel. It demands a learning curve. You must master pre-heating and oil temperature to prevent sticking. Cleaning can also require more effort than non-stick; while dishwasher safe, handwashing with a good cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend is often recommended to maintain its pristine finish and deal with the inevitable staining that occurs with high-heat cooking.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Made In 12-Inch 5 Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan stands out in several areas, particularly its robust construction and high-heat tolerance. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
While the Made In 12-Inch 5 Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan is an excellent choice for responsive cooking, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against other materials. For a broader look at a different kitchen workhorse known for its heat retention, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- HexClad’s Hybrid technology features a laser-etched hexagonal nonstick surface that combines both stainless-steel and our TerraBond...
- 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The hard anodized exterior and forged design is built to...
- Eco-friendly Classic Granite – Non-stick Granite Material, PFOS,PFOA free, our cookware ensures your daily cooking is always safer...
First Impressions: Italian Craftsmanship You Can Feel
Unboxing the Made In 12-Inch 5 Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan is an immediately gratifying experience. There’s no complex assembly; it’s a single, solid piece of cookware. The first thing we noticed was the weight. At 3 pounds, it has a reassuring heft that speaks to its multi-layered construction. It feels substantial and balanced, not like a flimsy, stamped piece of metal. The finish is brilliant, with a polished exterior and a smooth, brushed interior cooking surface. The handle is perhaps the most striking design element. It’s long, slightly curved for an ergonomic grip, and stays surprisingly cool on the stovetop. It’s attached to the pan body with two thick, stainless steel rivets, inspiring confidence that this connection will never loosen. Made in Italy, the pan exudes a sense of professional quality and thoughtful design. It immediately feels like a serious tool, a stark contrast to the lightweight, coated pans it aims to replace in a home cook’s arsenal.
What We Like
- Professional 5-ply construction delivers exceptional heat distribution and control.
- Ergonomic stay-cool handle provides a comfortable and secure grip.
- Extremely versatile, with an oven-safe temperature of up to 800°F.
- Durable, buy-it-for-life build quality crafted in Italy.
Drawbacks
- Requires a significant learning curve to master non-stick cooking techniques.
- Prone to cosmetic staining and discoloration without proper cleaning methods.
A Deep Dive into the Made In Skillet’s Performance
A beautiful pan is one thing, but performance in the kitchen is everything. We put the Made In 12-Inch 5 Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan through its paces over several weeks, testing everything from high-heat searing to delicate sauces and everyday sautéing. This is where the pan truly reveals its character—as a demanding but incredibly rewarding culinary partner.
Mastering the Sear: Heat Distribution and Control
The single greatest strength of this pan is its thermal performance, a direct result of its 5-ply clad construction. The aluminum core is a fantastic heat conductor, and we found the pan came up to temperature quickly and, more importantly, evenly. To test this, we performed the flour test, lightly dusting the preheated surface. The flour browned uniformly across the entire 9.5-inch cooking surface, with no discernible hot or cold spots. This translated to real-world perfection. We seared thick-cut ribeye steaks, and the result was a deep, mahogany crust that was perfectly even from edge to edge. The pan’s responsiveness was remarkable; as soon as the steak hit the hot oil, the sizzle was immediate and intense. When we lowered the heat to finish cooking, the pan responded instantly, preventing the crust from burning while the interior came to temperature.
This level of control is something that many home cooks have never experienced. As one user noted, it’s perfect for frying a steak while making a “faun (gravy),” which speaks to its ability to build that crucial fond. Those browned bits are pure flavor, and this pan develops them beautifully. We deglazed the pan with shallots, thyme, and red wine after searing, and the fond released effortlessly, creating a rich, restaurant-quality pan sauce. This is the magic of stainless steel that non-stick pans simply can’t replicate. The pan’s ability to go from stovetop to a 500°F oven allowed us to pan-roast chicken thighs, achieving crispy skin and juicy meat with ease. For anyone serious about cooking proteins, the exceptional heat control of the Made In 12-Inch 5 Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan makes it a game-changer.
The Learning Curve: Taming the Stainless Steel Surface
Let’s address the elephant in the room: food sticking. The negative feedback for nearly every stainless steel pan revolves around this issue. Our testing, and the consensus among experienced users, confirms that this is not a flaw in the pan but a matter of technique. As one user emphatically stated, “READ THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT COME WITH THE PANS!!!” We couldn’t agree more. Cooking on stainless steel requires patience and understanding. The key is to preheat the pan properly over medium or medium-low heat *before* adding any oil. A common test is the water drop test: when a droplet of water skates across the surface like a mercury ball without immediately evaporating, the pan is ready. Only then should you add your cooking fat, let it heat for a moment until it shimmers, and then add your food.
We found that by following this method precisely, we achieved a remarkably non-stick surface. We successfully fried eggs with delicate, lacy edges that released with a gentle nudge. One user, initially “afraid of being disappointed by a sticky mess,” watched tutorials and “nailed it on the first try!” cooking breaded pork chops. This mirrors our experience. The times we had food stick were when we were impatient—adding oil to a cold pan or adding food before the oil was hot enough. For those coming from non-stick, this process feels counterintuitive, but it’s essential. It is a learning curve, and it’s why some users report “everything sticks to it.” It’s not a pan for high-heat blasting; it’s about controlled, even medium heat. Once mastered, as another user put it, “you will never want to switch back.”
The Aftermath: Cleaning and Long-Term Maintenance
The second major concern for potential buyers is cleaning. After a hard sear, the pan will not look pristine. It will have cooked-on bits and likely some rainbow-colored or brown stains from polymerized oil. This is normal. One user was concerned when their pan turned “nasty” and “all dark” after the first use, which is a common reaction. However, cleaning is surprisingly straightforward if done correctly. The first step is deglazing, which is part of cooking if you’re making a pan sauce. If not, simply adding some water to the warm pan and gently scraping with a wooden spoon will lift the majority of the fond.
For more stubborn spots and the inevitable discoloration, a specialty cleanser is your best friend. Multiple users, and our own tests, confirm that Bar Keepers Friend is the magic solution. A small amount of this powdered cleanser made into a paste with water will restore the pan’s original shine with minimal scrubbing. We found that after searing, deglazing, and a quick wash, a five-minute treatment with Bar Keepers Friend made the pan look brand new. A user who deep cleans it “every now and then” reports “it always comes out looking brand new.” While some reports mention the pan stains more than other brands like All-Clad, we found that with proper care, it’s entirely manageable. The key is to see the maintenance not as a chore, but as part of caring for a high-quality tool that will last a lifetime.
What Other Users Are Saying
The user feedback for the Made In 12-Inch 5 Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan paints a clear picture of a product with a passionate following and a steep barrier to entry. The overwhelming majority of positive reviews come from cooks who either had prior experience with stainless steel or took the time to learn. One home chef of “many decades” rightly points out that quality cookware “has a learning curve.” Another, who previously used All-Clad, notes they “prefer the Made In pans in every way,” praising their versatility and hand-feel.
Conversely, the negative reviews almost universally center on sticking and cleaning issues from users new to this type of cookware. One user found it “completely useless” because everything stuck, while another spent “over an hour” trying to clean it after one use. These experiences are valid but highlight the critical importance of technique. More concerning, however, are the isolated but serious reports of warping. One detailed review described the pan warping during heat-up after just over a month of use, rendering it useless on a flat cooktop. While this appears to be a rare quality control issue rather than a widespread design flaw, it’s a significant concern for a premium-priced product.
How Does It Compare? The Made In Pan vs. The Alternatives
The Made In 12-Inch 5 Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan is a specialized tool. To understand if it’s right for you, it’s helpful to compare it to popular alternatives that prioritize different cooking philosophies.
1. Kordisen 12.5 Inch Nonstick Granite Frying Pan
- 【Premium Nonstick Coating】: Our large frying pan features a safe and healthy non-stick coating, PFOA free; enjoy effortless cooking...
- 【Convenient Pour Spouts】: Designed with dual pour spouts, this nonstick skillet makes transferring sauces, soups, and juices a...
The Kordisen represents the peak of convenience-focused cookware. Its granite-style non-stick coating is designed for the easiest possible food release and cleanup. This is the ideal pan for someone who cooks delicate foods like eggs, fish, and pancakes frequently and wants a foolproof, low-maintenance experience. It excels at low-to-medium heat cooking. However, it cannot achieve the same high-heat sear as the Made In pan, and you cannot use metal utensils on it. Its non-stick coating will also inevitably wear out over time, unlike the Made In’s stainless surface which can last a lifetime. Choose the Kordisen if ease of use is your absolute top priority and you don’t need professional-level searing performance.
2. Calphalon Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8″ and 10″ Frying Pan Set
- Kitchen Tested Over 100,000 Times: Superior cooking performance backed by rigorous durability testing.
- Dishwasher-Safe: For effortless cleanup.
This Calphalon set offers a fantastic value proposition from a highly respected brand in the non-stick space. The hard-anodized aluminum construction provides excellent durability (for a non-stick pan) and even heating. Getting two versatile sizes (8″ and 10″) is perfect for a household that needs flexibility for different tasks. Like the Kordisen, its primary strength is its user-friendly non-stick surface. It’s a significant step up from cheap non-stick pans but still falls short of the Made In skillet’s searing ability and extreme oven-safe temperature. This set is the perfect choice for a beginner cook or anyone looking to equip their kitchen with reliable, everyday non-stick pans without a large investment.
3. HexClad Hybrid 12-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid
- HexClad’s Hybrid technology features a laser-etched hexagonal nonstick surface that combines both stainless-steel and our TerraBond...
- The pan that most cooks reach for first as it's an excellent go-to for family dinners, our Hybrid 12-inch is an ideal size for frying,...
HexClad aims to be the best of both worlds. Its unique hybrid design features a laser-etched stainless steel grid that protects non-stick coating in the valleys. This allows it to achieve a better sear than a traditional non-stick pan and permits the use of metal utensils. It’s an excellent compromise for the ambitious home cook who is intrigued by the performance of stainless steel but remains hesitant about the learning curve. The inclusion of a tempered glass lid also adds significant value. However, it is still a coated pan at its core and may not have the same multi-generational longevity as the all-metal Made In. It’s a superb, versatile alternative, but the Made In remains the purist’s choice for raw performance and durability.
The Final Verdict: Is the Made In 12-Inch Frying Pan Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Made In 12-Inch 5 Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan is an exceptional piece of cookware, but it is not for everyone. It is a professional-grade tool designed for those who are passionate about the craft of cooking. It rewards proper technique with unparalleled searing, even heating, and the versatility to go from any stovetop into a scorching oven. If you are willing to embrace the learning curve of preheating and cleaning, this pan will repay your investment for decades to come, outlasting a dozen non-stick pans. It’s for the cook who gets excited about creating a perfect pan sauce from a beautiful fond. However, if you seek effortless, wipe-clean convenience for everyday meals, a high-quality non-stick or hybrid pan would be a more suitable choice.
For the serious home chef looking to invest in a “buy it for life” skillet that will elevate their cooking, this pan is a resounding success and worth every penny. If you’ve decided the Made In 12-Inch 5 Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan is the right fit for your kitchen, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API