A self-confessed pan cheapskate has been stunned by a professional stainless steel set loved by chefs, saying the pans are "a world apart" from budget supermarket offerings.
Samuel Jones, an affiliate content editor, tested the Made In Cookware 5-piece stainless steel set, currently priced at £309, reduced from £377. The set includes a 25cm stainless clad frying pan, a 1.9L stainless clad saucepan with lid, and a 2.8L stainless clad saucepan with lid.
Quality and Performance
Jones, who had previously used a random collection of supermarket pans, said the first thing that struck him was the sheer quality. "They are a world away from the run-of-the-mill pans you'd find on supermarket shelves, and frankly so good I was almost reluctant to cook with them," he said.
Crafted from 5-ply stainless steel, the pans deliver rapid, even heat distribution, minimising hot spots where food is prone to sticking. Jones found they require noticeably less heat from the hob compared to his previous set, and the handles remain cool to the touch. The pans are compatible with gas, electric and induction hobs.
Value and Warranty
While the price tag is a significant outlay, the quality is reflected in Made In Cookware's lifetime warranty on the set. Jones noted that once you master pre-heating the pan and using the correct amount of oil, the results are outstanding.
The five-piece set is an excellent starting point for home cooks, particularly suited to couples or those living solo. The frying pan handles everything from eggs to steak, while the saucepans are ideally sized for cooking pasta in one and a sauce in the other.
Other Options and Customer Reviews
Other stainless steel sets are available, including six, 10 and 13-piece options. The six-piece is reduced to £499 from £566, the 10-piece is £699 down from £834, and the 13-piece is £979 down from £1,201.
Jones noted the pans are fairly weighty, which speaks to their premium construction but could be troublesome for those who struggle with heavier cookware. Alternatives include Tefal's Ingenio Simplicity 22-Piece Pan Set at £375, which is stackable and takes up 50% less room, and Salter's Timeless 5-piece set at £65 from Argos.
More than 110,000 verified reviews have been left for the Made In Cookware brand, with the vast majority awarding five stars. One customer said: "I've been cooking with the sauté pan now for 3 months on a daily basis and it has been fantastic. Everything that I wanted in a pan and exceptionally well constructed. I highly recommend." Another added: "Great pan, heats evenly and has rounded corners for easy stirring and even cooking. Hefty and well built, with a comfortable handle."
A third reviewer commented: "Great pan, large cooking surface and hefty. Feels durable and the finish is great. Heats evenly and can cook eggs with minimal sticking with proper heat control and some oil. Handle is comfortable." One shopper noted that while they "love the look and feel" of the pan, they found it "difficult to clean". The Made In Cookware 5-piece stainless steel set is available in the sale for £309.
