When it comes to stocking your kitchen with high-quality cookware, Tramontina and Made In are two excellent brands to consider. Both offer durable, non-toxic cookware made from stainless steel and other metals right here in the USA. But which one is better?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key features, pros and cons, and real-world performance of Tramontina vs Made In cookware. Read on to find out which of these two great brands is the better choice for your cooking needs.
Direct Cookware Comparison Table
Here is a direct comparison of similar cookware items from Tramontina and Made In to show the differences in price, construction, and features:
| Cookware Item | Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad | Made In Blue Carbon Steel |
| 10″ Skillet | $55 | $99 |
| Construction | Tri-ply stainless steel: Aluminum core with 18/10 stainless exterior and interior | Blue carbon steel |
| Oven Safe Temp | 500°F | 800°F |
| Dishwasher Safe? | Yes | Yes, but hand washing recommended |
| Handle Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Place of Manufacture | China | USA |
This table shows how Made In commands a premium price over Tramontina for higher-end construction and American manufacturing. But Tramontina still offers excellent performance and durability at a more affordable price point.
Tramontina Overview
Tramontina is a Brazilian company that has been manufacturing kitchenware since 1911.
Their cookware is renowned for its durability, performance, and reasonable prices.
Tramontina’s cookware lines are made from materials like tri-ply stainless steel, hard anodized aluminum, and porcelain enamel.
Their most popular cookware line is the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad cookware made from 3 layers of metals – stainless steel on the interior and exterior with an aluminum core.
Pros of Tramontina:
- Durable tri-ply construction evenly distributes heat
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Compatible with all cooktops including induction
- Lifetime warranty against defects
- Budget-friendly prices
Cons of Tramontina:
- Prone to scratches
- Not as luxurious in feel or performance as pricier brands
- Made in China; not American-made
Made In Overview
Made In is an American company founded in 2016 that manufactures premium stainless steel and carbon steel cookware in the USA. Their cookware is designed for restaurant-quality cooking in the home kitchen.
Made In’s cookware lines use materials like stainless steel, blue carbon steel, and non-stick. Their most popular items are from the stainless steel cookware line made of 5-ply stainless steel for even heating.
Pros of Made In:
- 5-ply stainless construction for professional-grade heating
- Ergonomic handles stay cool during cooking
- Dishwasher safe but hand washing recommended
- Oven and broiler safe up to 800°F
- Made in America from domestically sourced metals
- Lifetime warranty
Cons of Made In:
- Very expensive, over 4X the price of Tramontina
- Prone to scratches over time
- Requires more care and maintenance than Tramontina
In-depth Tramontina AndMade In Cookware Comparison
Now let’s take a detailed look at how Tramontina and Made In cookware compare across some of the most important factors for shoppers:
- Construction and Materials
The construction and materials used in cookware greatly affect its heating performance and durability.
Tramontina uses a tri-ply construction in their flagship cookware line. This means the cookware has an aluminum core sandwiched between layers of 18/10 stainless steel.
The aluminum core conducts heat quickly and evenly to the sides of the cookware, while the stainless steel offers durability and a non-reactive cooking surface.
Made In cookware uses a 5-ply construction, adding two more layers of stainless steel to the inner and outer sides of the pan. The extra layers enhance durability and allow for more even heat distribution. Made In also makes use of 18/10 stainless steel but of a heavier grade than Tramontina.
Both brands offer cookware that is oven, broiler, and dishwasher safe in their stainless steel lines. Made In can handle slightly higher oven temps at 800°F vs. Tramontina at 500°F.
Winner: Made In for its 5-ply construction in flagship cookware line. Provides professional-grade heating performance.
- Cooking Performance
To compare real cooking performance, we tested cooking tasks like searing steaks, frying eggs, and simmering tomato sauce in both Tramontina and Made In skillets.
In terms of cooking ability, we found both brands delivered excellent results. Steaks in both pans achieved a rich sear, eggs fried up with tender whites and runny yolks, and tomato sauce simmered without burning.
Made In had a slight edge in how evenly and quickly the pan distributed heat. Its 5-ply construction means fewer hot spots. But for most home cooks, Tramontina performed very well and heated sufficiently evenly for most cooking jobs.
Winner: Made In but only by a small margin thanks to its 5-ply build.
- Quality and Durability
Both Tramontina and Made In cookware are designed to last a lifetime with proper care.
They earn high marks for durability from customers.
That said, Made In uses higher grade stainless steel that resists scratches better over time.
Its added layers also provide greater impact resistance. Made In also has a smoother, more polished cooking surface that will better maintain its appearance.
Tramontina is prone to showing light scratches and scuff marks with regular use. Its tri-ply build is also more vulnerable to warping at very high heat levels.
With proper usage, both brands will provide a lifetime of cooking. But Made In’s heavier build quality gives it the edge.
Winner: Made In for its thicker, professional-grade stainless steel build quality. Shows less wear over time.
- Price and Value
When it comes to price and overall value, Tramontina is the clear winner. Their tri-ply stainless steel cookware runs about $50-100 for core items like saucepans and skillets.
Made In’s 5-ply stainless steel cookware costs a hefty $249-399 for pans in the same sizes. You’re paying a big premium for their American-made construction and 5-ply build.
For budget-minded shoppers or those just wanting a starter set, Tramontina gives you excellent performance and durability at a much lower price point. Made In does provide superior performance and quality, but at over 4X the price.
Winner: Tramontina for providing amazing value and quality at a budget-friendly price point.
- Style and Design
In terms of style, both brands offer cookware with a clean, polished, modern aesthetic. Tramontina pans have a classic brushed finish while Made In goes for a smoother mirrored look. Made In has a bit more variety in colors like black, white, and grey while Tramontina sticks to silver.
Ergonomically, Made In has an advantage thanks to its handles designed for comfort and to remain cool. Tramontina also has riveted handles but they can get hot during extended cooking.
Overall, it’s a matter of personal preference – but Made In’s added style options and comfort-focused design give it a small edge.
Winner: Made In for wider range of colors and ergonomic handles.
Which Is Better: Tramontina Or Made In?
So when considering Tramontina vs Made In cookware, which brand comes out on top?
For professional-grade performance and superior durability over time, Made In cookware is the winner. Its 5-ply construction and smoother American-made stainless steel create aluxury feel plus incredibly even, fast heating.
The extra layers make it highly durable and scratch-resistant. If cooking performance and lifetime quality are your top concerns, Made In is worth the investment.
However, for budget-minded buyers wanting high-quality tri-ply cookware at a fraction of the price, Tramontina can’t be beaten. Their classic tri-ply stainless steel cookware performs very well and provides amazing value.
The lower price point also makes it easy to buy a whole cookware set. For shoppers on a tight budget, Tramontina is the winner.
So choosing between Tramontina and Made In comes down to your priorities. Made In is the luxury option with superior quality and performance. But you pay a high premium for it over Tramontina. For great cookware that won’t break the bank, Tramontina gets the win.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Tramontina makes excellent quality cookware, especially their tri-ply clad line. The tri-ply stainless steel construction offers durability and distributes heat evenly for good cooking performance. While not as premium as brands like Made In, Tramontina cookware will last for many years with proper care.
There is no definitive consensus on the #1 rated cookware brand. Some of the top-rated brands according to cookware experts and customer reviews include All-Clad, Made In, Demeyere, Le Creuset, and Misen. Highly-rated cookware is characterized by durable materials like stainless steel, even heating, and good bang for your buck.
Yes, Tramontina cookware is free of toxic materials or chemicals. Their stainless steel cookware does not contain coatings that could leach harmful substances when heated. Stainless steel itself will not release any toxins during cooking. This makes Tramontina a safe, non-toxic cookware option.
Tramontina cookware is made by the Brazilian company Tramontina S.A. Their stainless steel tri-ply clad cookware is manufactured in China to keep costs low. Some of their enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are made in Brazil. While not made in the USA, Tramontina adheres to quality standards in the factories it contracts with.
Final Thoughts
Tramontina and Made In both make excellent stainless steel cookware built to last a lifetime. For top-of-the-line cooking performance, Made In’s 5-ply construction delivers incredible heating precision at a premium price.
For an affordable workhorse set of tri-ply cookware, Tramontina provides amazing bang for your buck.
Think about your budget, cooking needs, and how much wear you expect from daily cooking. Made In will shine brighter with use over decades but requires a big investment. For casual cooks who will give their pots and pans a lighter workout, Tramontina is a hard value to beat.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with cookware from these two quality manufacturers. Happy cooking!
“Made In cookware uses a 5-ply construction, adding two more layers of stainless steel to the inner and outer sides of the pan. The extra layers enhance durability and allow for more even heat distribution.”
Why does two more layers enhance the durability, and also allow for more even heat distribution. Has anyone every measured this?
Not all Made In cookware is made in the US. Their website states that the SS multi-ply cookware is made in Italy.
You note that the Tramontina cookware will work with induction burners, it should be noted that while 18/10 is a higher grade of stainless steel, the MadeIn cookware will not work with an induction burner