Nonstick cookware has undeniable appeal. The smooth surface means easy cleanup and the promise of perfectly jammy fried eggs with minimal effort or cooking fat. But not all nonstick is safe or sustainable, and sometimes that kitchen convenience comes at a serious price. Many conventional coatings, like Teflon, are made with PFAS chemicals that you don’t want anywhere near your food.
Made In’s CeramiClad™ line is the answer to this low-quality, synthetic, chemical-laden cookware that cuts corners at the sake of your health. This non-toxic, performance-driven alternative is designed for cooks who want restaurant-grade function and cleanup without having to give up their peace of mind.
Of course, we had to see firsthand if these pots and pans lived up to the hype. To weigh in, I personally tested the seven-piece cookware set. Here’s the verdict of my Made In CeramiClad review, with everything you need to know before making the investment.
Psst… They’re currently offering an unprecedented Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal that gets you 32% off and a FREE Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven (valued at $269) with purchase. Read on for more details!
TL;DR: Quick Takeaways
- The nonstick coating is highly effective and made without synthetic PFAS materials
- The 5-ply stainless steel body heats evenly and adds durability, although the ceramic coating means the set won’t last as long as pure stainless steel cookware
- Works on all stovetops (including induction); oven-safe to 550°F
- At $579.99 for a set (currently on sale!), this cookware is still an investment — but its quality makes it a worthy one
- Hand-wash requirement adds a bit of extra maintenance, but the nonstick coating helps food slide right off
The Hidden Problem of Traditional Nonstick Cookware
Traditional nonstick cookware options like Teflon are made with synthetic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These are also known as “forever chemicals” because they can build up in the human body and stay there, which isn’t exactly the seasoning you want to add to your morning scramble.
Good Housekeeping lab tests found that PFAS cookware can start to break down and release gasses into the air when they heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit1 (in their tests an empty, lightweight pan reached that temperature in under two minutes). Above 570 degrees, these chemicals can cause an illness called polymer fume fever. And at 680 degrees, EWG tests show that Teflon pans can release as many as six toxic gases2.
PFAS-coated pans also pose a risk of microplastic exposure. According to a 2022 study by Newcastle University and Flinders University, a single scratch on a PFAS-coated pan can release thousands of microplastics into food3. That’s far from appetizing.
PFAS vs. Ceramic Nonstick: Lifespan and Performance
In response to the health issues posed by these toxic pans, ceramic nonstick cookware arrived on the market around 2007 as a PFAS-free alternative. While these removed the issue of toxic materials, they didn’t do a great job when it came to actual kitchen performance. The delicate coatings degraded in as little as three months, and it only took a few burnt bits of fat to completely stain their surface. And underneath those coatings, they usually featured inexpensive aluminum cores that warped and failed to heat evenly.
In contrast to the super short lifespan of these cheap non-toxic pans, traditional PFAS-coated nonstick could last anywhere from 3-5 years with proper care. They tended to be more durable and forgiving, while cheap ceramic options were non-toxic but nearly disposable. This forced home cooks to choose between health concerns with PFAS and the frustration of short-lived, ill-performing ceramic — not ideal.
How Made In’s CeramiClad Fixes These Nonstick Problems
CeramiClad came around to change all of that. This line is Made In’s solution to two major problems on the market: toxic PFAS-coated cookware and cheap, ineffective ceramic-coated cookware. In one fell swoop, Made In created cookware that makes both of these issues a thing of the past.
Third-Party Tested for Safety
To make these pans non-toxic, Made In started by designing their own ceramic coating. They developed a proprietary sol gel process that results in a stain-resistant, entirely free of PFAS (including PFOA and PTFE), as well as lead, cadmium, and BPA. This was verified by third-party testing published by Light Labs in September 2025 for true peace of mind4.
Designed to Deliver Restaurant-Quality Results
Then, to tackle the issue of performance, the brand took things to the next level. Rather than just aiming to perform basic kitchen tasks, Made In modeled this line after truly professional cookware. You won’t find an all aluminum core here — instead, these pots and pans are made with a 5-ply fully cladded stainless construction, which offers excellent heat distribution and retention.
The hollow handle design helps them stay cool, making these pans safer for home cooks. Plus, the smart rolled rims allow for easy, mess-free pouring. The exterior stainless steel is also more durable and less sensitive to scratches and discoloration, and every piece is compatible with all stovetops and oven-safe up to 550°F.
So, did their efforts pay off? Well, their many professional chefs fans say yes. In fact, some of America’s most notable chefs have invested in the company and use Made In’s cookware in their restaurant kitchens, including Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio (who’s also an investor), James Beard Award-winner Nancy Silverton, Season 14 Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson, and chef of 3-Michelin-starred restaurant Alinea, Grant Anchez (also an investor).
OA Founder Laura Klein is also a fan of the CeramiClad set. She reports, “CeramiClad offers what most cheap ceramic nonstick promises but fails to actually deliver: durability. That restaurant-grade 5-ply base keeps the pan from warping and ensures even heating, while the ceramic coating stays legitimately nonstick even after heavy use.”
Bonus: Tried and Tested, American-Assembled Cookware
To bring the CeramiClad collection to market, Made In partnered with a Wisconsin factory to assemble, coat, and stamp each piece in the USA. While many of the stainless steel components are sourced from Italy in this 7-piece set, CeramiClad is finished in America.
To confirm the cookware’s durability, Made In conducted abrasion tests — with great results. The cookware passed nearly 50,000 abrasion cycles in testing, and according to Made In, their coating is “designed to stay nonstick two times longer than other brands.”
The Bottom Line: This cookware features the restaurant-quality heat responsiveness of 5-ply stainless-steel, with a stain-resistant ceramic nonstick coating that easily releases food. It’s nimble, surprisingly lightweight, and incredibly durable. Made In is so confident in the durability of this cookware that it offers a limited lifetime warranty (with some exceptions for proper care and use, so read the fine print).
A Closer Look at the Made In CeramiClad Cookware Set: What’s Included
The Made In CeramiClad 7-Piece Cookware Set I tested includes four essentials for every home kitchen:
- 8-quart Stock Pot with Lid
- 3.5-quart Sauté Pan with Lid
- 4-quart Saucepan with Lid
- 10-inch Frying Pan
They’re currently offering an unprecedented Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal that gets you 32% off and a FREE 5.5 QT Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven (valued at $269) with purchase!
Price: $806 $579.99 at time of publish
If you’re not ready to invest in a full set or only need certain pieces to complete your kitchen collection, Made In also offers two other purchasing options for their CeramiClad line:
The Stock Pot
This 8-quart CeramiClad stock pot is spacious and highly versatile. I simmered chicken stock in the pot, then turned it into a hearty soup. During my tests, I appreciated the pot’s even heating and ability to maintain a gentle simmer for hours (essential for a great homemade stock). The stock pot is on the bigger side, especially for my NYC apartment kitchen, but it’s lightweight and easy enough to maneuver.
I was impressed to find that the pot lid doesn’t get screaming hot, even after an hour of simmering (though I still recommend using a pot holder, just to be safe). I’d use this pot for everything from braising short ribs to boiling pasta to making a vat of chili. Don’t worry about staining — even the most acidic tomato sauce rinsed off easily with a dash of dish soap.
Specs:
- Cooking Surface Diameter: 9.75”
- Depth: 5.5”
- Weight: 4.25 lbs
- Oven-safe up to 550°F
- Includes tight-fitting stainless steel lid (also oven-safe up to 550°F)
The Sauté Pan
The CeramiClad sauté pan’s high sides and tight-fitting lid make it ideal for one-pan meals, stir-fries, and shallow braises. I found it to be the perfect size and shape to brown a steak, sear chicken thighs, or cook up a batch of nicely browned meatballs.
The pan’s stay-cool handle is comfortable to grab and longer than other similarly designed sauté pans. It also has a short helper handle on the other side for when you need a secure grip. I always felt confident moving this pan from stovetop to oven to table, and love that the included tight-fitting lid traps moisture for juicy braises.
Specs:
- Cooking Surface Diameter: 9.5″
- Depth: 2.5″
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Capacity: 3.5-qt
- Includes tight-fitting stainless steel lid
Purchasing Options:
If you’re not ready to take the plunge with a CeramiClad set, Made In also sells this sauté pan as an individual piece.
Price: $199 $169.99 at time of publish
The Saucepan
The full CeramiClad set includes a 4-quart lidded saucepan, which quickly became a go-to workhorse in my kitchen. It’s the perfect size for cooking grains, making sauces, boiling pasta, or making a soup for two to four people. The addition of the helper handle is a nice touch that makes it easy to move around the kitchen and pour out liquids.
Red sauce didn’t show any signs of staining the white ceramic interior, and rice cooked evenly according to the package instructions without becoming gummy or drying out.
Specs:
- Cooking Surface Diameter: 7.5″
- Depth: 5″
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Includes tight-fitting stainless steel lid
Price: $179 $149.99 at time of publish
Purchasing Options:
Made In also offers a 2-quart version ($139.99 at time of publish) for chefs looking for a smaller size.
The Frying Pan
No kitchen is complete without a go-to frying pan. The 10-inch CeramiClad pan is built for all kinds of culinary tasks, from scrambling eggs to toasting nuts. It even performs well at delicate tasks like frying lacy crepes, pancakes, and fish. Food slides right off the ceramic surface, though adding a thin slick of cooking fat will help preserve the finish.
The stainless steel core means this isn’t the lightest pan on the market, but it just might be the most durable. I love that you can use this frying pan to start a dish on the stove and finish it in the oven — it’s great for searing chicken thighs or pork chops and then just popping them into the oven to cook through.
Criteria Breakdown
To test the Made In CeramiClad cookware, we evaluated each piece in the set across six key categories: construction, nonstick performance, durability, ease of use, value, and brand reputation.
| Criteria | Rating | Notes | |||
| Safety & Non-Toxicity | 5/5 | Free of PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, cadmium, and BPA | |||
| Heat Distribution & Performance | 5/5 | 5-ply stainless construction is on par with restaurant-quality cookware | |||
| Versatility & Compatibility | 5/5 | Works on gas, electric, and induction; oven-safe to 550°F, including lids | |||
| Durability & Longevity | 4/5 | While much better than cheaper brands, the ceramic coating doesn’t last as long as stainless steel | |||
| Ease of Cleaning | 4/5 | Food releases easily with warm water and soap, but must be hand-washed | |||
| Value & Price Point | 4/5 | Quality justifies the cost, but $599 is more than some people want to spend | |||
Key Features That Actually Matter
The Made In CeramiClad cookware line focuses on three features that really matter to home cooks: ease of cooking, quality materials, and safety. The durable, professional-quality 5-ply cladded core means the pans boast top-tier heat conduction and are built to last.
The ceramic nonstick coating makes cooking everything from soups to steaks low-maintenance — and the same goes for cleaning, which is almost as important! The long, stay-cool handles and oven safety allow for comfortable maneuvering around the kitchen, and the sleek, minimalist design complements nearly any kitchen aesthetic.
After testing the seven-piece set in my home kitchen, I can attest that the pieces hold up to daily use, resist scratches when maintained properly (read: hand-washing and avoiding metal utensils), and make cooking my favorite dishes a breeze.
All that said, these pans are on the pricier side. They also won’t last as long as all-stainless or cast-iron cookware, thanks to the more delicate ceramic coating. It’s a trade-off between pure durability and nonstick convenience, so weigh up what’s most important to you!
| Pros | Cons | |||
| Convenient nonstick ceramic coating | Premium price point | |||
| Even heat distribution | Hand-wash only | |||
| 100% PFAS-free | Ceramic coating has a limited lifespan | |||
| Lightweight, sturdy 5-ply construction | Not compatible with metal utensils | |||
| Works on all cooktops and oven-safe up to 550°F | ||||
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Reviews for Made In’s CeramiClad cookware consistently highlight its even heat distribution, excellent nonstick coating, and, of course, the PFAS-free construction.
Home cooks love that the pans are lightweight and easy to maneuver, even when full.
Comments also mention that food slides right off the ceramic surface, making them easy to clean despite the hand-wash-only requirement. The most common negative feedback is about the higher price point compared to other nonstick options, but most reviewers agree it’s worth the investment to avoid cooking with PFAS chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceramic is a more delicate material than steel, so the coating on these pots and pans has a finite lifespan. With proper care (hand-washing and using soft utensils), you can maintain the slippery nonstick finish on this cookware set for 3-5 years. Prolong the life of your cookware by avoiding high heat and greasing the cooking surface with butter or oil before adding food. If you stack the pans when you store them, use pan protectors or a dish towel between each to prevent chips.
Metal utensils can chip the nonstick coating on any cookware, including CeramiClad, so you’re better off sticking with silicone or wooden utensils (which have the added advantage of being plastic-free). Even if you can’t see damage, the wrong utensils can cause microscopic scratches over time.
Although the CeramiClad line can technically withstand occasional dishwasher use, Made In strongly recommends hand-washing. And even as someone who likes to dump everything in the dishwasher, I can attest that food slides right off the ceramic coating of these pans, so it’s hardly a lift. All you need is mild soap and a soft sponge.
Under the ceramic coating, the core of these pans are durable 5-ply cladded construction with stainless steel, which provides excellent heat distribution for even cooking. These pans are great for searing, frying, and simmering.
Unlike cast iron, ceramic cookware doesn’t need seasoning. The key to longevity is simple maintenance — gentle hand-washing, moderate heat, and proper storage to avoid scratches or chipping.
After extensive testing, the Made In 7-Piece CeramiClad Cookware Set proved itself to be more than just another premium cookware option. It’s a great all-rounder choice for home cooks who want restaurant-grade quality at a fraction of the price. The balance between PFAS-free cooking, professional-grade heat control, and easy maintenance makes this set an excellent long-term investment for home chefs who care about the flavor, presentation, and safety of their meals.
Sources:
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/cooking-tools/cookware-reviews/a17426/nonstick-cookware-safety-facts/
- https://www.ewg.org/research/canaries-kitchen
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004896972205392X
- https://www.lightlabs.com/?utm_medium=widget&utm_campaign=pip_widget_click&utm_source=madeincookware.com&utm_content=69_null
