Cookware is the cornerstone of any kitchen. With so many brands on the market, it can be tricky to choose which sets are really worth investing in.
Sardel and Made In have emerged as two leading direct-to-consumer cookware companies praised for their quality and performance. But how do they compare?
We’ll break down the pros, cons, similarities and differences between Sardel and Made In cookware. Let’s dive in and settle this head-to-head cookware showdown!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Sardel | Made In |
| Construction | 5-ply stainless steel & aluminum | 5-ply stainless steel & aluminum |
| Made In | Designed in Spain, made in Italy | Designed and made in USA, Italy |
| Nonstick Coating | Ceramic, PFOA-free | Stainless steel or ceramic, PFOA-free |
| Performance | Very good searing and browning | Excellent heat distribution and nonstick release |
| Style | Minimalist, some colors | Classic brushed stainless only |
| Price | $$$ Mid-high | $$$ Mid-high |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes |
| Oven Safe | 500°F+ | 500°F+ |
| Best For | Home cooks seeking pro-level cookware | Cooking enthusiasts who want commercial grade pots & pans |
Overview of Sardel Cookware
Founded in 2015, Sardel aims to provide restaurant-quality cookware at home cook prices. Their stamp of quality comes from producing the pots and pans in Italy.
Here are some standout features of Sardel cookware:
- Italian-made, high quality stainless steel and aluminum construction
- Premium technical features like impact-bonded bases, riveted handles
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Non-toxic, PFOA free ceramic nonstick coating
- Streamlined minimalist aesthetic with some colors available
- Sold direct-to-consumer online
Sardel is best for home cooks seeking affordable pro-level pots and pans to master basics like frying, searing, and sauce-making. The brand offers a lifetime warranty as an assurance of its quality and durability.
Overview of Made In Cookware
Launched in 2016, Austin-based Made In garnered buzz for bringing commercial-grade cookware into home kitchens. Their focus is on durable, high-performing pieces crafted to last.
Here are some highlighted features of Made In cookware:
- Metal components made in America; Italy for some items
- Premium stainless steel and aluminum core construction
- Ergonomic handles engineered for comfort and control
- Nontoxic, PFOA-free stainless steel or ceramic nonstick coatings
- Brushed stainless steel aesthetic with some colors available
- Direct-to-consumer website with generous return policy
Made In is ideal for cooking enthusiasts seeking pro-level sauce pots, frying pans, and other essentials. Their lifetime warranty guarantees performance.
Also Read: Comparison Between Swiss Diamond And HexClad
Key Differences Between Sardel And Made In
Now let’s pit Sardel and Made In head to head across some key factors:
Construction Quality
- Materials: Both Sardel and Made In use a top-tier 5-ply construction. This means that five layers of materials, including stainless steel and aluminum, are used to craft the pots and pans. The combination of these materials ensures that the cookware is highly durable and resistant to warping, even after prolonged use.
- Heat Conduction: Due to their quality materials, both brands excel at heat conduction and distribution. This means when you heat the pan, the entire surface heats up evenly, ensuring uniform cooking. Whether you’re searing meat or simply frying an egg, you can expect consistent results.
- Durability: While both brands are designed for long-term use, Made In tends to be slightly heavier, suggesting that it might have a bit more heft or thickness to its construction.
Performance
- Nonstick Feature: Nonstick coatings are a vital feature in modern cookware, ensuring that food doesn’t stick to the pan and can be easily released. While both brands boast this feature, Made In’s nonstick coating seems to have a slight edge in durability and performance, especially with foods that are notorious for sticking, like eggs.
- Lids: Tight-fitting lids are crucial for locking in moisture, nutrients, and flavor when cooking. Both brands ensure that their lids fit snugly, making sure that your dishes are flavorful and cooked to perfection.
Cooking Experience
- Handle Design: The handles of your pots and pans play a significant role in your cooking experience. Both brands have designed their handles to be well-balanced, providing a comfortable grip. This balance helps you move the cookware with ease, offering better maneuverability and control while cooking.
- Versatility: Both Sardel and Made In’s cookware can handle high temperatures, being oven-safe up to 500°F or more. This means you can sear a steak on the stovetop and then transfer it to the oven to finish cooking.
- Maintenance: Though both brands can be placed in a dishwasher, hand washing is recommended. This ensures that the nonstick coating remains effective for a longer duration.
Watch this review video:
Appearance
- Design Aesthetics: While Sardel goes for a modern, minimalist look that resonates with an industrial aesthetic, Made In opts for a more classic and traditional stainless steel appearance.
- Variety: Sardel provides a bit more variety in terms of color options, whereas Made In sticks mainly to the classic stainless steel look, either in brushed or polished finishes.
Price
- Costing: Both brands operate in the premium segment, with single pots typically priced over $100 and sets going over $300. However, Made In might offer slightly more competitive prices for similar products.
- Discounts: Sardel often offers promotions or sales on its website, giving customers opportunities for savings.
Warranty
- Coverage: A testament to their commitment to quality, both brands provide limited lifetime warranties. This means that if your cookware has any defects stemming from the manufacturing process, the brands commit to addressing these.
- Shipping Considerations: One thing to note is that if you have to return a product under Sardel’s warranty, you might have to cover the return shipping costs, which can be a consideration for some customers.
So in summary, Made In edges ahead slightly on performance and price but it’s very close. Both are excellent direct-to-consumer cookware lines crafted to last a lifetime.
Choosing between them comes down to your style and budget preferences.
Also Read: Comparison Between Napoleon And Lynx Grills
Sardel Cookware: Pros and Cons
Let’s take a more in-depth look at what users love and find frustrating about Sardel pots and pans:
Pros
- High quality construction and materials
- Excellent heat distribution for searing and browning
- Nonstick coating makes cooking and cleaning easy
- Stylish, minimalist aesthetic
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Lifetime warranty provides peace of mind
Cons
- Significant upfront investment
- Hand washing recommended to maintain nonstick
- Limited color options
- Stock and availability fluctuates
So in summary, Sardel delivers outstanding performance and quality for the price. The lifetime warranty provides assurance that your purchase is a long-term investment. Some minor drawbacks are the cost and care required.
Watch this review video:
Made In Cookware: Pros and Cons
Now let’s examine the benefits and downsides of Made In cookware sets:
Pros
- Commercial grade materials and construction
- Very effective nonstick surface for beginner and pro chefs
- Versatile for all cooking methods – fry, simmer, bake, etc.
- Eye-catching brushed stainless steel style
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Lifetime warranty for defects
Cons
- Premium pricing – investment piece
- Requires care to avoid scratches
- Limited color/finish options
- Some quality control issues reported
- Slow fulfillment and shipping times
In summary, Made In delivers elite performance and quality with some tradeoffs around price, maintenance and ordering processes. Their lifetime warranty eases concerns about durability.
Also Read: You Should Choose All-Clad Essentials Or Hard Anodized
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Yes, Sardel cookware is worth the investment for home cooks seeking restaurant level pots and pans. The Italian-made construction, nonstick coatings, and durability make them a worthwhile upgrade over cheaper options.
Sardel cookware is designed in Barcelona but manufactured in Italy. Their pots and pans are made using Italian raw materials and production methods to ensure quality.
Yes, Made In is considered a top direct-to-consumer cookware brand. Their precision engineering and commercial grade metals like 5-ply stainless steel deliver excellent cooking performance.
While designed and tested in Austin, Texas, not all Made In cookware is fully manufactured in the USA. Their stainless steel is American-made but some products also contain materials sourced globally.
Final Thought
When weighing all the factors of construction, performance, ease of use and warranty coverage, Made In cookware edges out Sardel as our top choice.
Made In delivers unbeatable cooking quality through their commercial grade 5-ply materials. Their nonstick coatings excel in both durability and food release. Thoughtful engineering around heat distribution and handling makes them a joy to cook with.
While the price is an investment, Made In pots and pans will easily last decades with proper care. The lifetime warranty guarantees you are covered. And you’ll notice the difference in your everyday cooking.
Sardel cookware also impresses, especially given the quality for the cost. However, Made In pulls ahead in terms of nonstick reliability, material heft, and availability. Made In remains our #1 pick for a cookware set that can handle the rigors of daily use.
So take your home cooking to the next level with Made In cookware. Their elite craftsmanship and performance are worth the splurge. Your tasty creations will thank you!