I write about kitchen gear for a living, and my favorite Made In cookware is on rare sale for the holidays

As a former professional baker who now writes about kitchen products for a living, I’ve used my fair share of cookware. Enough to have a clear favorite: Made In. The brand’s founders come from a family that was in the restaurant supply business for over a century, so it’s no surprise that their pots and pans have found fans in some of the country’s most esteemed chefs.

According to Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio, “I’ve been looking for high-level, high-quality, American-made cookware — I’ve finally found it in Made In. I’m opening a new restaurant soon and the entire kitchen will be outfitted with Made In.” And Chicago’s Chef Grant Achatz said, “Those are the pans we use at [3-star Michelin-rated restaurant] Alinea. We’re going to have the best pans in the world at one of the best restaurants in the world.”

As for me? I’ve become obsessed with Made In’s nonstick frying pans; so much so, I’ve bought several. That said, this quality cookware typically comes with a steep price tag — but many of the brand’s carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron and nonstick sets are currently on rare sale. If you’re looking to upgrade your cookware, now’s the time!

Here are the sets most worthy of your attention:

These are the pans I reach for 99% of the time, thanks to the fact that lit-er-all-y nothing sticks to them. Since they have stainless steel bases, they feel far less flimsy than the other nonstick options I’ve used, and I appreciate how deep they are — I’ve never had to worry about anything spilling out, whether I’m making a stir-fry or simmering sauce.

“Wow!” exclaimed a happy home cook. “I was a lifelong user of cast iron, but the pans were getting heavy. After a ton of research, I settled on these and am so glad I did. The sear on chicken, pork, steak is great. I’ve even scrambled eggs, and while they don’t slide off, they didn’t stick either. Easy to clean, even cooking, quick to cool down. Everything they claim to be, they are!”

“I have some arthritis in my wrists and was worried that this quality stainless steel cookware would be too heavy,” shared a satisfied shopper. “I love that this cookware is heavy enough not to burn easily, especially while I adjust to cooking on my new induction cooktop, yet the two handles on the bigger pieces make it easy to [lift]. I know I’ll have and love this cookware for a long time!”

“It looks beautiful and cooks beautifully,” raved a fan. “Maintains an even heat whether it be high or low. I’ve used it for slow-cooking meals on the stovetop and in the oven roasting vegetables. It can even put a lovely seared crust on meat before you add vegetables and liquids for a complete flavor profile that is complex with no burning. And did I mention it is beautiful? Guests cannot wait to taste what is being created inside.”

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.