Best Cookware Made in the USA: Top Brands Reviewed

With retailers squeezing profits and labor costs on the rise, most cookware companies are moving production overseas.

Despite this trend, several brands are still making high-quality cookware in America.

In this review of the best American-made cookware, you’ll learn:

• Which brands are the best
• What makes them special
• How the cookware looks, feels, and performs
• And much more

Whether you’re shopping for stainless steel, non-stick, or cast iron, you’ll find the American-made cookware that’s best for you.

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Please use these links to navigate the article:

• Best Cookware Made in the USA: Key Takeaways
• All-Clad
• Heritage Steel
• Lodge
• Nordic Ware
• 360 Cookware
• Viking
• Made In
• Stargazer
• Smithey
• Field Company
• Bottom Line: Which American-Made Cookware is the Best?

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All-Clad

Since 1967, All-Clad has been the frontmost brand of bonded, layered cookware. It is the brand that started it all when it comes to fully-clad.

Founded by metallurgist John Ulam, All-Clad has been making fully-clad cookware since 1971 in Canonsburg, just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

All-Clad still makes its stainless steel cookware in Canonsburg with American-made steel, although some non-stick pans and appliances are now produced overseas. You can find their cookware in kitchen supplies stores like Williams Sonoma and Macy’s, or online on Amazon and All-Clad.com.

Before I get into why All-Clad is the best stainless steel cookware made in the USA, let’s look at some facts about the brand.

All-Clad Quick Facts

Founded	1967
Where It’s Made	Canonsburg, PA
Number of Stainless Collections	7
Construction	Fully-clad
Exterior Material	Stainless steel, copper, or hard-anodized aluminum
Interior Material	Stainless steel
Core Material(s)	Heavy-gauge aluminum or copper
Oven-Safe Temperature (degrees F)	600
Broiler-Safe	Yes
Compatible With Induction	Yes
Warranty	Limited Lifetime
Price	$$$$$

Why All-Clad?

You can’t talk about the best cookware made in the USA without mentioning All-Clad.

Not only has its fully-clad cookware stood the test of time for nearly five decades, but, over the years, they’ve continued to innovate and produce cookware to meet the needs of modern chefs.

It’s a well-rounded brand, but the stainless steel collections steal the spotlight due to their unparalleled construction, variety, design, cooking performance, and durability.

Construction, Variety, and Design

No other American-made cookware brand offers as many high-quality stainless steel cookware collections as All-Clad.

With All-Clad stainless, you can choose from 7 collections of fully-clad, stainless steel cookware with two to five layers of alternating, heat conductive materials.

The pots and pans have some weight, especially those with four or more layers, but the stay-cool ergonomic handle design makes it easy to maneuver while being sturdy and comfortable.

All-Clad has a mix of different designs combining other heat-conductive metals such as copper. From the Copper Core line to the simple elegance of the original All-Clad D3 design, you can choose from high-gloss and brushed stainless cookware sets to suit your culinary style.

Here’s a quick rundown of each collection (you can learn more about each collection in this in-depth guide):

Collection	Construction
All-Clad D3 Stainless	3-ply, 18/10 stainless steel interior, heavy-gauge aluminum core, and induction-compatible stainless exterior
Copper Core	5-ply, 18/10 stainless steel interior, copper core with heavy-gauge aluminum bonded layers, and induction-compatible stainless exterior
D5 Brushed	5-ply, 18/10 stainless steel interior, stainless steel core, heavy-gauge aluminum layers, and induction-compatible stainless exterior
D5 Stainless	5-ply, 18/10 stainless steel interior, stainless steel core, heavy-gauge aluminum layers, and induction compatible stainless exterior
G5 Graphite Core	5-ply, 18/10 stainless steel interior, aluminum core with a graphite disc at the center, and induction compatible stainless exterior

Cooking Performance

The beauty of bonded cookware, also known as multi-clad or fully-clad, is the superior performance. With this cookware, you can expect even heating, excellent heat retention, and precise temperature control.

All-Clad is synonymous with delivering restaurant-quality results from the hands of home chefs.

Most stainless steel lines are induction-compatible, oven and broiler safe, and beautiful enough to use as a serving platter, offering a seamless flow from cooktop to the table.

All-Clad stainless steel is oven safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, broiler-safe, and suitable for all cooktops, including induction.

Durability

High-quality stainless steel cookware from All-Clad can last for generations if cared for properly. The bonding process fortifies the pan’s layers and provides lasting, sturdy cookware.

Pros and Cons: All-Clad Stainless Steel

Of course, every brand has its pros and cons, so I’ll wrap this up with a few things to consider before you purchase.

Let’s start with the pros:

• Trusted brand with a long track record of quality
• Made in the USA
• Superior cooking performance
• Many styles to choose from
• Suitable for a variety of cooktops (most are induction-compatible)
• Broiler and oven safe up to 600 degrees
• Limited lifetime warranty

There are a few downsides:

• One of the most expensive brands you can buy
• Lids are not oven-safe
• Requires special cleaning care and knowledge of stainless steel cooking to prevent sticking and discoloration

All-Clad is a top-of-the-line brand, but if you’re on a budget, you can also get great results from less expensive, direct-to-consumer brands like Made In (made in Italy) or Misen (made in China). 

Yet, if you’re ready to splurge, I recommend All-Clad. It’s a brand I’ve stood by for years and use in my kitchen. Although it’s pricey, you can usually find great deals for All-Clad on Amazon and All-Clad.com. 

Heritage Steel

If you want high-quality, American-made stainless steel cookware that won’t break the bank, Heritage Steel is a top contender.

While the company has been known as Heritage Steel since 2013, its roots started over 40 years ago as New Era Cookware. This family-owned business was created through a partnership between cookware enthusiast Donald Henn and manufacturer John Martelli.

Heritage Steel offers two American-made stainless steel cookware collections: the Titanium Series and the Eater Series, designed in collaboration with Eater.com. In this section, I’ll give you an up-close look at these collections and explain why they’ve earned a spot in this guide.

Note: Made In was my top pick for affordable American-made cookware in previous versions of this guide. The cookware hasn’t changed; it’s still one of the best options. However, as of 2023, Made In pans are not manufactured in the United States. All of its stainless steel and non-stick cookware is now made in Italy. Learn more about where Made In cookware is made.

Heritage Steel Quick Facts

Founded	1983
Where It’s Made	Clarksville, Tennessee
Number of Stainless Steel Collections	2
Construction	5-ply fully-clad
Exterior Material	Stainless steel
Interior Material	316Ti steel (Titanium Series), 304 steel (Eater Series)
Core Material(s)	Aluminum and aluminum alloy
Oven-Safe Temperature (degrees F)	800
Broiler-Safe	Yes
Compatible With Induction	Yes
Warranty	Limited Lifetime
Price	$$$ (view current price on HeritageSteel.us)

Why Heritage Steel?

Heritage Steel is the best American-made cookware for the money due to its quality construction, superior cooking performance, ease of maintenance, durability, and relatively low price (compared to other premium brands like All-Clad).

Let’s explore the benefits and features in more detail.

Titanium-Strengthened 316Ti Steel

Both the Titanium and Eater collections feature a 5-ply construction with a stainless steel exterior and interior and an aluminum core for superior heat conduction.

Titanium Series pans have a polished exterior finish, while Eater Series pans feature a brushed finish.

The Titanium Series uses 316Ti steel for the cooking surface rather than typical 18/10 stainless. 316Ti is an austenitic stainless steel alloy composed of 16% chromium and 10% nickel, with added molybdenum and titanium for exceptional corrosion resistance. It’s 20 times more resistant to salt corrosion than 18/10 steel.

Eater Series uses 304 stainless steel, which is still good quality but less corrosion-resistant than 316Ti.

Superior Cooking Performance

I’ve been testing Heritage Steel for years, and it performs similarly to premium brands like All-Clad and Demeyere. The cookware heats evenly, sears beautifully, and retains heat effectively when removed from the stove.

Every pan has flared rims for drip-free pouring, and the handles stay cool on the stove. Although handles in both collections are comfortable, I prefer the Eater Series handle because it’s flatter on top, which makes it easier to grip when tilting the pan. 

The rounded Titanium Series handle can rotate in your hand as you slide pancakes onto a plate or pour pasta into a strainer. 

Heritage Steel cookware is compatible with all cooktops, oven safe up to 800°F, and comes with a lifetime warranty. 

Direct-to-Consumer Pricing

Heritage Steel sells directly to consumers online, avoiding retail markups. This allows them to offer pro-grade cookware at a fraction of the cost of other American brands.

For example, a 12-inch Heritage Steel Titanium skillet costs significantly less than the All-Clad Copper Core 12-inch skillet.

If you want exceptional cooking at a reasonable price, Heritage Steel is a great choice. Learn more at HeritageSteel.us.

Bottom line — Heritage Steel cookware delivers exceptional performance and value. It’s one of the few cookware brands that makes its products entirely in the USA and isn’t owned by a large conglomerate. The company owns its factories in Tennessee and has complete control over the production process.

If you want American-made cookware that conducts heat evenly, retains heat well, and lasts for years, Heritage Steel is a great option. Learn more at HeritageSteel.us.

Lodge

Since its founding in 1896, Lodge has been making cast iron cookware and accessories in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.

Lodge is a multi-generational family-owned business best known for its cast iron skillets, but also offers a variety of cookware options including enameled cast iron, carbon steel, and stoneware. It’s the oldest and longest-running manufacturer of cast iron in the US.

In this section, you’ll learn why Lodge is the best American-made cast iron cookware.

Note: Lodge bare cast ion cookware is made in the USA, but its enameled cast iron products (ex. the Dutch oven) are made in China.

Lodge Quick Facts

Founded	1896
Where It’s Made	South Pittsburg, Tennessee
Types of Cast Iron Cookware	Skillets, woks, Dutch ovens, griddles, grill pans, bakeware, and camping/outdoor cookware
Skillet Sizes	Multiple, from 3 inches in diameter up to 17 inches
Oven-Safe Temperature (degrees F)	600+
Broiler-Safe	Yes
Compatible With Induction	Yes
Warranty	Lodge Promise
Price	$$

Why Lodge?

Cast iron offers superior versatility and durability. With so many companies making this style of cookware, you want to make sure to buy from a trusted brand that is made in the USA.

Lodge offers the best American-made cast iron skillet because of its quality materials and construction, consistent cooking performance, durability, and price. Plus, it has a long history and has been trusted by home cooks for over a century.

Materials and Construction

Lodge seasoned cast iron is a proprietary mix of pig iron, steel, and other heat conductive ingredients. Each piece of cookware is formed through a process called sand molding, which has been used since 680 B.C.

Lodge cast iron is thick, heavy, and super durable. With proper care, it lasts a lifetime and could be something you pass down to the next generation.

Lodge sells pre-seasoned cast iron that is ready to cook with right away. You don’t have to season it yourself at home. Seasoning is a process that helps create a naturally non-stick surface.

Cooking Performance

If you are just starting as a home chef, cast iron might seem intimidating, but you’ll catch on and fall in love with the delicious results once you start using it. It takes longer to heat, but the heat retention is amazing.

The pans do have some weight to them, between 4 and 12 pounds depending on the size.

If this will be your first introduction to cast iron, I recommend a skillet. Its uses are virtually endless, from stovetop cooking and outdoor grilling to baking and broiling, and it’s one of the lowest-priced cast iron items.

It’s oven-safe, broiler-safe, campfire-safe, and induction-compatible. And yes, you can use it on glass cooktops or any other kind, just use care and don’t drag, shake, or drop the pan on the burners.

Variety

Lodge offers seasoned cast iron in so many shapes and sizes that you are bound to find exactly what you need for your kitchen, including:

• Skillets
• Dutch ovens
• Griddles
• Grill pans
• Grill presses
• Fish pans
• Bakeware
• Serveware

What’s more, you can try out enameled cast iron as well and get the benefits of cast iron in color finishes that are beautiful and prevent sticking. You can check out Lodge’s full lineup on Amazon.

Price

One of the things I love most about Lodge cast iron cookware is its affordability. You can get a few pieces for the price you might pay for just one high-quality stainless steel pan. Check out the current price of Lodge cast iron skillets on Amazon.

Accolades

Like All-Clad and Made In, Lodge earns a top spot on most “best cookware” lists. Here are a few recent accolades praising the brand:

• Good Housekeeping named Lodge the Best Overall Cast Iron Skillet, praising its comfortable handles, cooking performance, and overall value.
• Epicurious awarded Lodge the Best 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet. They love how it’s pre-seasoned, which makes it easy to clean.
• New York Times named the Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Skillet the Best Cast Iron Skillet, saying that it cooks evenly and is easy to maneuver. In their tests, it was “a solid performer at just about every task.”

Pros and Cons: Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

Although I firmly believe that Lodge is the best American-made cast iron cookware, it has both pros and cons. 

Let’s start with the pros:

• Trusted brand with longevity
• One of the most affordable lines of quality cookware
• Versatile cookware with a variety of shapes
• Excellent heat distribution and retention
• Oven and broiler-safe
• Campfire-safe
• Works on any cooktop including induction
• Comes pre-seasoned and ready to use
• Can be used with all types of utensils
• Excellent for searing and browning

Here are some cons:

• Heavier than other types of cookware
• Requires regular maintenance to keep it clean
• Can rust if not maintained properly (it can be restored)
• Will need periodic re-seasoning

Bottom line—if you’re looking for the best cast iron cookware made in the USA, Lodge is the way to go. They’ve been making high-quality, ultra-durable cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg Tennessee for over 100 years. If you need more reassurance, read the thousands of positive reviews of Lodge’s most popular cast iron skillet on Amazon, or check out my in-depth review.

Nordic Ware

If you’re looking for the best non-stick cookware made in the USA, I have good news and bad news.

The bad news is nearly all non-stick cookware is made overseas. Most of it is made in China, where production costs are low.

The good news is there are plenty of high-quality non-stick pans not made in China (if you’re trying to avoid made-in-China products). Watch me break down the best cookware not made in China in this video.

My top recommendations are Made In (Italy), Scanpan (Denmark), and Swiss Diamond (Switzerland).

Calphalon is an American brand that manufactured all of its cookware in the United States in the past, but today the company only manufactures a few pieces locally; the rest are made in China.

If you asked me in 2020 what the best non-stick cookware made in the USA was, I’d tell you Made In.

When Made In launched its non-stick collection years ago, they manufactured it in the USA. However, the brand now manufactures its non-stick cookware in Italy.

That said, the quality, durability, and performance of Made In non-stick pans have remained the same despite the change in production facilities.

Made In non-stick features the same highly-conductive 5-ply base as the brand’s American-made stainless steel cookware but also includes an ultra-durable multi-layer non-stick coating.

With Made In, you get the heat conduction and durability of premium stainless steel and the convenience of non-stick. You can buy this high-quality made-in-Italy non-stick cookware on MadeInCookware.com.

If you’re insistent on buying non-stick cookware that’s made in the USA, the best option is Nordic Ware.

Nordic Ware is a family-owned company based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and it’s been in business since 1946. They’re best known for their bakeware but also produce quality non-stick cookware.

Their non-stick pans are made of either cast or forged aluminum and feature a textured PFOA-free non-stick coating that’s ideal for searing.

The cast aluminum non-stick pans have thick walls which deliver excellent heat retention, similar to a cast iron skillet, but they’re much lighter and more nimble.

Would I recommend Nordic Ware non-stick pans over Made In, Scanpan, Swiss Diamond, or All-Clad?

No, I would not.

But if you value American-made products and really want non-stick pans made in the USA, Nordic Ware is your best option. Check it out on NordicWare.com or Amazon.

360 Cookware

360 Cookware is an American brand that primarily manufactures pots, pans, and bakeware in West Bend, Wisconsin.

However, as of 2019, the company has had to source some of its bonded materials from South Korea due to the closure of its last dependable U.S. supplier. Despite this change, over 85% of 360 Cookware’s production and components still originate in the USA.

Although the brand is relatively new, its parent company, Americraft, has been in business for decades.

This family-owned company is obsessed with quality and sustainability. Its President, Bryan Hurley, claims to operate “the world’s most environmentally advanced factory.”

Instead of using chemicals to achieve the mirror finish like most brands, 360 Cookware uses a unique mechanical process. In fact, their factory is so sustainable that it doesn’t need any EPA permits to operate.

360 Cookware makes some of the thickest, most sturdy pans I’ve tested. They’re incredibly durable and retain heat well.

They also have comfortable handles with divots to rest your fingers and get a secure grip.

One of the most unique features of 360 Cookware is its ability to perform “vapor cooking.” In a nutshell, vapor cooking is a technique in which the pan’s lid locks in moisture, allowing food to cook in its natural juices.

Vapor cooking isn’t possible with most cookware because too much moisture escapes.

But with 360, the lids seal tightly, locking in steam and creating an ideal environment for cooking juicy and tender meals.

Bottom line — if you’re looking for heirloom-quality pots and pans made (mostly) in the USA, 360 Cookware is worth a look.

Viking

Viking is a Greenwood, Mississippi-based company best known for its high-end kitchen appliances (ovens, cooktops, refrigerators, etc.), but they also make premium cookware in the USA. 

When you shop for Viking cookware, you need to read the fine print because the Professional 5-Ply collection is made in America, while others are made in China. 

To get the full scoop, check out my in-depth comparison of Viking vs. All-Clad Cookware or read this in-depth Viking cookware review.

Read my in-depth review of 360 Cookware to learn more, or check it out on 360Cookware.com or Amazon.

Made In

When Made In launched in 2017, it partnered with Heritage Steel to manufacture its stainless steel cookware in Clarksville, Tennessee. But since then, they’ve established a new partnership with Meyer. And as of late 2023, all Made In stainless steel cookware is made in Italy.

Regardless of where it’s made, Made In cookware performs exceptionally well. It’s made with 5-ply construction and has a gorgeous brushed exterior finish, similar to the Heritage Steel Eater Series. Based on my tests, Made In conducts and retains heat better than industry leaders, including All-Clad and Calphalon.

If you want to learn more about this high-quality and relatively affordable cookware previously made in the USA, read my full Made In cookware review or check it out on MadeInCookware.com.

Stargazer

Stargazer Cast Iron was founded in 2015 by Peter Huntley, a professional cookware designer frustrated with declining standards in mainstream production.

At the heart of Stargazer’s operation is a foundry in Wisconsin, where the journey of each skillet begins. Recycled iron is melted and poured into molds to form the cookware. 

The process continues in Ohio, where each skillet undergoes meticulous shaping by a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, ensuring uniform thickness and unmatched quality.

The final touch to each Stargazer piece occurs in Pennsylvania. Here, skilled artisans hand-finish, season, inspect, and package the cookware. 

Stargazer’s line-up features 10.5-inch and 12-inch skillets alongside a 13.5-inch braiser. Each piece is distinguished by its bronze seasoning, smooth interior for effortless cooking, and thoughtfully designed long handles. The skillets also have flared rims for drip-free pouring.

Stargazer skillets have key advantages over traditional cast iron cookware like Lodge:

1. They are lighter and heat up faster.
2. The smooth, polished surface ensures that food like eggs doesn’t stick.
3. The long handle makes them easier to maneuver and carry.

If you’re interested in purchasing or learning more about Stargazer, visit StargazerCastIron.com and Amazon or read my in-depth review of their cookware.

Smithey

This next brand has only been around since 2015, but according to my tests, their American-made cast iron skillets outperform much more established brands. 

This brand offers everything you want in a cast iron skillet – an ultra-smooth cooking surface, comfortable handle, thick construction, and large pour spouts. 

Besides cast iron, they also make hand-forged carbon steel pans. All of their cookware is made in Charleston, South Carolina, and they source recycled iron from all around the US.

The name of this brand is Smithey. I recently put their 12-inch skillet through the paces and can confidently say it’s one of the best-performing cast iron skillets I’ve tested. 

Smithey has two main downsides. First, the seasoning doesn’t adhere well to the ultra smooth surface. And secondly, it’s expensive. Their 12-inch skillet is about 7 times more expensive than Lodge Classic. 

Field Company

In 2016, two brothers started a company with a mission to recreate the smooth, lightweight cast iron skillets of the past.

And that’s exactly what they did. This brand’s cast iron skillets are the thinnest and lightest I’ve tested. Their 12-inch skillet weighs just 5.5 pounds, which is 2 to 3 pounds less than most competitors.

In addition to the lightweight construction, these skillets have a smooth, polished cooking surface, ideal for eggs and other sticky foods.

The brand I’m referring to is Field Company. They manufacture their skillets in the USA, with production facilities in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

The thinner walls make these skillets easier to handle and faster to heat, but that comes at a cost — they have the worst heat retention of all cast iron skillets I’ve tested.

Also, I appreciate their commitment to reducing weight, but the helper handle is really small and can be tricky to lift when you’re wearing an oven mitt and the skillet when it’s full of food.

Bottom Line: Which Made-In-America Cookware is the Best?

As you can see, even though many brands are moving manufacturing overseas, you can still find quality American-made cookware.

If you’re looking for the best American-made stainless steel cookware All-Clad is the way to go.

All-Clad is a top-tier, trailblazing US-born brand. The company introduced bonded cookware to the global marketplace over 50 years ago and remains the category leader.

Although All-Clad cookware is expensive, it’s absolutely worth it due to its superior performance and durability—in most cases, it will last for generations. Read more reviews and check the current prices on Amazon and All-Clad.com. Not sure which collection is right for you? Check out my All-Clad Buyer’s Guide.

If you love everything about All-Clad except the price, I highly recommend Heritage Steel.

With fully-clad 5ply construction and a direct-to-consumer model, Heritage Steel offers the heat conduction and durability of premium stainless steel cookware without the high price.

You can buy pieces individually or as part of a complete set. Check it out on HeritageSteel.us or learn more in my in-depth review.

If you’re looking for the best American-made cast iron skillet, Smithey and Lodge are the best. Smithey has a smoother surface and retains heat slightly better, but you can’t beat the value of Lodge.

Smithey is available on Smithey.com, and you can find Lodge cookware on Amazon or in stores like Crate and Barrel and Sur La Table.

Although I believe the top-performing non-stick cookware is not made in the USA, Nordic Ware is the best American-made non-stick option. You can learn more about it on Amazon or NordicWare.com.

If you found this review helpful, you should also check out:

• I Tested 45 Frying Pans: These Are the Best and Worst
• The Definitive Guide to the Best Cookware Brands
• Best Cookware for Gas Stoves: Top Brands Reviewed
• Best Induction Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Lodge, Demeyere & 10 Others
• Is de Buyer Cookware Worth It? My Brutally Honest Review
• Best Cast Iron Skillet: I Tested 6 Top Brands to Find the Winner
• 9 Italian Cookware Brands: The Best Pots & Pans Made in Italy
• 9 French Cookware Brands: The Best Pots & Pans Made in France
• Is All-Clad Cookware Worth the High Price? (In-Depth Review)
• Best Hard-Anodized Aluminum Cookware: The Definitive Guide
• Made In vs. Heritage Steel: 9 Key Differences Explained