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9 Italian Cookware Brands: The Best Pots & Pans Made in Italy

In this guide, I highlight the best cookware made in Italy. You’ll learn about each brand’s history, design, performance, and more.


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Best Cookware Made in Italy: Key Takeaways

If you only have a minute, here’s what you need to know about the best cookware made in Italy.

Ballarini: Established in 1889, Ballarini is an Italian cookware brand known for its combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, with collections ranging from stainless steel to enameled cast iron. A standout collection, Parma Plus, features a speckled design inspired by stoneware and uses a three-layer non-stick coating called Granitium. Check it out on Amazon and Zwilling.com.

Hestan: Founded by Stanley and Helen Cheng, Hestan is an American brand with cookware crafted in Italy. Known for innovative designs and premium materials, Hestan has five main collections, including NanoBond with titanium reinforcement, CopperBond with a copper core, and collections designed in collaboration with renowned chef Thomas Keller. You can buy Hestan on Amazon and HestanCulinary.com.

Made In: Founded in 2016, Made In collaborates with professional chefs and European and US factories to produce premium restaurant-quality cookware. Notable for its 5-ply construction and superior heat retention, Made In’s cookware offers impressive performance, ergonomic handles, and a beautiful brushed exterior. Learn more on MadeInCookware.com and Amazon.

Ruffoni: Established in 1962, Ruffoni is celebrated for its commitment to Italian tradition and luxurious craftsmanship. Its cookware, made of either copper or stainless steel, is known for exceptional heat conductivity and precision temperature control, and its intricate detailing on handles and knobs lends to its heirloom quality. Read more reviews on Amazon.

Lagostina: Founded in 1901, Lagostina is a brand deeply connected to Italian culinary tradition, offering a range of cookware from stainless steel and copper to blue carbon steel. Some pieces are made in China or France, but those made in Italy are clearly marked on the website. Check it out on Amazon.

Agnelli: Founded in 1907, Agnelli is an Italian cookware brand known for its exceptional attention to detail and high-quality collections, which range from professional-grade stainless steel to traditional copper pots and versatile non-stick options. Its most popular series, the Agnelli 1907, combines polished stainless steel with a thick aluminum core and a magnetic steel bottom, offering excellent performance and a sleek, modern design. Check it out on Amazon.

Sardel: Sardel, a startup founded in 2019 by Andrew and Daniel Kamhi, offers well-made, affordable cookware basics. Its non-stick pans have a distinct honeycomb pattern, which enhances food release and reduces utensil impact. Check it out on SardelKitchen.com and Amazon.

Mepra: With roots dating back to 1901, Mepra was officially founded in 1947, transitioning from ammunition production to stainless steel flatware. The Italian brand has since expanded to include cookware, winning prestigious design awards and offering a range of options, from stainless steel to unique stone-finished non-stick options. Mepra is available on Amazon.

Essteele: Essteele is an Australian-owned brand founded in the 1940s. The brand is known for its premium Italian-made cookware that combines style, functionality, and traditional craftsmanship. The Per Salute collection features a 7-layer diamond-reinforced non-stick surface, and the Per Vita collection has a copper core for optimal heat conductivity. Learn more on Esteele.com.au.

Ballarini

Founded in 1889, Ballarini has gained a solid reputation as a quality Italian cookware brand. Ballarini’s cookware products are manufactured in Rivarolo Mantovano, Italy, focusing on combining traditional Italian craftsmanship and modern innovation.

Ballarini Cookware Review

Today, the brand offers a range of collections, from stainless steel and non-stick to enameled cast iron.

The Parma Plus collection stands out because of its unique and attractive speckled design inspired by the age-old practice of cooking with stoneware.

While the body of Ballarini’s Parma Plus pans is forged with cold-forged aluminum, the interior and exterior have three layers of a durable non-stick coating called Granitium for effortless cleanup.

Ballarini Parma Plus Fry Pan
Ballarini Parma Plus Fry Pan

Plus, the Parma Plus collection even includes a convenient Thermopoint indicator that turns red when the pan is heated, so you’ll never have to guess if the pan is hot enough to begin cooking.

Ballarini Thermopoint heat detector

Ballarini Quick Facts

Where It’s MadeRivarolo Mantovano, Italy
Founded1889
Cookware Typesstainless steel, aluminum, non-stick, enameled cast iron, carbon steel
Oven Safe Temperature300-600°F (not all collections are oven-safe)
Dishwasher SafeYes
Price$$$
Unique FeatureGranite-inspired non-stick surface on the interior
Where to BuyAmazon, Zwilling.com
More DetailsIn-Depth Ballarini Review

Hestan

Founded by culinary enthusiasts Stanley and Helen Cheng, Hestan is an American brand that takes pride in its innovative designs and premium materials. While Hestan is based in the United States, its cookware is crafted in Italy.

Exterior of a Hestan pan

Hestan produces five main cookware collections with unique features:

NanoBond: The NanoBond collection features tri-ply construction with a conductive aluminum core, a stainless steel interior, and an induction-compatible stainless steel exterior. The exterior and interior are bonded with thousands of nano layers of titanium to reinforce the stainless steel, increasing its strength by 400%.

CopperBond: Hestan’s Red Dot Award-winning CopperBond collection has a 5-layer stainless steel build with a thick copper core. Unlike most copper cookware, this is induction-compatible thanks to its magnetic steel base.

ProBond: This tri-ply, fully-clad stainless steel collection features a conductive aluminum core and an 18/10 stainless interior cooking surface. The exterior is brushed stainless steel, and each piece has an induction-compatible steel base.

Thomas Keller Insignia: This collection, designed in partnership with renowned chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller, features a conductive aluminum core encased in high-grade stainless steel. Exteriors are brushed stainless, and interiors are either stainless or TITUM, the brand’s proprietary non-stick coating.

TITUM: The TITUM collection features a tri-ply base with a 5-layer non-stick coating. The coating is made of three layers of diamond-reinforced, non-stick coating, a TITUM plasma primer, and a sandblasted stainless steel body. The sandblasting reinforces the grip of the non-stick layers on the interior cooking surface.

One feature I love about Hestan cookware is the handle rivets are flush with the cooking surface. This design prevents food and grease buildup and makes the pans easier to clean.

Hestand NanoBond cookware interior

Protruding rivets tend to collect grime and become discolored. With Hestan, your cookware will look new for much longer.

Hestan Quick Facts

Where It’s MadeItaly
Founded2013
Cookware Types(stainless steel, non-stick, etc.)
Oven Safe Temperature500°F to 1050°F (NanoBond collection)
Dishwasher SafeYes (except the CopperBond collection)
Price$$$$
Unique FeatureThe NanoBond molecular titanium collection has a heat tolerance of up to 1050°F
Where to BuyAmazon, HestanCulinary.com
More DetailsIn-Depth Hestan Review, Hestan vs. All-Clad

Made In

Made In was founded in 2016 with a mission to make premium restaurant-quality cookware accessible to everyone.

Bottom of Made In non-stick fry pans
Bottom of Made In non-stick fry pans

This brand takes a unique approach to manufacturing. Instead of owning and operating their own facilities, they work with professional chefs to design the cookware and partner closely with factories across the US and Europe to produce it.

Made In’s stainless steel cookware is made in Italy, except for the saucier pan. Their non-stick saucepans and saute pans are also made in Italy.

I’ve been using Made In cookware for several years, and it performs as well or better than any other brand I’ve tested, including much more expensive brands like All-Clad and Demeyere.

Thanks to its 3 mm thick 5-ply construction, it does a fantastic job searing, browning, and frying and can handle up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven.

Cooking shrimp in a Made In non-stick pan
Cooking shrimp in a Made In non-stick pan

All non-stick cookware can prevent eggs and other delicate foods from sticking, but Made In pans are also great for searing and browning. Just look at this salmon I seared in the Made In non-stick fry pan:

Cooking salmon in a Made In non-stick pan
Cooking salmon in a Made In non-stick pan

Besides performance, Made In cookware has several design features that I like.

First, the handles are flat on the top and bottom. This design provides plenty of control when tilting. But they’re rounded and smooth on the sides, so they’re comfortable to hold.

Made In cookware handle
Made In cookware handle

Secondly, the lid handle and helper handles are large. You can fit your entire hand around them for a firm grip.

Lastly, Made In pans have a gorgeous brushed exterior. While I appreciate a shiny, polished finish, the brushed finish hides fingerprints and smudges better.

Made In Quick Facts

Where It’s MadeItaly
Founded2016
Cookware TypesStainless steel, carbon steel, stainless clad, enamel, non-stick, enameled cast iron, copper
Oven Safe Temperature500 – 800°F
Dishwasher SafeYes
Price$$$
Unique FeatureHigh heat tolerance and superior heat retention
Where to BuyMadeInCookware.com, Amazon
More DetailsMade In Review, Made In vs. All-Clad

Ruffoni

Ruffoni was established in 1962 by its founder Fremide Ruffoni in Omegna, a small town nestled in the Piedmont region of Italy.

Ruffoni Copper Cookware

In this original workshop, Fremida partnered with artisans and blacksmiths from the Valstrona Valley to design and manufacture a range of kitchen utensils and cookware.

By 1987, the brand collaborated with homeware giant Williams Sonoma to produce its signature Historia pot.

Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper stock pot
Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper stock pot

Today, Ruffoni is known for its commitment to Italian tradition and luxurious craftsmanship, ensuring its products are handmade with care and precision.

There are six collections in Ruffioni’s lineup, made with either copper or stainless steel. Ruffioni’s saucepans, stockpots, and frying pans are celebrated for their exceptional heat conductivity and precise temperature control.

Ruffoni products are not only functional and long-lasting, but they’re also beautiful. They are handmade, with intricate detailing on handles and knobs. They are heirloom pieces that can be passed down through generations.

Ruffoni Quick Facts

Where It’s MadeOmegna, Italy
Founded1962
Cookware TypesCopper, stainless steel
Oven Safe Temperature450°F
Dishwasher SafeNo
Price$$$$
Unique FeatureIntricately hand-carved decorative knobs and handles
Where to BuyAmazon
More DetailsBest Copper Cookware

Lagostina

Lagostina was founded in 1901 when Carlo Lagostina and his son Emilio took over a factory in Omegna, Italy, that originally produced tin-plated cutlery.

Lagostina Martellata Tri-ply Hammered Copper 11 PC Pots and Pans Cookware Set, Copper

Lagostina’s roots are deeply intertwined with the Italian culinary tradition, and the company takes great pride in preserving and celebrating that heritage in its cookware.

Lagostina represents the perfect combination of classic Italian cookware and modern techniques. Lagostina offers hammered copper cookware in the Italian tradition, but it also produces modern cookware made of stainless steel and hard-anodized aluminum.

Today, not all of Lagostina’s cookware is made in Italy; some pieces are made in China or France. When a piece is made in Italy, Lagostina will advertise the fact on its website. For instance, Lagostina’s stainless steel Accademia collection is made in Italy and marked on the website as such.

Lagostina has a range of cookware, from stainless steel and copper to blue carbon steel. It also offers hybrid pans with Lago-Mesh technology, a stainless steel mesh layer over a non-stick surface, similar to HexClad.

Lagostina Quick Facts

Where It’s MadeItaly, France, China
Founded1901
Cookware Typesstainless steel, non-stick, cast iron, blue carbon steel, copper,
Oven Safe Temperature350-500°F
Dishwasher SafeYes, except for the copper cookware
Price$$$
Unique FeatureLago-Mesh technology creates a durable and scratch-resistant non-stick surface.
Where to BuyAmazon

Agnelli

While some brands have globalized over the years, Agnelli has been creating cookware in Bergamo, Italy, since its founding.

Pentole Agnelli Collection 1932 Pan with Handle, Diameter 14 cm.

Agnelli’s story began in 1907 when it was founded by Baldassare Agnelli. His original company created a wide range of products from aluminum, including farm equipment and army mess kits.

Eventually, the company grew, and today the brand is highly regarded for its meticulous attention to detail and high quality.  

The cookware collections cater to a variety of cooking preferences and styles. From professional-grade stainless steel cookware to traditional copper pots and versatile non-stick options, there’s a collection for everyone.

The cookware is as beautiful as it is functional, featuring sleek ergonomic silhouettes that mesh classic and modern design.

The Agnelli 1907 Series, their most popular collection, features a gorgeous polished stainless steel exterior, a thick aluminum co

re, and a magnetic steel bottom. The comfortable and secure handles are flat on top with a curve underneath. This cookware’s stunning look matches its performance.

Agnelli Quick Facts

Where It’s MadeBergamo, Italy
Founded1907
Cookware TypesStainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, copper, non-stick, gold-plated
Oven Safe TemperatureUp to 400-800°F
Dishwasher SafeYes, apart from the copper pieces
Price$$
Unique FeaturePolished mirror-like exterior
Where to BuyAmazon

Sardel

Sardel is a startup cookware brand offering affordable basics for home cooks seeking well-made cookware without frills.

Sardel non-stick carbon steel and stainless steel cookware
Sardel non-stick (left), carbon steel (middle), and stainless steel (right)

The company was founded in 2019 by brothers Andrew and Daniel Kamhi, who partnered with manufacturers in northern Italy to create classic, durable cookware.

A relatively new player in the market, Sardel has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to providing durable cookware at reasonable prices.

If there is one standout feature of Sardel’s cookware, it’s the honeycomb pattern on its non-stick pans.

Sardel non-stick pan
Sardel non-stick pan

This pattern creates air pockets beneath the food, helping it release from the cooking surface. It’s a similar concept to Circulon’s TOTAL Nonstick System of raised circular rings.

If you’re searching for reliable and straightforward cookware, Sardel is an excellent option  — although the company doesn’t have the long-standing reputation of the others in this guide.

Read my in-depth Sardel review to learn more.

Sardel Quick Facts

Where It’s MadeItaly
Founded2019
Cookware TypesStainless steel, carbon steel, non-stick
Oven Safe Temperature480-500°F
Dishwasher SafeYes, except for carbon steel pieces
Price$$$
Unique FeatureDurable honeycomb patterned non-stick surface
Where to BuySardelKitchen.com, Amazon

Mepra

While Mepra, as we know it today, was officially founded in 1947, the company has a long history in designing and manufacturing metal products.

MEPRA, GLAMOUR STONE FRYING, 32 CM STAINLESS STEEL FINISH

The original factory of Prandelli was located in Lumezzane, Italy, where the three Prandelli brothers started their first business in 1901. During that time, they produced ammunition for the Italian army.

Fast forward to 1947, the next generation of Prandelli’s founded Mepra (short for “Metallurgica Prandelli”), using their metalworking expertise to make stainless steel flatware.

Since then, Mepra has grown steadily and expanded its lineup to include crockery, cookware, coffee makers, and silver-plated stainless steel items.

Mepra’s products have garnered multiple prestigious design awards, like the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award.

Mepra offers various cookware options for different cooking styles — stainless steel, copper, gold-accented, and even unique stone-finished non-stick options.

The Mepra Glamour Stone collection utilizes a unique micro-stone internal lining finish to create a durable, dishwasher-safe non-stick surface.

Mepra Quick Facts

Where It’s MadeLumezzane, Italy
Founded1947
Cookware TypesAluminum, stainless steel, copper, non-stick
Oven Safe TemperatureUp to 350-800°F
Dishwasher SafeYes (except copper products)
Price$$$$
Unique FeatureMicro-stone internal lining creates a durable and dishwasher-safe non-stick interior.
Where to BuyAmazon

Essteele

Founded in the 1940s, Essteele has a long-standing tradition of producing premium-quality cookware. The brand prides itself on creating cookware pieces that are as beautiful and stylish as they are functional.

While the company has been Australian-owned since the 1940s, the cookware is produced in Milan, Italy, and proudly incorporates traditional Italian craftsmanship.

Essteele offers a diverse range of cookware collections to suit various cooking styles and preferences, but a couple of collections stand out above the rest.

The Per Salute Non-stick collection features a unique 7-layer construction and diamond-reinforced non-stick surface for exceptional durability.

And the Per Vita Stainless Steel collection has a mirror-finish stainless steel exterior, a 5-layer base, and a copper core for better heat conductivity.

Copper has high thermal conductivity, so the copper core in these pans helps them heat fast and respond quickly to temperature changes. This level of control is crucial when simmering sauces or cooking delicate foods like flaky fish. This collection also boasts a dripless pouring rim to reduce mess.

Essteele Quick Facts

Where It’s MadeMilan, Italy
Founded1940’s
Cookware Typesstainless steel, non-stick
Oven Safe TemperatureUp to 350°F – 500°F
Dishwasher SafeSome collections (Per Domani, Per Sempre, Per Vita)
Price$$$
Unique Feature7-layer diamond-reinforced non-stick surface (Per Vita collection)
Where to BuyEsteele.com.au (only ships to Australia)

Bottom Line: What Is the Best Italian Cookware Brand?

Now that you know the top cookware brands that are made in Italy, the question remains:

Which is the best? Which should you buy?

The truth is, there is no best Italian cookware brand; each has its pros and cons.

If you appreciate companies with long histories deeply rooted in Italian culture and craftsmanship, brands like Ruffoni, Agnelli, Ballarini, Mepra, and Lagostina stand out. These brands were founded in Italy, where they still manufacture most products.

If you don’t care about heritage and just want the best cookware for your money, I recommend Made In. The company is based in the US, but its Italian-made stainless steel and non-stick pots and pans are second to none.

Based on my testing, it heats faster and retains heat better than most brands. And it’s built with functional features like flared rims, secure handles, and smudge-free finishes.

In addition to their Italian-made stainless steel and non-stick cookware, they also offer French-made copper, carbon steel, and enameled cast iron pots and pans.

Read my in-depth review of Made In (you’ll find a video and dozens of photos), or check it out on MadeInCookware.com and Amazon to learn more.

Andrew Palermo Founder of Prudent Reviews

Andrew Palermo - About the Author

Andrew is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Prudent Reviews. He began his career in marketing, managing campaigns for dozens of Fortune 500 brands. In 2018, Andrew founded Prudent Reviews and has since reviewed 600+ products. When he’s not testing the latest cookware, kitchen knives, and appliances, he’s spending time with his family, cooking, and doing house projects. Connect with Andrew via emailLinkedIn, or the Prudent Reviews YouTube channel.

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