By Danilo C. G. · Last updated June 12, 2026
Quick verdict: Buy Misen if you want the best value — 5-ply stainless that performs close to brands costing far more, at roughly 35% less than Made In. Buy Made In if you value artisan, Italian-made craftsmanship, slightly better tested heat retention, and a more premium brand experience, and you’ll pay for it. Both are genuinely good; the decision is value versus craftsmanship.
Two modern direct-to-consumer stainless brands, both undercutting All-Clad. Here’s how they actually differ.
At a glance
| Made In | Misen | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 5-ply, aluminum core | 5-ply, aluminum core |
| Thickness | ~2.7mm | ~3mm (slightly thicker) |
| Made in | Italy (multi-generational metalworkers) | China (to American quality standards) |
| Heat | Strong; edged out Misen on retention in some tests | Even; held heat slightly longer in other tests |
| Price | Higher (e.g. ~$99 for a 10″ skillet) | ~35% less (e.g. ~$75 for a 10″ skillet) |
| Best for | Craftsmanship, premium feel | Value, performance per dollar |
Prices shift — confirm on the retailer page before buying.
Where Misen wins
Misen’s headline is value. It’s 5-ply stainless with an aluminum core, slightly thicker (~3mm) than Made In, which can mean marginally more even heating and heat retention. And it costs roughly 35% less. For a home cook who wants near-premium stainless performance without premium pricing, Misen is the clear value leader.
The tradeoff: it’s manufactured in China (to stated American quality standards) and lacks the artisan-heritage story some buyers want.
Where Made In wins
Made In leans on craftsmanship: its stainless is made in Italy by multi-generational metalworkers, and it carries a more premium brand experience used in many restaurants. In head-to-head lab tests it sometimes edges Misen on heat retention, and the brand has a deep catalog (carbon steel, nonstick, bakeware) if you want to build a coordinated kitchen.
The tradeoff: you pay meaningfully more for what is, functionally, a very similar 5-ply pan.
The honest take
In real-world home cooking, the performance gap is small — both are excellent 5-ply stainless that outperform their price relative to All-Clad. The tested differences in heat retention and evenness are minor and even point in different directions depending on who’s testing. So the decision usually comes down to budget and brand values: Misen for the best price, Made In for craftsmanship and a premium feel.
Who should buy which
| You are… | Pick |
|---|---|
| Want the best performance per dollar | Misen |
| Budget-focused but want real 5-ply | Misen |
| Value Italian artisan craftsmanship | Made In |
| Want a broad catalog to build a kitchen | Made In |
| Cross-shopping premium | See All-Clad vs Made In |
FAQ
Is Misen as good as Made In?
In everyday cooking, very close — both are 5-ply with aluminum cores. Misen is slightly thicker and much cheaper; Made In is Italian-made with a premium feel.
Which is better value?
Misen, clearly — comparable performance for about 35% less.
Are both induction-compatible?
Yes, both work on all stovetops including induction.
How do they compare to All-Clad?
Both undercut All-Clad significantly. See All-Clad vs Made In.
The bottom line
For most buyers, Misen is the smarter spend — real 5-ply stainless at the best price. Choose Made In if Italian craftsmanship, a premium feel, and a fuller catalog are worth the extra money. Both are far better value than legacy premium brands.
Related: All-Clad vs Made In · Best stainless steel cookware · Best cookware sets for 2026
About the author: Danilo C. G. runs Top Cookware Brands, cutting through marketing claims to help home cooks buy cookware they won’t regret.