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Cooking exceptional food requires more than just a favorite recipe or fresh ingredients—it also necessitates the use of appropriate equipment. Among the various tools crucial to achieving culinary success, reliable and high-quality cookware stands out. As a food writer, pastry chef, and home cook, I have had the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time in numerous kitchens, thereby enabling me to handle cookware from various brands and materials.
Consequently, my kitchen cabinets are a collection of pots and pans, ranging from the remnants of my initial starter set to those acquired through upgrades and household consolidations.
Given my extensive hands-on experience, I am frequently asked for recommendations on cookware sets. This seemingly simple question, however, poses a challenge. Most cookware sets consist of a single material type, thereby forcing individuals to choose between stainless steel or nonstick pots and pans.
While I believe that both materials have their merits and can be utilized for various purposes, my honest suggestion for most home cooks is to have a combination of both. I am delighted to announce that I have finally discovered a set that offers the best of both worlds, and more: The Sous Chef from Made In.
11-Piece Set Includes:
Stainless Steel: 10-inch frying pan, 2- and 4-quart saucepans with lids, 3.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stock pot with lid
Nonstick: 10-inch frying pan
Carbon Steel: 12-inch carbon frying pan with 2-ounce carbon steel seasoning wax
Materials:
Stainless Steel: 5-ply clad, made in the US and Italy
Nonstick: PTFE nonstick coating without PFOA, made in Italy
Carbon Steel: Made in France
Care Instructions:
Stainless Steel: Dishwasher safe, hand wash recommended
Nonstick: Hand wash only, avoid metal utensils
Carbon Steel: Hand wash only, requires seasoning, avoid metal utensils
During my extensive search for the finest stainless steel and nonstick cookware sets available in the market, I fortuitously came across this particular set. Among the numerous brands I meticulously examined, Made In stood out as the sole provider of a comprehensive assortment of materials within a single set. The company gained significant recognition in 2017 when it introduced its line of cookware directly to consumers at competitive prices, while maintaining professional-grade specifications.
However, it is important to note that competitive pricing does not equate to subpar quality. Priced at $699, the Sous Chef undoubtedly represents a substantial investment, necessitating the fulfillment of exceptionally high standards to justify its price tag. Naturally, I felt compelled to put it to the test and evaluate its capabilities. The outcome was nothing short of remarkable, as it effortlessly demonstrated its proficiency in virtually every culinary task.
Made In's Use Of Multiple Materials
When seeking the opinion of professional chefs on the ultimate cookware material, stainless steel is often cited for its versatility. It can withstand high heat, accommodate various fats and acids, tolerate metal utensils, and endure frequent scrubbing.
Additionally, its surface adhesion and heat conductivity make it ideal for browning and caramelizing foods, surpassing the capabilities of nonstick alternatives. Made In's stainless steel boasts 5-ply cladding, ensuring quick and even heating, warp-resistance, and durability.
However, it is important to note that other materials have their own unique advantages, which Made In acknowledges in their cookware set. Nonstick cookware, for instance, offers convenience and ease of cleaning, making it ideal for preparing eggs, pancakes, and dishes with melted cheese. It is also suitable for cooking items that do not require browning or high temperatures. In addition to the stainless steel and nonstick pieces, the set includes a carbon steel frying pan, which offers the benefits of cast iron without the weight.
How We Tested The Made In Cookware Sous Chef Set
A high-quality cookware set should include the necessary sizes and shapes for most standard home recipes. Ideally, the set should consist of a 10-inch frying pan, a 3-quart lidded sauté pan, both a small and medium lidded saucepan, and a large lidded stockpot. Any additional pieces would be considered supplementary. Finding a set that meets all these requirements can be challenging, but the Sous Chef set successfully fulfills them.
One notable feature of the pans is their hollow handles, which are designed to arch away from the pans themselves. This design not only enhances ergonomics but also ensures a well-balanced cooking experience. The pot and lid handles are also worth mentioning, as they are large, wide set, and curved to provide a secure and comfortable grip, even when using a potholder. These details stood out to me and, before using the cookware, I assessed their storage space by stacking them in my cabinets.
While they fit comfortably in my lower cabinet, similar to my previous cookware, it is evident that their primary focus is on stove functionality. If you have shallow cabinets or drawers, or limited space in general, it may be advisable to consider a set that is specifically designed for nesting.
In order to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Sous Chef, it was imperative for me to administer distinct cooking tests for every material and pan shape. In each instance, I meticulously assessed whether the food was prepared in accordance with the recipe and met the industry's established benchmarks for color, texture, and temperature, all within a predetermined timeframe.
Testing The Stainless Steel Components
In order to optimize the flavor (browning and caramelization) and versatility of stainless steel, my focus was on these two key selling points of the material. To achieve this, I utilized a fry pan to pan-fry 4-ounce portions of 85% lean turkey burgers for approximately five to six minutes per side on medium-high heat.
Additionally, I seared large sea scallops on high heat for two minutes per side using the same fry pan. The outcome was turkey burgers with a consistent caramelization on the exterior and moist interiors, while the scallops developed a crusty sear and tender interior within a matter of minutes.
Moving on to the sauté pan, I cooked 6-ounce chicken breasts for approximately five to six minutes per side. Once cooked, I removed the chicken breasts and utilized the same pan to create a simple yet flavorful lemon and butter sauce. The chicken breasts turned out beautifully golden and juicy, and the resulting sauce was truly delightful.
In the stockpot, I prepared a substantial quantity of marinara sauce using a combination of onion, garlic, and two 28-ounce cans of peeled tomatoes. This was done to assess the capacity of the stockpot and to develop a rich flavor profile.
In the smaller 2-quart saucepan, I boiled four eggs for a duration of 12 minutes, achieving a hard-boiled consistency. Additionally, I reheated two portions of the marinara sauce in this saucepan.
Furthermore, I utilized the medium-sized saucepan to cook long grain rice, maintaining a water-to-rice ratio of two-to-one. The rice was simmered for a total of 18 minutes.
The stockpot proved to be an exceptional tool, boasting a capacity of 8 quarts, which allowed for the creation of a substantial amount of marinara sauce. Its high sides effectively prevented any messy splatters. Moreover, the stockpot's wide bottom facilitated the formation of a delectable fond, which could be deglazed effortlessly. Additionally, it fit perfectly on a standard stove burner.
The 2-quart saucepan was ideal for reheating two servings of the marinara sauce and achieving perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs with vibrant yellow yolks.
Although I have struggled with cooking rice in the past, the 4-quart pot prevented any sticking and resulted in fluffy and evenly cooked rice.
Although it is possible to use the dishwasher for cleaning stainless steel, I personally opted to hand wash all items. When testing the turkey burger and marinara recipes, I found that a light soak in soapy water, along with the use of a scrubby sponge and some elbow grease, was necessary for proper cleaning.
While some may argue in favor of nonstick coatings for ease of cleaning, it should be noted that stainless steel allows for better caramelization due to its surface adhesion. In my opinion, this benefit outweighs any potential tradeoffs for most recipes.
Overall, the stainless steel components produced excellent results. However, I did experience some discoloration on the interior of a medium saucepan when I added lemon for flavor while cooking rice. While this did not affect the pot's functionality, it is worth mentioning.
Additionally, I did test the dishwasher cleaning method and found that it did dull the stainless steel. While this does not impact the pots' performance, those who value aesthetics may need to put in extra effort to restore their shine. A simple scrub with Bar Keepers Friend or baking soda should suffice.
Testing The Nonstick Component
Nonstick cookware truly excels in handling everyday culinary tasks that typically result in food sticking to the pan, such as cooking eggs. In fact, a single reliable nonstick fry pan is all one needs to achieve exceptional results. To evaluate the performance of a particular nonstick fry pan, I conducted tests involving sunny side up eggs cooked for two minutes over medium heat, as well as scrambled eggs with shredded cheese cooked for three minutes over medium heat.
The Made In pan demonstrated remarkable cooking capabilities. The sunny side up eggs exhibited a delightful combination of lightly crisp edges and a perfectly runny center, while the scrambled eggs turned out light and fluffy. Naturally, the ultimate assessment revolved around the pan's ability to prevent food from adhering to its surface. Remarkably, by the time the eggs were plated, the pan was virtually spotless, requiring no additional cleaning effort.
It is important to note, however, that nonstick cookware necessitates special care. This entails refraining from using metal utensils, avoiding dishwashing machines, and steering clear of highly acidic ingredients, as these can potentially corrode the nonstick surface, rendering it ineffective.
Testing The Carbon Steel Component
The inclusion of a carbon steel fry pan in this set is a notable advantage, as it is not commonly found in sets of cookware. For those who may be less familiar with this material, envision a combination of the heat conductivity of cast iron and the lighter weight of stainless steel. Similar to cast iron, it necessitates a certain level of care in terms of seasoning and maintenance, but it excels in achieving exceptional sears on meats with higher fat content.
To further assess its performance, I prepared a second batch of turkey burgers, which indeed seared to perfection with the assistance of a slightly higher amount of fat for seasoning.
Is Made In Cookware Worth The Investment?
The Sous Chef cookware set is truly exceptional, with only minor issues to consider. It encompasses everything one would desire in a cookware set, featuring top-of-the-line stainless steel in the perfect sizes for most home recipes, as well as a nonstick pan for effortless preparation of quick and easy meals. Additionally, it includes a bonus carbon steel pan.
Investing in high-quality cookware is a wise decision, and this set not only resolves the dilemma between stainless steel and nonstick options but also eliminates the need to purchase additional pans. Whether you are seeking an upgrade or a kitchen refresh, aiming for great value on a wedding registry, or simply starting anew in a new location, the Sous Chef cookware set is a highly recommended choice.
