ZWILLING vs Made In: two stainless steel 10-piece sets compared

Both are bare stainless steel, six pans and four lids, and both makers say the pans work on every stove, induction included, and take metal utensils. ZWILLING’s Spirit is three layers, steel around a thick aluminum core. Made In’s Stainless Clad is five layers, and Made In rates it to 800°F in the oven and says it can go under the broiler; ZWILLING stops at 500°F and doesn’t mention the broiler.

ZWILLING’s 10 pieces are 8- and 10-inch fry pans, 1- and 2-quart saucepans, a 3-quart sauté pan and a 6-quart Dutch oven, with four tempered glass lids. Made In’s are 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 2- and 4-quart saucepans, a 3-quart saucier with rounded sides and an 8-quart stockpot, with four lids. ZWILLING has the straight-sided sauté pan for browning and braising and a Dutch oven for stews; Made In has the bigger pots, for pasta and stock, and the saucier for sauces you whisk.

ZWILLING says the set goes in the dishwasher. Made In allows the dishwasher too but recommends washing by hand. Neither gives an oven limit for its lids, so check with the maker before a covered dish goes in hot.

Made In gives each pan’s flat cooking surface, 7.5 inches on the 10-inch frying pan, the figure to match to your burner or induction zone, and weighs each pan: 2.25 lb for that 10-inch. ZWILLING gives neither, only the whole set’s 19.84 lb. ZWILLING makes Spirit in Vietnam; Made In makes Stainless Clad in Italy from domestic and imported parts. Both give a lifetime warranty.

Choose ZWILLING Spirit 3-Ply for a sauté pan and a Dutch oven and a set you can put in the dishwasher. Choose Made In for an 8-quart stockpot and a 4-quart saucepan, five layers and an 800°F oven, and wash it by hand as Made In advises.