Earlier this week, my cousin mentioned casually that she was looking for a new pot, and without warning or forethought, I launched into an enthusiastic fangirl monologue about what I loved and how I used my first Made In product purchase (a 3-quart Soisier that's been praised by the likes of CNET). 18 months later, that pot is now… of Every day I take it out to saute onions, steam rice, boil pasta, and slowly heat up custard bases for ice cream. And right now, with their Memorial Day Sale on, I can't recommend Made In enough. It's not every day you can find Made In with up to 25% off in their Memorial Day Sale, but for quality and price, it's hard to beat.
Yes, the first thing I did was send my cousin the link to the sale above, and yes, I'm going to be adding it to my own Made In collection as well, never mind shelf space.
read more: Best selection of Memorial Day sales happening now
So what do I love about this Italian brand? At first, it felt somehow larger than I expected, but after using it for the first time, I quickly realized I was wrong. I love my Made In pots for their thoughtful design elements and sleek construction, which is important for someone who cooks for hours a day and often tackles silly projects on the weekends, like koji-marinated duck confit (delicious) and egg-filled cinnamon stick ice cream.
Let me start by saying that my cookware collection includes time-honored brands like All-Clad, Le Creuset, Staub, and Tramontina. In my kitchen, I have pots, pans, Dutch ovens, casserole dishes, cast iron plates, and a stockpot or two of just about every shape and size. But none get used as often as this Made in Japan saucier (which, like the other top brands, is also 5-ply stainless steel).
Why Made In pots are my favorite this Memorial Day
Thoughtful design elements and great construction are two of the reasons I've mentioned that the 3-Quart Saucier is great, and while these design elements carry over into the entire series, this is a pot I own, so I'm going to talk passionately about it in connection with the Memorial Day Sale.
shape: One of the reasons I initially thought this pot was too big is because it doesn't just have straight sides towering over a circular bottom. The sides of the pot curve outward for a more bubbly, rounded look. That means you can move your wooden spoon, offset silicone spatula, or whisk in a natural arc. Your caramelized onions won't stick to the sides and cake. On the contrary, the ingredients circulate around the bottom and cook more evenly, making it much easier to scoop out finished ingredients and, as a result, much easier to clean the pot. A+.
handle: Unlike All-Clad and others, Made In's distinctive handle design doesn't stick straight out from the side. It has a short stem that goes about 45 degrees before the handle goes horizontal at about 90 degrees (I didn't measure the exact angle, sorry). I'm not very tall or strong, so this handle is well-balanced and easy and relatively comfortable to manipulate, even when filling the pot with boiling water. It also fits easily on a short oven rack. The smooth, rounded handle digs in much less when holding it with bare hands while lifting the pot, compared to the hollowed-out handle on the All-Clad that constantly catches on your skin (I still prefer the taps on these pots and pans).
lid: The stainless brushed grain is appealing, but the real draw here is the fit. The bezel is beautifully designed for a good seal, and the lid is slightly domed to collect steam. The lid handle is secure and ergonomically designed for a comfortable pull when checking out the delicious contents inside.
construction: The construction of Made In pans is all about “understated quality.” They're sturdy and thick (providing even, diffused heat), making them a kitchen workhorse that can withstand any challenge. There's absolutely no need to worry, and they're easy to clean thanks to their sloping sides and material. If hot water, soap, and a cheap plastic scraper don't do the trick, vinegar, baking soda, or Bar Keeper's Friend (separately, not together) will do the trick.
For more Memorial Day home sales, check out our handpicked deals on cordless vacuums , the best smart home sales , and Memorial Day deals under $25 .
