Cookware is one of several industries with manufacturing centers in China.
Because of China’s cheap labor and lax (i.e., less expensive) health, safety and environmental laws, businesses often outsource production there in an effort to increase profits.
Cookware made in China is often cheaper and of poorer quality than cookware made in the United States, Europe, and other countries around the world.
I highlight the best cookware not made in China in this guide. You will discover how different it is and where it was made.
Let’s go!
What Is The Best Cookware Not Made In China?
Le Creuset
Cast iron cookware is famous for its glaze which is what makes Le Creuset famous. These days, it’s practically impossible to watch a food show or peruse a wedding registry without hitting one of the Dutch ovens.
The orange color of the molten cast iron in the crucible is the inspiration for Le Creuset’s iconic Flame exterior color.
Cookware not made in China in Le Creuset enameled cast iron stands out for its flames and many other vivid and striking colors. In fact, the company offers more than 20 distinct colors, and each color has a gradient pattern for added flair.
Le Creuset also sells nonstick, stainless steel, stoneware, and baked goods in addition to enameled cast iron cookware. Le Creuset can meet your needs no matter what you are looking for or whether you are a professional or a beginner chef.
The French village of Fresnoy-le-Grand is where Le Creuset produces enameled cast iron cookware, including their famous Dutch oven. However, Portugal produces stainless steel, Thailand produces ceramics, and the US produces enamel cleaners.
All-Clad
Since 1971, All-Clad has been manufacturing bonded stainless steel cookware in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, a small town outside of Pittsburgh.
The name All-Coated comes from the company’s reputation for developing fully coated cookware. Like other businesses, All-Clad started out small but has since grown to become one of the most recognizable names in the high-end cookware space.
Each stainless steel line is manufactured in the USA using ingredients from local suppliers and cookware is not made in China. While All-Clad cookware certainly doesn’t come cheap, it’s a wise investment because it’s high quality, stylish, and long-lasting.
Each type of stainless steel and non-stick cookware from All-Clad comes with a lifetime warranty.
The most popular product of the line, the D3, comes in three fully coated fabrics. The D5 series, which features five bonded layers for superior heat distribution, is another favorite. If you’re considering All-Clad, read my buyer’s guide to find out the pros and cons of each collection.
Lodge
In South Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Lodge, a family-owned American company, has been manufacturing cookware since 1896 and cookware not made in China.
The company’s cast iron pans, manufactured entirely in a foundry in Tennessee, are what the company is best known for. Lodge typically ships one million pounds of iron around the world each week.
Lodge’s cookware has withstood a number of catastrophic incidents, including a fire that completely destroyed the foundry, the Great Depression, and even significant advances in technology. Especially with cast iron cookware, Lodge is still considered one of the major American kitchen brands today.
Both enameled cast iron and seasoned cast iron are available from Lodge.
Similar to normal cast iron, seasoned cast iron has a layer of grease that is baked on the surface so that it can be used immediately after opening the can.
Cast iron has been coated with a smooth, glossy enamel to be non-reactive and easier to clean than cast iron. While Lodge enamel cookware is made in China, seasoned cast iron cookware is made in the United States.
The cookware not made in China options replace enamel in vibrant colors such as red, turquoise, blue, and white while seasoned cast iron comes in a dark gray/black color.
Made In
Made In is a relatively young company that launched in 2016, but it has already made a name for itself in the cookware space. Many Michelin-starred restaurants use Made In, and celebrity chefs like Eric Ripert, Grant Achatz, and Tom Colicchio endorse the brand.
The goal of the business is to open up access to high-quality cookware for everyone.
Made In offers cookware made of stainless steel, non-stick, and carbon steel, however, each is only available in one collection or style. Although the selection is small, each product is created elaborately and skillfully.
Made In manufactures stainless steel and non-stick cookware in Italy and the United States. Kentucky supplies aluminum (used for the core layers), Pennsylvania provides the stainless steel and Illinois provides the non-stick coating.
A company with more than 300 years of experience in France manufactures carbon steel cookware.
Also made in France is copper cookware.
Made In partnered with a family-run knife manufacturer in France to produce extremely sharp and long-lasting kitchen knives alongside cookware.
If you want to learn more about cookware not made in China, check out my most recent in-depth reviews of Made In stainless steel cookware, carbon steel cookware, kitchen knives, and online comparisons. Continue with All-Clad.
Staub
Cast iron cookware is another Staub specialty, named after its creator, Francis Staub. Staub, founded in 1974, has become a favorite of both professional and home chefs for its reliability and ability to produce incredible results. Also, the cookware is very sturdy.
Staub emphasizes cookware not made in China in both function and design, combining conventional craftsmanship with bold and captivating designs.
Cast iron cocotte, for instance, has a beautiful glossy finish and comes in a variety of colors, including vibrant oranges, reds and blues, as well as neutral tones like graphite gray, basil green and black.
To keep moisture inside, the lid is specially shaped. Small ridges inside the lid help distribute moisture evenly as it drips back into the ingredients.
If you’re looking for stainless steel or non-stick cookware not made in China, look elsewhere as Staub only manufactures cast iron and ceramic cookware.
Alsace of France is home to Staub cast iron cookware. The area is famous for its rich culinary heritage and delicious dishes. But Staub ceramics are made in China.
