Finding high-quality cookware that isn’t made in China can be a priority for many home cooks, whether for ethical, environmental, or quality reasons.
While a significant portion of cookware is manufactured there, many excellent alternatives come from other parts of the world, offering durability, craftsmanship, and peace of mind.
From European brands steeped in tradition to innovative designs from smaller producers, there are plenty of options to suit your cooking needs.
As a professional chef, I’ve had a chance to handle a lot of different cookware brands. There are a surprising number of high-quality cookware brands that are not made in China! Customers often prefer cookware made in the USA and the EU because of the strict manufacturing regulations in these regions.
In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive list of cookware made in the USA and the EU. I will also share my favorite product for each type of cookware – nonstick, cast iron, carbon steel, etc.
Our Favorite Pots and Pans Not Made in China
- Nonstick Cookware: All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware
⬇ Jump to review - Ceramic Cookware: Fissler Certal Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan
⬇ Jump to review - Stainless Steel Cookware: Made In Cookware Stainless Steel Frying Pan
⬇ Jump to review - Cast Iron Cookware: Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven
⬇ Jump to review - Dutch Oven: Staub Enamel Cast Iron Cocotte
⬇ Jump to review - Carbon Steel Cookware: Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet
⬇ Jump to review - 100% Ceramic Cookware: Emile Henry Delight Ceramic Braiser
⬇ Jump to review - Copper Cookware: Hestan CopperBond Cookware Set
⬇ Jump to review
Where Can You Get Cookware Not Made in China?
The US (especially Tennessee and Wisconsin) and the EU (France and Germany in particular) are home to lots of cookware factories! All the brands on the list below are available for sale in the US.
If a brand appears on this list, it doesn’t mean that every product from that company is made outside of China. I include which items to look for in the description.
This list only includes cookware where the body of the pan is wholly manufactured and constructed in the EU or US. Some pans have handles made elsewhere and attached in the US.
Here we go: The mega-list of cookware brands not made in China.
Made in USA
Made in France
Made in Germany
Also Made in the EU
The Best Cookware Not Made in China
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set– Best Nonstick
Best Nonstick
If you’re looking for a full set of long-wearing, nonstick cookware made in the US, look no further than the All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set.
This set is 3-ply clad with two layers of stainless steel and an aluminum core, so they heat really quickly and evenly. This makes cooking easy, and the nonstick coating makes cleaning even simpler!
Where is it made? All-Clad has been manufactured in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, since 1971.
Quick Overview:
Pros
Cons
Fissler Certal Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan- Best Ceramic
Best Ceramic
This Fissler Certal Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan is a great ceramic nonstick option proudly made in Germany since the 70s.
This frying pan has a PTFE-free nonstick coating that makes cooking delicate foods like eggs really easy. I must admit, I find the appearance quite unappealing, but it functions well. It is worth mentioning, however, that they advertise the surface as scratch-proof, but customers have reported this to be false. Honestly – I’ve never met a nonstick pan of any kind that is truly scratch-proof.
Where is it made? Fissler has been made in Germany since 1971. It is currently owned by the sixth generation of the family.
Quick Overview:
Pros
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Made In Cookware Stainless Steel Frying Pan- Best Stainless Steel
Best Stainless Steel
If you want to sear the perfect steak, the Made In Cookware Stainless Steel Frying Pan is the pan you need.
Many people prefer a nonstick frying pan because it's so easy to use. But, after some practice, the stainless steel should function as a semi-nonstick. Plus, this pan is so durable with its 5-ply design that it can last you a literal lifetime if you look after it, which can’t be said for nonstick.
Where is it made? This particular pan is made in Italy, but Made In offers other options made in the USA.
Quick Overview:
Pros
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Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven- Best Cast Iron
Best Cast Iron
This Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven is one of my go-to pans, and it's an affordable option; it's truly the best of both worlds.
I like this option over the multitude of others because it's a double Dutch oven. This means that the flat lid converts into a skillet. This is handy at home but even more useful on camping trips. The only downside is that raw cast iron is reactive to acidic foods, but you can read more about that in our deep dive into cast iron safety.
Where is it made? This Dutch oven is made in Lodge’s foundry in Pittsburg, Tennessee. But please note that some of Lodge’s enamel cast iron is made in China.
Quick Overview:
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Staub Enamel Cast Iron Cocotte- Best Enamel Cast Iron
Best Enamel Cast Iron
This Staub Enamel Cast Iron Cocotte is the perfect all-purpose pot. It easily transfers from the stovetop to the oven and onto the table to serve. The heavy, tight-fitting lid is self-basting, so not only will it return moisture back to the dish, but it's also perfect for baking bread.
In our enamel cast iron Dutch oven face-off, Staub won by a long shot, so this pan gets The Skillful Cook stamp of approval.
Where is it made? All of Staub’s products are made in France.
Quick Overview:
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Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet- Best Carbon Steel
Best Carbon Steel
This Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet is the perfect nontoxic skillet if you want a multi-functional pan. I am always reaching for this pan to sear, saute, or fry a multitude of ingredients.
US-made carbon steel is an up-and-coming industry, with small hand-forging foundries popping up all over the country. But if you can’t afford to splurge on one of those, then the Lodge skillet is a great alternative. It has great heat retention, but it's much lighter than cast iron.
Where is it made? This pan is manufactured in Lodge’s factory in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.
Quick Overview:
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Emile Henry Delight Ceramic Braiser- Best 100% Ceramic
Best 100% Ceramic
For a different take on a Dutch oven, we have the Emile Henry Delight Ceramic Braiser. This is a rare pure ceramic option that can be used on the stovetop, but only on low heat. Then, it can be simply transferred to the oven. Since it's so visually appealing, you can pop it right on the table to serve.
This ceramic has great heat retention, but it's so susceptible to thermal shock or breaking if dropped. Because of this, I prefer an enamel cast iron option like the Staub for this purpose.
Where is it made? This, and all Emile Henry products, are made in France.
Quick Overview:
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Hestan Copperbond Cookware Set- Best Copper
Best Copper
If you are a luxury cookware person, then you are going to love this Hestan CopperBond Cookware Set.
This set lets you experience the precise temperature control of copper without the reactivity. It has copper cladding and a nonreactive 18/10 interior that is great for searing.
This set is stunning, but the price difference between this and the fully-clad All-Clad set really makes me wonder if it's truly worth it.
Where is it made? This set is made in Italy and bears the “Made in Italy” mark on the base of each pan.
Quick Overview:
Pros
Cons
Cookware Safety Regulations in US vs EU vs China
The main reasons consumers choose US or EU-made cookware over Chinese options are the safety regulations under which they're manufactured and the labor standards for the workers in the factories.
In the EU, cookware manufacturers need to adhere to many regulations set out by a number of boards, including the EU FCM regulations and Good Manufacturing Practice for FCM regulations. They outline detailed rules for each cookware material.
The USA is similar and has specific laws for each material or coating. For example, pure ceramic glazed products and enamel cast iron need to comply with California Prop 65. In America, cookware manufacturers have to comply with many regulations set out by the FDA, like 21 CFR Part 1 General Enforcement regulations.
In general, you can assume that large manufacturers are following safety regulations – but not all safe cookware is made by a large company.
For example, Miriam’s Earthenware Ceramic cookware is made in the USA and is completely non-toxic, even if it appears rudimentary and handmade. It’s all about the materials used, the quality control, and the care the manufacturer has to produce safe products.
High-quality, safe cookware can absolutely be made in China. In China, there are so many manufacturing plants and brands that there is bound to be a range in quality. There are safety regulations in place, but it can depend on each individual factory and whether or not they follow them.
Ultimately, cookware needs to be tested according to the country it's imported into. This should ensure safety, but since not every batch is tested, some people prefer cookware made elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cookware brands should you avoid?
This is really down to personal preference. Many cookware brands have their pros and cons; it's about what you’re looking for in cookware. I would caution against ceramics that aren’t third-party tested, since they may have lead or cadmium in the glaze. Handmade aluminum pots from recycled material have also been found to contain lead.
What cookware is totally non-toxic?
Many cookware brands will market themselves as non-toxic, but I have most confidence in brands that are transparent regarding their compliance with regulations and third-party test results. We recommend Staub, Solidteknics, and Smithey Ironworks as non-toxic brands.
Is Made In Cookware Made in China?
None of Made In Cookware’s products are made in China. They are made in Italy or the USA.
What cookware is made in Germany?
Fissler, Woll, Zwilling, Stoneline, and Velosan are all cookware brands made in Germany.
What cookware brands are made in Italy?
The main Italian cookware brands are Hestan, Lagostina, and Ballarini.
Conclusion
The “Made in China” label doesn’t always imply poor quality, but I understand that many people prefer to spend their money on American or European-made cookware instead. Out of all these options, I recommend the All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Nonstick Cookware Set for a high-quality full set and the Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven as a great multipurpose pan.
If you have any questions about these products, please feel free to leave them below.
Unfortunately Zwilling stainless steel pans are made in China, not Germany. I was shocked and returned them back to the store.
Hey Marcin,
Thanks for sharing this with us. Zwilling’s line of stainless steel products is made in China, with some exceptions.