What does “5-ply” mean in cookware?

5-ply refers to cookware made of five bonded layers of metal (typically stainless steel and aluminum) that extend from the base up the sides, giving excellent heat distribution and durability.

How does 5-ply cookware cook compared to 3-ply?

5-ply cookware usually heats more evenly and retains heat better due to its multiple conductive layers, reducing hot spots and giving more stable temperature control than 3-ply.

Is 5-ply cookware better for everyday cooking?

It’s great for everyday use and more demanding cooking; its superior heat distribution and strength make it versatile for simmering, searing and sauces, though it can be heavier than other types.

Does 5-ply cookware last longer than single-layer cookware?

Yes, the layered construction makes it highly resistant to warping and wear, so with proper care, 5-ply cookware can remain functional for many years.

Why might someone choose 5-ply over cheaper cookware?

People often choose 5-ply for its consistent heat performance, better temperature control and long-term durability, which can make it worth the investment compared to cheaper or thinner pans.

5-ply cookware 101

Let’s talk about 5-ply cookware

It’s completely normal to not know what it actually is. We’re big devotees of 5-ply, and one of the reasons you may not know much about it is because this type of cookware has traditionally been very hard to find in Australia. It’s always very high end, and it’s prohibitively expensive so most people don’t stock it.

But it really is the best of the best. 5-ply cookware is a multi-layered construction where various metals with different qualities are strategically fused together in these thin layers. Why? To exploit the best of each material and achieve optimum cooking performance.

Let’s talk about it.

Why is 5-ply stainless steel cookware expensive?

For starters, it’s literally made from 5 bonded layers; namely two stainless steel outer layers, with layers of aluminium and maybe a layer of copper sandwiched in between. And yes, we said COPPER. That copper is a big deal. Copper, which is costly, gives the best, even heat conductivity and heat responsiveness, making the best-performing pans you can buy. As you can see, the materials and construction alone make this cookware expensive.

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MAKO 5-ply is changing the game

MAKO Genius 5-ply stainless steel cookware is the kind of 5-ply cookware you want – the sort that uses quality stainless steel, 2 layers of aluminium and a centre core of copper. MAKO worked overtime to balance quality and cost so they could deliver the best value with the best performance, cutting no corners in design and construction. Everything about these pans screams ‘durable’, from the premium layered construction and sturdy, practical handles, to the shatter-proof glass lids and heavy-duty rivets. That five-layered construction brings real heft and makes them a joy to use. And, here’s the clincher. If cared for properly, these pans will perform brilliantly for literal decades, no matter what jobs you throw at them.

And one last thing to note:

5-ply cookware is never a budget buy but it’s a smart one as the cost-per-use is extremely low over a lifetime. A lifetime guarantee gives you total peace of mind that they’ll last, which they will. Literally, for a lifetime.