Transparent standards. Consistent scoring.
This page explains how we score products, what kind of evidence supports each review, and how we verify American-origin claims before publishing a recommendation.
A consistent 100-point model
The Made in America Review Score
Every product is scored using the same six weighted criteria. The total is expressed both as a score out of 100 and on a familiar five-star scale, allowing meaningful comparisons across reviews.
| Criterion | Weight | What we evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | 30% | Materials, construction, fit, finish, and overall workmanship |
| Value | 20% | What buyers receive for the price compared with credible alternatives |
| Durability | 20% | Expected service life, resistance to wear, and repairability |
| Design | 10% | Ergonomics, usability, function, and thoughtful details |
| Warranty | 10% | Coverage, limitations, duration, and the company’s support record |
| Made in USA | 10% | Strength, specificity, and supporting evidence for the product’s U.S.-origin claim |
How the math works: Each criterion receives a score out of 10, is multiplied by its assigned weight, and contributes to the final score out of 100.
How to read a rating
What the scores mean
A high score is not automatic. Differences of a few tenths reflect real trade-offs in construction, performance, value, or manufacturing evidence.
Exceptional. Best-in-class construction and durability with a well-supported American manufacturing story.
Excellent with a trade-off. A strong recommendation that gives something up—often price, weight, or a feature.
Solid. A dependable choice with meaningful compromises buyers should understand.
Proceed with caution. Material weaknesses or an origin claim that requires significant qualification.
Example: Lodge’s 10.25-inch skillet scores highly for durability and value; Field Company’s No. 8 gains points for finish and lower weight but gives some back on price. The same scale makes those trade-offs visible.
Evidence disclosed on every review
Our three review types
These labels describe how the review was produced. They are not quality rankings, and every type uses the same scoring standards.
Hands-On Tested
We have used the product directly. Findings include first-hand observations about performance, handling, wear, and everyday use.
Evidence-Based
We have not personally tested the product. The assessment relies on verified specifications, manufacturing evidence, warranty terms, expert reporting, and credible long-term owner experience.
Evidence + Hands-On Update
A review that began with documented research and was later expanded with direct product testing. The review identifies when hands-on findings were added.
We never imply that we handled or tested a product unless we actually did.
Claims are classified—not repeated
How we describe American origin
“Made in America” language can imply different levels of domestic content. We classify each claim according to the evidence and clearly disclose important foreign content or processing.
Made in USA
Final assembly and all significant processing occur in the United States, and all or virtually all ingredients or components are of U.S. origin, with only negligible foreign content.
Assembled in USA
The product’s principal U.S. assembly is substantial and its last substantial transformation occurs in the United States. Imported components may still represent a significant share of the product.
Made in USA with imported content
U.S. manufacturing or processing is meaningful, but the product contains disclosed foreign materials, components, or processing. We state the qualification specifically whenever evidence permits.
American company—not American-made
A U.S.-based brand or design story does not establish domestic manufacturing. When production is substantially overseas, we say so directly.
Our classifications follow the Federal Trade Commission’s Made in USA business guidance. They are editorial descriptions of the available evidence, not legal determinations.
Documented before publication
Our verification process
Origin claims can change when suppliers, factories, or product specifications change. We document the evidence and date each verification.
We distinguish the specific model, variation, and production claim being reviewed.
We examine product labels, manufacturer disclosures, specifications, and warranty materials.
We seek independent reporting or direct company confirmation when the public record is incomplete.
We publish the appropriate qualification and record when the manufacturing claim was verified.