Stainless Steel Steam Pans that are manufactured in the USA are generally a much higher quality pan primarily due to a heavier gauge of stainless steel used to produce.  Yes, the pans made in the USA are more expensive than the imports and for justifiable reasons.  Vollrath, APW, SyscoWare, and other producers/sellers of steam pans produced in the USA will provide a significantly better distribution of heat, do not jam or stick when stored together, and have at least double the life than imports.  There really is truth to the statement, "You get what you pay for".  So, if you only plan on being in business for a couple of years then buy the imports, or if you prefer to support the economies of India, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, China, or other foreign producers then we suggest buy the cheap imports. If finances make purchasing new American produced steam pans then try to locate used Vollrath steam pans which will still out perform the new imports.