Hestan Cookware Review and High-Quality Alternatives

| |

I've researched the best Hestan cookware lines, and I've found the Hestan ProBond Collection to be the best choice for most people.

For your information: When you buy through links on Clan Kitchen, we may earn a commission.

Hestan cookware is a great choice for those who want high-quality cookware built to last.

Hestan cookware offers the same performance you would find in a professional kitchen but is designed for both home cooks and professional chefs.

But what makes this brand worth considering? How is Hestan cookware different from other stainless-aluminum-clad cookware brands? I’ve broken down all the details in this article so you can make the best decision.

Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in.

At a Glance

My Pick
Hestan - ProBond Collection
Best Titanium Set
Hestan - NanoBond Collection
Premium Choice Alternative
Demeyere 5-Plus Stainless Steel
Hestan - ProBond Collection - Professional Clad Stainless Steel 10-Piece Ultimate Cookware Set, Induction Cooktop Compatible
Hestan - NanoBond Collection - Titanium Stainless Steel 5-Piece Essential Cookware Set - Toxin, PFAS, & Chemical Free Clean Cookware, Induction Cooktop Compatible
Demeyere 5-Plus Stainless Steel 10-piece Cookware Set
The ProBond collection has a classic, beautiful look. The two-toned exterior consists of primarily brushed stainless steel with a polished rim. And the swooping handles add a touch of elegance.
The Hestan NanoBond line has a tri-ply construction underneath the titanium nano layers. Stainless steel layers encapsulate the ProCore aluminum.
The Demeyere 5-Plus set has excellent heating and performance, but it is quite heavy and quite expensive.
My Pick
Hestan - ProBond Collection
Hestan - ProBond Collection - Professional Clad Stainless Steel 10-Piece Ultimate Cookware Set, Induction Cooktop Compatible
The ProBond collection has a classic, beautiful look. The two-toned exterior consists of primarily brushed stainless steel with a polished rim. And the swooping handles add a touch of elegance.
Best Titanium Set
Hestan - NanoBond Collection
Hestan - NanoBond Collection - Titanium Stainless Steel 5-Piece Essential Cookware Set - Toxin, PFAS, & Chemical Free Clean Cookware, Induction Cooktop Compatible
The Hestan NanoBond line has a tri-ply construction underneath the titanium nano layers. Stainless steel layers encapsulate the ProCore aluminum.
Premium Choice Alternative
Demeyere 5-Plus Stainless Steel
Demeyere 5-Plus Stainless Steel 10-piece Cookware Set
The Demeyere 5-Plus set has excellent heating and performance, but it is quite heavy and quite expensive.

All About Hestan Cookware

The name “Hestan” is a combination of “Helen” and “Stanley.” These are the first names of the owner of the company, Stanley Cheng, and his wife, Helen. 

Stanley Cheng is the CEO of Meyer Corporation, the second-largest cookware company in the world. While Meyer sells hundreds of cookware brands, their top lines are primarily inexpensive non-stick.

In fact, Stanley Chef pioneered hard-anodized aluminum non-stick cookware back in the 1970s. He applied a PTFE (Teflon) coating to anodized aluminum, resulting in more durable pans.

This line of non-stick cookware became the Circulon brand. Later, Cheng produced a thicker, higher quality non-stick pan he dubbed Anolon. Both brands still have broad appeal today.

The Hestan cookware brand is comparable to All-Clad, in quality, performance, and price point. It is a direct competitor of the stainless steel cookware giant. All Clad is a market leader in high end cookware so this is high praise indeed!

Hestan cookware features quality materials, innovative design, and lasting beauty.

Hestan is based out of Napa Valley, California. It was officially formed in 2015. In addition to cookware (Hestan Culinary), Hestan offers a variety of products, including high-end home kitchen appliances, restaurant kitchen appliances, outdoor gas grills, wine, and the Hestan Cue smart cooking system.

Where is Hestan Cookware Made?

Every piece of NanoBond, ProBond, and CopperBond Heston cookware is made in Italy. Hestan owns several factories in the Bergamo and Bologna regions of Italy, allowing the company to work with world-class craftsmen.

Who Manufactures Hestan?

Hestan owns the entire manufacturing process, from the design and factories to construction and shipping. Hestan is owned by the Meyer Corporation, which sells other brands like Ruffoni, Anolon, Circulon, and Farberware.

The Meyer Corporation has manufacturing facilities in China, Thailand, and Italy. All of Hestan’s cookware products are manufactured in Italy.

Hestan Cookware Reviews

Hestan ProBond Collection 10-Piece Ultimate Cookware Set: Best Overall

For those who want clad stainless cookware, the Hestan ProBond Collection is designed for you. This set includes the following pieces, although you have the option of a single pan:

  • 8.5-inch (22 cm) & 11-inch (28 cm) skillets
  • 1.5-quart (1.42 liters) saucepan with lid
  • 3-quart (2.84 liters) saucepan with lid
  • 3.5-quart (3.31 liters) covered sauté pan with helper handle
  • 8-quart (7.57 liters) stockpot with lid

Hestan - ProBond Collection - Professional Clad Stainless Steel 10-Piece Ultimate Cookware Set, Induction Cooktop Compatible

The ProBond collection has a classic, beautiful look. The two-toned exterior consists of primarily brushed stainless steel with a polished rim. And the swooping handles add a touch of elegance.

This set has a strong parallel to the All-Clad D3 collection. It has a similar tri-ply construction, with two layers of stainless steel surrounding an aluminum core. I review the All Clad D3 set below if you are looking for a more detailed comparison.

Hestan uses a proprietary ProCoreTM aluminum that delivers 35% greater heat conductivity than other aluminum-clad cookware. The ProBond set offers even heating and retains heat well.

The cold-forged steel gives added durability to the set, while the non-reactive cooking surface is safe to use with acidic food.

One key difference in this Hestan cookware collection versus All-Clad is the rims. Hestan cookware offers innovative sealed rims that are encapsulated in stainless steel.

Why does that matter?

Aluminum recedes when exposed to harsh chemicals and high heat. When you put other clad-stainless steel pans in the dishwasher, the core recedes, leaving behind sharp edges on the rims. This is a consistent customer complaint for All-Clad cookware.

However, encapsulating the rims in stainless steel prevents the aluminum from receding. The result? A 100% dishwasher-safe collection that maintains smooth edges.

Other features include flared rims for drip-free pouring, ergonomic handles, and a magnetic steel base that’s compatible with all cooktops, including induction. For extra convenience, the lids are interchangeable and can be used with the skillets and other pans.

This collection is also oven-safe to 600°F (315°C), making it great for stovetop-to-oven dishes.

Overall, I would recommend the Hestan ProBond Collection for most people. It’s beautiful, durable, performs slightly better than D3, and is the lowest-priced of the three Hestan lines.

If I had to pick one Hestan cookware collection, the ProBond line would be it.

Pros

  • Tri-ply construction, durable
  • Superb heat distribution
  • Comfortable handles
  • Induction-compatible
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Completely sealed rims
  • Interchangeable lids
  • Oven-safe to 600°F (315°C)
  • Made in Italy

Cons

  • Expensive

Hestan CopperBond Collection 10-Piece Ultimate Cookware Set: Best Copper Core Collection

First up on my list is the Hestan CopperBond Ultimate Cookware Set. This collection is stunning. The copper-polished steel exterior is simply beautiful.

This Hestan cookware set comes with the following pieces, although just like the ProBond set, there is a single fry pan available:

  • 8.5-inch (22 cm) & 11-inch (28 cm) skillets
  • 1.5-quart (1.42 liters) saucepan with lid
  • 3-quart (2.84 liters) saucepan with lid
  • 3.5-quart (3.31 liters) covered sauté pan with helper handle
  • 6-quart (5.7 liters) stockpot with lid

Hestan - CopperBond Collection - 100% Pure Copper 10-Piece Ultimate Cookware Set, Induction Cooktop Compatible

It features a 5-layer bonded metal construction. The 100% pure copper core provides quick heating and exceptional heat distribution, while the 18/10 stainless steel interior provides a safe, non-reactive cooking surface.

The core is surrounded by two thin layers of aluminum to help bond to the stainless. It doesn’t provide much benefit in the way of heating, but don’t get the wrong impression. This cookware has excellent heat conductivity.

The copper-stainless exterior gives the Copperbond pans a beautiful, modern look. The rims are reinforced with stainless steel for durability and flared for drip-free pouring.

While copper is not induction-compatible, Hestan Copperbond Cookware features a wrap-around magnetic stainless steel base that works with induction cooktops. This cookware set is safe for all other cooktops, as well.

This versatile cookware can go from stovetop to oven to table. It’s oven-safe and broiler-safe up to 600°F (315°C). Plus, it’s also safe for metal utensils.

The flared rims make for easy, drip-free pouring, and the innovative flush rivets prevent food buildup, which helps with cleaning and stacking the cookware.

Even with flush rivets, however, cleaning these Hestan pans is not as simple. This set isn’t dishwasher-safe, so you’ll have to wash individual pieces by hand.

Plus, the stainless steel cooking surface isn’t non-stick, so some buyers said food sticks to the pan. You can preheat your pan and add oil or butter to help release food.

After cleaning, it will be necessary to polish your cookware to keep the copper exterior looking shiny and clean. Bar Keeper’s Friend or a special copper polish will do the trick.

It’s completely normal for the copper to develop a patina over time. It won’t affect the performance of the pan, but it’s important to know going in.

If you want low-maintenance cookware, this Hestan Copperbond set is not for you. But if you are willing to pay and care for quality copper cookware, the Hestan Copperbond Collection is a great choice.

Pros

  • Sturdy 5-ply construction
  • Exceptional heating
  • Induction-compatible
  • Oven-safe to 600°F (315°C)
  • Metal utensil-safe
  • Flush rivets for easy cleaning
  • Made in Italy

Cons

  • Hand wash only
  • Require extra care
  • Expensive

Hestan NanoBond Collection 5-Piece Essential Cookware Set: Best Titanium Set

The most unique of the Hestan cookware collections, the Hestan NanoBond Collection is truly beautiful. The titanium nano layers are black, very shiny, and completely smooth, inside and out. There’s no grain, texture, or polish marks at all.

The Hestan NanoBond collection is a smaller set, including just five essential pans. Here is what the set comes with:

  • 11-inch (28 cm) fry pan
  • 2-quart (1.89 liters) covered saucepan
  • 3-quart (2.84 liters) covered sauté pan with helper handle

Hestan - NanoBond Collection - Stainless Steel 5-Piece Titanium Essential Cookware Set, Induction Cooktop Compatible

If you don’t need all 10 pieces, there is a start set available that includes a 3.5-quart (3.31 liters) sauté pan with lid and a 1.5-quart (1.42 liters) covered saucepan.

Hestan NanoBond is the first innovation of its kind in clad stainless cookware. Hestan owns 14 patents on nanobond technology. The coating consists of 2,000 layers of extremely thin molecular titanium.

The coating adds durability to the pan and makes it a less sticky cooking surface than typical stainless steel. This coating is also responsible for the stunning dark sheen on the pans.

The Hestan NanoBond line has a tri-ply construction underneath the titanium nano layers. Stainless steel layers encapsulate the ProCore aluminum.

These pans are oven-safe to temps up to 1050°F (560°C). Yes, you read that right. Not that you need the extra heat, but it’s nice to know it’s practically impossible to overheat these pans.

While titanium doesn’t add to the heating performance, it doesn’t detract from it, either. The layers are so thin, it doesn’t make a difference in that way.

It does make a difference, however, in safety and cleaning. Titanium is completely inert and is possibly the most non-reactive of all cooking surfaces. The interior surface is completely safe from leaching.

The Hestan NanoBond is great for easy cleaning. While titanium is not non-stick, the completely smooth cooking surface releases food more easily than stainless steel. Plus, you can use steel wool to clean it.

Watch this video showing how to prepare fried eggs with you Hestan Nanobond pan:

This Hestan NanoBond cookware is also metal utensil-safe. You will have to polish it, but any surface scratches will buff right out.

Like the other Hestan cookware sets, this one features flush rivets for easy cleaning and sealed rims to prevent any sharp edges from forming. It has good heat distribution, thanks to the tri-ply construction. It also has safe, comfortable handles.

If you have a nickel allergy or have concerns about chemicals leaching into your food, Hestan Nanobond cookware is perfect for you. Otherwise, I would opt for something with more value.

Pros

  • Completely smooth, inert cooking surface
  • Great for those with nickel allergy
  • Induction-compatible
  • Safe for temps up to 1050°F (560°C)
  • Easy cleaning
  • Flush rivets
  • Sealed rims
  • Comfy handles
  • Made in Italy

Cons

  • Not as much value, expensive
  • Requires polishing

Alternatives to Hestan Cookware

All-Clad Copper Core Collection 10-Piece Cookware Set: Alternative to Hestan CopperBond

If you want an alternative to the Hestan Culinary CopperBond set, the All-Clad Copper Core Collection is your best bet. It comes with 10 pieces, including two skillets, two saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stock pot.

This set features 5-Ply construction with a stainless steel interior and exterior, two layers of aluminum, and a copper core layer. It has excellent heat distribution and solid heat retention.

These All-Clad pans are beautiful, with a polished stainless steel exterior and a copper ring near the base. They’re compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and they’re oven-safe up to 600°F (315°C).

All-Clad Copper Core 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 10 Piece Induction Oven Broiler Safe 600F Pots and Pans Silver

However, in spite of their excellent performance and beauty, cleaning is a bit of a pain. Hand washing is required to avoid tarnishing the copper accent ring, and even then it’s difficult to maintain.

Several customers had issues with the copper accent getting tarnished or fading, and they didn’t notice a huge difference in performance versus the regular clad-stainless cookware. On top of that, this set is expensive.

It’s comparable to the Hestan CopperBond collection. But unless you have your heart set on copper, I would go with the tri-ply version of either brand.

Pros

  • Beautiful appearance
  • Excellent heat distribution
  • Safe for oven temps up to 600°F (315°C)
  • Induction-compatible
  • Made in the U.S.A.

Cons

  • Difficult to clean
  • Handles aren’t comfortable
  • Expensive

All-Clad D3 Tr-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set: Alternative to Hestan ProBond

Like the Copper Core Collection, this All-Clad D3 set includes two skillets, two saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stock pot. It’s comparable to the Hestan ProBond collection in construction and heating performance.

This set has a tri-ply construction with an aluminum core and a stainless steel exterior and interior surface. It’s compatible with all stovetops, including induction. It’s also safe for oven temps up to 600°F (315°C).

This set shines with its heating properties. It heats evenly and handles higher heat, although you won’t need it unless you’re boiling water or searing steak.

The handle is where this set falls short. Many customers complained about pressure points in their palms due to the u-shaped handles.

They also complained about sharp edges left behind after cleaning them in the dishwasher. I recommend washing these pans by hand to solve that issue.

This set is comparable in price to the Hestan ProBond cookware set. Unless you want that “Made in the U.S.A.” label, however, I would go with the Hestan set.

All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 10 Piece Induction Oven Broiler Safe 600F Pots and Pans Silver

Pros

  • Even heating
  • Sturdy tri-ply construction
  • Max oven temp of 600°F (315°C)
  • Induction-ready
  • Dishwasher-safe (hand wash recommended)
  • Made in the U.S.A.

Cons

  • Uncomfortable handles
  • Sharp edges after dishwashing

Demeyere 5-Plus 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set: Splurge Alternative to Hestan ProBond

Demeyere is a Belgian cookware company owned by Zwlling J.A. Henckels. It makes similar products to what Hestan offers. This Demeyere 5-Plus Stainless Steel Cookware Set is comparable to the Hestan ProBond Collection.

This set includes two saucepans with lids, two skillets, a covered sauté pan, and a covered stock pot.

Each pan has five layers of bonded metal construction. The magnetic stainless steel base and 18/10 stainless interior cooking surface surround three layers of fast-heating aluminum for fast, even heating.

The stainless steel lids fit snugly to hold in heat and moisture, while the ergonomic handles are dual-riveted. The rolled rims help with drip-free pouring.

You can use this set on any cooktop, including induction, and in the oven up to 500°F (260°C). Even though this is a lower max temp than the other sets, it does cover most all home cooking needs.

You can put these pans in the dishwasher, although I recommend hand washing if possible.

The Demeyere 5-Plus set has excellent heating and performance, but it is quite heavy and quite expensive. It may not be worth the extra cost for most people unless you really want those extra two layers in construction.

Demeyere 5-Plus Stainless Steel 10-piece Cookware Set

Pros

  • Fast, even heating
  • Comfy handles
  • Safe for temps up to 500°F (260°C)
  • Induction-ready
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Handcrafted in Belgium

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Expensive

What to Look for When Buying High-Performance Cookware

Your guide to buying high performance cookware

The hard truth is that there is no such thing as perfect cookware. Each type of cookware has advantages and disadvantages. The most important part is deciding which trade-offs you’re willing to make.

That being said, there are qualities you want in cookware, regardless of what type you choose. Read more about each of these below.

Heating Properties

The most important consideration when buying cookware is how well it heats. As nice as other features are, none of it matters if the cookware doesn’t heat and cook food properly.

Even within the umbrella of heating, there are different considerations. The two most important are heat distribution and heat retention.

The heat distribution refers to how evenly pans heat. Heat retention refers to how long the cookware holds on to heat.

Some people want cookware that heats quickly, but this type of cookware won’t hold on to the heat as well. Others want cookware that holds in heat for a long time, but this cookware is typically slower to heat.

The best heating is heavily influenced by the type of cooking. Making sauces, caramel, or fish? Get a pan that heats quickly. Preparing stew, soup, or braising meat? Go for a pan that holds in heat.

In general, thin cookware won’t heat very evenly or hold in heat for a long time. Thick cookware heats more evenly, but it can be heavy and difficult to handle. Most people prefer cookware that’s thick enough to heat evenly and retain heat, but light enough to lift easily.

The cookware material also plays a big role in the heating properties. Aluminum and copper respond to heat quickly and heat evenly, but they don’t retain heat very well.

On the other hand, materials like traditional stainless steel and cast iron are slow to respond to heat, but they retain heat longer.

This trade-off is one reason many manufacturers, including Hestan, have turned to fully-clad bonded cookware. This cookware features multiple layers, typically stainless steel and aluminum or copper, to bring the best of both worlds to a single pan.

Durability

Most people want cookware that lasts. If you’re going to spend the money on a nice cookware set, you don’t want to have to replace it soon thereafter.

If you’re searching for the most durable cookware, fully-clad stainless steel is one of the best. Cast iron and carbon steel are also extremely durable, although they require seasoning and aren’t recommended for acidic foods.

Likewise, enameled cast iron is durable. It can be heavy, though. Fully clad stainless (as opposed to typical stainless steel) provides durability while still being non-reactive and light enough to manage.

I would recommend enameled cast iron or cast iron for individual pieces, but fully-clad stainless steel cookware is better if you’re looking for a complete set. See the chart below for a quick reference:

Cookware MaterialRecommended Pieces
Enameled cast iron Dutch oven, braiser, casserole
Cast ironDutch oven, skillet
Carbon steelWok, skillet
Fully-clad stainless steel saucepan, skillet, stockpot, sauté pan, etc.

Safety

Of course, safety is of premium importance. No one wants to put their family’s health at risk. Finding cookware that is non-reactive, non-toxic, and non-leaching is a top consideration.

Acidic foods like tomato sauces, lemon-based dishes, and anything with vinegar should never be cooked in reactive cookware. The cooking surface will release atoms of metal into the food and can give the food an off taste or discoloration.

Reactive materials include copper, aluminum, or cast iron. Manufacturers often apply a non-reactive coating on the cookware, like porcelain enamel or Teflon non-stick.

Non-reactive cookware materials include stainless steel, ceramic, and hard-anodized aluminum.

Not only is reactivity a concern, but also the materials used in the coatings. In the past, non-stick cookware included all kinds of nasty chemicals, like PFOA and PFOS. These were determined to be harmful and banned from cookware production in 2014.

Teflon (PTFE) is perfectly safe at normal cooking temperatures. However, if overheated above 500°F (260°C), it could release toxic fumes that are lethal to birds. This leads some people to avoid Teflon coatings.

The best way to ensure safety is to use cookware properly and avoid overheating pans.

Design & Usability

This is where the details matter. There is a wide range of design and usability features that might have an impact on the cookware’s effectiveness.

Appearance is not the most important consideration, but most people don’t want ugly cookware in their kitchen. Finding a pan that appeals to you aesthetically is key.

Handles are important for comfort and for ease of use. Stay-cool handles are great for stovetop cooking, and ergonomic handles are best for comfortable use.

Lids are another consideration. Do you want see-through lids that allow you to monitor food? Or do you prefer stainless steel lids that can go in the oven at high heat? Regardless of the material, you want tight-fitting lids that seal in moisture and heat while cooking.

Cost & Warranty

In a perfect world, the cost wouldn’t matter, but the reality is that most people have a budget. It’s simply impractical to spend thousands of dollars on cookware unless you have a compelling reason to do so. Finding cookware that meets your cooking needs while fitting into your budget is crucial.

The warranty helps give consumers peace of mind when making an expensive cookware purchase. Most cookware brands have a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects but not misuse or abuse. Be sure to check if the company stands behind their warranty, as well.

Last Thoughts on Hestan Cookware

Hestan Cookware offers handcrafted pieces with excellent performance and long-lasting beauty. I recommend the Hestan ProBond Collection for unsurpassed value. It’s at the top of my list for full-clad stainless steel cookware.