Hestan’s New Stainless Steel Pan Is Great — and on Sale

Over the past year or so, Hestan has become one of my favorite cookware brands. It makes some of the most impeccably designed nonstick pans, skillets, and bakeware I’ve ever used. Earlier this year, I tested out the ProBond Professional Clad stainless steel skillet after seeing that chef Michael Cimarusti of the three-Michelin-starred L.A. restaurant Providence called it “the Cadillac of pans,” and it really was worth the hype. As a former cook and someone who now shops for and tests kitchen products for a living, I’ve tried a lot of “nonstick” pans and skillets, but Hestan’s was one of the only ones I found to be completely true to its claim. I still use that line of pans almost every day, and all summer I looked forward to some new releases from the brand.

You can imagine my excitement when Hestan finally released its new top-of-the-line collection, called ProBond Luxe, last month. I’ve been using the polished clad stainless steel essential pan recently — it’s absolutely remarkable, and it’s on sale right now.

Hestan ProBond Luxe Professional Clad Stainless Steel 

When Hestan says this piece is “professional,” it’s not hyperbole: It’s engineered in Napa, made in Italy, and uses seamless handles that were designed by none other than chef Thomas Keller of The French Laundry (another three-Michelin-star restaurant). They’re built with tri-ply stainless steel and have phenomenal heat retention and distribution due to an aluminum core. These pans are also oven- and broiler-safe up to 600°F; and they’re dishwasher-safe and cleared for use with metal utensils as well. This is elite-level construction, and definitely something you should take advantage of while it’s on sale. 

Right out of the box, this pan is dazzling — it has a mirror-polished finish, which gives it an ultramodern look. But it’s not just cosmetic. The fancy finish gives it an super fine cooking surface, meaning your food will stick less and it’ll be easier to clean. This isn’t technically a nonstick pan, but I have yet to experience any big problems with any food sticking. The mirror finish definitely requires a softer touch and a greater attention to cleanliness, but if you take care of it, it’ll age elegantly over time, with minimal scratches.

I’ve been using the 3.5-quart size, which comes with a lid that fits perfectly. I’m somebody who really appreciates a good lidded pan, especially since I’m often cooking multiple dishes and trying to ensure they’re all done at the same time without overcooking, drying out, or getting cool, so the lid was an extra touch that I particularly appreciated. (Not all pieces from Hestan come with a lid, like the Thomas Keller Insignia stainless steel saucier, another treasure I use frequently.) In any case, it all performs incredibly well. The other day, I cooked a tomato sauce that required low simmering for about an hour. With some pans, if you don’t stir sauces often, they can burn on the bottom, but it didn’t here — I just gave it a quick stir once or twice, and it was completely ready to go when I needed it. Then, I tossed in some fresh pasta I’d made, and threw the lid on while I was finishing up a salad and some other dishes. When it was time to serve, I just heated it up on low for a couple minutes and it was good to go. 

I also cooked some delicious beans in this pan, and have made a number of sauces, and it’s been amazing for those. The pan’s wide base and high sides makes it ideal for longer cooks, but also sautéing and pan-frying. I made a Thai peanut sauce that got a bit thick and sticky, but after a brief soak and a light scrub, the pan was good as new. I even tested out a beloved lentil and farro dish that has broiled gruyère on top, and the pan stood up to the high heat without a problem. My favorite feature, though, is the Keller-designed handle. With a lot of pans like this, you wind up with dried sauce and grease stuck in the tiny crevice between the handle and the pan, but that’s not possible here. It’s really a genius touch, and has saved me a lot of time trying to carefully slide my sponge into a space thinner than a pencil, which happens often with numerous other pans I own.

Hestan’s new line is really remarkably good. Whether you’re in the market for new stainless steel cookware and want to try something used in the world’s best kitchens, or you’re just compelled to take advantage of the great deal Hestan has going right now, this is an awesome moment to dive in.

Shop More Hestan Cookware

ProBond 8.5-Inch Forged Brushed Stainless Steel Titum Nonstick Skillet

ProBond Luxe 11-Inch Polished Clad Stainless Steel Skillet with Titum Nonstick

NanoBond 11-Inch Titanium Skillet

ProBond Luxe Polished Clad Stainless Steel Pot and Steamer Set

At the time of publishing, the price was $260.