Both Hexclad and Misen remain leading cookware brands in the market and feature some incredibly durable and aesthetic pieces that are sure to add a zest of luxury to your kitchen.This cookware will also enhance your cooking experience and create ease when making complex recipes or cuisines.
With over 20 years of hands-on professional cooking experience and dedicating more than 70 hours of research, I have tried and tested a variety of top cookware brands including Hexclad and Misen. I also have 3 decades of experience cooking with and comparing kitchenware items to bring only the best options in the market to you. Previously we have discussed Hexclad Vs Greenpan and Hexclad Vs Cast iron for you.
In this article, we compare Hexclad vs. Misen so you can learn how each brand’s cookware stacks up in terms of design, construction, performance and durability, price, and more.You will learn which of these brands works best for your cooking needs and budget.
So, if you want to learn more, keep on reading!
Hexclad
Hexclad is a cookware brand that has been praised for its unique product design as well as cooking efficiency. It stands out in the cookware market for its patented 6-sided hexagon design which is constructed with the help of laser etching technology and gives its products an extraordinary appearance as well as cooking advantages.
In addition, Hexclad provides premium nonstick properties which ensures that you need only use minimum grease when cooking your food. The cookware is also made with 3 superior quality layers of metal which makes it durable in the long run. Its core comprises aluminum laid out between 2 layers of stainless steel for proper heat distribution and retention.
Misen
Misen is a professional cookware brand that has been critically praised by a number of chefs for its premium quality and longevity. The cookware from this brand is thoroughly tested and is constructed with several layers of aluminum between layers of stainless steel which ensures excellent durability and even heat distribution.
Misen cookware is also aesthetically pleasing and its nonstick and stainless steel varieties are sure to last you for a long time. Its stainless steel cookware also reduces any risk of leaching aluminum into your food when cooking.
Key Features: Hexclad vs. Misen
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1. Design and Construction
Hexclad cookware is constructed with a hybrid of 3-ply stainless steel and nonstick coating. This brand uses the same construction and design for all its cookware, combining these two elements into a versatile set that aids in making all kinds of cuisines and recipes.
In other words, Hexclad cookware features an interesting ‘sandwich’ style design where the premium, highly conductive aluminum sheet is pressed between layers of stainless steel. The interior surface of the cookware is designed with its patented hexagonal pattern that includes peaks and dips of stainless steel and nonstick layers that help in cleaning up your pots and pans as well as searing food to perfection.
On the other hand, Misen products take up a more traditional design and construction with some unique aspects. The interior is stainless steel that features 5-ply fully clad construction and the outer layers of the cookware are 18/10 stainless steel packed with three layers of high-grade aluminum and aluminum alloy. This helps with excellent heat conductivity and retention, as well as even cooking.
Misen’s nonstick cookware variety is constructed with 4.2 mm of commercial grade aluminum that is topped with a plasma primer and finished with a sturdy layer of DuPont’s PFOA nonstick coating. Additionally, each of its cookware includes a steel plate underneath to ensure its compatibility with induction stoves. Misen cookware is fully compatible with all kinds of stovetops.
Unlike Hexclad, Misen has a line of different styles of cookware. Its carbon steel range combines the best of both worlds: stainless steel with seasoned nonstick capabilities and advantages of premium cast iron. It is lightweight and extremely easy to maintain in the long run.
Based on just the range and varieties of cookware construction and design options from Misen, it takes the lead over Hexclad in this category.
2. Heat Conduction
No cookware is worth hundreds of dollars if it lacks proper heat conduction. The best pots and pans are those that can heat up quickly and distribute it evenly so your food isn’t left with cold spots or uncooked patches.
When it comes to Hexclad and Misen cookware, we performed several tests in our lab to compare heat conduction quality between the two. I selected the Misen Nonstick 3 QT Sauté and the Hexclad 12” Hybrid Wok for this experiment. After carefully pouring 3 cups of water in each, I set the burners on high heat and noted which cookware would boil the water first. After approximately 2.5 minutes, both pans boiled the water and thanks to the evenly dispersed bubbles, I was able to note that both pans also provided even heat distribution.
I did the same with 2 cups of oil and experimented by frying some chicken. Again, both pans heated up the oil fairly quickly and at the same time and when I fried the chicken, it was beautifully cooked, golden, and deliciously crispy. Thus, we came to the conclusion that both Hexclad and Misen provided excellent and even heat conduction.
3. Heat Retention
Good heat retention means your ban not only conducts heat quickly but also retains it for longer, even after you’ve switched off the burner. This is especially useful when you are searing or grilling meats or vegetables as it achieves the perfect sizzle and allows your pans to slowly cool instead of immediately becoming cold. It also helps keep your food warmer for longer if you are working on another dish in the meantime.
After pouring the hot oil out of both Hexclad and Misen pans, we placed them on the counter and kept checking the base heat levels after every few minutes. After 10 to 15 minutes, the Hexclad pan was almost back to resting temperature, whereas the Misen cookware was still warm to the touch.
Keep in mind that this test was specifically between the aforementioned branded pieces. When I did the same experiment with the Misen stainless steel pan instead of the nonstick, it retained heat for even longer.
4. Oven-Safety
Most cookware brands now offer pots and pans that are oven-safe. This is an excellent feature as it helps you achieve that last minute crust and sizzle on dishes like pasta bakes or lasagnas. In fact, you can even multitask with such cookware and bake a variety of recipes in them like breaks, brownies, and even cakes.
Both Hexclad and Misen provide top-notch oven-safe cookware that makes it incredibly easy to transfer your food from the stove and straight into the oven without first moving it to a pyrex or another oven-safe baking dish.
Hexclad cookware can be popped in the oven for up to 500*F. Alternatively, Misen stainless steel range is oven-safe up to 500*F and its nonstick line is safe up to 450*F. Misen’s carbon steel cookware can withstand an impressive 900*F in the oven and if you attach its silicone handle covers to it then it can stay in to 500*F.
5. Stovetop Compatibility
Before you purchase new cookware, it is essential to check if it is even compatible with your kitchen stove. Many cookware brands that do not contain ferrous metals will not work with induction cooktops.
Both Hexclad and Misen cookware are 100% induction compatible.
6. Metal Utensil-Safety
This can be quite the crucial point when picking cookware. Improper cookware care and lack of metal utensil-safety knowledge are also the top reasons why most recently bought cookware may begin to show scratches and other signs of wear and tear.
Traditional nonstick, Teflon cookware does not hold up well against rough metal utensils or even aggressive scrubbing when cleaning with a scorching. This can deteriorate the nonstick layer and peel off the Teflon on top. To avoid this, most nonstick cookware will require silicone or wooden spoons when cooking.
Hexclad’s one-of-a-kind hybrid design protects it against scratches and other signs of deterioration even when using metal utensils or cleaning in the dishwasher or with a scorching. Be it metal spatulas, spoons, forms, tongs, etc., it won’t damage its surface immediately. Hexclad cookware is resilient against immediate effects of rough, demanding use.
On the other hand, most Misen cookware (especially nonstick) will need silicone or wooden utensils to keep its longevity.
7. Affordability
At the end of the day, for most people the determining factor when buying cookware is its affordability. Hexclad cookware is packed with unique features and a patented design unlike any other, but all this comes with a hefty price tag. From its smallest pans to its family-sized pots, this brand can be quite pricey for most, but it certainly brings a multitude of advantages to the table.
Misen cookware, be it the carbon steel, stainless steel, or nonstick collection, is considerably more affordable. You could easily buy an entire Misen cookware set at the same price as one of Hexclad cooking items.
Pros and Cons: Hexclad vs. Misen Cookware
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FAQs for Hexclad vs. Misen Cookware
Are HexClad and Misen pans made in China?
Yes, both Hexclad and Misen cookware are manufactured in China.
Who owns Misen cookware?
Misen is owned by Omar Rada who is praised within the culinary circle for his previous designs for chef’s knives which were crowdfunded for nearly $1M.
How long do HexClad pans last?
Hexclad pans can last you 20 to 30 years depending on proper product use, care, and overall condition.
Do HexClad pans warp?
No, Hexclad pans do not warp. This is because its unique design features a small bump in the center that evens out over time when you cook over low to medium heat. This design is deliberately there to avoid your cookware from warping.
Can I put my Misen pan in the oven?
Yes, you can put your Misen pan in the oven. All Misen cookware is oven-safe and its carbon steel line can even withstand up to 900*F. Just avoid keeping your pots and pans too close to your oven’s heat source or when using a broiler setting.
Which Brand is Better? Our Verdict
When it comes to Hexclad vs. Misen, both brands bring impressive features to the table and are excellent when cooking a variety of cuisines and complex recipes. This is why there is no specific final winner. Both reign supreme in specific categories and it is up to the buyer to determine which features and categories matter the most for their cooking style.
Ultimately, Hexclad offers a unique, never-before seen design as its core selling point and it utilizes on its memorable looks and image to promote its products. Hexclad cookware is all-purpose and will last you a long time. It is also fit to cook all kinds of recipes.
But, this doesn’t mean Hexclad is better than Misen. The latter offers a range of options and varieties to choose from, be it stainless steel, carbon steel, or nonstick cookware. More importantly, Misen cookware is a lot more affordable and this could be appealing to many home cooks.
Top Picks for Hexclad Cookware
- Best Versatility: 12” Hexclad Hybrid Pan
- Best for Starters: Hexclad Starter Bundle
- Best for Searing: 12” Hexclad Hybrid Griddle Pan
Top Picks for Misen Cookware
- Best All-Rounder: Misen Nonstick 3 QT Saute
- Best Egg Pan: Misen Nonstick Pan
- Best Nonstick Cookware: Misen Nonstick Set (12 PC)
