Cookware material impacts everything from appearance to price to how well a pan performs. It is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new piece or set of cookware. Anyone who has cooked with flimsy bargain-brand cookware knows that not all cookware materials are created equal. Hestan has a saying: “Just like anything in the kitchen, to create exceptional cookware, you must begin with exceptional ingredients.”
Hestan offers a range of premium cookware options in different materials. Their flagship NanoBond Molecular Titanium and their ProBond Professional Clad Stainless Steel are two of the best selling, most popular collections. Both offer exceptional quality and innovation as well as the Hestan advantage. So what’s the difference? And how can you know which is right for you?
We’ve lined up the top two Hestan cookware lines in the ultimate cookware showdown, pitting titanium vs stainless steel to uncover what makes each material unique and how you can decide which material is the perfect choice for your kitchen.
Titanium is a naturally occurring elemental metal that is both incredibly strong and very lightweight. It boasts the highest strength to density ratio of any metal. Because is it anti-reactive, it is not affected by rust, strong acids or alkalis. With these attributes, it comes as no surprise that Nasa used titanium to construct several parts of the international space station. It is widely used in high performance applications such as airplanes, luxury marine equipment and medical devices. Even the origins of the name titanium speak to its might: Titanium was named for the titans of Greek mythology.
In the production of titanium cookware, layering of titanium with other metals such as aluminum or stainless steel ensures superior heat conductivity while still harnessing the best attributes of titanium. The resulting titanium cookware is both strong and lightweight. The non-reactive nature of titanium ensures that strong acids or alkaline foods will not leach metals or chemicals from your cookware.
Like all other kinds of steel, stainless steel is an alloy made by combining iron and carbon. What makes it “stainless” is the addition of chromium to create a corrosion-resistant metal. Stainless steel’s resistance to damage is due to the naturally occurring chromium-rich oxide film formed on the surface of the steel. This invisible film can repair itself if damaged and allows stainless steel to resist rust, water stains, and general wear. This property combined with the strength of steel and a beautiful, shiny luster make stainless steel a versatile and widely used metal. Thanks to its chemical makeup, stainless steel is also very hygienic: it naturally rejects the growth of bacteria.
Similar to titanium, stainless steel cookware is produced using a cladding process that layers different metals to maximize performance. Stainless steel cookware is loved for its strength and resilience. It is low-maintenance and dishwasher safe. It is also non-reactive so will resist damage or leaching when you cook with acid or alkaline foods.
With 14 global patents and the highest standards in the industry for fit and finish, Hestan’s flagship NanoBond molecular titanium cookware is produced using a patented process in which thousands of titanium-based nano layers are bonded directly to stainless steel. The resulting super-dense cooking surface ensures the brilliant titanium luster lasts for generations. It is incredibly durable and 400% stronger than stainless steel to prevent scratching from metal utensils. The unique layering of metals guarantees unparalleled heat conductivity for reliable performance dish after dish.
Let's weigh the pros and cons of Hestan’s NanoBond molecular titanium cookware. We will gather everything we know about the collection based on real customer experiences and reviews as well as kitchen-tested feedback from Hestan’s chef partners.
Pros
Exceptionally Strong - will not scratch, stain, or tarnish
Durable, will last (and look great) for decades backed by a lifetime warranty
Beautiful & unique titanium luster
High heat tolerant up to 1050 degrees fahrenheit
35% greater heat conductivity for better control while cooking
Lightweight & easy to manage
Sealed rims prevent separation and delamination
Flush rivets prevent food and oil buildup
Dishwasher safe
100% Toxin Free
Non-reactive
Induction compatible
Made in Italy
Cons
Premium cost
Not nonstick, must heat the pan properly in order to ensure food does not stick
Needs occasional polishing application of stainless steel cleaner to restore clean, shiny finish
Hestan makes a corporate commitment to sustainability in everything from packaging design to manufacturing, but there are many earth friendly attributes that are unique to titanium. Titanium is classified as an eco-metal and is easily & infinitely recyclable. Titanium cookware lasts a lifetime, reducing waste because it remains in use for much longer than comparable products that deteriorate and break down with prolonged use. Additionally, titanium cookware has two stand-out health benefits.
More nutritious food: A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that titanium cookware had the best retention of micronutrients in food when compared to other materials including aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron and enamel coated.
Non-reactive nature: Titanium is extremely stable and non-reactive, it does not leach metals the way that lower quality stainless does and will not be damaged by acidic or alkaline foods.
Hestan’s ProBond professional clad stainless steel cookware was designed and engineered using a tri-ply body and responsive pure aluminum ProCore for maximum durability, and fast, even heat distribution. This delivers 35% greater heat conductivity than other clad cookware. They leverage a unique cold forging process that optimizes each part of their stainless steel cookware: a thicker base for even heat distribution, thinner side walls for lighter weight and thicker rims for increased durability. The polished stainless rim paired with a brushed steel body creates a look that is unique yet still very classic.
It’s time to line up the pros and cons of Hestan’s ProBond stainless steel cookware. Here are all the need-to-know essentials based on real customer experiences and reviews and kitchen-tested feedback from Hestan’s chef partners.
Pros
Less expensive than NanoBond molecular titanium cookware
Select pieces available with Hestan’s TITUM nonstick finish
Oven & broiler safe up to 600 degrees fahrenheit
Classic stainless steel color & shine
Great heat conductivity for better control while cooking
Sealed rims encapsulated in stainless steel prevent separation and delamination
Flush rivets prevent food and oil buildup
Dishwasher safe
Metal utensil safe
Induction compatible
Made in Italy
Cons
Hestan champions sustainability in its manufacturing, packaging and sourcing, making ProBond a great choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Stainless steel is easily recyclable, with many municipalities even accepting curbside recycling of stainless pots and pans. Its durability is the most important factor, though, ensuring that the cookware will last decades and not need to be recycled for years to come. Hestan’s stainless steel cookware has been tested in the rigors of America’s top restaurants to ensure it can stand the test of time and heavy use.
From a health perspective, stainless steel cookware is generally recognized as safe. However, there are some studies that have found that when stainless steel pots and pans are used to cook acidic foods for several hours at a time, they can leach very small amounts of nickel and chromium. Stainless steel has the benefit of naturally inhibiting the growth of bacteria and viruses so is a very sterile and sanitary choice for your kitchen.
There is so much to love about both stainless steel and titanium, but it’s time to put them head-to-head in our cookware material showdown. There are three topics that appear most often in both positive and negative customer reviews for Hestan and many other cookware brands: performance, durability and maintenance. These stand out as important criteria for determining the very best customer experience. Let's see how each material stacks up.
NanoBond Molecular Titanium
Hestan's pure aluminum ProCore provides 35% greater heat conductivity compared to typical clad cookware. NanoBond heats up fast and has a superior ability to maintain a stable level of heat over a longer period of time. Consistent & reliable results whether you are a novice trying out new recipes or a seasoned chef.
ProBond Professional Clad Stainless Steel
ProBond is constructed with the same pure aluminum ProCore sandwiched between layers of stainless steel, and offers the same superior heat conductivity. However, ProBond does not offer the same durability of the NanoBond surface. Aside from this you'll find side-by-side both collections offer fast, even distribution and recovery time.
Tie: NANOBOND MOLECULAR TITANIUM and PROBOND STAINLESS STEEL
NanoBond Molecular Titanium
The absolute strongest cookware material on the market. Outperforms stainless steel in customer reviews and published studies. Will not scratch or fade, built to last generations.
ProBond Professional Clad Stainless Steel
Sturdy and reliable enough to withstand the rigors of restaurant use, stainless steel is a workhorse in the kitchen. Prone to tarnishing and scratching and will begin to show its age over many years of use.
Best Choice: NANOBOND MOLECULAR TITANIUM
NanoBond Molecular Titanium
The easiest to clean stainless steel cookware, NanoBond is dishwasher safe. The non-porous material will not stain or tarnish. Simply wash with hot soapy water or place in your dishwasher. To restore the like-new shine of NanoBond you can use Hestan's stainless steel cleaner or Barkeeper's Friend.
ProBond Professional Clad Stainless Steel
Like other clad stainless steel cookware, ProBond will tarnish and stain with use. Because stainless steel is porous oil can buildup over constant heating and cooling. ProBond is dishwasher safe and you can use Barkeeper's Friend to scrub any stubborn stains.
Best Choice: NANOBOND MOLECULAR TITANIUM
We would be remiss not to consider the impact of cost on any cookware decision. Titanium cookware is expensive, stainless steel is less so. The cutting edge technology and innovation that go into titanium cookware design and production make this a pricier investment. In this as with so many other things, top tier performance comes at a top tier cost. Stainless steel takes home the win on a lower price point. However, an analysis of the benefits of titanium suggest that it is worth the investment, especially considering it will last for many many years to come.
Neither stainless steel or titanium are bad choices for health or the environment. Both are celebrated across the industry as being safe to use and responsible choices for the earth-conscious consumer. The scales do tilt in favor of titanium, though. Both cookware materials are non-reactive and non-toxic, but studies suggest stainless steel may react with acidic foods over very prolonged use. Stainless has antibacterial properties but titanium retains more nutrients in cooked food. Both are recyclable but titanium is lauded as being easier to recycle and infinitely recyclable where stainless is less so.
In the battle between titanium and stainless steel, there is room for two winners. Weighing the pros and cons will ultimately come down to a personal decision about what is right for you. When choosing the best cookware material for your kitchen, consider your specific cooking style and preferences. It is important to think about:
What you are cooking: Do you need higher heat tolerance? Would you like to have nonstick options?
Expert performance: Are you interested in leveling up your cooking experience with the very best heat conductivity? Or just looking for a reliable set that will get the job done well?
Ease of use: Are lightweight, easily maneuverable pots and pans a priority for you?
Personal style: do you prefer the more unique and modern luster of titanium or a more classic stainless steel brushed silver?
Stainless steel is the more affordable choice, and may be right for you depending on your budget. However, with unparalleled performance and the durability to last a lifetime, titanium proves itself to be a worthy investment. Consider also that there is room in any well equipped kitchen for more than one type of cookware material. Depending on your needs and budget, you may opt for a customized mix of both stainless steel and titanium.
Hestan offers its customer exceptional style, innovation and quality across all of its cookware lines. So, naturally, it is hard to choose among them. In our cookware material showdown between titanium and stainless steel, titanium emerges as the winner. Our deep-dive into the pros and cons tilted the scales toward titanium in performance, durability, health and sustainability. And though it is the pricier choice, it is a worthwhile investment in top tier quality that will last longer than any other cookware on the market.
Between Hestan’s NanoBond Molecular Titanium and their ProBond Professional Clad Stainless Steel cookware, there is no bad choice. Having completed our deep-dive and considered all of the pros and cons, I would certainly stack my cookware deck with as many pieces of NanoBond molecular titanium as possible. One or two pieces to start would be an impactful upgrade to any kitchen. A full set would satisfy even the most discerning chef or home cook.
Take the next step and make the right choice for your own kitchen. Shop the NanoBond collection here or find a retailer near you
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