HexClad vs. Misen Cookware: An In-Depth Comparison

In this comparison of HexClad vs. Misen, you’ll learn how each brand’s cookware stacks up in terms of:

• Construction and materials
• Look and feel (with lots of pictures)
• Cooking performance (including results from my hands-on testing)
• Price
• And much more.

By the end, you’ll have all the important information to decide which cookware is best for you.

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Use the links below to navigate this comparison: 

• HexClad vs. Misen: Comparison Chart
• Difference 1: Construction
• Difference 2: Design
• Difference 3: Product Offerings
• Difference 4: Heat Conduction
• Difference 5: Heat Retention
• Difference 6: Oven-Safe Temperatures
• Difference 7: Metal Utensil-Safe
• Difference 8: Company History
• Difference 9: Price
• Difference 10: Downsides
• What Others Are Saying
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy HexClad or Misen?

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HexClad vs. Misen: Comparison Chart

	HexClad	Misen
Construction	Hybrid of 3-ply stainless steel and non-stick material	5-ply stainless steel, aluminum non-stick, or carbon steel
Design	Cookware comes in a distinct hexagon design with riveted stay-cool handles	Brushed stainless steel exterior, non-stick pan has a silicone-wrapped handle
Induction-Compatible	All cookware is induction-compatible	All cookware is induction-compatible
Oven-Safe Temperatures	All cookware up to 500°F	Stainless steel: 500°F Non-stick: 450°F. Carbon steel: 900°F without silicone handles
Metal Utensil-Safe	Yes	Stainless steel: yes Non-stick: no
Where It’s Made	Made in China	Made in China
Company History	Introduced in the U.S. in 2016.	Launched on Kickstarter in 2015.
Downsides	Very expensive, food sticks to the surface	No warranty, non-stick is not metal utensil-safe
Price	$$$$ (view on Amazon or HexClad.com)	$$ (view on Misen.com)

Difference 1: Construction

HexClad uses the same construction process in all of its cookware. That proprietary process combines both stainless steel and non-stick cookware elements into one singular, versatile product offering.

In simple terms, HexClad cookware has a 3-ply “sandwich” design that places a layer of highly conductive aluminum between two layers of high-grade stainless steel. All of HexClad’s product iterations include this construction.

The surface of the cookware is built in a hexagonal pattern that includes stainless steel ‘peaks’ and non-stick ‘valleys,’ which allows consumers to enjoy an easy cleanup and the searing capabilities of stainless steel.

Misen offers its products in a more traditional, varied way, but with a few unique twists.

Its stainless steel cookware features 5-ply fully-clad construction. The exterior layers are 18/10 stainless steel with three core layers of premium aluminum and aluminum alloy.

Misen non-stick cookware is made with 4.2mm commercial grade aluminum covered with a plasma primer, then finished with a layer of DuPont’s PFOA non-stick coating. Each stovetop product also includes a solid steel plate on its underside, making it compatible with all cooktops.

Finally, Misen offers a unique carbon-steel collection combining the lightweight versatility of stainless steel with the seasoned non-stick capabilities of cast iron. That series of products is a creative addition to the market and presents a new option for discerning home chefs to consider.

Difference 2: Design

Another major difference between HexClad and Misen cookware is its design.

Thanks to its aforementioned proprietary construction process, HexClad’s cookware shares the same design elements.

Each product features a hexagonal surface pattern with raised ridges and grooves.

This pattern extends from the cooking surface to the exterior, making it easy to clean the entire pan.

Additionally, all of HexClad’s cookware includes round stay-cool handles and sleek, tempered glass lids.

Misen favors more traditional designs. The stainless steel collection includes a stainless-brushed exterior and polished hollow steel handles.

The handles are rounded, comfortable, and attached via two rivets.

Many pieces offer matching stainless steel lids to compliment the overall aesthetic.

The non-stick collection offered by Misen is produced with a thick aluminum base covered in a triple layer non-stick coating.

The handle includes a silicone covering to add grip and prevent overheating during use.

Misen’s carbon steel collection sports a brushed stainless finish and a removable silicone handle cover.

Update: In 2022, Misen launched a new design of its non-stick cookware. The materials and performance are the exact same, but there are a few design differences. The new handles are rounder and don’t have a silicone wrapper, and the exterior features a ceramic coating.

Watch me unbox the new version of Misen’s Non-Stick Cookware in the video below. I also compare it side-by-side to the original Misen non-stick pan:

You can also watch this video on YouTube.

Difference 3: Product Offerings

HexClad only offers one collection: the stainless steel non-stick hybrid.

Like HexClad, Misen only offers one cookware collection, but within the collection are multiple cookware types. The 5-ply stainless steel cookware is its primary product line, but it also provides aluminum non-stick and carbon steel cookware (check out my review of the Misen carbon steel pan).

Misen and HexClad also craft high-quality kitchen knives; check out my in-depth reviews of Misen knives and HexClad knives or watch this video review of Misen knives to learn more. 

Difference 4: Heat Conduction

Heat conduction is essential when it comes to cookware. You want pots and pans that heat up fast and evenly with no hot or cold spots.

So how do Misen and HexClad compare in this category?

I performed a simple test to find out. After pouring precisely two cups of cold water into a HexClad pan and Misen pan, I set each on the stove and turned the burners on high at the same time.

The HexClad pan boiled the water in 2 minutes and 30 seconds, and the Misen pan boiled the water in 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Both pans boiled the water quickly, but HexClad was the clear winner.

With both pans, the bubbles were evenly dispersed, indicating uniform heat distribution.

Difference 5: Heat Retention

Another important consideration is heat retention. You want a pan that not only heats fast and evenly but holds on to that heat.

After measuring the heat conduction, I poured the water out of each pan at the same time and set them on the countertop. After five minutes, I place my hand on each pan’s cooking surface.

Interestingly, the Misen pan was significantly warmer than the HexClad pan. I checked once more after ten minutes and, again, the Misen pan was warm while the HexClad pan was almost back to resting temperature.

It’s important to note that I tested the HexClad pan versus the Misen aluminum non-stick pan. If I tested the Misen stainless steel pan, my results might have been different.

Difference 6: Oven-Safe Temperatures

HexClad and Misen both offer oven-safe cookware that allows you to finish meals in the same pan from stovetop to oven.

All of HexClad’s cookware is safe at temperatures up to 500°F.

Misen’s stainless cookware is safe to 500°F, its non-stick cookware is safe to 450°F, and its carbon cookware is safe to a whopping 900°F without the silicone handle covers. With the covers, this cookware is safe to temperatures up to 500 degrees.

Difference 7: Metal Utensil-Safe

Thanks to its unique hybrid design with raised steel peaks and non-stick valleys, you can use any utensil with HexClad cookware. Even metal spatulas, forks, and spoons won’t damage the surface (at least not immediately).

Misen encourages using silicone or wooden utensils to extend the life of the pan.

Difference 8: Company History

Misen and HexClad are newcomers to the culinary industry and are still refining their image, branding, and values.

HexClad’s founders discovered the hybrid technology in 2009 but didn’t officially launch the brand until 2016. They sell their cookware primarily on HexClad.com, but you can also find it on Amazon and select Costco stores.

Misen was launched via a Kickstarter campaign in 2015. Born out of the founder’s frustration with the price of high-quality cookware, Misen operates a direct-to-consumer model that cuts out retailer markups and keeps products affordable for the mainstream market. You can find their cookware exclusively on Misen.com (they recently started offering select products on Amazon, too).

Difference 9: Price

As far as cost goes, HexClad carries a hefty price tag for what is essentially a 3-ply non-stick pan.

In comparison, Misen cookware is considerably more affordable. In fact, you could buy about three and a half Misen pans for the price of one HexClad pan.

Compare prices across each brands’ most popular products by clicking the links below:

	HexClad	Misen
8-Inch Fry Pan	Check Price	Check Price
10-Inch Fry Pan	Check Price	Check Price
12-Inch Fry Pan	Check Price	Check Price
Complete Cookware Set	Check Price	Check Price

Difference 10: Downsides

As with all cookware, both HexClad and Misen come with some downsides.

Both make their cookware in China, and both companies provide relatively limited options. Both are new players in the cookware market; therefore, the long-term durability is still unproven.

The most common complaint about HexClad is that it doesn’t stand up to its non-stick label. Home cooks report being unable to cook delicate foods like eggs or flaky fish, which is why non-stick pans are traditionally purchased in the first place.

In my testing, I found this a valid complaint. Although the surface is less sticky than bare stainless steel, it doesn’t have the food release of traditional non-stick.

In the picture below, you can see how my eggs stuck to the surface despite greasing the pan with oil and cooking on low/medium.

HexClad products also have to be replaced more often than traditional stainless steel — thanks to the non-stick elements in the design — and yet the brand prices its cookware at levels comparable to premium stainless steel offerings.

Misen faces limitations as well, including the lack of warranty. However, they offer a 60-day, no-questions-asked return policy (but that may not be a sufficient amount of time to test the product).

The company also does not sell via any third-party retailers (except for a limited selection of products on Amazon). Misen products can only be purchased on Misen.com, so you won’t be able to handle any Misen products in-store.

What Others Are Saying

Both HexClad and Misen have received some press despite their relative youth, and it’s worthwhile to look at some of these opinions before you buy.

The New York Times praised the Misen non-stick pan for its “superb heat distribution and solid flat base.” The reviewers also love its silicone-sleeve handle and large cooking surface.

CNN named HexClad the “best restaurant-quality pan” within its non-stick category. The review credited the brand’s 10-inch hybrid pan for its simple to use, durable, and easy to clean design and aesthetic appeal.

Good Housekeeping awarded HexClad the title of “best hybrid non-stick cookware” of 2021, praising its non-stick capabilities and even heating. They also celebrated the brand’s Teflon-free design and its ability to ensure quality searing on meats.

Epicurious highlighted the Misen 3-quart saucepan for its superb heat distribution, easy pouring, and comfortable stay-cool handle. The reviewers also praised its thick, heavy bottom, which allows for gradual and uniform heating.

Beyond its cookware, Misen gets frequent accolades for its knives. The Misen Essentials knife set was awarded the “best knife set” title by New York Mag’s The Strategist section, praising the brand’s attention to quality and balance. The reviewer referred to Misen as “the platonic ideal” of cutlery, highlighting its sharp blades and balance.

You can read more Misen reviews on its website (or check out my in-depth review). HexClad is reviewed extensively on Amazon and HexClad.com.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy HexClad or Misen?

Now that you know the key facts about each brand, it’s time to decide which option is right for you. To summarize, HexClad and Misen differ in the following areas:

Construction: HexClad uses the same non-stick/stainless steel hybrid construction in all of its products. Misen crafts three types of cookware: 5-ply stainless steel, aluminum non-stick, and carbon steel.

Design: HexClad features its signature hexagonal design, round steel handles, and tempered glass lids. Misen favors traditional designs with brushed stainless steel or aluminum exteriors. Its stainless steel cookware has rounded polished steel handles, and the non-stick and carbon steel cookware features flat handles with removable silicone handle-covers.

Performance: Based on my testing, HexClad heats up faster, but Misen retains heat more effectively.

Metal Utensil-Safe: Misen warns to avoid metal spoons and spatulas with its non-stick cookware, while HexClad can handle any utensil.

Price: HexClad is available on Amazon and HexClad.com and is significantly more expensive than Misen. Misen is available mainly through its website, with a limited selection of products also on Amazon. That direct-to-consumer model allows the company to keep prices low.

Ultimately, HexClad has a unique design concept as its core marketing strategy and utilizes that one-of-a-kind image to promote its products. It’s reliable all-purpose cookware that does everything pretty well.

That doesn’t mean that HexClad is always the best option, however — sometimes culinary needs call for stainless steel or non-stick pans, and a hybrid product may not be sufficient.

With Misen, you’ll find premium-quality cookware at an affordable price. The company boasts a variety of material, design, and construction options. That versatility is appealing to many home cooks.

If you want to try something new and different, HexClad’s technology is worth a try. Otherwise, you’re probably better off choosing from Misen’s line-up. You’ll pay less for your cookware and get more control and variety.

Make the choice that matches your specific preferences and culinary ambitions, and you can’t go wrong.

Read more reviews and check current prices at the links below:

• Misen on Misen.com and Amazon
• HexClad on Amazon and HexClad.com