As a passionate home cook and self-proclaimed cookware junkie, I‘m always on the hunt for high-quality pots and pans that can keep up with my busy kitchen. Over the past year, Misen has become my go-to brand for affordable, professional-grade cookware that delivers serious performance. In this in-depth review, I‘ll dish on everything you need to know about Misen cookware and why it‘s earned a permanent spot in my culinary lineup.
What is Misen?
If you‘re not familiar with Misen, let me give you the scoop. Misen is a direct-to-consumer kitchenware brand that launched in 2015 with a mission to offer high-quality tools at honest prices. By cutting out the middleman and selling their products online, Misen is able to provide premium cookware at a fraction of the cost of other high-end brands.
Misen first made a splash with their wildly successful Kickstarter campaign for a premium chef‘s knife, which raised over $1.2 million from more than 13,000 backers. They‘ve since expanded their offerings to include stainless steel, nonstick, and carbon steel cookware that promise the same level of craftsmanship and performance as their cult-favorite knife.
Misen Cookware Materials and Construction
One of the things I love most about Misen cookware is the attention to detail in the materials and construction. Here‘s the lowdown on what each type of cookware is made of and how it stacks up.
Stainless Steel
Misen‘s stainless steel cookware is the real MVP in my kitchen. It‘s made from premium 18/10 stainless steel with a 3-ply aluminum core for excellent heat conduction. The 5-ply construction consists of:
- 18/0 magnetic stainless steel exterior
- Two layers of aluminum
- 18/10 stainless steel cooking surface
- 430 stainless steel induction plate
This combo of materials offers the best of both worlds: the even heating and heat retention of stainless steel with the responsiveness of aluminum. The pans have a brushed finish that looks sleek and modern, and the riveted handles stay cool during stovetop cooking.
I also appreciate the small details Misen incorporated to make cooking easier, like the curved lip for drip-free pouring and the capacity etched on the base of each pan. These pans are also oven-safe up to 500°F and compatible with all cooktops, making them incredibly versatile.
Nonstick
As much as I adore my stainless pans, there are some foods that just beg for a nonstick surface. Misen‘s nonstick cookware is made from cast aluminum with a bonded stainless steel base for even heating. The interior features three layers of PFOA-free, titanium-infused nonstick coating for effortless release.
The textured surface provides a bit more sear than traditional nonstick pans, while still releasing delicate foods with ease. I love that these pans are oven-safe up to 450°F, so I can start dishes on the stove and pop them in the oven to finish.
Another feature I can‘t get enough of is the removable stay-cool silicone grip on the handles. It provides a comfortable, secure hold and makes storage a snap since you can detach it to nest the pans. Genius!
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is the workhorse of Misen‘s cookware lineup, and it‘s a beast in the kitchen. These pans are made from 2mm thick carbon steel that‘s surprisingly lightweight yet incredibly durable. The steel is heat-treated during manufacturing to prevent warping and has a black oxide layer to protect against rusting.
Misen‘s carbon steel pans come pre-seasoned with 100% flaxseed oil, so they‘re ready to use right out of the box. The more you use them, the more nonstick they become as the seasoning builds up. Carbon steel excels at high-heat cooking and is my go-to for searing, sautéing, and stir-frying.
Misen Cookware Performance
Alright, let‘s get down to brass tacks. How does Misen cookware actually perform in the kitchen? I‘ve put my pans through their paces over the past year, and here‘s what I‘ve found.
Stainless Steel Skillet
My 12-inch Misen stainless steel skillet has become an absolute workhorse in my kitchen. It heats up quickly and evenly, with no noticeable hot spots. I use it for everything from searing steaks to sautéing veggies to making pan sauces, and it never disappoints.
One of the things I love most about this skillet is how well it browns food. The stainless steel surface creates a beautiful, even crust on meats and veggies, while the aluminum core ensures that the heat is distributed evenly. I also appreciate the high sides of the pan, which prevent splatters and make it easy to toss ingredients without spilling.
Cleanup is also a breeze with this skillet. The smooth surface and rivetless handle design make it easy to wipe clean, and it‘s dishwasher-safe for those nights when I just can‘t be bothered to wash up by hand.
Nonstick Skillet
For delicate foods like eggs, fish, and crepes, I reach for my Misen nonstick skillet. The PFOA-free coating is seriously slick, releasing even the stickiest foods with ease. I‘ve used other nonstick pans that start to lose their nonstick properties after a few months, but my Misen pan still looks and performs like new after a year of regular use.
I also love how evenly this pan heats up. I can trust that my eggs will cook through without any rubbery or overcooked bits, and pancakes come out perfectly golden every time. The textured surface also gives foods a bit of a sear, which I really enjoy for dishes like frittatas and omelets.
Cleanup is an absolute cinch with this pan. Most of the time, I just wipe it out with a paper towel and call it a day. For tougher messes, a quick wash with soapy water does the trick. The nonstick coating has held up incredibly well, with no scratches or flaking even after a year of heavy use.
Carbon Steel Skillet
When I want to get a serious sear on a steak or stir-fry veggies at high heat, I turn to my Misen carbon steel skillet. This pan is a beast in the kitchen, with exceptional heat retention and distribution. It can handle temperatures up to 800°F, making it perfect for cooking over an open flame or in a hot oven.
One of the things I love most about carbon steel is how nonstick it becomes over time. The more I use my Misen skillet, the more the seasoning builds up and the more nonstick the surface becomes. I rarely need to use oil or butter when cooking in this pan, which is great for my waistline and my wallet.
I also appreciate how lightweight and maneuverable the carbon steel skillet is compared to cast iron. It has the same heat retention properties as cast iron, but it‘s much easier to handle and store. The stay-cool handle is also a nice touch, allowing me to move the pan from stove to oven without having to search for a potholder.
Misen vs. Other Cookware Brands
Of course, Misen isn‘t the only player in the cookware game. Here‘s how it stacks up against some of the other popular brands on the market.
Misen vs. All-Clad
All-Clad is the OG of high-end stainless steel cookware, known for its superior construction and performance. In my experience, Misen‘s stainless steel cookware performs just as well as All-Clad in terms of even heating, heat retention, and durability.
The main difference is the price. All-Clad pans can cost several hundred dollars each, while Misen offers similar quality at a much more affordable price point. In fact, you can often snag a complete set of Misen cookware for the same price as one or two All-Clad pieces.
Misen vs. Calphalon
Calphalon is another popular brand that offers a range of cookware at various price points. In my opinion, Misen‘s nonstick and stainless steel cookware outperforms Calphalon in terms of even heating, durability, and ease of use.
I‘ve found that Calphalon‘s nonstick coating isn‘t as long-lasting as Misen‘s, and the pans tend to warp and develop hot spots over time. Misen‘s pans are also more affordable than Calphalon‘s high-end offerings, making them a better value overall.
Misen vs. Made In
Like Misen, Made In is a direct-to-consumer cookware brand that aims to provide high-quality cookware at a more accessible price point. In my experience, both brands offer excellent quality and performance, with similar construction and materials.
The main difference is the product lineup. Made In offers a wider range of cookware, including copper and blue carbon steel, while Misen focuses on stainless steel, nonstick, and regular carbon steel. Made In‘s prices are also slightly higher than Misen‘s across the board.
Ultimately, the choice between Misen and Made In comes down to personal preference and which specific pieces you‘re looking for. Both brands offer excellent quality and value, so you can‘t really go wrong with either one.
What Other Home Cooks Are Saying
Don‘t just take my word for it – Misen has racked up thousands of glowing reviews from home cooks and professional chefs alike. Here are a few highlights:
"I‘ve been using Misen‘s carbon steel pan for a few months now, and it‘s quickly become my go-to for just about everything. It heats up quickly and evenly, and the more I use it, the more nonstick it becomes. It‘s also much lighter and easier to handle than my old cast iron skillet. I‘m hooked!" – Mark, home cook
"I received a set of Misen cookware as a wedding gift, and I couldn‘t be happier with it. The stainless steel pots and pans are so well-constructed and easy to use. I love that they‘re oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, too. The nonstick pan is also a game-changer for eggs and delicate fish. I‘m so impressed with the quality, especially at this price point." – Rachel, newlywed
"As a professional chef, I‘m always skeptical of direct-to-consumer brands, but Misen has really impressed me. The cookware is well-designed and performs just as well as some of the high-end brands I‘ve used in restaurant kitchens. I especially love the carbon steel pan for its versatility and heat retention. It‘s become a workhorse in my home kitchen." – Chef Jenn, professional chef
The Bottom Line
So, is Misen cookware worth the hype? In my opinion, absolutely. Misen offers exceptional quality, performance, and value, with thoughtful design features that make cooking a joy. The stainless steel, nonstick, and carbon steel cookware are all top-notch, and the prices are hard to beat for the level of quality you get.
Of course, no cookware brand is one-size-fits-all. If you‘re looking for a wider range of materials or specialty pieces, you may want to look elsewhere. But for most home cooks, Misen offers everything you need to outfit your kitchen with high-quality, versatile cookware that will last for years.
Misen also stands behind their products with excellent customer service and a lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship. And with their 60-day return policy, you can try out their cookware risk-free and see for yourself how it performs in your kitchen.
So if you‘re in the market for new cookware and want professional-grade performance without the premium price tag, I highly recommend giving Misen a try. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.
