30 DAYS OPEN PURCHASEA really good stainless steel frying pan separates those who cook from those who prepare food, but it is also a tool that demands more from the person using it. Frying pans with non-stick coating are easy to start with but require keeping to lower temperatures, avoiding metal utensils and replacing the pan when the coating starts to wear. A stainless steel frying pan with the right technique gives a different kind of caramelisation and Maillard reaction on the surface of the meat, fish or vegetables. The NanoBond frying pan positions itself between these: the titanium surface treatment is four times harder than the underlying 18/10 steel, non-porous and non-reactive, which reduces friction compared to ordinary steel and means that correctly prepared food releases more easily. But it is not a coated non-stick pan and makes no claim to be one.
Hestan's NanoBond process works by bonding thousands of titanium-based nano-layers directly to the steel structure at a molecular level in an oxygen-free vacuum chamber at extremely high temperature. Titanium and chromium-based alloys are permanently fused with the steel without lying on top of it as a coating. The result is a surface that withstands metal utensils and steel wool without surface damage in any practical sense. The titanium surface is entirely free from synthetic coating agents. Titanium does not react with food residues, acids or fats and does not contribute metallic flavour. NanoBond withstands 565 degrees Celsius and can go from hob to oven, broiler or grill without restriction. Dishwasher safe with sealed edges.
The construction consists of three layers of steel with a ProCore core of pure aluminium. Hestan states that the ProCore core provides 35 percent better heat conductivity compared to other three-layer cookware. The frying pan heats up quickly and evenly, which is crucial for searing: an unevenly heated pan gives uneven browning. The aluminium core means the pan responds clearly to setting changes, making it easier to adjust the temperature both up and down in real time.
The titanium surface is not non-stick in the same way as a coated pan. Correct technique applies: sufficient preheating but not too hot, sufficient fat and not trying to move proteins before they naturally release their hold on the surface. Works on all heat sources including induction. Made by Hestan. Available in three sizes: 22 cm (for one portion, one piece of fish, one egg), 28 cm (the standard format for most cooking and four to six portions) and 32 cm (for large batches, whole chicken breasts or fried vegetables in quantity).
