Cooks Standard 02448 vs Hestan 31656
The short answer
Hestan 31656 comes out ahead overall with 8.0/10 against 7.3/10 for the Cooks Standard 02448. Cooks Standard 02448 is stronger on ease of cleaning and value. Hestan 31656 is stronger on roasting & browning performance, stovetop searing & gravy, capacity, rack & handling and build quality & durability. At current verified prices, the Cooks Standard 02448 costs about $63.96 less.
- Choose the Cooks Standard 02448 if: Budget buyers and small households roasting chickens and small cuts. Not for big holiday turkeys.
- Choose the Hestan 31656 if: All-stainless buyers who struggle to lift birds off a V-rack and don't mind a heavy pan.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Cooks Standard 02448 | Hestan 31656 |
|---|---|---|
| Roasting & Browning Performance | 7.8Good browning in ATK's small-pan test. | 8.2Roasted well (ATK), but the trough makes potato browning uneven. |
| Stovetop Searing & Gravy | 6.5Heavy single-ply floor; not induction compatible. | 7.3Works on induction, but the trough limits searing space and deglazing. |
| Capacity, Rack & Handling | 5.5Compact and heavy (7 lb 10 oz); high handles; the rack slips slightly. | 8.2Long-side rack handles make lifting easy and it holds a 20-lb bird; heavy at 8 lb 9 oz. |
| Build Quality & Durability | 7.0Heavy-gauge 18/10 but not clad; no warranty stated. | 8.318/10 tri-ply with a lifetime warranty; only one test source. |
| Ease of Cleaning | 7.8Dishwasher-safe, simple rack. | 6.8Hand washing recommended, and the trough collects fond. |
| Health & Materials | 9.5Pan and rack are both bare stainless. | 9.5Pan and rack are both bare stainless. |
| Value | 8.5ATK Best Buy at $89.99, the cheapest well-tested all-stainless option. | 8.0$159.95, the same as the Cuisinart, which tests better. |
Specifications
| Spec | Cooks Standard 02448 | Hestan 31656 |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Single-ply heavy-gauge 18/10 stainless | Tri-ply 18/10 stainless, aluminum core |
| Pan Length (excl. handles) | 14 in | 17 in |
| Pan Width | 12 in | 12.5 in |
| Pan Weight | 7.6 lb | 8.6 lb |
| Max Turkey Size | — | 20 lb |
| Rack Type | V-rack | Tension-fit rack |
| Rack Material / Coating | Uncoated stainless steel | Uncoated stainless steel |
| Oven-Safe Temperature (pan) | 500 °F | 600 °F |
| Induction Compatible | No | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe (per maker) | Yes | — |
| Warranty | — | Lifetime |
| Country of Manufacture | — | Thailand |
Cooks Standard 02448
Pros
- Best Buy among small roasting pans at America's Test Kitchen
- Bare 18/10 stainless pan and rack
- Browned chicken and potatoes well
- Dishwasher-safe and oven-safe to 500°F
- Much cheaper than the clad pans
Cons
- Too small for large holiday turkeys
- Not induction compatible
- High handles can burn wrists
- Single-ply, so less stovetop forgiveness than clad pans
The budget pick for small households and chicken-and-vegetable roasts. For a turkey or for stovetop gravy, spend more on a clad pan.
Full Cooks Standard 02448 review →Hestan 31656
Pros
- Rack handles on the long sides make lifting easier
- Bare stainless pan and rack
- Fully clad 18/10 tri-ply, induction compatible
- Oven-safe to 600°F
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Perimeter trough limits flat searing space
- Heavy at about 8 lb 9 oz
- Hand washing recommended
- A nonstick version is sold separately, so confirm model 31656
A good choice for all-stainless buyers who struggle with lifting birds, provided they accept a heavy pan and a less flat floor for gravy work.
Full Hestan 31656 review →Both products are part of our guide The Best Stainless Steel Roasting Pans with Rack of 2026, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.