HexClad Cookware Review: We Tried the 3-in-1 Hybrid ...
HexClad Cookware Review: We Tried the 3-in-1 Hybrid ...
HexClad cookware supposedly rolls the best elements of cast iron, stainless steel and nonstick into one pan. We put it to the test for more than four months to find out.
With competitive price and timely delivery, imesh sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Learn more.
TMB Studio
My cast-iron skillet, which I use to cook pretty much everything, has been my ride-or-die for a long while. The well-seasoned skillet is nonstick, oven-safe andwith the proper amount of preheatingreaches surface-of-the-sun temperatures. For reactive foods that cant be cooked in cast iron (like tomatoes and other acidic foods), I use a sturdy stainless-steel pan. And finally, for ultra-sticky foods like eggs, I keep a nonstick frying pan on hand.
When I heard that HexClad created a pan that combines the best elements of cast iron, stainless steel and nonstick into a single miraculous pan, I knew I had to check it out. Bonus: Its available on Amazon. Heres my honest review of the HexClad Hybrid Pan.
What is HexClad cookware?
According to Gordon Ramsay, HexClad skillets are the Rolls Royce of pans, which is one heck of an endorsement. Lest you worry those words are nothing but a paid celebrity endorsement, know that other Michelin-starred chefs have buzzed about the HexClad pan, too. And HexClads wok, knife set, pots and pans all have 100-plus five-star Amazon reviews.
HexClad cookware is designed to feature all the positives of cast-iron, stainless-steel and nonstick pans with none of the negatives. Like cast iron, its sturdy, resilient and retains a tremendous amount of heat. Like stainless steel, it distributes heat evenly across the pans surface and is not reactive. And, like nonstick pans, its, well, nonstick.
Learn more about the different types of cookware and the difference between HexClad and All-Clad.
via merchant
via merchant
We Tried It
HexClad Hybrid Pan
HexClad promises the best parts of stainless steel, cast iron and nonstick pans all in one. Available from multiple retailers, it's worth the splurge.
HexClad Skillet Features
HexClads patented design relies on a laser-etching process to create a hexagonal pattern on the bottom of a stainless-steel pan. It features a high-grade nonstick coating thats infused with diamond dust (!!!) for extra strength. The steel hexagons allow the heat to diffuse across the pan evenly, while the PFOA-free nonstick coating prevents foods from sticking.
Because of its magnetic steel base, the HexClad Hybrid Pan rapidly conducts heat and is suitable for induction cooktops. Also, it is oven-safe up to 500°F. HexClad is sturdy enough to last a lifetime, and as such, the company backs up its cookware with a lifetime warranty.
How We Tested It
Sauteing
Allison Robicelli for Taste of Home
I tested the 12-inch HexClad Hybrid Pan. Straight out of the box, the HexClad pans similarities to cast iron were immediately evident. This is one beast of a skillet! Its so heavy, it might just last forever, like how a good cast-iron pan passes down from generation to generation. Unlike cast iron, however, the HexClads ergonomic handle makes it easy to lift and hold without much strain on the wrist.
Most of the dishes I make for dinner start by sauteing a little garlic or onion (or both!) in olive oil until golden before adding additional ingredients. So, the first thing I cooked in my HexClad Hybrid pan was just that, along with a big mess of greens.
The HexClad pan heated up in about a minutefar less time than it normally takes my cast-iron skillet to reach sauteing temp. Both the garlic and onion cooked evenly to a beautiful golden brown without sticking to the pan. Once I added the greens alongside a big pinch of salt, I confidently tossed everything together using tongs without worrying about scraping or nicking the pan, as I would have with a traditional nonstick pan. The greens cooked down in a flash, with all the liquid quickly evaporating as I swirled the pan.
Browning
Allison Robicelli for Taste of Home
HexClad cookware could easily handle simple everyday cooking tasks, so I tested it with something thats easy to foul up if you have the wrong pan. Slowly cooking chicken thighs, skin down, in a skillet should yield shatteringly crisp skin with tender dark meat beneathbut every skillet has its pitfalls.
Ive found that cast iron does the best job overall with this task, but because skillets tend to heat up unevenly, some thighs brown (or burn) more than others. Stainless steel can produce uniform browning, but the chicken can stubbornly stick to the bottom of the pan. Nonstick pans dont have this problem, but they are not suitable for the super-hot temperatures necessary for browning meat. Could the HexClad pan offer a solution?
I preheated my pan over medium-low heat for one minute, generously seasoned four chicken thighs with kosher salt, arranged them, skin down, in the HexClad pan, then left them completely undisturbed for 15 minutes. When I flipped them over with metal tongs, they were perfect: evenly brown with no signs of hot spots, impossibly crisp and utterly delicious. Nothing stuck, nothing burned. Not only was that good for the chicken but it also made cleanup easy! The HexClad cookware washed clean quickly with soap and waterno scrubbing needed.
Four-Month Update
Annamarie Higley/Taste of Home
One of the comments Id heard about HexClad pans is that the raised hexagonal pattern wears down over time. Although I have noticed some of that, as well as discoloration in certain areas, this has minimally affected the nonstick surface or cooking capabilities.
Ive continued to throw challenges at this pan, not even intentionally because it has become my go-to. I use it to cook eggsa notoriously fickle food that my other favorite, the cast iron, cant handledaily. There are also some softball uses at which its very successful, like toasting bread for panini. And I still love it for browning and sauteing, too. I have a Caraway Dutch oven that I just adore, but it cant brown meat the way Id like, so I always turn to my HexClad for that task. Yes, even if that means creating one extra dirty dish.
Although I do foresee the pans nonstickyness, if you will, waning eventually, I dont anticipate easing up on my usage any time soon. Itll always be a sturdy, sizable, oven-safe, heat-conductive pan that can handle just about anything. Im hooked.
Pros
- Truly nonstick
- Non-toxic cooking surface
- Heats evenly
- Oven- and dishwasher-safe
- Replaces three popular pans
- Safe for use with metal utensils
- Induction-compatible
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Some users may find it a bit heavy
FAQ
Is HexClad cookware dishwasher-safe?
The HexClad pan is dishwasher-safe but is so easy to clean by hand that you might not want to bother! The scratch-resistant surface is safe for use with abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and steel wool. Although odds are, all youll need to clean up most messes is a soapy sponge and running water.
Is HexClad cookware heavy?
HexClad cookware is somewhat heavy, but its ergonomic handles make it much easier to lift and maneuver than cast-iron cookware. The 12-inch Hybrid pan is just over three pounds.
Product Comparison
TMB Studio
Weve talked at length about how HexClad measures up to other cookware materials, but what about other brands? Just like Caraway cookware, the Our Place Always Pan and Green Pan, HexClad has been making waves on social media. All four brands are suitable for healthy cookingand they look good doing it.
The HexClad Hybrid Pan stands out from the pack thanks to its multi-functionality. Theres no need to worry about cooking on too high of a heat, scratching the pan with a metal utensil or accidentally running it through the dishwasher. HexClad cookware tackles even the toughest cooking tasks.
Final Verdict
HexClad cookware might be pricey, but its worth the money and will pay for itself 10 times over. Not only does the HexClad Hybrid Pan do the work of three other pans but its also built to last. It might very well be the last pan you ever buy. Now, I have my eyes on the HexClad Dutch oven and HexClad wok!
Where to Buy HexClad Cookware
Pick up the 12-inch HexClad Hybrid Pan on Amazon, the brands website or Walmart. It retails for around $200, but you can often find it on sale. Once it arrives, all thats left to do is pick your favorite recipe and start cooking like Gordon Ramsay!
via merchant
via merchant
We Tried It
HexClad Hybrid Pan
With its stainless steel base, nonstick surface, weight and infusion of diamond dust, the worthwhile HexClad pan is a kitchen gemfiguratively and literally!
Additional research contributed by Annamarie Higley, Product Testing Manager
HexClad Cookware Review (Is It Worth the High Price?)
HexClad cookware is Gordon Ramsay-approved. But are these pans just a marketing gimmick with a celebrity chef pitchman, or are they worth buying?
In this review, I tell you the truth about HexClad. After testing it for several years, I explain what I like about it and reveal the flaws nobody talks about.
Key Takeaways
If you dont have time to read this entire comprehensive HexClad review, here are the key points. These insights are based on my experience testing HexClad pots and pans for several years. Throughout the full review, youll find videos and over a dozen pictures I captured during my testing.
Pros of HexClad
Durability: The lifespan of most non-stick cookware is 2-5 years, and if you scratch the coating with metal utensils, it can be even shorter. HexClads hybrid design solves this problem. Instead of having a smooth non-stick coating, the surface has raised stainless steel peaks and non-stick valleys. You can feel the texture by rubbing your hand over the hexagonal lines and dots. The idea behind this design is that the steel peaks dont allow spatulas, tongs, and forks to touch the non-stick coating. Therefore, you can use metal utensils, and the non-stick coating will stay intact for longer.
Versatility: HexClad cooks more like non-stick cookware, but since the surface isnt completely smooth, it grips food and sears meat better than most traditional non-stick pans. Ive used it to cook crispy bacon, sear salmon, roast chicken, and fry chicken cutlets, and it performs similarly to stainless steel cookware. It heats up quickly, maintains a stable temperature, and delivers consistent results.
Searing salmon in a HexClad panBacon comes out perfectly crispy, and chicken and steak sear evenly. I also used it to sauté vegetables, cook pancakes, and fry eggs. Although the surface isnt as slippery as non-stick, I had no issues with eggs sticking as long as the surface was greased with plenty of oil or butter.
Heat Conduction and Retention: I conduct a simple test with every cookware brand I review to measure how quickly and evenly it heats. I pour two cups of water into the pan and set the burner to high. HexClad performed well; not only were the bubbles uniform across the cooking surface, which indicates even heating, but it was one of the fastest pans to boil the water. Once the water began boiling, I pulled the pan off the heat and set it on the counter. After five minutes, water in the HexClad pan measured 120°F; after ten minutes, it was 102°F. As youll see in the results later in this review, HexClads heat retention is above average and better than brands like Calphalon, Hestan, and All-Clad.
Cons of HexClad
Eggs Stick Without Oil: If you dont preheat the pan properly or use enough oil or butter, delicate foods like eggs will stick. A traditional non-stick pan doesnt need much oil, if any, to prevent eggs from sticking. But with HexClad, you need at least some oil.
Short Handles: The handle on the 12-inch HexClad fry pan is 8 inches long. For comparison, All-Clad Non-Stick handles are 9 inches. With HexClad, your hand will be a bit closer to the heat, and while the end of the handle stays cool on the stove, it starts to get hot about 2 inches past where the handle forks.
Round Handles: The handles are round, making them comfortable, but I noticed them slipping as I tilted the pan to slide food onto a plate. If your hands are greasy or wet, or youre holding a towel or pot holder, theres a high risk that the handle will rotate.
Polished Handles: The steel handles have a polished finish, so smudges and fingerprints are difficult to hide. Youll need to buff the handle regularly to keep it looking new.
Expensive: HexClad is significantly more expensive than most non-stick options on the market. However, the higher price is justified because its more versatile and will last longer.
May Scratch Glass Cooktops: A Prudent Reviews reader shared that her HexClad pan scratched her glass cooktop, likely due to the raised hexagonal pattern on the bottom. I checked thousands of HexClad reviews on various retail sites and found only a few similar complaints, so its not a widespread issue. However, its a risk to consider if you have a glass stove.
Is HexClad Cookware Worth Buying?
Based on my experience testing HexClad, its not a gimmick. Its convenient and versatile, and its unique hexagonal design allows you to use metal utensils without scratching the non-stick coating.
It can sear better than most non-stick pans and releases food better than stainless steel.
If youre looking for a pan that releases food and cleans easier than stainless steel but lasts much longer than traditional non-stick, youll love HexClad.
Its also an excellent all-purpose pan to take with you traveling or a great option if you have limited kitchen space and want to consolidate your cookware. With HexClad, you dont need separate pans for each task.
Go to HexClad.com or the HexClad store on Amazon to learn more.
Use these links below to navigate the review:
Design
The thing that sets HexClad apart from the competition is its unique design. One quick look, and you can tell this cookware is special.
Lets take an in-depth look at the 12-Inch HexClad Hybrid Fry Pan the other pieces are designed the same, so what you see here is what youll get regardless of which pots, pans, or sets you buy.
HexClad 12 Inch Frying Pan (view on HexClad.com)Handles
HexClads handles are comfortable, but the round shape makes tilting the pan tricky.
HexClad cookware handleOn several occasions, Ive noticed the pan rotating in my hand as I poured liquids or slid food from the pan to a plate. You need to be careful when tilting, especially when your hands are wet, greasy, or wearing an oven mitt.
Brands like Made In have flatter handles that provide a more secure grip and prevent the pan from rotating in your hand. See my comparison of Made In vs. HexClad for more details.
Made In (bottom) versus HexClad (top) handlesThe handles feature an angled, ergonomic design and stay cool, even when cooking with high heat. The dramatic, A-shaped spacing between the riveted connection and the rest of the handle diminishes heat transfer.
The polished stainless steel is a nice contrast against the darkness of the pans exterior and interior. Although it exposes fingerprints easily, a quick swipe of a microfiber cloth polishes them away.
If you like to hang your cookware, youll appreciate the hanging loop at the end of the handle.
Finally, the double rivets are easy to clean.
Interior
The interior of the HexClad cookware garners all of the attention. Not only because it features the innovative hybrid stainless steel and non-stick design, but also because it just looks so different from what we are used to seeing.
The flared rims are pure stainless steel and perfect for pouring sauces or draining liquid.
Along the edge of the interior, just under the rim, youll see a herringbone pattern of this hybrid design.
From the center of the pan to the rim, you get a mix of stainless and non-stick.
The remainder of the pan features a series of laser-etched hexagons. It may just seem like a cool design, but its much more.
HexClad cookware hybrid surfaceThe stainless steel perimeters of each hexagon are raised while the PFOA-free non-stick coating is recessed. The raised steel makes the first contact with food and cooking utensils, protecting the non-stick coating below.
Exterior
The pans exterior mixes the elegance of stainless steel with the cooking surfaces hybrid pattern.
It not only delivers an aesthetically-pleasing profile, but if you get food or debris on the exterior, its easier to clean than a pan with an entirely stainless steel exterior.
Bottom and sides of HexClad cookwareLids
HexClads lids are tempered glass with stainless steel rims and handles. The materials and finishes are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, a small hole in the lid allows for steam release.
HexClad cookware tempered glass lidPerformance
If youre looking for cookware that heats fast and evenly, boasts excellent heat retention, and is easy to clean and use, HexClad checks those boxes. But its not perfect.
In this section, Ill take you through the pros and cons of HexClad cookwares performance based on my testing over the past few years.
Related links:The Irreplaceable Cast Iron Pans
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Unique custom professional cookware.
Searing and Browning
Pans with non-stick coating are notorious for their lack of searing power. However, thats not an issue with HexClad.
If you dont believe me, I tested HexClad head-to-head against All-Clad stainless steel to see which brand sears better. As you can see below, the salmon I seared in the HexClad pan came out as good, if not better, than the one I cooked in the All-Clad pan.
HexClad (left) versus All-Clad (right) searing testHeres a closer look at the color on each piece of fish.
Salmon seared in a HexClad panSalmon seared in an All-Clad panCooked salmon in HexClad and All-Clad pansHexClad also does an excellent job browning chicken and frying chicken cutlets.
Cooking chicken thighs in a HexClad panBrowning chicken cutlets in a HexClad panNon-stick Performance
HexClad combines non-stick properties with stainless steel. A non-stick layer under the steel hexagons prevents food from sticking as it would on standard stainless.
But how does HexClads performance compare to a traditional non-stick pan?
To find out, I conducted a test.
I cooked two eggs, one in a HexClad pan and one in a traditional non-stick pan. I preheated both pans for the same amount of time and did not grease either pan with oil or butter. I wanted to see if the pans could release the eggs without any help from added fats.
HexClad versus Traditional Non-Stick egg testInitially, neither egg stuck, but after I flipped them, the egg in the HexClad pan began to stick, and the yolk broke when I nudged it with a spatula.
Egg sticking to an ungreased HexClad panThanks to its thicker build and smooth non-stick coating, the traditional non-stick pan cooked the egg more evenly without sticking.
Egg cooking in an All-Clad pan without oilI cooked another egg in each pan, but this time, I greased the cooking surface with a bit of oil and butter. The eggs slid freely in both pans without any sticking.
Egg not sticking to a greased HexClad panThe key takeaway is that HexClads non-stick valleys minimize sticking but dont prevent it. Most proteins, including beef, chicken, and bacon, wont stick.
Crispy bacon cooked in a HexClad panBut when cooking eggs, fish, or other delicate foods, you need to grease the pan with oil or butter.
Heat Conduction and Retention
The combination of the fully-clad construction and the innovative hybrid surface delivers quick, even heating.
The aluminum core is designed to excel at low, medium, and medium-high heat. Its not a pan you use with high heat. Not only will you create an environment ripe for sticking, but high heat can degrade the non-stick surface.
With these pans, a little heat goes a long way.
To see how HexClad compares to the competition regarding heat conduction, I conducted a simple test.
I poured two cups of cold water into HexClad, All-Clad, Calphalon, Misen, and several other brands pans.
Then, I placed each pan on the same-sized burner and turned the heat to high. My goal was to see which pan boiled the water the quickest.
Here are the results:
PanTime to First BubblesTime to BoilMade In fry pan1 minute and 40 seconds2 minutes and 21 secondsMisen fry pan1 minute and 50 seconds2 minutes and 25 secondsAnolon fry pan1 minute and 55 seconds2 minutes and 27 secondsHexClad fry pan1 minute and 40 seconds2 minutes and 30 secondsT-fal fry pan1 minute and 50 seconds2 minutes and 32 secondsGotham Steel fry pan1 minute and 58 seconds2 minutes and 32 secondsRachael Ray fry pan1 minute and 47 seconds2 minutes and 36 secondsCalphalon fry pan1 minute and 45 seconds2 minutes and 40 secondsHestan fry pan1 minute and 52 seconds2 minutes and 47 secondsGreenLife pan2 minutes and 11 seconds2 minutes and 47 secondsCirculon fry pan2 minutes and 7 seconds2 minutes and 55 secondsAll-Clad skillet1 minute and 55 seconds2 minutes and 55 secondsDemeyere Industry fry pan2 minutes and 3 seconds3 minutes and 10 secondsBallarini fry pan2 minutes and 15 seconds3 minutes and 12 secondsDemeyere Atlantis fry pan2 minutes and 11 seconds3 minutes and 25 secondsAlthough it was close, the HexClad pan was one of the first to boil. Only Made In, Misen, and Anolon pans boiled water faster than HexClad.
After each pan reached a boil, I remove them from the heat and set them on the counter. After five minutes, water in the HexClad pan measured 120.7°F and after ten minutes it was 102.4°F.
As you can see in the results below, HexClads heat retention is above average and better than brands like Calphalon, Hestan, and All-Clad.
PanTemperature After 5 MinutesTemperature After 10 MinutesDemeyere Atlantis fry pan122.0°F106.3°FMade In fry pan121.1°F106.6°FMisen fry pan118.6°F103.4°FRachael Ray fry pan126.3°F102.7°FHexClad fry pan120.7°F102.4°FCirculon fry pan133.3°F102.0°FDemeyere Industry fry pan115.2°F96.6°FCalphalon fry pan112.8°F101.1°FAll-Clad skillet111.6°F100.9°FBallarini fry pan120°F99.9°FHestan fry pan114°F98°FGreenLife fry pan119°F95°FGotham Steel fry pan113°F95°FAnolon fry pan112.7°F90.9°FT-fal fry pan108.7°F88.0°FThe key takeaway is that HexClad conducts and retains heat as well (if not better) than some of the more established brands on the market.
Durability
HexClads 3-ply fully-clad construction offers a sturdy feel and good heft. The 10-inch pan weighs 2.5 pounds. Its light enough to maneuver easily but still has enough weight to sit flat on the cooktop and retain heat well.
HexClad 10 inch pan weightThe walls are 3 mm thick, which is similar to high-end brands like All-Clad and Made In.
Thickness of HexClad pan walls 3 mmYoud never mistake these pans for cheap department-store cookware. Theyre so reliable that Michelin-star chefs trust them in their kitchens.
Thanks to the stainless steel peaks that protect the non-stick valleys, you can run a metal spatula or utensils across the surface without the risk of damage.
HexClads durability not only increases its overall value but also makes it more convenient.
Lets say you decide to bake a quesadilla in the frying pan. Although I wouldnt recommend it, you can use a metal pizza cutter to cut it into slices and serve from the pan.
What Others Are Saying
HexClad has gained popularity in recent years due to its innovative construction.
Over time, HexClad has appeared in top cookware roundups and has been mentioned by respected cookware reviewers.
Here are just a few accolades to its credit:
Gordon Ramsay, the outspoken Michelin-star chef and TV personality, is the lead spokesperson for HexClad. He claims to use HexClad pans in his home and says, their hybrid technology cooks to absolute, utter perfection.
In the past, HexClad advertisements featured Ramsay referring to the brand as the Rolls Royce of cookware. But apparently, HexClad didnt have permission from Rolls Royce to use their prestigious brand name in this context. As a result, Rolls Royce sued HexClad for trademark infringement and brand dilution.
CNN Underscored calls the HexClad 10-Inch Hybrid Fry Pan the Best Restaurant-Quality Pan. Reviewers praised its even heat distribution, food release, and easy-to-clean design. According to reviewers, its a pro-level upgradewrapped in a pretty package.
Reviewed.com, a USA Today brand, named HexClad the best overall hybrid cookware set, ranking it among well-established brands like All-Clad, Cuisinart, and Hestan. The review team praised its even heating, ergonomic handles, and ability to tolerate metal utensils without damage.
Consumer Reports tested the 10-Inch HexClad Hybrid Fry Pan and noted excellent results in even heating, non-stick durability, and handle temperature staying, which stayed cool enough to touch without a potholder.
The New York Times tested HexClad, and they were impressed with its unique design but not its performance. They pointed out that eggs stick when the cooking surface is not well seasoned (which we noticed, too), and the pancakes they cooked during testing showed signs of uneven heating.
The HexClad 7-Piece Hybrid Set with Lids and Wok is on Oprahs Favorite Things list. Oprah called the concept of healthy home cooking with HexClad so hot.
On HexClad.com, you can read more reviews from verified buyers and check out what other prominent media outlets have to say about the brand.
Price
HexClad has many benefits, but the price is a major sticking point for some. Its one of the pricer cookware brands Ive come across (and Ive tested and reviewed dozens).
Its comparable to premium cookware brands like All-Clad and Mauviel and, in some cases, more expensive. Its significantly more costly than almost all non-stick options on the market.
Although the hybrid approach to protecting the non-stick layer with stainless steel will extend the cookwares life, it will still wear down over time.
Sure, you can break up the cost by financing your purchase and paying over time through Bread, HexClads payment plan partner, but its still a hefty investment.
Visit HexClad.com and HexClads Amazon store to check the current prices.
Downsides
Here are a few downsides to consider before you move forward with HexClad cookware:
Price: This high price is the biggest downside of HexClad. Its an expensive offering for a startup, especially for cookware that contains non-stick material. Even with the stainless steel protection, at some point, the non-stick material will degrade, and the pan will need to be replaced (although the warranty covers most issues).
Food Sticks: This is the second biggest complaint among home chefs. The sticking is due to the stainless steel component. You must avoid high heat to get the best results, season the pan periodically, and keep it very clean. In short, treat it like stainless steel.
Prone to Warping: When I first took the HexClad pan out of its box, I immediately noticed that the cooking surface wasnt completely flat. Instead, it bowed upwards in the center. I was surprised to see this because fully-clad steel pans like these (especially expensive pans) typically dont warp. Although it doesnt have a major impact on cooking, oil and other liquids flow to the edges of the pan and wont stay in the center. So its more challenging to grease the pan evenly. I searched thousands of other reviews, and only a handful mentioned this issue. Still, it makes me question HexClads quality control.
HexClad pan warped in the middleDiscoloration: Like regular stainless steel cookware, the steel portion of HexClad gets stained and requires significant scrubbing. Burnt oil and tiny food particles are the biggest culprits. If that happens, follow these methods to restore your pan.
Heavy: At four pounds, it has a bit of heft for a 12-inch fry pan that some may find cumbersome. For comparison, a 12.5-inch Hestan Stainless Steel Skillet weighs in at three pounds and eight ounces, and a 12-Inch Scanpan Non-Stick Fry Pan weighs just over three pounds.
Short Handles: HexClad handles are relatively short. The handle on the 12-inch fry pan is 8 inches long. For comparison, All-Clad Non-Stick handles are 9 inches. Your hand will be a bit closer to the heat, and while the end of the handle stays cool on the stove, it starts to get hot about 2 inches past where the handle forks.
Round Handles: The handles are round, which makes them comfortable, but Ive noticed my hand slipping several times as I slid food onto a plate. If your hands are greasy or wet, or youre holding a towel or pot holder, theres a high risk that the handle will rotate. The round handles work fine for most cooking techniques, but youll need to be extra careful when tilting the pan.
Polished Handles: The last thing Ill mention about the handles is that the steel is polished. The finish looks excellent at first, but the shiny finish quickly gets smudges and fingerprints all over it. Youll need to buff the handle regularly to keep it looking new.
Fingerprints and smudges on HexClad handleUnproven Track Record: At the end of the day, HexClad is still an unproven brand. It makes bold claims about durability, but only time will verify the validity. In a few years, youll be able to see if this innovative hybrid construction is as viable as it sounds.
Potential for Scratching Glass Cooktops: While I personally havent experienced this issue on my electric glass top stove, a reader of Prudent Reviews reached out to share a concerning experience with their HexClad Deep Saute Pan/Chicken Fryer. She told me that the bottom of the pan left noticeable scratches on her GE Profile flat cooktop. There were no visible burrs on the bottom of the pan that could have caused the scratches, so she concluded the distinct raised hexagonal pattern caused it. I searched through thousands of HexClad reviews on various retail sites and only found a handful of similar complaints, so it doesnt appear to be a common issue. That said, its a potential risk to consider if you have a glass cooktop.
HexClad Cookware FAQs
Before giving you my final recommendation, lets walk through the most frequently asked questions about HexClad.
What is HexClad cookware made of?HexClad, with its interconnected hexagonal stainless steel/non-stick design, is one of the first hybrid cookware brands on the market.
It boasts a three-ply construction with an exterior layer of magnetic steel, an aluminum core, and the patented hybrid surface: laser-etched peaks of high-quality stainless steel and PFOA-free non-stick valleys.
The non-stick materials are made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is a completely safe material used to make most non-stick coatings. The only warning with PTFE is that you should never heat it above 500°F
HexClad offers only one cookware collection, but within it are multi-piece sets and individual pots and pans. Heres what the brand currently offers (view all on options on HexClad.com):
13-Piece Cookware Set with Lids
7-Piece Cookware Set with Lids and Wok
6-Piece Pot Set
14-Inch Pan with Lid
12-Inch Pan
10-Inch Pan
8-Inch Pan
12-Inch Lid
10-Inch Lid
8-Inch Lid
14-Inch Wok with Lid
12-Inch Wok with Lid
12-Inch Wok
-12-Inch Griddle Pan
All cookware features the same stateless steel and non-stick hybrid design. Lids are tempered glass with stainless steel handles.
HexClad is designed in Los Angeles, California, and manufactured in China.
Are HexClad pans oven-safe?HexClad pots and pans are oven-safe up to 500°F. The tempered glass lids are oven-safe up to 300°F.
Are HexClad pans dishwasher-safe?HexClad cookware, including lids, is dishwasher safe, making cleanup convenient and easy. However, with premium cookware like this, I always recommend hand washing. The high temperatures, steam, and harsh detergents inside the dishwasher can shorten its life.
Are HexClad pans induction-compatible?All HexClad pots and pans are designed with a magnetic steel exterior suitable for induction cooking.
Does HexClad come with a warranty?HexClad offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and craftsmanship. It does not cover surface imperfection and normal wear-and-tear that dont impact performance. I spoke with HexClad to clarify their warranty terms, and they told me, Our warranty is a performance warranty. Any problems that affect performance, we cover. In other words, if the non-stick coating gets scratched after five years and that scratch causes food to stick, youre covered.
What is HexClads return policy?HexClad offers a 30-day return policy with a money-back guarantee. The one downside is that you have to pay for return shipping.
Where can you buy HexClad?You can buy direct at HexClad.com and on Amazon. Its periodically available in select Costco stores, but Costco rotates products frequently, so call your local store before making the trip.
How long has HexClad been around?HexClad is a startup that continues to gain popularity due to its innovative look, performance, and hybrid design. The HexClad trademark was filed in by co-founders Daniel Winer and Cole Mecray.
After discovering the technology behind HexClad, they began working with the inventor to provide a unique product with the best that non-stick and stainless steel has to offer: ease of use and clean up, superior searing and browning, unmatched durability, and excellent heat control.
HexClad vs. Anolon X
Since launching in , HexClad has become one of the most popular cookware brands. But with that success comes competition.
Anolon, a well-established leader in the non-stick cookware industry, released Anolon X in to take advantage of consumer interest in this new category.
HexClad (left), Anolon X (right)Like HexClad, Anolon X integrates a stainless steel pattern into its non-stick cooking surface. Although these pans look similar, there are some key differences:
- Anolon X pans are made with a hard-anodized aluminum base; HexClads base is 3-ply stainless steel.
- With HexClad, the top layer of steel is laser etched to create the steel peaks. Anolon Xs design is created by fusing a steel mesh into the non-stick coating.
- Unlike HexClad, Anolons steel mesh is only on the flat part of the cooking surface; it does not extend throughout. So theres no protection from scratching if you accidentally scrape the walls.
- Anolon X handles are much flatter, with a slight curve to rest your thumb. This design provides a more secure grip and reduces the risk of the pan rotating in your hand.
- Based on my testing, eggs stick to Anolon X pans more than HexClad.
- Anolon X pans are between 40% and 80% cheaper.
Read my in-depth comparison of HexClad vs. Anolon X, and my Anolon X review to learn more. Or check it out on Anolon.com and Amazon.
Bottom Line: Is HexClad Cookware Worth the Money?
HexClad has a growing number of fans, and its not hard to see why.
It boasts an innovative pairing of the best qualities of stainless steel and high-quality non-stick. It has excellent heat conduction and retention, durability, and versatility.
Yet, even with accolades and its increasing popularity, HexClad might not be right for everyone.
So, the question is: Is HexClad worth the money?
If youre looking for a true non-stick pan to cook eggs with little oil, or youre looking for a stainless steel pan that you can buy once and use forever, youll be disappointed with HexClad.
If youre looking for a pan that releases food and cleans easier than stainless steel but lasts much longer than traditional non-stick, youll love HexClad.
Its also a great option if you have limited space in your kitchen and are looking to consolidate your cookware. With HexClad, you dont need separate pans for each task.
That said, HexClad is expensive and is not worth buying in all scenarios.
You can save more and have more control over the results by purchasing a high-quality non-stick and stainless steel pan. In many cases, those two pans will cost less than one HexClad hybrid pan. The two pans will take up more space in your kitchen, but you get better durability with the stainless steel pan and better food release with the non-stick pan.
Does that mean you shouldnt give HexClad a try? Not necessary. Heres how to decide if its right for you.
You should buy HexClad cookware if:
- You arent on a budget and prefer higher-end cookware
- You like non-stick cookware but are looking for a more durable option
- You enjoy trying new, innovative products
- You want stainless steel-like results with less sticking
- You prefer all-purpose cookware over specialized cookware
- You like the idea of being able to use metal utensils
- Youre a fan of Gordon Ramsay and trust the cookware he endorses
If this sounds like you, go to HexClad.com or Amazon to learn more and check the current prices.
You should NOT buy HexClad cookware if:
- Youre on a budget and looking for a lower-cost alternative with similar performance
- You expect it to have the same food release performance as traditional non-stick
- You want a non-stick pan that is PTFE-free, such as natural ceramic
- You prefer to buy cookware brands that have been around for years with proven durability
If this sounds like you, you might want to check out other less expensive options like Made In or All-Clad HA1.
Bottom Line if you find the hybrid technology intriguing and can afford it, HexClad is worth a try. If you dont love it, HexClad offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Go to HexClad.com or the HexClad store on Amazon to learn more, check current prices, and read reviews.
Want more information on best size frying pan? Feel free to contact us.