Are you seeking new HexClad cookware that combines the advantages of stainless steel and non-stick cookware? An old frying pan is to be changed?
HexClad’s distinctive design and sturdiness may have caused you to already be familiar with it. This high-quality cookware will heat evenly, cook food consistently, and is scratch-resistant, so you can use a metal spatula with confidence whether you’re frying eggs or searing a steak. They are oven safe.
This HexClad cookware review will outline the company’s origins and the products it sells, examine a number of HexClad cookware items, address frequently asked concerns about the items, and assess how HexClad cookware stacks up against competing for cookware lines. See our product reviews if you’re debating if HexClad cookware is cost-effective.
What is HexClad?
Hexclad cookware was founded in 2016 by CEO Daniel Winer. Usually, it is a stainless steel pan. It also has a frying pan.
With its eye-catching hexagonal lattice on both the inner and exterior of the pans, Winer’s hybrid design—half nonstick, part coated stainless—represents a breakthrough in the HexClad cookware sector.
Hexclad cookware is the original, albeit there are a few comparable items on the market right now.
Hexclad cookware employs both nonstick technology and clad stainless steel in what they refer to as a “hybrid” design. The pans are made of standard tri-ply-clad stainless steel and have an interior made of aluminum for quick, even heating (see more on our performance testing below).
After that, they add a nonstick coating and cover it with a laser-etched stainless steel lattice. HexClad gets its name from the lattice, which consists of thousands of tiny hexagonal pieces.
The stainless steel is referred to as the “peaks” and the nonstick coating is referred to as the “valleys” in the HexClad cookware website’s description of this lattice. While still offering the advantages of a nonstick pan, the slightly projecting stainless steel shields the nonstick coating from harm.
On the outside of their pans, HexClad cookware also uses a stainless steel lattice and nonstick coating. The pans are stunningly gorgeous, so this is probably just for show, but it makes the pans easy to clean and scratch-resistant on the inside as well as the outside.
Although it is a fresh design, the concept is not wholly original. For the same reasons, other nonstick manufacturers add reinforcements like granite, titanium, and diamond dust to their coatings to increase their toughness: the reinforcement material sticks out above the nonstick coating to shield it.
But as far as we are aware, HexClad is the first to really apply a latticed stainless steel protective layer over a nonstick coating.
It looks amazing and is innovative. But is it actually effective?
Let’s investigate.
Comparison of HexClad, Tri-Ply, and Standard Nonstick
We compared HexClad cookware to tri-ply clad steel and PTFE (Teflon) nonstick skillets to get a broad notion of its performance.
HexClad cookware pricing is comparable to All-Clad D3 prices, so we felt this would be a decent comparison.
The data provided here should be similar for other clad stainless and nonstick brands of equal quality, but we used the data for All-Clad D3 tri-ply and All-Clad HA1 nonstick.
Tri-ply nonstick, which could appear like a more accurate comparison in terms of price, was left out because we don’t suggest buying it; cast aluminum pans are more affordable and maintain heat just as well; therefore we believe that they are the practical option given how brittle nonstick coatings can be.
Does HexClad Cookware Work Well?
If you want stainless steel cookware that can withstand high temperatures, HexClad cookware is the finest option.
These pans can resist temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and unless you place the handles very up to a flame, they won’t even get warm.
Anyone can use them because they are dishwasher-safe, attractive, and lightweight. Additionally, they may be used with any type of burner, including induction, gas, ceramic, and more!
Is Higher Temperature More Effective?
You won’t need to cook at a higher temperature than you normally would while using these pans.
When using HexClad Hybrid Cookware, keep in mind to cook at a lower temperature than usual because they are excellent at spreading heat to all parts of the pan.
Despite the fact that this pan is regarded as nonstick, you still need to season it with some oil before using it for the first time. Additionally, it is advised to use oil while preparing vegetables or other foods that do not naturally contain fat.
This is due to the nonstick coating not completely covering the pan’s surface, which prevents it from performing as well as typical nonstick pans.
What is it Made Of?
Hexclad claims that while its nonstick coating is ceramic, it does contain PTFE (you can read more about that on the HexClad website.).
We believe it to be a hybrid nonstick coating similar to the one utilized by ScanPan. Companies may keep their nonstick coatings a secret because they view them as proprietary knowledge.
The good news is that PFAS, the chemical family of perfluorinated compounds to which PFOA and the new GenX, which has replaced the now outlawed PFOA in some nonstick coatings, belong, are absent from the HexClad nonstick coating. It’s fantastic that HexClad does not use these unsavory, carcinogenic chemicals in the production of its cookware.
Unfortunately, they don’t specify what they use in its place, so we can’t say for sure whether the nonstick coating is safe for people or the environment. In fact, whatever they’re using is probably identical to PFAS.
Does HexClad Have Harmful Chemicals?
These kinds of pans include PTFE, a chemically inert and nontoxic material. This is also utilized in body-implanted cardiac stents and dental implants.
HexClad does not make use of PFOA or any other chemicals, including fabric protectors used by other brands, to shield the surface of their nonstick coatings.
Between the stainless steel, there is aluminum as well, making it safe for all stovetops. A constant temperature is all that is necessary.
However, the cookware starts to break down once you start getting temperatures exceeding 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
This condition, known as polymer fume fever, can be fatal to animals such as pets and birds and give humans flu-like symptoms. It is extremely unusual to result in a situation that could be life-threatening, although symptoms typically appear after a few days of inhaling a low quantity of the fumes.
However, nonstick cookware without PTFE is not designed to withstand extended usage.
HexClad tested the largest pan, and it endured 45 minutes of continuous use. There are a few other “green” brands that make cookware without PTFE or PFOA, but customers have complained that they will constantly need to replace their pans after prolonged use.
It is Compatible with Diamond Dust Technology?
Diamond dust is added to the highest-grade Japanese ceramic non-stick coatings to boost durability. This layout produces steady, even warmth.
Due to the aluminum core’s excellent heat conductivity and ability to keep the pan lightweight, this tri-ply construction was chosen.
However, as it will react with acidic foods, stainless steel is put on top to prevent this.
All-Clad created the initial version of this design, and they owned the patent until it expired. The fact that most significant cookware manufacturers still produce and utilize some variation of this design demonstrates how excellent it is.
Inside the pan, there are a lot of valleys and peaks. This keeps the food cooked consistently and avoids sticking.
The valleys are comprised of nonstick ceramic coatings, while the peaks are made of metal. Additionally, the etching on the pan avoids hot spots, ensuring that all heat is dispersed equally. Additionally, it facilitates sautéing and searing the meal.
In the pans, diamond dust is employed. It is layered in a way that will make it more durable and give the pan a blue sheen. Performance is more important than appearance, but even so, the pan is incredibly fashionable and lovely.
Wide and low sides on the skillet’s base encourage the evaporation of fluids and make moving food simpler.
Where are They Made?
Products for HexClad are currently being created at their Los Angeles office. Then, they bring all items to Asia to produce the pans.
The facility there has the specialized knowledge required by this company to produce the ideal, patented laser etching on the pans. We do not know exactly who the manufacturer is, so it might be China.
Features of Hexclad Cookware
The common features of Hexclad Cookware are described below.
Metal-Utensil Design
The 6-sided, laser-etched hexagonal design of HexClad Hybrid Cookware is unusual and fully safe with an abrasion-resistant nonstick surface.
The pan is made of three layers: magnetic stainless steel on top, aluminum in the middle, and steel on the bottom. This construction allows it to function on any type of burner.
Handles
The size and form of HexClad handles are absolutely perfect. When a pan feels wonderful in your hands, you’ll undoubtedly use it more frequently. It’s the ideal design for comfort.
The handle is robust and rounded but not excessively lengthy, making it ideal for hands of all sizes.
The handle is made entirely of stainless steel and has a base heat choke. This keeps it cool and raises the temperature at which it can safely be baked. In contrast to plastic handles, metal handles will heat up if you do put the pan in the oven. To remove the pan, be sure to put on some sort of glove.
Even when using high heat, the handles have an angled, ergonomic shape and remain cool. Heat transfer is reduced by the pronounced A-shaped space between the riveted connection and the remainder of the handle.
Interior
The HexClad cookware’s inside is the center of attention. Not only does it have a cutting-edge hybrid stainless steel and non-stick design, but it also simply has an unusual appearance compared to what we are used to seeing.
The stainless steel flared rims are ideal for dripping liquid or pouring sauces.
You can see a herringbone pattern of this hybrid design running along the border of the interior, just under the rim.
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 it’s much more.
Each hexagon’s stainless steel edges are elevated, while the non-stick coating is recessed. The non-stick coating below is shielded by the elevated steel, which comes into contact with food and cooking tools first.
Exterior
The exterior of the pan combines the hybrid pattern of the cooking surface with the beauty of stainless steel.
In addition to having a beautiful profile, it is also simpler to clean than a pan with a stainless steel exterior if food or dirt spills on it.
Performance
HexClad ticks all the boxes for the Hexclad cookware that you’re searching for, including quick and even heating, good heat retention, and simplicity of use and cleaning. But it’s not flawless.
To give you a realistic idea of what to anticipate, I’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks of HexClad cookware’s performance in this section.
Versatility
This pan works with ceramic, induction, gas, and electric stoves.
Additionally, it is made to go from the cooktop to an oven with a maximum temperature of 500 °F. The pan is also fashionable enough to use for serving.
Heat Conduction and Retention
The combination of the fully-clad construction and the innovative hybrid surface delivers quick, even heating.
Low, medium, and medium-high temperatures are where the aluminum core excels. You wouldn’t use a pan with high heat for this. In addition to encouraging sticking, using high heat might damage the non-stick surface.
A little heat goes a long way in these pans.
I performed a quick test to evaluate how HexClad stacks up against the opposition in terms of heat conduction.
I filled pans from HexClad, All-Clad, Calphalon, Misen, and several more brands with two cups of cold water.
I then set each pan on a burner of the same size and increased the heat. I wanted to see which pan could boil the water the fastest. Although it was close, the HexClad pan was one of the first to boil. Only Made In, Misen and Anolon pan-boiled water faster than HexClad.
I turn off the heat and set each pan on the counter after it comes to a boil. Water in the HexClad pan had a temperature of 120.7 °F after five minutes and 102.4 °F after ten. HexClad’s heat retention is above average and better than brands like Calphalon, Hestan, and All-Clad.
How to Clean HexClad Cookare?
HexClad Cookware can be cleaned with the hardest of sponges and is safe to use with any metal utensils without worrying about scratches on either side.
Your HexClad cookware is even covered by a lifetime warranty, so if anything prevents you from using it, the pan will be changed.
How long do HexClad pans last?
The lifetime warranty is only valid for issues that affect the pan’s functioning. The only things that HexClad pans do not cover are cosmetic harm, discoloration, or tiny scratches because they have no bearing on how well the pan woks.
With HexClad pans, some discoloration is to be expected; but, if you clean after each use to prevent buildup, the food particles won’t become stuck to the pan’s surface. After the stains have been washed with the abrasive side of a sponge and soaked in soapy water, they should be removed.
Does HexClad Offer Nonstick Cookware Sets?
Yes, you can also purchase nonstick cookware sets from HexClad. If you’re cooking for a large group of people, the 12-inch pan with one lid included in this HexClad Hybrid Nonstick Cookware set is perfect.
Two steaks can be cooked in this pan at once with ease.
The HexClad 8′′ pan is great for cooking individual portions or for cooking vegetables, sauces, and other foods.
Features of HexClad Nonstick Cookware Sets
Below I’m describing the common features of HexClad Nonstick Cookware Sets.
Ideal size
It’s the ideal size for cooking a single chicken breast or eggs. For cooking meats, fish, and homemade sauce, use the 10′′ pans. In order to prevent an overspill, it also features deep sidewalls.
With the exception of the work, each of these pans has a tempered glass lid to prevent shattering. Each cover features a handle that will remain cool throughout usage and steam vents.
These skillets are fantastic and well worth the cost. The drawbacks are that since they are nonstick pans, even if you burn something in them, they will still be easy to wash off. However, they will last for a very long period.
The price of these pans, especially if you buy the entire set, is one drawback. Some users claim that after a few months of use, no matter how much oil or spray you apply, the pans start to cling.
Non-Stick Capability
HexClad pans have nonstick valleys, but the presence of stainless steel can make things tricky. Here are a few things to remember when using this cookware because there will be a learning curve:
- Maintain low to medium heat.
- Before using the pan for the first time and as needed after, season it.
- Use an abrasive sponge to deep clean the area occasionally.
For optimal results, use at least a tablespoon of a high smoke point oil.
The non-stick troughs reduce stickiness but do not entirely eliminate it. As you can see below, eggs will adhere to the pan unless you grease it enough and fry them on medium heat.
Standard non-stick pans provide better release, but HexClad’s hybrid pan performs better than stainless steel alone when it comes to non-stick properties.
If you see food buildup, cooking sprays in aerosol form could be to blame. Swap them out for normal oil. Consider an oil sprayer and your preferred cooking oil if you appreciate the control that cooking spray provides.
HexClad pots and pans function well overall. A fantastic all-purpose option that complements your cooktop is HexClad cookware. Although it is not a specialty pan, it is adaptable.
Oven Compatibility
Yes. Around 390 °F, PTFE starts to break down, but it doesn’t start to release harmful gases until it reaches about 590 °F.
Thus, the majority of PTFE cookware can be used in an oven up to 500 °F. However, you should pause before putting your nonstick (or HexClad) pan in a heat source this intensely because PTFE is severely damaged by extreme heat. So, your frying pan is oven safe!
Dishwasher Safe?
Nevertheless, we advise washing by hand. The stainless lattice is unable to shield nonstick coatings from the harsh abrasives in dishwashing soap, which are bad for them.
All of your nonstick pans or better to say nonstick cookware should always be hand-washed.
Price Analysis: HexClad Cookware
Although HexClad has several advantages, some people find the cost to be a considerable deterrent. I’ve tested and reviewed dozens of cookware brands, and this is one of the more expensive ones I’ve encountered.
It is equivalent to and occasionally more expensive than high-end cookware manufacturers like All-Clad and Mauviel. It is much more expensive than practically all other non-stick alternatives available.
Even while the cookware will last longer thanks to the hybrid strategy of covering the non-stick layer with stainless steel, it will eventually deteriorate.
It’s still a sizable commitment, even if you finance your purchase and pay over time through Bread, HexClad’s payment plan partner. The price varies from $40-899.
Downsides of HexClad Utensils
Even though the hybrid method of coating the non-stick layer with stainless steel can help the cookware endure longer, it will eventually degrade.
Even if you finance your purchase and pay over time through Bread, HexClad’s payment plan partner, it’s still a sizeable commitment.
Food sticks are the second-most common issue cited by home cooks. The stainless steel component is to blame for the sticking. To achieve the finest results, you must maintain the pan very clean and avoid using high heat. To put it simply, handle it like stainless steel.
Discoloration: HexClad’s steel component becomes stained and needs to be thoroughly scrubbed, just like ordinary stainless steel cookware. The main offenders are little food particles and burned oil. If that occurs, use these techniques to fix your pan.
Not the best option for searing: This is not the best option for searing. You’ll need cast iron or stainless steel for it. But for searing, it’s superior to conventional non-stick. Meat that is fully flat on the cooking surface, enabling the crust to form, is optimal for searing. However, the combination of stainless steel and non-stick coating prevents it from occurring completely.
Heavy: It weighs four pounds, which some people may find heavy for a 12-inch fry pan. For contrast, a 12-inch Scanpan Non-Stick Fry Pan weighs little over three pounds, while a 12.5-inch Hestan Stainless Steel Skillet weighs three pounds and eight ounces.
Unknown track record: HexClad is still an unproven brand at the end of the day. It makes brash claims regarding sturdiness, but only time will be able to confirm their veracity. You’ll be able to determine in a few years whether this novel hybrid architecture is as practical as it seems.
HexClad Pans
HexClad 12″ Wok
This is the ideal pan for you if you enjoy eating or making stir-fries! On this pan, you may cook a pound of chicken or pork or around twelve ounces of beef or lamb.
The wok has been enjoyed by many customers since it distributes heat more evenly than any other wok.
It produces the ideal char and deep browning for them!
It heats up more quickly than any other pan they have tried and is truly nonstick. It shares the same attributes as pans.
There are some drawbacks to this product. You will wind up spending more money over time if you try to buy just the 12″ wok rather than the entire set. The full collection can be purchased for a better price.
Additionally, only this one pan comes with a lid, whereas the others do. Additionally, this pan is a bit on the expensive side. The lifetime warranty on this pan, though, means that you shouldn’t ever need to replace it.
HexClad Saute Pan
Eggs fry beautifully with this pan! Many customers have remarked that theirs glides straight off the pan when scrambled or cooked on medium to low heat.
In order to preserve the condition of the other cookware, it is nonstick not only on the inside but also on the outside.
Cons of this product include the fact that it has all the functionality of other pans and is compact enough to try HexClad if you’ve never used it before.
A vented glass lid is additionally included. This is advantageous because the wok does not include this as part of the kit or separately.
The whole set is the only way to get a better value on this, though. Additionally, it’s not ideal for preparing larger meals and will occasionally require seasoning to keep it from sticking.
What’s included:
- 12-inch pan
- 10-inch pan
- 8-inch pan
- 12-inch wok
- 2-quart pot
- 3-quart pot
- 8-quart pot
- 6 lids
Among the pros of the HexClad cookware are: induction, gas, electric, and ceramic cooktops are all compatible with these pots and pans.
This cookware is stainless steel and non-stick. To ensure consistent and equal heating, it has a tri-ply design with an aluminum core. It is guaranteed for life, and it is also washing machine safe.
Cons:
According to several customers, the pans quickly lose their non-stick coating.
What is it Best For?
Both a salmon fillet and a batch of scrambled eggs can be prepared in the same pan. One HexClad pan can do all the cooking for two dishes, eliminating the need for several pans.
However, it could be better to think about using alternative cookware if you wish to cook at greater temperatures. If you are not careful, HexClad products can result in polymer fume fever. It is recommended to keep dogs away from the area where you are cooking because the vapors are potentially hazardous to them as well.
Additionally, you must be careful because if you suddenly expose the glass lids to a very hot temperature, they may shatter and break.
Although it is designed to allow you to peek inside at first, as it heats up, the glass fogs up, and you are unable to see anything. For this set, a different kind of lid would have been preferable.
Do HexClad Pans Scratch?
Yes, a diamond can get scratched but not as metal utensils, though. Sharp utensils may leave a scratch, although metal spoons, whisks, and other tools are acceptable. If this occurs, it will just be cosmetic and have no impact on the cookware’s functionality or safety.
So, are HexClad pans priced reasonably? Should you buy a stainless steel pan? Which frying pan is better?
If you want a brand-new set of cookware, this would be ideal for you because other people claim that it is more cost-effective to get the entire set rather than each individual pan.
However, they advise the saute pan if you just want to test out one pan because it comes with a vented glass lid, whereas the wok does not.
You might want to consider the wok and saute pan if you decide that you don’t need or want the entire set and simply want a single pan, regardless of cost. Customers have been quite happy with the saute pan and 12″ wok.
Drawbacks of HexClad Pans
Although the majority of reviews are favorable, it appears that some of these pans may not be as nonstick as the product description claims. Having pans devoid of PFOA is particularly advantageous because it is present in the majority of well-known nonstick pan brands.
There is no getting around the fact that PFTE is present in 95% of all pans. If you cook at a temperature below 500 degrees Fahrenheit, it will remain dormant.
A huge draw for everyone is the lifetime warranty. You won’t need to keep placing new orders for them, and if you do, the warranty will cover it. These pans, however, are made to last a lifetime and shouldn’t require replacement.
Even though most reviews are positive, it seems that some of these pans might not be as nonstick as the product description suggests.
Since PFOA is found in the majority of well-known nonstick pan manufacturers, having pans without it is especially useful. The fact that PFTE is found in 95% of all pans cannot be avoided. It will stay dormant if you cook at a temperature lower than 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Warranty of HexClad Pans
The lifetime warranty is a significant selling point for everyone. They won’t need to be ordered over and over again, and if they do, the guarantee will cover it. However, these pans are built to last a lifetime and shouldn’t need to be replaced.
Along with offering you excellent results, the stainless steel peaks prevent the pan from peeling and flaking like most other kinds.
These can be handled with a metal spatula, tongs, or silverware without worrying about damaging the coating.
Only a small minority of customers—and only after extensive usage of the product—have ever complained about their pans getting scratched. Therefore, you can be sure that your item’s cosmetics will continue to sparkle just as they did when you initially purchased it.
Final words
The benefits of using these kinds of pans far outweigh the drawbacks. It is a nonstick pan with few dangerous chemicals, has a reasonable price for a large cookware set, and is long-lasting. With these pans, you can cook anything from vegetables to steak.
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