16 Pros and Cons of HexClad Cookware: Is it Worth It?

If you’re in the market for new cookware, you may have come across HexClad cookware. This unique cookware is made with a patented process that creates a hexagon design on tri-ply stainless steel and aluminum surface. The hexagon design of peaks and valleys creates a durable and hybrid nonstick and stainless steel surface.

But is HexClad the right choice for your kitchen?

I was looking to make an educated decision on whether or not to buy this $700 cookware set, So I decided to test it out by buying the 12″ HexClad pan and doing some research on the pros and cons of HexClad cookware.

Here are some pros and cons of HexClad cookware to help you decide. Let’s start with the pros of HexClad.

Pros of HexClad Cookware

1. Durable Construction

The construction of Hexclad Cookware is designed to make durable, long-lasting pans. The first and third layer consists of stainless steel, while aluminum is between them.

This construction makes it difficult for the pan to warp or develop hotspots. The pan’s exterior and interior surfaces have a patented hexagon design, which makes it nonstick and resistant to scratching. The ceramic nonstick coating is infused with diamond dust for extra toughness.

The moment I took out the pan from the box, I could feel the solidity and weight of the pan.

2. Unique Design

The first thing you’ll notice about HexClad cookware is the unique hexagon design on the surface. This design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also serves a purpose. It protects the nonstick surface and allows for even heat distribution and browning of food.

The peaks of the laser-etched hexagon design on Hexclad cookware are stainless steel. The valleys are made of ceramic nonstick. 

3. Nonstick is Non-Toxic

Another Pro of Hexclad cookware is that the exterior and interior of this pan are made from the highest-grade Japanese ceramic, which has been infused with diamond dust to increase durability. This design delivers consistent and even heating so you can enjoy a nice-sized meal on your terms!

4. Stay Cool Handle Design

The handles on Hexclad cookware are designed to stay cool while cooking. The handles are made of stainless steel and are riveted to the pan.

So if you are cooking on the stovetop, you don’t have to use the oven mitts. But if you pop it in the oven, the handles will become hot, so be careful and use oven mitts.

The handles are also ergonomically designed, so they are comfortable to hold in big or small hands.

5. Heat Conduction and Retention

I boiled one cup of water in HexClad, All-Clad, and Calphalon.

The HexClad pan boiled water the fastest out of all three. It only took about a minute and 15 seconds to boil water, which is shorter than both Calphalon’s 1 minute and 20 seconds or All-Clad’s 1 minute and 27 seconds.

After the boiling test, I removed the pans from the stove, set them on the counter, and allowed them to cool for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes had passed, I used an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the water.

The water in HexClad had a temperature of 102.3 degrees Fahrenheit, while All-Clad and Calphalon were both around 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, if you’re looking for a pan that will heat up quickly and retain heat well, HexClad is a good option.

6. Oven Safe

Hexclad cookware is oven-safe up to 500°F. So if you want to finish cooking your meal in the oven, you can put the pan right in.

7. Dishwasher Safe

Hexclad cookware is dishwasher-safe. So if you don’t feel like hand washing, you can just put it in the dishwasher.

8. Induction Safe

Hexclad cookware is induction safe. So if you have an induction stovetop, you can use Hexclad cookware.

9. Metal Utensil Safe

HexClad is the only nonstick that can safely be used with metal utensils. The patented design of the HexClad allows you to use metal utensils without damaging the nonstick surface.

10. Lifetime Warranty

Hexclad offers a lifetime warranty on its cookware. So if you have any issues with your Hexclad cookware, you can contact them, and they will help you out.

However, damage from improper use, like excessive heat, abuse, neglect, improper storage, misuse of sharp utensils, lack of seasoning or improper cleaning, is not covered under warranty.

Cons of HexClad Cookware

1. Higher Price Point

HexClad is one of the more expensive brands I’ve encountered in my research. It has many benefits, but this price point may be a major sticking point for some people on tight budgets or who cannot afford to spend too much money at once when it comes down primarily to cooking food with pots and pans.

I found that there were several cheaper alternatives available if you’re looking into nonstick coatings.

2. Discoloration

After a week of use, the HexClad skillet had already started to show some minor staining and discoloration around the edges. Although It stated on the HexClad website that cosmetic blemishes and other changes in appearance might appear over time with regular use, this was something that I noticed fairly quickly.

If you prefer your cookware to look pristine, you will need some elbow grease to keep this one looking good.

3. Nonstick Performance

While the nonstick surface of the HexClad pan performed well overall, there were a few areas where it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

For example, fried eggs tended to stick to the pan more than I would have liked.

I found I could avoid this sticky situation by

• Seasoning.
• Using some oil.
• Keeping the heat low or medium.
• Keeping the surface clean.

4. Handle Rivets

The rivets holding the handles onto the pans are another potential concern. It is hard to clean the grease and gunk that gets trapped around the rivets.

5. Fairly new brand

I would consider this a con simply because the brand is still fairly new. This means that there aren’t as many reviews available for their products.

While they have a lifetime warranty, I don’t know how well that would actually hold up in practice since the company is still fairly new.

HexClad is up against some known leaders with proven track records, like All-Clad. They are doing aggressive marketing, but only time will tell if they can actually compete with the established brands.

6. Limited Product Offerings

There is a 13pc set available, but Hexclad doesn’t offer a lot of other variations or sizes when it comes to their cookware products.

You can also get HexClad 6 Piece Hybrid Nonstick Pans Set if you have small family then.

Woks are also available in 3 sizes, but that’s about it as far as cookware product offerings go.

This may not be a big deal for some people, but if you’re someone who likes to have a lot of options, this could be a turn off.

What Others are Saying

Gordon Ramsey uses HexClad at home and calls it Rolls Royce of Pans.

Good Housekeeping has included Hexclad 12″ Wok in the best 5 in 2022

and state that this wok is versatile and made of stainless steel with a nonstick hexagon design and heats quickly.

CNN underscored has included HexClad 10” pan in the list of best nonstick pans of 2022.

The Bottom Line

Hexclad cookware has many great features, but there are also some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before making a purchase. The price point may be too high for some people, and the brand is still fairly new, so there aren’t as many reviews available. Additionally, the product offerings are somewhat limited compared to other brands.

Standard nonstick pans let food slide off easily compared to HexClad’s hybrid pan, but between HexClad and Stainless Steel pans, HexClad’s nonstick is better.

But at the end of the day, it’s PTFE nonstick, which eventually wears off.

However, looking past these potential cons, Hexclad cookware could be a great option for your cooking needs. For me, I decided to go with regular multi-clad cookware and a standard nonstick for my delicate food.

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