Hexclad Cookware Review: Is it Worth The Hype?

Hexclad vows to provide hybrid cookware that can deliver promising performance for every cook with no exception. In this in-depth Hexclad review, I will cover in detail what makes this brand a favorite among experts and whether or not it is worth the hype.

Quick Summary

What is Hexclad

Hexclad is one of the most hyped brands that was founded in 2016 by Daniel Winer. It was the first company to produce hybrid cookware that combines nonstick and stainless steel together to create robust surfaces with a nonstick property.

This American-based company develops and designs all of its products in the U.S however, it has a collaboration with multiple manufacturing partners who are specialized in the laser etching process within Asia (mainly Korea and China).

Pros of Hexclad Cookware

• Hybrid cookware. The unique hexagonal design mix the durability and resistance of stainless steel with the smooth quality of nonstick to create reliable nonstick cookware that can withstand the heavy use and demands of busy kitchens.
• Great heat performance. Hexclad cookware provides superb heat control while ensuring a fast and even distribution throughout the surface to cook food perfectly.
• Robust and highly resistant surface. The laser etching process creates a protective layer that can withstand the test of time while allowing the use of metal utensils. This final stainless steel layer act as a shield to protect the pans from flaking and peeling, hence you can expect a long-lasting nonstick performance for years to come.

Cons of Hexclad Cookware

• A bit heavy. Hexclad pots and pans are a bit heavier compared to other nonstick cookware making them a bit uncomfortable for the average person who is used to the normal nonstick pans. But, not to the extent that you can’t carry it with one hand.
• Discoloration. Undeniably, discoloration may start to happen on the sides after a few uses, which can be a bit of a struggle and tiresome to remove. The good news is that discoloration does not affect the performance or risk your health at all. It is only a matter of cookware appearance.
• Separated glass lids. Hexclad cookware are a bit pricier than your ordinary cookware yet, they only provide lids for their sets. So, If you are planning to buy individual pieces then you will most likely have to pay extra for the lids.
• Small vent hole. The glass lids are designed with a vent hole that serves to release pressure. This can be handy in some situations but, it can get in the way of steaming some recipes.

What Makes Hexclad a Top Brand

Hexclad is one of the few hybrid cookware brands and probably the only one attempting to craft surfaces by combining stainless steel and nonstick materials. But, that’s not the only thing that makes this brand earn its high reputation. Without further ado, here are the top six unique features of Hexclad cookware:

Hybrid Cookware Construction

Hexclad uses a 3-ply construction with a hexagonal design to produce hybrid cookware that can offer the quick heat performance of commercial-grade aluminum, the resistance and durability of high-grade stainless steel, and the smooth property of nonstick.

This hybrid technology consists of an aluminum core that’s covered first with a layer of nonstick coating made from ceramic, then a laser-etched stainless steel layer that’s made up of hundreds of tiny hexagons to protect the nonstick surface while allowing the use of metal utensils and dishwashers.

Great Design

When it comes to cookware design, Hexclad prefers to go for shallow sides with wide surfaces and grooved lip design. The reason being is that the wide surface gives you extra space to cook more food at once, the shallow sides provide great evaporation which helps you get that nice brown look on your food, while the grooved lip facilitates drip-free pouring.

Aside from that, Hexclad also adds a magnetic base to its design to ensure great compatibility and versatility for its pots and pans to work on gas stoves as well as induction cooktops without losing any of their qualities.

Lastly, this company does a better job compared to many brands when it comes to crafting lids. It focuses on crafting high-quality glass lids with a vent hole to help reduce the boil-overs and release the pressure. But personally, I’m not a big fan of vent holes since they can get in the way of perfectly steaming certain recipes.

Unique Surface

This brand produces non-toxic cookware with superior nonstick performance. The laser-etching process guarantees a durable nonstick surface that’s made entirely from ceramic coating free from any harmful chemicals.

The stainless steel layer as I have explained above will protect the coating giving it the ability to withstand the test of time as well as dishwashers. However, in most cases, you wouldn’t end up needing to use the dishwasher considering how easy food comes out when handwashing.

Comfortable Handles

Hexclad is quite simplistic when it comes to designing the handles. It simply crafts long stainless steel handles attached with high-quality steel rivets to provide a secure, comfortable grip. This brand doesn’t add any great stay-cool feature, it designs one open area at the end of the handles to help disperse the heat to keep them as cold as possible for a safe hold.

Collections

Hexclad aims to master its hybrid construction to achieve perfection for its cookware, that’s why it features only one collection that’s divided into different individual pieces and several sets.

For the individual pieces, Hexclad offers:

• Sauté Pan
• Griddle Pan
• Woks
• Frying Pan
• Pot

All pieces are crafted in different sizes to suit your needs. However, most of them come with no covers while very few pieces are sold together with their glass lids.

As for the cookware sets, this brand provides:

• 2-Piece Set
• 3-Piece Set
• 6-Piece Set
• 7-Piece Set
• 13-Piece Set

Reasonable Price

Hexclad is leaning more toward providing superb hybrid cookware at reasonable prices. While this brand is definitely not offering one of the most inexpensive cookware, its pots and pans are still undeniably within the reach of the average cook. For a better understanding of the cost, here are some examples of Hexclad individuals pieces and cookware sets prices:

1. 8-inch Hybrid Pan: $90
2. 1-QT Hybrid Pot With Lid: $110
3. 12-inch Hybrid Griddle Pan: $140
4. 12-Inch Hybrid Wok: $170
5. 7-QT Hybrid Sauté Pan With Lid: $200
6. Hexclad Stainless Steel 6-Piece Cookware Set: $330
7. Hexclad Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set: $400
8. Hexclad Stainless Steel 13-Piece Cookware Set: $700

Hexclad Alternatives

There are few brands that are currently competing with Hexclad in the mid-range and high-end range as well, for instance:

All-Clad

All-Clad is probably the top direct competitor for Hexclad. While it doesn’t produce any hybrid products, it is still dominating the market with its fully bonded cookware. This brand is recognized as the master of stainless steel cookware creation.

All-Clad cookware can easily cater to the demands of busy kitchens which made it the number one go-to brand for most chefs. I have made a detailed comparison between All-Clad and Hexclad where I have covered the nitty-gritty of these two brands.

Scanpan

Scanpan shares the same concept as Hexclad when it comes to improving the durability of nonstick cookware. However, it follows a completely different construction method with unique systems than a hybrid one.

Scanpan combines recycled aluminum with its developed unique technology “STRATANIUM” that enhances durability to its highest level possible to produce robust cookware with nonstick surfaces. You can expect long-lasting environmentally friendly cookware from this brand, check this Scanpan vs Hexclad article for more in-depth information about their differences and similarities.

Misen

Misen is a new rising brand that focuses on expanding its collections to satisfy the various needs of home cooks without breaking the budget. Most of its pots and pans are under $100, however, they are not lifetime products. Read this Misen vs Hexclad comparison for more information about their unique features and the pros & cons of each brand.

Hexclad Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hexclad made in China?

Hexclad is an American company. While most of its pans and pots are designed in the U.S, they are still manufactured in both China and Korea by its partners.

What is special about Hexclad?

What makes Hexclad special is its unique hexagonal design that’s allow its cookware to obtain the features of three materials combined. The superb heat performance of aluminum, the smooth property of nonstick, and finally the high resistance as well as durability of stainless steel.

You can expect superior nonstick cookware that is robust enough to withstand higher temperature degrees, metal utensils, and dishwashers with ease. On top of that, with proper care, Hexclad cookware can last for a lifetime.

Is Hexclad good for induction?

Hexclad pans are designed with an extra magnetic layer for the base (high-grade ferritic 430) to improve the compatibility of the cookware to work on induction cooktops or any other heat sources while maintaining the same quality performance.

Where can you buy Hexclad cookware?

You can buy Hexclad cookware either from your local stores or directly from their website (Hexclad.com) or simply on Amazon (like this one).

Is Hexclad Cookware Safe?

Hexclad does not disclose any information related to the nature of its nonstick or the pretreatment process. However, all of its cookware features a PTFE nonstick layer free from PFOA or any harmful chemicals. Every piece is considered to be non-toxic cookware and safe to cook with.

Hexclad Cookware Comparison

Hexclad Cookware Review: The Final Verdict

Hexlcad is definitely worth the hype. Its hybrid pots and pans can deliver superior nonstick performance with great stainless steel durability that can withstand the test of time and the heavy use of the most demanding kitchens.