Hexclad and Scanpan use different methods with unique technologies to construct their cookware. Scanpan relies on recycled aluminum while Hexclad focuses on hybrid designs.
Both brands offer various cookware that targets different types of consumers. Thus, in this Hexclad vs Scanpan comparison, I will cover in detail the similarities and differences between these two brands and that including their pros and cons, and which one is superior in terms of durability, performance, price, and design.
Introducing Scanpan
Scandinavian Pan or “Scanpan” for short was the first Danish company to create environmentally friendly nonstick cookware. Every piece is constructed via recycled aluminum (soda or beer cans) under strict standards to reduce the carbon footprint which secures healthy, safe cooking.
Scanpan earned its reputation thanks to its patented PFOS/PFOA-free nonstick coating system known as “STRATANIUM” where hard particles and wave-like layers interlock to reinforce the nonstick layer resulting in a durable surface that can withstand the use of metal utensils without sacrificing the performance.
Having said that, this brand has managed to achieve an upgraded tested version “STRATANIUM+” where it improves the durability 50% more compared to the previous one.
Pros of Scanpan cookware
- Environmentally friendly cookware. All of the products are made entirely from recycled aluminum (mainly beer and soda cans) to save great amounts of waste and energy.
- Safe nonstick coating. Scanpan uses both STRATANIUM and STRATANIUM+ systems to craft easy-release interiors that can handle the most delicate food effortlessly while securing long-lasting nonstick performance.
- Robust cookware. The construction method this brand uses with recycled aluminum results in durable yet safe cookware that can deliver the best nonstick performance with even heat distribution to perfectly cook your meals.
- Excellent heat tolerance. Scanpan pots and pans are oven-safe and can tolerate up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit which is what we normally see in the high-end category only.
Cons of Scanpan cookware
- Short lifespan. This brand’s products are known for their amazing endurance. However, like most nonstick cookware, Scanpan’s pans are prone to wear out. You can expect a great performance that would last for more than 5 years if properly taken care of.
- Expensive. Next to All-Clad’s cookware, Scanpan’s collections are a little bit more expensive than the average pans or pots on the market. The lowest-priced cookware set this company offer is around $300 to $400 while the pricey ones exceed $700.
- Separated lids. Scanpan offers Individual pieces and sets without lids. You have to buy them separately which would cost between $30 and $43 depending on the size.
RELATED: Best Cookware Sets Under $200
Introducing Hexclad
Hexclad was established by Daniel Winer in 2016. It was the first American company to invent the hexagonal design where it combines nonstick technology with clad stainless steel to produce hybrid cookware.
Hexclad develops and designs its cookware in the U.S however, it has a collaboration with several manufacturing partners who are specialized in the laser etching process within Asia, mainly in Korea and China.
Pros of Hexclad cookware
- Hybrid cookware. The unique hexagonal design combines the smooth quality of nonstick with the performance and durability of stainless steel.
- Durable surface. The laser etching process creates a protective layer from stainless steel that can withstand the test of time and the use of metal utensils during cooking. The stainless steel layer shields the cookware from flaking and peeling, therefore you can expect to enjoy a long-lasting nonstick performance for years.
- Great performance. Hexclad induction cookware offers superb heat control with quick, even distribution to cook food perfectly on all types of cooktops.
Cons of Hexclad cookware
- Discoloration. After a couple of uses, you may notice discoloration on the sides which can be a bit difficult and tiresome to clean. However, this is only a matter of cookware appearance since the discoloration does not affect the performance at all.
- A bit heavy. Due to the Tri-ply construction, Hexclad pots and pans are a bit heavier compared to other nonstick brands. The weight makes them a little bit uncomfortable to carry for the average person.
- Vent hole. The lids are designed with a vent hole that helps to release pressure. But, it can get in the way of steaming some recipes.
- Separated lids. Individual Hexclad pieces come without lids. You have to purchase them separately which would cost between $30 and $50 depending on the size.
Hexclad vs Scanpan: Differences and Similarities
Both brands meet and differ in certain points such as material, construction methods, design, price, etc. Identifying the key points between Scanpan and Hexclad in every aspect can help you tremendously in making the right decision.
That being said, here are the five main distinctions between these two brands that you need to know.
Material and Construction
Hexclad uses a Tri-ply construction with its hexagonal design to produce hybrid pans and pots that can provide the superb performance and durability of high-grade stainless steel with a nonstick feature.
The hybrid technology involves an aluminum core that’s covered entirely with a layer of safe nonstick coating made up from ceramic, then a protective laser-etched stainless steel layer that’s consists of loads of tiny hexagons.
The aluminum provides quick, even heating whereas ceramic coating offers the smooth nonstick feature for easy cooking and cleaning.
The final hexagonal layer improves durability allowing the use of metal utensils and dishwashers. It also acts as a shield to protect the ceramic coating from any possible damage.
Scanpan on the other hand focuses on obtaining the required aluminum for its cookware construction through recycling beer and soda cans under certain standards. It produces safe, stronger nonstick cookware by combining the obtained aluminum with its unique coating system “STRATANIUM or STRATANIUM+”.
Scanpan cookware lines are divided into two constructions: “squeeze cast aluminum” where the STRATANIUM is used to create the smooth interior and a “5-ply stainless steel-clad” construction where the STRATANIUM+ is applied instead to craft a commercial-grade nonstick surface.
Cooking Surface
Scanpan as I have mentioned in Anolon vs Scanpan comparison uses its flagship surfaces STRATANIUM and STRATANIUM+ to enhance the durability of its cookware while maintaining superior nonstick performance to enjoy exceptional searing, smooth cooking, and easy cleaning.
Hexclad on the other side offers robust pots and pans with great nonstick quality. The laser-etching process creates a durable nonstick surface that’s made completely from ceramic coating free from any toxic chemicals.
The surface is dishwasher-safe and can withstand the use of metal utensils without any issue thanks to the hexagon layer that boosts the cookware’s durability to an extent that exceeds the level Scanpan had reached. Although, most of the time you would probably end up handwashing your pans considering how easy food comes out.
RELATED: Best Cookware for Glass Top Stoves
Design
Scanpan prefers a simple design that can add or raise the qualities of its collections. For example, when it comes to heat tolerance, lids and handles are usually the weakest parts of cookware which can get in the way of baking certain recipes. However, in Scanpan’s case, both handles and lids are designed to withstand higher temperature degrees giving you the versatility to bake a variety of recipes that require or surpass 450 degrees Fahrenheit in your oven.
Hexclad leans more towards designing cookware with wide surfaces, shallow sides, and grooved lip design. The shallow sides offer great evaporation which helps you get that satisfying brown look on your food, while the grooved lip makes it easy for drip-free pouring.
Unfortunately, both Scanpan and Hexclad offer individual pieces without lids. Both brands provide glass lids that can be bought separately for around $30 to $50. That being said, unlike Scanpan, Hexclad designs lids with a vent hole to help release some of the pressure and reduce the boil-overs. This extra feature provides some benefits however, as I have mentioned before, it can get in the way of steaming your food perfectly.
Handle
Scanpan crafts different types of handles depending on the shapes of its cookware. The handles are designed to improve certain features that could solve some of the common handling issues.
Based on the cookware model, Scanpan designs either bakelite handles or long, ergonomic stainless steel handles that are connected firmly to a rivetless locking system.
Hexclad contrarily doesn’t add any great stay-cool hand grips for their cookware. It is quite simplistic when it comes to the handles.
It designs long stainless steel handles secured with high-quality steel rivets to slow down the heat and to provide better comfort, safe grip. Thanks to this design, the handle’s temperature will mostly remain around 75 degrees regardless of the cookware temperature.
Unfortunately, both brands don’t add any helper handles for the bigger size products.
Price
Both companies offer cookware sets that exceed $300. However, some of Scanpan’s high-end collections can get up to $1000 while Hexclad is limited to $700. So, it is safe to say that Scanpan is more expensive compared to Hexclad.
For a better understanding of the cost, here are some examples of Scanpan and Hexclad cookware prices:
- Hexclad Stainless Steel 6-Piece Cookware Set: $330
- Hexclad Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set: $400
- Hexclad Stainless Steel 13-Piece Cookware Set: $700
- Scanpan Classic 11-piece Cookware Set: $450
- Scanpan Professional 10-piece Cookware Set: $650
- Scanpan Pro IQ 9-piece Cookware Set: $700
- Scanpan CTX 10-piece Cookware Set: $700
- Scanpan HaptIQ 10-piece Cookware Set: $800
- Scanpan CS+ 10-piece Cookware Set: $1000
Scanpan vs Hexclad: Cookware Sets Comparison
Cookware Brand | Cookware Set | Cooking Surface | Core Type | Induction Compatibility | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hexclad Cookware Set |  | Mixture of stainless steel and ceramic nonstick | Aluminum | Yes | |
Hexclad Hybrid Cookware Set |  | Mixture of stainless steel and ceramic nonstick | Aluminum | Yes | |
Hexclad Hybrid Wok Pan |  | Mixture of stainless steel and ceramic nonstick | Aluminum | Yes | |
Scanpan Classic Cookware Set |  | STRATANIUM | Aluminum | Yes | |
Scanpan Professional Cookware Set |  | STRATANIUM | Aluminum | Yes | |
Scanpan CTX Cookware Set |  | STRATANIUM+ | Heavy-gauge aluminum | Yes | |
Scanpan HaptIQ Cookware Set |  | STRATANIUM+ | Heavy-gauge aluminum | Yes |
The Final Verdict
The key difference between Hexclad and Scanpan is that Hexclad offers hybrid cookware that can deliver high nonstick performance with outstanding stainless steel durability, while Scanpan focuses on producing environmentally friendly cookware that can deliver superior nonstick quality with great heat tolerance.
If you are looking for robust nonstick cookware that could deliver the best cooking performance with great endurance, then I highly recommend choosing one of Scanpan’s collections. However, if you are looking for a hybrid set that could last for decades or even a lifetime with amazing nonstick performance then go for Hexclad.