HexClad’s signature technology for the cooking surface of their cookware is a laser-etched, raised stainless steel hexagon design with a high-grade non-toxic Japanese coating infused with diamond cut filling the valleys. Additionally, their products use a layer of magnetic stainless steel for the base with an aluminum core—which allows you to sear your favorite foods without worrying about damaging the inset layer.
Overview: HexClad Cookware
HexClad Cookware is a Los Angeles-based cookware company that was launched by Daniel Winer and Cole Mecray in 2016. While their products are designed at their headquarters in LA, HexClad cookware is manufactured in Asia, mainly in China and Korea. The brand is known for its innovative hybrid design that combines both clad stainless steel and non stick technology. HexClad’s claim to fame is that their patented cookware products provide the benefits of stainless steel, cast iron and non stick pans all in one. HexClad’s signature technology for the cooking surface of their cookware is a laser-etched, raised stainless steel hexagon design with a high-grade non-toxic Japanese coating infused with diamond cut filling the valleys. Additionally, their products use a layer of magnetic stainless steel for the base with an aluminum core.
The first cookware line to fuse PFOA-free non stick with stainless steel, HexClad’s innovative design features laser etched stainless steel in honeycomb shapes that allows for high surface heat conductivity while protecting the non stick surface inside the shapes from metal utensils. This innovative design allows you to sear your favorite foods without worrying about damaging the inset layer. Like most stainless steel cookware, HexClad features an aluminum core which is an excellent conductor of heat. However, a HexClad pan is a bit heavier than the average non stick or stainless steel pan. The cookware brand additionally offers a full line of cookware from pots and pans to woks, knives, tools and accessories.
Ideal For:
- People looking for a pan that will release food as well as traditional non stick cookware, but will pan-sear meats, fish and vegetables better
- Those in search of pots and pans sets with lids and woks that use HexClad non stick hybrid technology for more versatility and durability than traditional non stick
- Ideal choice for avid chefs or home cooks who are particularly rough on their cookware causing it to break down quickly
Considerations:
- If non stick is your preferred material for daily cooking, a HexClad pan will save you from having to replace your pan as often
- HexClad fry pans may perform better than traditional non stick skillets, but they won’t replace a stainless pan when it comes to searing your favorite foods
- While HexClad’s cookware is free of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an alternative compound used in non-stick cookware coatings, they do use polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
HexClad Cookware Report
We consolidated verified reviews from existing HexClad customers – here’s how they rated the brands product categories
Non Stick Cookware
Avg. Customer Rating
Bakeware
Avg. Customer Rating
Kitchen Accessories
Avg. Customer Rating
HexClad Hybrid Cookware Set
Includes
- 8-Inch Frying Pan
- 10-Inch Frying Pan
- 2-Quart Saucepan with Lid
- 3-Quart Saucier with Lid
- 8-Quart Stockpot with Lid
- Glass Lids for all pans
Noteworthy Awards & Accolades
Despite being a newer brand, HexClad has received wide recognition for its innovation and performance winning awards from CNN, Esquire, Bustle and Buy Sid from The Wall Street Journal. What’s more, HexClad is backed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay who calls the brand “the Rolls Royce of pans” and claims to use it at home as well as outfit The Gordon Ramsay Academy with HexClad cookware.
- HexClad’s 10-Inch Hybrid Pan is one of CNN’s Best Non Stick Pans of 2022
- HexClad 1 of Esquire’s 12 Best Cookware Brands Worth Investing In for 2022
- Bustle’s 2022 Choice for The Overall Best Pan For Oil-Free Cooking
- HexClad’s 13-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set Buy Side from WSJ’s Best Non Stick Cookware Set in 2022
Pricing + Affordability:
Hexclad pans are designed for cooking convenience, ease of cleaning, and durability at a good value; it’s not a budget option but more affordable than a luxury cookware set. On the one hand, HexClad is reasonably priced compared to high-end clad stainless steel cookware. However, because the pans have a non stick component, comparing the cost to other non stick brands is more relative. With this perspective, HexClad is expensive for non stick comparatively, especially for pans that are made in Asia; it’s more costly than most Chinese-made brands of clad stainless cookware. If you’re on a budget and looking for long-lasting cookware, stainless steel is a better option, and if you’re looking for a good quality non stick pan, you can find one at a much lower price. However, if you love the hybrid pan design and versatility for home cooking, then HexClad might be a good choice.
Product Performance
HexClad offers a full line of cookware that combines the performance of stainless steel, cast iron’s durability, and non stick’s convenience. Their cookware products are known for excellent heating performance as the combination of the fully-clad construction and the innovative hybrid cooking surface delivers quick, even heating. HexClad’s cookware can be used on a range of cook surfaces, including gas, electric, ceramic, and induction ranges, and they are designed to go from cooktop to a max temperature of 500°F in the oven. While HexClad products release food as well as traditional non stick cookware, they don’t sear as well as stainless steel cookware. HexClad’s pans perform best at low to medium-high, but not they are not designed for high temperatures, which will cause food to stick and can degrade the non stick surface.
Product Durability
Hexclad makes a full line of cookware marketed as dishwasher safe and the brand touts its durability as a significant benefit. The stainless lattice design makes HexClad’s cookware more durable than other non stick products; however, it also makes them less non stick, so you have to use cooking oil or butter to avoid sticking. The brand’s 3-ply fully-clad construction offers a sturdy, high-quality feel. However, as it is a newer brand, and with most non stick cookware having a shorter lifespan than alternatives like stainless steel, only time will tell how long the cookware will hold up with proper care and maintenance.
Product Ease of Use
HexClad’s cookware products were designed with ease of use in mind. When used correctly (like most fine cookware, HexClad should be seasoned before its first use, or if you prefer, with every use), the skillets are designed to work well for everything from scrambling eggs to flipping meats. The aluminum core with stainless steel layer works on all cooktops and heats quickly and evenly, while the non stick surface is designed to last longer than competitors. The stay-cool handles are easy to wield on the range, though the weight of the cookware is heavier than most non stick counterparts. HexClad cookware, including lids, is dishwasher safe, making cleanup convenient and easy. However, hand washing can extend its shelf life. HexClad recommends washing your cookware with warm soapy water before first use and then seasoning it.
While their products are designed at their headquarters in LA, HexClad cookware is manufactured in Asia, mainly in China and Korea.
To season your HexClad pan, heat to medium-low heat, spread 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil around the interior of the pan and leave on heat for 2-3 minutes.
HexClad states that their pans are PFOA-free but do contain some PTFE (Teflon). PTFE is a chemical compound used in a majority of all nonstick cookware, and the brand claims that PTFE is safe and inert. PTFE does not emit toxic fumes until it reaches about 590 F, making it technically oven safe to 500 F.
Shipping, Warranty, and Return Policies
HexClad offers free shipping throughout the U.S.A, excluding Hawaii & Alaska. In terms of returns, the company offer’s a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee. HexClad claims their products are created to last a lifetime and their products are covered for manufacturer’s defects under their lifetime warranty.
Customer Service
HexClad has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. You can reach HexClad customer support through a form on the contact page though their customer support hotline is not as easily accessible. However, the brand provides an elaborate Help Center on its website to help answer FAQs.
“We bought these earlier this year. Some from Amazon and some at Costco. Loved the idea, but they have failed us epically. They are falling apart. They are failing. We are throwing them away because we know we have consumed the “non-stick” material that is coming off. Worried about our health. I did reach out about warranty and they will replace … but they are pretty much all failing and peeling. Don’t do it.”
Verified 3 Star Customer Review – May 2022