The All Clad D5 and HexClad cookware lines both target home cooks looking for premium performance, but they achieve it through completely different technologies. All Clad D5 is a classic, professional-grade cookware featuring a five-ply bonded construction of stainless steel and aluminum for unparalleled heat control. HexClad uses a patented hybrid of stainless steel and non-stick material, offering versatility and easy maintenance with scratch resistance.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which high-end cookware from All Clad or HexClad is right for your kitchen.
All Clad D5 Cookware
All Clad D5 is the brand's premium cookware line, respected by professional chefs and serious home cooks for its impeccable construction and heat performance. Famous for its five alternating layers of stainless steel and aluminum, D5 provides exceptionally even heating, precise temperature control, and rugged durability designed to last for generations.
- What it is: Professional-grade, 5-ply bonded stainless steel cookware designed for superior heat distribution and precise cooking.
- Key features: Patented 5-ply construction, polished 18/10 stainless steel cooking surface, compatibility with all cooktops (including induction), oven-safe up to 600°F.
- Price: Premium range, with individual pans starting around $150 and sets costing over $500.
- Materials/Construction: Five bonded layers with a stainless steel exterior, alternating aluminum and stainless steel cores, and an 18/10 stainless steel cooking surface. Handcrafted in the USA.
- Style: Timeless and professional with a classic polished or brushed stainless steel finish and secured with stainless steel rivets.
- Pros: Unmatched heat responsiveness and even distribution. Extremely durable and resistant to warping. No non-stick coatings to wear out. Timeless aesthetic that looks great in any kitchen.
- Cons: High price point. Requires oil or butter to prevent food from sticking. Can develop patina stains that require special cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend to remove. Tends to be heavier than other cookware.
This cookware is for the dedicated cook who prioritizes performance and wants a "buy it for life" set that offers the highest level of responsiveness for everything from searing to simmering.
Shop this product: all-clad.com/collections/d5
HexClad Cookware
HexClad has made a name for itself with its unique hybrid technology that aims to deliver the best of both worlds: the durability and searing power of stainless steel and the convenience of non-stick. Its distinctive laser-etched hexagon pattern creates "peaks" of stainless steel for searing and non-stick "valleys" to make cooking and cleanup easier.
- What it is: A tri-ply hybrid cookware combining a stainless steel structure with a PFOA-free non-stick surface.
- Key features: Patented hybrid non-stick surface, metal utensil safe, oven-safe up to 500°F, dishwasher safe, compatible with all cooktops (including induction).
- Price: Mid-to-high premium, with frying pans starting around $100 and sets ranging from $300 to $600.
- Materials/Construction: A three-ply build with an aluminum core sandwiched between layers of stainless steel, topped with the laser-etched non-stick hybrid surface.
- Style: Modern and tech-forward, defined by its signature silver hexagonal grid over a dark non-stick surface.
- Pros: Excellent balance of performance and convenience. Scratch-resistant surface allows for the use of metal utensils. Releases food much more easily than traditional stainless steel. Easy to clean and is dishwasher safe.
- Cons: Does not heat quite as evenly as the 5-ply All Clad D5. It is not a true non-stick - you still need to use some oil for delicate foods like eggs. Non-stick coating will eventually wear out, although its lifespan is much longer than typical non-sticks.
This cookware suits the modern home cook who wants one versatile pan that can do it all, from searing a steak to frying an egg, and who values low maintenance and easy cleanup most.
Shop this product: hexclad.com/collections/shop-all
All Clad D5 vs. HexClad Comparison
Materials & Construction
The core difference between these two brands comes down to their construction. All Clad D5 features a five-ply bonded structure. The two aluminum layers in its core are exceptional heat conductors, spreading warmth quickly and evenly, while the three stainless steel layers provide durability, induction compatibility, and a stable, non-reactive cooking surface. This intricate build ensures responsive control and is designed to eliminate hot spots.
HexClad uses a more common tri-ply construction (stainless steel, aluminum, stainless steel), but its patented cooking surface sets it apart. The stainless steel hexagonal grid protects the non-stick coating in the "valleys," allowing you to use metal utensils without a high risk of scratching. This design prioritizes usability and easy maintenance over the raw thermal precision of the D5 construction.
Cooking Performance
For purists, All Clad D5 offers superior performance. Its 5-ply construction provides noticeably more even heating, which is crucial for delicate sauces, perfect searing, and consistent results. You have absolute control over the temperature, from a very gentle simmer to a ripping-hot sear. The trade-off is that its pure stainless steel surface requires proper preheating and fat usage to prevent sticking.
HexClad offers well-rounded, easy performance for daily cooking. It provides a great sear thanks to its stainless steel peaks and releases food easily due to the non-stick valleys. While it doesn't offer the flawlessly even heat distribution of the D5, it's more than sufficient for most home cooks. It is the more forgiving option, especially for beginners or those who frequently cook sticky foods.
Durability & Maintenance
All Clad D5 is in the "buy it for life" category. With no coatings to wear out, these pans can last for decades with proper care. However, cleaning can take more effort. Stuck-on food may require soaking and scrubbing with a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend to maintain its pristine look.
HexClad offers superior daily durability due to its scratch resistance, which allows for use with metal spatulas and whisks. Maintenance is also simpler - it's much easier to wipe clean and is marketed as dishwasher safe. However, like any cookware with a non-stick component, it has a finite lifespan. While it will last much longer than flimsy, cheap non-sticks, it will not last for multiple generations like an All Clad pan can.
Price & Value
All Clad D5 represents a significant upfront investment, often costing 30-50% more than comparable HexClad pieces. The value is in its longevity and professional-grade performance. You are paying for top-tier materials, American craftsmanship, and a piece of equipment that you may never have to replace.
HexClad is still a premium product but sits at a more accessible price point. Its value lies in its hybrid functionality, effectively taking the place of two separate pans (a stainless steel and a non-stick). For many, this versatility and ease of use justify the cost, offering a fantastic balance of performance and practicality for the price.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cookware lines deliver an excellent cooking experience, but they are built for entirely different priorities in the kitchen.
Choose the All Clad D5 if:
- You are a serious cook who wants precise temperature control and peak performance.
- You want a "buy it for life" cookware set and are willing to invest in heirloom quality.
- You understand stainless steel cooking techniques (like preheating and using oil).
- You prefer cookware that contains no non-stick coatings.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want one versatile set of pans that can handle anything from frying eggs to searing steaks.
- Easy cleanup and a lower-maintenance routine are a top priority for you.
- You like the peace of mind that comes with a scratch-resistant, metal-utensil safe surface.
- You love a modern aesthetic and innovative technology in your kitchen tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between All Clad D5 and HexClad?
The primary difference is the cooking surface and construction. All Clad D5 uses a 5-ply construction with a pure 18/10 stainless steel cooking surface for precision heating. HexClad uses a tri-ply construction with a hybrid surface that combines stainless steel with a patterned non-stick coating for versatility and ease of use.
Which one heats more evenly?
All Clad D5 heats more evenly due to its thicker, 5-ply bonded construction. The extra layers of aluminum and steel are specifically engineered to spread heat from the base all the way up the sides of the pan, minimizing hot spots.
Is HexClad truly non-stick?
HexClad is best described as a hybrid, not a true non-stick like a full Teflon pan. It releases food much better than traditional stainless steel, but for the most seamless experience with delicate items like eggs, a small amount of oil or butter is still recommended.
Is All Clad D5 hard to clean?
It can be more difficult to clean if you are new to stainless steel cooking. Proper heating and oil usage can prevent most sticking. For stubborn, stuck-on food and water spots, a specialized cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend quickly restores the pan to its original, shiny state.
Can I use metal utensils on HexClad?
Yes. A key selling point of HexClad is its scratch resistance. The stainless steel grid protects the non-stick coating underneath, so it is safe to use metal spatulas, whisks, and spoons without worrying about causing significant damage.
Which cookware lasts longer?
All Clad D5 will last longer. Since it has no coating to wear away, a well-maintained D5 pan can be passed down for generations. While HexClad is very durable for a pan with non-stick properties, the non-stick coating will eventually degrade over many years of use.
Are both induction compatible?
Yes, both All Clad D5 and HexClad cookware feature a magnetic stainless steel exterior layer, making them fully compatible with all induction cooktops.
Which is better for searing a steak?
Both can achieve an excellent sear. However, cooking purists often prefer the All Clad D5 because its pure stainless steel surface allows for a deep, even crust and building a great "fond" (the browned bits) at the bottom for making pan sauces.
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