The main difference between All-Clad and HexClad cookware lies in their core technology and design philosophy. All-Clad is known for its classic, fully-clad stainless steel construction, which provides professional-grade heat distribution and durability. HexClad, on the other hand, is a modern hybrid that combines a stainless steel structure with a PFOA-free non-stick surface arranged in a distinctive hexagon network.
Here’s what you need to know about each brand to help you decide which cookware belongs in your kitchen.
All-Clad Pans
All-Clad is widely regarded as a benchmark in the cookware industry, trusted by professional chefs and serious home cooks for its outstanding performance and longevity. Made in the USA, its signature feature is the fully bonded, layered construction of stainless steel and aluminum, which ensures rapid, even heating without hot spots. This isn't just a disc on the bottom of the pan - the layers extend all the way up the sides.
- What it is: Professional-grade, fully-clad stainless steel cookware with an aluminum core for exceptional heat conductivity.
- Key features: Tri-ply (or 5-ply) bonded construction, superior heat distribution and retention, riveted stainless steel handles, oven and broiler safe at high temperatures.
- Price: Premium, ranging from around $100 for an 8-inch frying pan to $300+ for larger or specialty pieces.
- Style: Timeless, classic industrial aesthetic with a polished or brushed stainless finish that feels at home in any professional or home kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: Features an aluminum (or copper) core sandwiched between layers of durable, non-reactive 18/10 stainless steel.
- Pros: Unmatched heating evenness and responsiveness, incredible durability built for lifetime use, provides excellent searing for meats and vegetables, oven-safe to 600°F, compatible with all cooktops including induction.
- Cons: Higher price point, food can stick without proper heating and oiling techniques, requires more effort to clean than non-stick, some users find the handles less comfortable.
All-Clad is ideal for experienced cooks who prioritize precision, performance, and durability, and are willing to invest in cookware that will last for decades.
Shop this product: all-clad.com
HexClad Pans
HexClad is a newer brand that has made a name for itself with its innovative hybrid technology. Its pans are designed to offer the best of both worlds: the searing power and durability of stainless steel with the easy cleanup of non-stick. The cooking surface features a unique pattern of stainless steel hexagons raised above a PFOA-free non-stick valley, allowing you to sear effectively while enjoying easy food release.
- What it is: Hybrid cookware featuring a tri-ply construction with a stainless steel and non-stick patterned surface.
- Key features: Patented hexagon design, scratch-resistant surface that is safe for metal utensils, oven-safe up to 500°F, dishwasher safe.
- Price: Mid-to-premium, generally ranging from $100 to $200 for a frying pan.
- Style: Sleek and modern, with a distinctive dark grey/black hexagon pattern on the cooking surface and a commercial-style exterior.
- Materials/Construction: An aluminum core is placed between two layers of stainless steel. The cooking surface is laser-etched to create the signature hybrid pattern.
- Pros: Offers a balance of non-stick ease and stainless steel searing, durable enough to use with metal utensils, easier to clean than stainless steel, stay-cool handles are very comfortable.
- Cons: Not as effective at searing as pure stainless steel like All-Clad, non-stick properties still can degrade over time with very high heat or harsh use, higher price than traditional non-stick pans.
HexClad is a great choice for bustling home kitchens that need versatile, low-maintenance, and forgiving cookware that is a significant step up from standard non-stick pans.
Shop this product: hexclad.com
All-Clad vs. HexClad Comparison
Materials &, Construction
The core difference between the two brands is the material philosophy. All-Clad's fully-bonded stainless steel is about pure performance. Its layered metal heats up quickly and evenly, giving you precise temperature control. It’s a solid piece of steel designed for one purpose: cooking at the highest level. You can feel the heft and build quality the moment you pick one up. These are tools built to last a lifetime and can be scrubbed clean without fear of ruining a coating.
HexClad’s hybrid construction is focused on versatility and convenience. It also uses a tri-ply structure for good heat distribution, but its key feature is the laser-etched hexagonal grid. The stainless steel "peaks" provide a searing surface, while the PFOA-free non-stick "valleys" give you easy release for delicate foods like eggs and fish. This design allows you to use metal utensils without scratching the non-stick surface, a major advantage over traditional non-stick pans.
Performance &, Heat Control
There's no contest when it comes to pure searing power: All-Clad wins. The expansive, uniform stainless steel surface allows for an edge-to-edge crust on a steak or a perfect fond for pan sauces. It heats up very evenly and responds almost instantly when you adjust the flame. This level of control is why professional chefs use it.
HexClad offers very good day-to-day performance. It heats evenly and can achieve a decent sear, but the non-stick valleys mean less surface area makes direct contact with the food, resulting in a slightly less potent Maillard reaction. However, its flexibility is its strength. You can fry an egg with no oil and then sear chicken in the same pan, which you can't do as easily with traditional stainless steel.
Durability &, Maintenance
All-Clad cookware is built like a tank. With proper care, it can be passed down to the next generation. It won’t chip, peel, or break. The tradeoff is maintenance. Getting stuck-on food off requires soaking, specific cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend, or some serious scrubbing. On the other hand, you can't really damage it through cleaning.
HexClad is significantly more durable than typical coated non-stick pans. Its scratch resistance is a legitimate feature, and you don’t have to baby it. While it's easier to clean than stainless steel, the non-stick coating is still its weakest link. Over years of use or with repeated extreme temperatures, that non-stick performance will begin to diminish, which isn't a problem All-Clad will ever have.
Price &, Value
Both are premium brands, but All-Clad occupies the higher end of the market. A single pan can be a significant investment. However, its value comes from its longevity - buy it once, and you own it forever. HexClad is also pricey but generally sits just below All-Clad, offering a hybrid feature set that justifies the cost for many home cooks. Its value is in its versatile and convenient performance over a shorter lifespan than All-Clad's heirloom quality.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands represent an excellent kitchen upgrade, but they cater to very different types of cooks and priorities.
Choose All-Clad if:
- You're a passionate or advanced cook who prioritizes performance and heat control above all.
- You want professional-level searing and the ability to build perfect pan sauces from fond.
- You are building a cookware collection that will last a lifetime (or longer).
- You're comfortable with the techniques required to cook on and clean traditional stainless steel.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want a durable, user-friendly pan that offers a big upgrade over traditional non-stick.
- You value a versatile pan that can handle everything from delicate eggs to weeknight stir-fries.
- You need cookware that is scratch-resistant and more forgiving of metal utensils.
- Easy cleanup and everyday convenience are your top priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between All-Clad and HexClad?
The primary difference is the cooking surface. All-Clad uses a pure, fully bonded stainless steel surface for maximum heat control and searing power. HexClad uses a hybrid surface that is a network of stainless steel and non-stick coating for versatility and easy release.
Is HexClad truly non-stick?
Yes, but it performs best when treated like stainless steel. It needs to be preheated and used with a bit of fat or oil for the best results, especially with sticky foods like eggs. It's more "easy release" than a traditional slick non-stick pan, but it's far less prone to sticking than plain stainless steel.
Which is better for searing a steak?
All-Clad is superior for searing. Its full stainless surface creates a consistent, deep crust that is hard to replicate on a hybrid surface like HexClad, where only the steel "peaks" make direct contact and conduct heat most intensely.
Is All-Clad worth the money?
For cooks who value uncompromising performance and want cookware that will last decades without any degradation in quality, All-Clad is widely considered a worthwhile long-term investment. Its durability and precision are second to none.
Can both brands go in the oven?
Yes. All-Clad pans are typically oven and broiler-safe up to 600°F, making them extremely versatile. HexClad pans are also oven-safe but to a lower temperature of 500°F.
How do you clean an All-Clad pan?
For regular cleaning, soap and water work fine. For stubborn, stuck-on food or discoloration, warm water with a bit of white vinegar can help, or for the toughest jobs, a specialized cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend will restore its shine without scratching the steel.
Does the non-stick coating on HexClad last?
HexClad’s design is engineered to protect the non-stick coating, making it last much longer than traditional non-stick pans. The stainless steel ridges protect the valleys from utensils. However, it is still a coating and won't last eternally like a solid piece of steel.
Which brand is heavier?
All-Clad pans are generally heavier than HexClad pans of a similar size. The robust, fully-clad construction of All-Clad contributes to its heft, which also helps with heat retention and stability on the stovetop.
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