The Always Pan Pro and HexClad pans both promise high-performance, versatile cooking, but they achieve it through very different approaches. The Always Pan Pro is a stylish, all-in-one pan with a non-toxic ceramic non-stick surface designed for convenience and aesthetics, while HexClad offers a durable, professional-grade hybrid of stainless steel and non-stick built for high-heat searing and longevity.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these popular pans from Our Place and HexClad deserves a spot on your stovetop.
Always Pan Pro
The Always Pan Pro is the upgraded version of the internet-famous Always Pan, designed to be a durable, multifunctional workhorse that replaces up to ten pieces of cookware. It's known for its incredibly slick non-toxic ceramic surface and stylish, minimalist design, appealing to home cooks who value aesthetics, convenience, and eco-friendly materials in one beautiful package.
- What it is: A versatile, all-in-one pan with a non-stick cooking surface designed for frying, sautéing, steaming, and more.
- Key features: Non-stick ceramic coating free of PTFEs and PFOAs, a modular lid, and a custom stainless steel steamer basket for added functionality.
- Price: Around $150-$200
- Style: Sleek and minimalist modern design, available in several trendy, muted colors that complement contemporary kitchen decor.
- Materials/Construction: It features a sturdy aluminum body for quick, even heating paired with a non-toxic ceramic non-stick coating for easy cleanup.
- Pros: Excellent non-stick performance makes cooking and cleaning easy. The all-in-one design saves cabinet space. It's lightweight and easy to handle. Made with non-toxic, eco-conscious materials.
- Cons: The ceramic non-stick can lose its effectiveness over time if not cared for properly. Not designed for extremely high-heat searing like cast iron or stainless steel. Cannot be used with metal utensils.
This pan is perfect for casual home cooks and design-conscious consumers in smaller households who want a single, versatile, and stylish tool for everyday meals.
Shop this product: fromourplace.com/products/always-pan-pro
HexClad Hybrid Pan
HexClad cookware brings professional-grade performance into the home kitchen with its patented hybrid technology. It combines the searing power of stainless steel with the easy release of a non-stick surface, all protected by a distinctive laser-etched hexagonal pattern. This design makes it incredibly durable, scratch-resistant, and versatile enough for serious home cooks and pro chefs.
- What it is: A high-performance hybrid pan combining stainless steel and PFOA-free non-stick materials.
- Key features: Patented laser-etched hexagon design, scratch-resistant surface that's safe for metal utensils, oven safe up to 500°F, and a tri-ply construction for even heating.
- Price: A 10-inch pan costs around $140, with prices ranging from $100 to over $300 for larger sizes.
- Style: Industrial and professional, with a unique high-tech appearance. The stainless steel exterior and hexagonal pattern have a timeless, durable look.
- Materials/Construction: A core of aluminum is sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The cooking surface features stainless steel "peaks" and non-stick "valleys."
- Pros: Extremely durable and scratch resistant, feel free to use metal utensils. Delivers an excellent sear on proteins. Heats evenly and retains heat well. Backed by a lifetime warranty. Dishwasher safe.
- Cons: It is heavier than the Always Pan Pro. A higher price point represents a significant investment. Requires a bit of oil or fat to perform its best, as it's not a purely non-stick surface.
The HexClad is built for those who take cooking seriously and want a long-lasting, high-performance pan that can handle intense, high-heat cooking techniques.
Shop this product: hexclad.com/products/10-inch-hybrid-pan
Always Pan Pro vs. HexClad Comparison
Materials & Construction
The core difference between these two pans lies in their construction. The Always Pan Pro uses a fully ceramic, non-toxic coating over an aluminum body. This provides an exceptionally slick surface ideal for cooking delicate items like eggs with little to no oil. However, this finish requires careful handling - no metal utensils or harsh scrubbing - to maintain its performance.
HexClad, on the other hand, employs a patented hybrid system. The surface is a mix of stainless steel peaks and non-stick valleys. This allows you to get a great sear from the steel while benefiting from the easier release of the non-stick coating. This design is also famously tough, making it resistant to scratches from metal spatulas and whisks.
Performance & Versatility
The Always Pan Pro's greatest strength is its multifunctional design. It aims to replace your fry pan, sauté pan, and steamer, making it a great space-saver for everyday tasks like steaming vegetables, making sauces, or cooking pasta. Its non-stick surface excels at low-to-medium heat cooking. However, it's not the best choice for achieving a deep, hard sear on a steak.
HexClad is the clear winner for high-heat performance. Its stainless steel elements allow it to get ripping hot and create a fantastic crust on meats and vegetables, akin to a traditional stainless steel or cast iron skillet. It's also oven-safe to 500°F, offering more versatility for pan-to-oven recipes compared to the Always Pan Pro.
Price & Value
The Always Pan Pro generally comes in at a lower price point, positioning itself as a premium yet accessible piece of cookware. For its price, you get a pan, a lid, and a steamer basket, which presents strong value for someone looking to consolidate their collection. Its value lies in its convenience and all-in-one functionality.
HexClad is a more significant upfront investment. Its higher price reflects its durable construction, patented technology, and lifetime warranty. The value here is in longevity - this is a pan designed to last for years, withstand aggressive use, and perform consistently, making it a better long-term investment for passionate cooks.
Style & Aesthetics
Style is where the Always Pan Pro truly shines. Available in a range of carefully selected colors, it features a sleek, minimalist design that looks beautiful on the stovetop and on the dinner table. It’s designed for the modern kitchen where cookware is often part of the decor.
HexClad has a distinct, utilitarian aesthetic. The hexagonal pattern is striking and signals high performance, giving it a professional, "cheffy" look. It’s less about color and more about function, fitting well in kitchens that prioritize industrial design and professional-grade tools.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both pans are excellent, but they are built for fundamentally different cooks and kitchens.
Choose the Always Pan Pro if:
- You prioritize aesthetic appeal and want cookware that doubles as kitchen decor.
- Your cooking is focused on everyday meals like scrambled eggs, stir-fries, and steamed vegetables.
- You want a single, versatile item to save space in a smaller kitchen or apartment.
- You exclusively use non-metal utensils and prefer an exceptionally easy-to-clean, non-toxic surface.
Choose the HexClad if:
- You need a durable, long-lasting pan that can withstand heavy use and metal utensils.
- High-heat searing is a critical part of your cooking style.
- You want cookware that can easily go from the stovetop to a hot oven.
- You view cookware as a long-term investment and are willing to pay more for performance and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Always Pan Pro and HexClad?
The main difference is the cooking surface. The Always Pan Pro has a smooth, non-toxic ceramic non-stick coating for ultimate convenience, while HexClad has a hybrid surface of stainless steel and non-stick for durability and high-heat searing.
Can you use metal utensils on the Always Pan Pro?
No, you should only use non-metal utensils like wood or silicone on the Always Pan Pro to protect its ceramic coating from scratches. HexClad, in contrast, is designed to be fully metal-utensil safe.
Which pan is better for searing a steak?
HexClad is significantly better for searing steak. Its stainless steel components can handle higher temperatures and create the deep, flavorful crust that non-stick surfaces can't achieve.
How do you clean each pan?
The Always Pan Pro is very easy to clean thanks to its slick surface, a simple wipe with a soft sponge and soapy water is usually all that's needed. HexClad is dishwasher safe, but for best results, it can also be hand-washed. Tougher residues can be scrubbed with a stainless steel pad without fear of damage.
Is the Always Pan Pro oven-safe?
Yes, the Always Pan Pro is oven-safe, but its temperature limit is lower than HexClad's. Always check the manufacturer's specific guidelines before putting it in the oven.
Which pan is healthier to cook with?
Both pans are made without PFOA. The Always Pan Pro promotes its coating as entirely non-toxic and free of PTFEs, which appeals to consumers prioritizing chemical-free surfaces. HexClad uses a PFOA-free non-stick material in its valleys.
Is HexClad really non-stick?
HexClad provides an easy-release surface but performs best with a small amount of cooking fat or oil, especially when new. It is not as slick as a traditional non-stick like the Always Pan Pro, but it prevents most foods from sticking while offering superior browning.
Is HexClad worth the money?
For serious home cooks who want a single pan that can sear like stainless steel, clean up easily, and last a lifetime, HexClad is often considered a worthwhile investment due to its unparalleled durability and a lifetime warranty.
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