The main difference between Caliburn and HexClad cookware lies in their core technology and target audience. Caliburn offers sleek, modern cookware with high-quality non-stick surfaces at a more accessible price point, perfect for everyday home cooking. HexClad, on the other hand, features a patented hybrid technology that combines the searing power and durability of stainless steel with the convenience of a non-stick surface, commanding a premium price for its professional-grade performance.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which cookware brand is right for your kitchen and cooking style.
Caliburn Cookware
Caliburn is a fresh face in the cookware world, focusing on high-quality materials, user-friendly features, and a sleek, modern design. The brand is a top choice for home cooks who want reliable, daily-use cookware that performs well and looks great on the stovetop without a huge financial commitment.
- What it is: A brand of stylish, modern cookware, primarily featuring high-performance non-stick surfaces and durable stainless steel pieces for everyday use.
- Key features: Hard-anodized aluminum for even heat distribution, PFOA/PTFE-free non-stick coatings, ergonomic stainless steel handles, and clean, minimalist designs.
- Price: Mid-to-premium range. Individual pans typically run from $50–$100, while sets can cost between $200 and $500.
- Style: Minimalist and contemporary. Its cookware often features matte black or sleek metallic finishes with elegant lines that fit perfectly in modern kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: The core is typically hard-anodized aluminum for excellent heat conductivity, finished with advanced, non-toxic ceramic or synthetic non-stick coatings.
- Pros: More affordable than HexClad, stylish and minimalist aesthetic, excellent non-stick performance for easy food release and cleanup, lightweight and easy to handle.
- Cons: Non-stick coatings, while durable, will not last as long as HexClad's hybrid surface, not designed for use with metal utensils, less suited for ultra-high-heat searing.
Caliburn is an excellent match for home cooks who prioritize a modern aesthetic, easy cleanup, and reliable everyday performance for tasks like making eggs, pancakes, or sautéing vegetables.
Shop this brand: caliburn.com
HexClad Cookware
HexClad is famous for its innovative, patented hybrid cooking surface that features a distinctive hexagonal pattern. This design integrates stainless steel "peaks" with non-stick "valleys" to offer the best of both worlds: the durability and searing capability of steel with the easy release of non-stick.
- What it is: Professional-grade hybrid cookware featuring a tri-ply construction and a unique pattern combining stainless steel and non-stick surfaces.
- Key features: Patented laser-etched hexagonal grid, tri-ply construction for even heating, PFOA-free non-stick coating, ability to use metal utensils, oven safe up to 500°F.
- Price: Premium. Expect to pay $100–$150 for individual pans and anywhere from $300–$700 for a complete set.
- Style: High-tech and industrial. The polished steel exterior and unique hexagonal interior give the pans a professional look suited for serious kitchen setups.
- Materials/Construction: Each piece features a three-layer construction with an aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, providing durability and balanced heating.
- Pros: Combines stainless steel searing with non-stick ease, extremely durable and scratch-resistant, safe to use with metal utensils, exceptional heat distribution, versatile for all cooking techniques.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point, heavier than traditional non-stick pans, the hybrid surface requires a short learning curve to achieve perfect non-stick results with delicate foods like eggs.
HexClad is built for serious home chefs who want professional-grade results and are willing to invest in versatile, long-lasting cookware that can handle any task.
Shop this brand: hexclad.com
Caliburn vs. HexClad Comparison
Materials & Construction
The fundamental difference between these two brands is their material philosophy. Caliburn uses tried-and-true construction, like hard-anodized aluminum bodies with advanced non-stick coatings. This makes their pans relatively lightweight and excellent heat conductors, ideal for common kitchen tasks. Their build quality is solid, designed for dependability in a home kitchen.
HexClad’s construction is its main selling point. The tri-ply build of stainless steel and aluminum offers exceptional durability and prevents warping under high heat. The laser-etched hexagonal grid is the star feature, as the stainless steel peaks protect the non-stick coating in the valleys from scratches, even from metal utensils. This makes HexClad pans more robust and long-lasting.
Cooking Performance
For standard non-stick tasks, Caliburn excels. Foods like eggs, fish, and pancakes slide right off the surface with minimal oil, and cleanup is incredibly simple. It does exactly what you expect a high-quality non-stick pan to do, making it very user-friendly.
HexClad offers more versatility. You can get a restaurant-quality sear on a steak - something most traditional non-stick pans can't handle - and still fry an egg with little to no sticking (after a proper initial seasoning). It provides more temperature control and allows for techniques like deglazing that are better suited to stainless steel, giving the home chef a wider range of possibilities in a single pan.
Style & Aesthetics
Your choice here will come down to personal preference. Caliburn offers a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that blends seamlessly into contemporary kitchen designs. With its smooth matte finishes and clean lines, it's designed to be as much a part of the decor as it is a cooking tool.
HexClad cookware screams performance. Its industrial, high-tech look, defined by the polished stainless steel and striking hexagonal pattern, signals that it's a serious piece of equipment. It looks right at home hanging from a pot rack in a well-equipped kitchen.
Price & Value
There is a clear price difference between the two. Caliburn is positioned as a premium but accessible brand, offering great value for its quality and design. For the price of one or two HexClad pans, you can often get a complete Caliburn cookware set. This makes it a smart choice for those outfitting a new kitchen or looking for a solid upgrade without breaking the bank.
HexClad is an investment. The higher cost reflects its patented technology, an extremely durable build, and expanded cooking capabilities. The value comes from its longevity and versatility, it's designed to replace both your stainless steel and non-stick pans and last for many years, which can justify the upfront cost for passionate home cooks.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands produce excellent cookware, but they are engineered for different cooks with different priorities.
Choose Caliburn if:
- You primarily cook daily meals and value the ease of a true non-stick surface.
- Aesthetics are important, and you prefer a sleek, modern, and minimalist design.
- You are on a moderate budget and want the best quality for your money.
- You are careful with your pans and don't mind using wood or silicone utensils.
Choose HexClad if:
- You are a serious cook who wants the performance of stainless steel and the ease of non-stick.
- Durability is your top priority, you want cookware that resists scratches and isn't afraid of metal utensils.
- You view your cookware as a long-term investment that can handle any culinary task.
- You want maximum versatility, from gently cooking fish to getting a hard sear on steak in the very same pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Caliburn and HexClad?
The main difference is technology. Caliburn uses high-quality traditional non-stick surfaces, ideal for easy, everyday cooking. HexClad uses a revolutionary hybrid surface that combines stainless steel and non-stick materials, delivering both searing power and easy cleanup in one pan.
Is HexClad really worth the money?
For avid home chefs who cook frequently and use a wide range of techniques, HexClad is often considered worth the investment. Its durability, versatility, and unique ability to sear like stainless steel make it a high-performance tool that can last for years.
Which brand is better for beginners?
Caliburn is generally more beginner-friendly. Its true non-stick surface is extremely forgiving and requires no special techniques, making it simple to cook with and clean right out of the box.
Can you use metal utensils on HexClad and Caliburn?
You can safely use metal utensils on HexClad due to its raised steel hexagonal grid that protects the non-stick coating. With Caliburn, it is not recommended, you should stick to wood, nylon, or silicone utensils to preserve the non-stick surface.
Which cookware is easier to clean?
Both brands are designed for easy cleaning. However, Caliburn's smooth, full non-stick surface may feel slightly easier to wipe clean for very sticky foods like cheese. HexClad is also very easy to clean, especially compared to traditional stainless steel.
Do Caliburn and HexClad pans work on induction stovetops?
Yes, both Caliburn and HexClad cookware are compatible with all major cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction. HexClad's stainless steel base makes it particularly efficient on induction stoves.
Are the non-stick coatings on these pans safe?
Yes, both brands use non-toxic, PFOA-free coatings. Many Caliburn pans also advertise being PTFE-free, appealing to consumers looking for specific types of ceramic non-stick.
How do you season a HexClad pan?
HexClad recommends a one-time simple seasoning process before first use. To do this, you heat the pan on medium-low, spread a tablespoon of neutral oil around the interior, and let it heat for 2-3 minutes. This process helps optimize the non-stick performance.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
