Circulon is an established brand that offers affordable, non-stick cookware featuring a unique raised-circle system for easy food release, making it a staple for everyday home cooks. By contrast, HexClad is a premium newcomer with patented hybrid technology that combines the durability and searing power of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick in a distinctive hexagonal pattern.
Let's compare everything you need to know to choose the right cookware for your kitchen.
Circulon: The Reliable Non-Stick Choice
Since the 1980s, Circulon has built a strong reputation for producing reliable and user-friendly non-stick cookware. Its signature feature is the TOTAL™ Nonstick System, which uses raised circles on the cooking surface to protect the main non-stick coating from utensil abrasion. This design aims to provide superior food release and durability at an accessible price, appealing to home cooks who value convenience and easy cleanup.
- Product mix: A wide array of cookware including individual frying pans, saucepans, stockpots, woks, and complete sets. They also offer a large collection of non-stick bakeware.
- Style/vibe: Classic and functional. Most pieces feature a sleek black or gray finish with stainless steel handles and accents, fitting easily into any kitchen style without being overly trendy.
- Price point: Very affordable to mid-range. A single 8-inch frying pan might cost between $30 and $50, while full cookware sets often range from $150 to $400.
- Quality &, Materials: Primarily uses hard-anodized aluminum construction, which offers excellent heat conductivity and durability. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free, but like most traditional non-stick surfaces, it can wear down over time and is not designed for use with metal utensils.
- Unique Features: The patented raised-circle cooking surface is Circulon's key differentiator, designed to enhance non-stick longevity by reducing surface abrasion.
- Availability: Widely available on the Circulon website and through major retailers like Amazon, Macy's, and Bed Bath & Beyond, making it very easy to find.
Circulon offers a practical and budget-friendly solution for anyone who needs dependable non-stick pans. It is ideal for cooking delicate foods like eggs and fish where easy release is the top priority.
Shop Circulon: circulon.com
HexClad: The Innovative Hybrid Performer
Launched in 2017, HexClad quickly made a name for itself as the "original" hybrid cookware, famously backed by chef Gordon Ramsay. Its patented design features a laser-etched hexagon pattern that combines stainless steel "peaks" with non-stick "valleys." This technology allows you to get a great sear like you would with stainless steel while enjoying the easy cleanup of non-stick, and it's durable enough to be used with metal utensils.
- Product mix: A focused selection of high-performance essentials a chef might use, including frying pans, woks, sauté pans, and stockpots available individually or in sets.
- Style/vibe: Modern, high-tech, and professional. The signature hexagon pattern on both the interior and exterior gives the cookware a unique and premium look.
- Price point: Premium. Expect to pay around $100 for a small frying pan, with larger pans and sets costing between $300 and $700.
- Quality &, Materials: Features a tri-ply construction (aluminum core between two layers of stainless steel) for even heating. The hybrid non-stick surface is PFOA-free, scratch-resistant, and oven-safe up to 500°F.
- Unique Features: The patented hybrid technology is its biggest selling point, allowing it to be metal-utensil safe and dishwasher safe while providing both searing capabilities and non-stick release.
- Availability: Primarily sold direct-to-consumer on the HexClad website and through merchants like Amazon.
HexClad is built for serious home cooks who want the performance of stainless steel and cast iron without the difficult cleanup. It fills the gap between traditional non-stick and classic stainless steel cookware.
Shop HexClad: hexclad.com
Circulon vs. HexClad Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a significant price difference between the two brands. Circulon is positioned as an affordable to mid-range option, making it accessible for nearly any budget. A Circulon set typically costs less than a single large HexClad pan, making it a clear winner for budget-conscious shoppers or those building their first kitchen.
HexClad is a premium investment. Its high price tag reflects its unique tri-ply construction, patented hybrid technology, and celebrity endorsements. While the upfront cost is much higher, its durability and scratch resistance are designed to offer better long-term value, potentially outlasting several sets of cheaper non-stick cookware.
Style &, Aesthetic
Circulon's design is classic, practical, and understated. With dark, smooth surfaces and stainless steel handles, its cookware is made to be functional and blend into the background of a busy home kitchen. It prioritizes function over form, which is perfect for those who just want cookware that works well.
HexClad has a very distinctive and modern look. The gleaming hexagonal pattern is immediately recognizable and signals a high-tech, professional-grade product. For those who enjoy displaying their cookware or appreciate cutting-edge design, HexClad's aesthetic is a major part of its appeal.
Quality &, Materials
Circulon uses hard-anodized aluminum, an excellent material for fast and even heating. Its PFOA-free non-stick surface, protected by the raised circles, provides reliable food release. However, like any traditional non-stick pan, it is susceptible to scratches from metal utensils and the coating will eventually wear out with heavy use and high heat.
HexClad's build is more robust. The tri-ply stainless steel and aluminum construction provides superior heat control and retention. Its hybrid surface of steel peaks and non-stick valleys is the key advantage, it's genuinely scratch-resistant and allows cooks to use metal spatulas and whisks without worry. This makes it far more durable in the long run than any fully non-stick pan.
Performance &, Versatility
Circulon excels at traditional non-stick tasks: frying eggs, making pancakes, and cooking delicate fish without sticking. It is simple to use and clean. However, it doesn't achieve the high-heat sear you need for steaks or burgers as effectively as stainless steel.
HexClad’s versatility is its greatest strength. It can handle delicate eggs like a non-stick pan but can also be heated to high temperatures to create a deep, flavorful crust on a steak, a feat most non-stick pans can’t (and shouldn’t) attempt. It is also compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and is typically oven-safe to higher temperatures than Circulon.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer excellent products, but they are designed for very different types of cooks and priorities.
Choose Circulon if:
- Your primary concern is budget and finding an affordable, reliable option.
- You exclusively cook foods that require easy release, such as eggs, crepes, and flaky fish.
- You want a wide range of product options, including extensive bakeware collections.
- You prefer cookware that is lightweight and simple to handle for everyday meals.
Choose HexClad if:
- You are a serious home cook who wants high-performance, long-lasting cookware.
- You want the versatility to sear, sauté, and simmer in the same pan.
- You frequently use metal utensils and need a durable, scratch-resistant surface.
- You view cookware as a long-term investment and are willing to pay a premium for innovation and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Circulon or HexClad cheaper?
Circulon is significantly cheaper. You can often buy an entire set of Circulon cookware for the price of one or two HexClad pans, making it the better choice for shoppers on a tight budget.
Can you use metal utensils on Circulon and HexClad?
It is strongly recommended not to use metal utensils on Circulon, as they can scratch and damage the non-stick coating. HexClad, however, is specifically designed to be metal-utensil safe due to its stainless steel structure protecting the non-stick portions.
Which pan has better food release?
For zero-effort food release right out of the box, especially with no oil, Circulon's full non-stick surface has a slight edge. HexClad offers excellent release when used correctly (proper preheating and a small amount of fat), but it behaves more like a well-seasoned stainless steel pan than a pure non-stick one.
Is HexClad worth the money?
For passionate cooks who value versatility and durability, HexClad can be a worthwhile investment. Its ability to replace both stainless steel and non-stick pans, combined with its long-term scratch resistance, justifies the premium price for many users who want a one-pan solution for almost any task.
Which brand is more durable?
HexClad is unequivocally more durable. Its hybrid construction protects the non-stick elements and is resistant to scratching, warping, and the high-heat damage that degrades traditional non-stick pans like Circulon over time.
Is Circulon cookware safe?
Yes, Circulon cookware is safe. Its non-stick coatings are PFOA-free, which is the main chemical of health concern previously associated with some non-stick pans. As with any non-stick, it should not be overheated to extreme temperatures.
Which is better for an induction cooktop?
HexClad cookware is fully induction-compatible due to its stainless steel base. Many, but not all, of Circulon's product lines are induction-compatible, you must check the specific product's specifications to be sure.
Where are the two brands sold?
Circulon is widely available in many department stores, home goods stores, and online retailers like Amazon. HexClad is primarily sold directly from its website and on Amazon, adopting a more modern, direct-to-consumer sales model.
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