While both brands offer modern, high-performance pans, Henkel Cookware and HexClad differ significantly in their construction, performance, and price. Henkel focuses on durable, traditional non-stick cookware perfect for everyday use at a mid-range price, whereas HexClad features a patented, premium hybrid of stainless steel and non-stick for superior searing and longevity.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which cookware brand is the right investment for your kitchen.
Henkel Cookware
Henkel Cookware is a popular choice for home chefs seeking reliable and affordable non-stick pots and pans. The brand is known for its hard-anodized aluminum construction and reinforced coatings that provide a smooth, easy-release surface perfect for daily cooking tasks like frying eggs, sautéing vegetables, and simmering sauces.
- What it is: A line of non-stick cookware designed for everyday home cooking, focusing on durability and ease of use.
- Key features: Hard-anodized aluminum for even heat distribution, reinforced PFOA-free non-stick coatings, minimalist designs, and comfortable, ergonomic handles.
- Price: Mid-range, with individual pans typically costing $50 to $100 and full sets ranging from $150 to $400.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist. The matte or glossy black finishes fit seamlessly into modern and contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: The core is hard-anodized aluminum, which is a great heat conductor. The cooking surface features a durable, multi-layer non-stick coating.
- Pros: Affordable and accessible price point. Excellent non-stick performance for easy food release and cleanup. Heats up quickly and evenly. Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Cons: Non-stick coatings eventually wear down, especially with heavy use or metal utensils. Not designed for extremely high-heat searing. Oven-safe temperatures are typically lower than stainless steel or hybrid pans.
This brand is ideal for home cooks who prioritize convenience, easy cleanup, and a budget-friendly price for their everyday cookware needs.
Shop this product: henkelcooking.com
HexClad
HexClad has made a name for itself with a patented hybrid technology that merges the benefits of stainless steel and non-stick into one pan. Its signature laser-etched hexagon design allows for exceptional searing and browning while still offering an easy-release surface, making it a favorite among serious home cooks and professional chefs.
- What it is: A premium, hybrid cookware brand that combines a tri-ply stainless steel body with a laser-etched non-stick pattern.
- Key features: Patented hybrid design, safe for metal utensils, oven safe up to 500°F, dishwasher safe, and PFOA-free coating.
- Price: Premium, with individual frying pans often starting at $100 and larger sets costing $300 and up.
- Style: Modern and industrial. The polished steel exterior and unique hexagon-patterned surface give it a high-tech, professional look.
- Materials/Construction: Tri-ply construction (two layers of stainless steel surrounding an aluminum core) ensures even heating. The cooking surface is a tough, interlocking network of stainless steel and non-stick valleys.
- Pros: Extremely durable and scratch-resistant. Combines the searing power of steel with the ease of non-stick. Withstands high oven temperatures. Tri-ply construction offers excellent heat control.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than traditional non-stick cookware. Heavier than aluminum pans. The hybrid surface has a slight learning curve for perfect "non-stick" results.
This cookware is for the dedicated home chef willing to invest in versatile, long-lasting performance and who needs pans that can go from searing a steak to finishing a frittata in the oven.
Shop this product: hexclad.com
Henkel Cookware vs. HexClad Comparison
Materials & Construction
This is the most significant difference between the two brands. Henkel uses hard-anodized aluminum with a traditional non-stick coating applied to the surface. It’s lightweight and conducts heat very well, but the coating is the cookware’s weak point and can be damaged by metal utensils or high heat. Longevity depends on how carefully you treat the non-stick surface.
HexClad, on the other hand, uses a tri-ply stainless steel body. This construction is incredibly robust and offers great heat retention and control. The laser-etched hexagon pattern means the stainless steel ridges protect the non-stick portions in the valleys below, making the surface scratch-resistant and safe for metal utensils. This build is designed for a much longer lifespan.
Cooking Performance & Versatility
For everyday non-stick tasks like cooking eggs or pancakes, both brands perform well. However, when it comes to versatility, HexClad has a clear edge. You can get a restaurant-quality sear on meat in a HexClad pan, something that's difficult to achieve with traditional non-stick. HexClad's ability to handle high oven temperatures (up to 500°F) also makes it far more versatile for one-pan meals that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven.
Henkel’s pans are excellent for low-to-medium heat cooking. They provide a frictionless surface perfect for delicate foods. While most Henkel products are oven-safe, their temperature limits are generally lower, restricting their use for high-heat roasting or broiling.
Price & Value
Henkel Cookware is the clear winner for shoppers on a budget. It offers solid performance and good durability for its price, making it an excellent value for daily use. You can get a complete set for the price of one or two premium HexClad pans.
HexClad is a premium investment. While the upfront cost is much higher, the value comes from its longevity and multi-functionality. A single HexClad pan can effectively replace a separate stainless steel pan and a non-stick pan, and its durability means you won’t have to replace it in a few years as you might with traditional non-stick cookware.
Who Each One Works Best For
Henkel excels for the practical home cook. It's for people who cook daily and want reliable, straightforward non-stick cookware that makes cooking and cleanup simple. If you primarily cook eggs, pastas, and stir-fries and prioritize convenience over high-heat searing, Henkel is a perfect fit. It's also great for those just starting to build their kitchen collection who need functional pieces without a large initial investment.
HexClad is built for the cooking enthusiast or anyone who wants "buy it for life" quality. It's for cooks who want to experiment with different techniques - from achieving a perfect sear on fish to deglazing a pan for a sauce. If you value performance, use your pans in the oven, aren't afraid of using metal utensils, and see your cookware as a long-term investment, HexClad is the superior choice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer quality products, but they are designed for very different types of cooks and budgets.
Choose Henkel Cookware if:
- You're cooking on a budget and need affordable, reliable pans.
- You want a pure non-stick surface that makes for the easiest possible cleanup.
- You primarily cook delicate foods like eggs, fish, and pancakes.
- You are careful with your cookware and avoid using metal utensils.
Choose HexClad if:
- You're willing to invest in high-performance, versatile cookware that will last for years.
- You want the high-heat searing capabilities of stainless steel combined with non-stick convenience.
- You use your cookware in the oven and appreciate being able to tolerate high temperatures.
- You want the freedom to use metal utensils without worrying about damaging the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Henkel and HexClad?
The core difference is the technology. Henkel uses a traditional non-stick coating over an aluminum base, which is great for easy food release and cleanup. HexClad uses a hybrid technology that combines a sturdy tri-ply stainless steel pan with a laser-etched non-stick pattern, making it more durable and better for searing.
Is HexClad really worth the money?
For serious home cooks who want longevity and versatility, it often is. The ability to sear like stainless steel, its durability against metal utensils, and high oven-safe temperature make one pan do the job of many. If you're tired of replacing non-stick pans every few years, the investment in HexClad can be worth it long-term.
Can you use metal utensils on Henkel cookware?
It's generally not recommended. Like most traditional non-stick cookware, metal utensils can scratch and degrade the non-stick coating on Henkel pans, reducing their lifespan. Stick to silicone, nylon, or wood utensils.
Which brand is better for beginner cooks?
Henkel is likely a better choice for beginners. Its straightforward non-stick surface is very forgiving, the pans are lightweight, and the price point is much more accessible for someone just building their kitchen essentials.
How do you clean HexClad pans?
HexClad pans are dishwasher safe, but they also clean easily by hand. For tough, stuck-on food, you can use steel wool or a scouring pad on the hexagonal stainless steel surface without damaging it, a major advantage over traditional non-stick.
Is Henkel Cookware oven-safe?
Yes, many Henkel Cookware pieces are oven-safe, but always check the product specifications for the exact temperature limit. They are typically safe up to 350-400°F, which is lower than HexClad's 500°F limit.
Does HexClad need to be seasoned?
Yes, HexClad recommends a quick seasoning process before the first use. This involves heating the pan with a light layer of oil, which helps enhance the performance of the non-stick surface.
Which brand is more durable?
HexClad is unequivocally more durable. Its stainless steel construction and protected non-stick design are made to withstand heavy use, metal utensils, and high heat for a much longer time than traditional non-stick cookware like Henkel.
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.
