HexClad is a direct-to-consumer cookware brand known for its innovative hybrid stainless steel and non-stick pans, while Henkel is a global chemical and consumer goods company that manufactures high-performance surface coatings used by a wide variety of cookware brands. The key difference is that HexClad sells complete cookware sets directly to you, whereas Henkel provides the advanced non-stick technology that other brands use to build their pots and pans.
Let's explore the details of each to see whether buying from a specialty brand like HexClad or choosing cookware that utilizes Henkel's technology is the better fit for your kitchen.
HexClad: The Hybrid Cookware Innovator
Founded in 2017, HexClad quickly gained popularity for its unique hybrid cookware that merges the durability of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick. Their products feature a distinctive laser-etched hexagon pattern that allows for metal utensil use, searing like stainless steel, and easy cleaning like a non-stick pan, targeting both serious home cooks and professional chefs.
- Product mix: HexClad offers a full range of cookware, including frying pans, woks, saucepans, and large stockpots. They also sell full cookware sets, cutlery, and grilling accessories.
- Style/vibe: The aesthetic is modern, high-tech, and professional. The gleaming stainless steel combined with the signature hexagon pattern gives the cookware a very distinct look that stands out in any kitchen.
- Price point: HexClad is priced in the mid-range to premium segment. Individual pans range from about $100 to $200, with a 7-piece set costing around $400 and a 13-piece set hovering near $700.
- Quality: Pans are made with a tri-ply construction (two layers of stainless steel surrounding an aluminum core) for fast, even heating. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free.
- Durability: The key selling point is durability, specifically the brand's claim that its pans are metal utensil-safe and scratch-resistant, which is rare for non-stick surfaces. They also offer a lifetime warranty.
- Functionality: HexClad cookware is oven safe up to 500°F, dishwasher safe, and compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
- Sales: The brand frequently runs bundle deals and offers discounts during major sales events like Black Friday.
- Return policy: Customers can return products within 30 days of receipt for a full refund.
HexClad is ideal for those who want the best of both worlds - stainless steel performance with non-stick ease - and prefer buying a full, aesthetically cohesive set directly from one brand.
Shop HexClad: hexclad.com
Henkel: The Surface Technology Powerhouse
Henkel is not a cookware brand you can buy directly. Instead, it's a global leader in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings. For the kitchen world, Henkel is a behind-the-scenes force, developing and supplying advanced non-stick, scratch-resistant, and durable surface treatments that many different cookware manufacturers use on their own products.
- Product mix: Henkel produces advanced coatings rather than pots and pans. Their technologies include ceramic non-stick coatings and other surface treatments designed to enhance durability, heat resistance, and food release across cookware made of aluminum, stainless steel, and other materials.
- How it works: Cookware brands partner with Henkel to apply these high-performance coatings to their pots and pans. When you buy a pan from a brand that uses Henkel's technology, you are getting the benefit of their extensive research in material science.
- Price point: The end price depends entirely on the cookware brand using the coating. You can find Henkel's technology in mid-range to premium cookware, so prices vary widely depending on the pan's construction, brand name, and materials.
- Quality: Henkel's coatings are known for their high quality, meeting strict safety and environmental regulations. They focus on longevity and resistance to scratching, high heat, and staining.
- Customization: The aesthetic depends on the cookware brand. A company might use a Henkel coating on a minimalist stainless steel pan or a brightly colored ceramic frypan.
- Shopping Experience: Consumers purchase these products from numerous retailers like Amazon, Williams Sonoma, or department stores. The purchasing experience, warranty, and return policy are dictated by the final brand and retailer.
- Sustainability: The company invests heavily in developing eco-friendly and PFOA-free formulations and promotes sustainable practices throughout its supply chain.
Choosing cookware with Henkel coatings means you're prioritizing the proven performance and safety of the cooking surface, sourced from numerous brands at various price points and styles.
Explore Henkel's Technology: henkel.com
HexClad vs. Henkel Comparison
Quality & Performance
HexClad’s quality is defined by its integrated, patented system. The tri-ply construction provides excellent heat distribution, while the hybrid hexagon design protects the PFOA-free non-stick surface from scratches, allowing for metal utensil use. This makes their pans exceptionally versatile, able to handle delicate eggs as well as achieve a hard sear on a steak.
Henkel’s contribution to quality is purely on the cooking surface. Their coatings are engineered for specific performance goals, such as extreme durability, stain resistance, or high-heat tolerance. A pan using a premium Henkel coating will offer outstanding non-stick release and longevity, but the pan's overall heating performance depends on the construction decisions (e.g., thickness, material) of the brand that made it.
Style & Aesthetic
HexClad has a singular, unmistakable aesthetic. The modern, geometric hexagon pattern is their signature, offering a professional, high-tech look that is consistent across their entire product line. If you buy a full set, every piece will match perfectly, creating a cohesive, engineered kitchen style.
In contrast, Henkel's coatings are functionally focused and largely invisible. They don't dictate style. This means you can find cookware with Henkel coatings in virtually any aesthetic you prefer - from colorful ceramic-coated pans to classic brushed stainless steel skillets. Your choice is much broader, but it is less brand-centric.
Price & Value
HexClad’s products fall into a clear premium category, though they are an accessible luxury compared to some professional brands like All-Clad. You are paying for the innovative design, tri-ply construction, direct customer service, and lifetime warranty. The value is in getting a versatile, long-lasting product that aims to replace multiple pan types.
The price of cookware with Henkel technology varies significantly. A budget-friendly brand might use a standard Henkel coating on an aluminum pan, while a high-end brand could use their most advanced coating on a five-ply stainless steel skillet. This gives you more flexibility to find a product that fits your budget, but requires more research to ensure the overall pan construction meets your quality standards.
Shopping Experience
Shopping with HexClad is a streamlined direct-to-consumer experience. You buy from their website or select authorized retailers like Amazon. The product information is clear, reviews are centralized, and you deal directly with the brand for warranty or returns. It’s simple and branded.
Finding cookware with Henkel coatings is a more traditional retail journey. You’ll need to research specific cookware brands to see which ones promote their use of Henkel or similar high-quality coatings. The experience is spread across countless brands, retailers, and websites, offering vast choice but requiring more effort from the shopper.
Sustainability & Ethics
Both prioritize safety and environmental responsibility. HexClad promotes sustainability through durability - creating a "buy it for life" product that reduces waste. Their coatings are also PFOA-free.
Henkel, as a major global chemical company, has robust corporate sustainability goals. They focus on responsible sourcing and developing eco-friendly coating formulas that meet or exceed international safety standards. By choosing brands that use their technology, you indirectly support this large-scale initiative.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice comes down to whether you prefer an all-in-one product from an innovative brand or a specific technology applied across many brands.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want the convenience of non-stick but the searing power of stainless steel.
- You exclusively use metal utensils and need scratch-resistant cookware.
- You appreciate a modern, high-tech aesthetic and want a matching set.
- You prefer buying directly from a brand and want a straightforward lifetime warranty.
Look for cookware with Henkel coatings if:
- You want a high-performance cooking surface but have a specific budget in mind.
- You prefer a different aesthetic, like colorful finishes or classic designs.
- You want to choose from a wide variety of cookware brands and retailers.
- You trust the long-standing reputation of a material science leader to provide a safe and durable coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HexClad or cookware with Henkel technology cheaper?
It depends entirely on the brand. HexClad is a premium "prosumer" brand with a set price point. You can find both cheaper and more expensive cookware brands that use Henkel technology on their products, giving you more flexibility on price.
Which is better for metal utensils?
HexClad is explicitly designed to be metal utensil-safe. Its stainless steel peaks protect the non-stick valleys. While some high-end Henkel coatings are very scratch-resistant, HexClad's unique design arguably gives it an edge for daily metal utensil use.
Are both PFOA-free?
Yes, HexClad's non-stick coating is PFOA-free. Likewise, Henkel is a leader in developing modern, safe, and PFOA-free coatings that comply with global health and environmental regulations.
How can you tell if a cookware brand uses Henkel coatings?
This can be difficult as brands don't always advertise their coating supplier. Often, a brand will promote its use of "German-engineered" or "premium ceramic" coatings, which may indicate a partnership with a supplier like Henkel. Reading detailed product specifications or reviews can sometimes reveal this information.
Is HexClad cookware dishwasher safe?
Yes, all HexClad products are certified as dishwasher safe, adding to their convenience.
Where can I buy HexClad?
The primary place to purchase is their official website, hexclad.com. They are also available at major online retailers like Amazon and in some home goods stores.
Do I need to season HexClad pans?
Yes, HexClad recommends a one-time seasoning before first use to achieve optimal non-stick performance. The process is simple: wash the pan, heat it on medium-low, spread a tablespoon of neutral oil around the interior, and let it heat for 2-3 minutes.
Which has a better warranty?
HexClad offers a clear lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. Warranties for cookware using Henkel's coatings vary by the brand that makes the final product, ranging from one year to a limited lifetime warranty. The simplicity and clarity of HexClad's warranty is a strong advantage.
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