Choosing between HexClad and Calphalon comes down to technology and price. HexClad is a newer, premium brand featuring an innovative hybrid surface that mixes stainless steel durability with non-stick ease, positioning it at a higher price point. Calphalon is a well-established brand known for its wide range of reliable and affordable traditional non-stick and stainless steel cookware.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which cookware brand is the right investment for your kitchen.
HexClad Cookware
HexClad has quickly made a name for itself with a unique hybrid cooking surface that features a laser-etched hexagon pattern. This design places stainless steel "crests" over a non-stick base, aiming to give you the searing power of steel and the easy cleanup of non-stick in one pan. It's built for serious home cooks who want durable, versatile cookware that can go from the stovetop to a 500°F oven.
- What it is: A hybrid cookware line combining a stainless steel structure with a PFOA-free non-stick surface in a patented hexagon pattern.
- Key features: Tri-ply construction for even heating, scratch-resistant surface that stands up to metal utensils, oven safe to 500°F, dishwasher safe, and compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
- Price: Mid-to-high range. A 10-inch skillet costs around $150-$180, with sets starting near $250.
- Style: Modern and industrial-chic. The combination of brushed stainless steel and the distinctive black hexagon pattern gives it a high-tech, professional appearance.
- Materials/Construction: Each piece has a three-ply construction with an aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel for excellent heat conductivity.
- Pros: Get a great sear without food sticking, highly durable and scratch-resistant, versatile enough for any cooking task, heats evenly, and has a striking modern look.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than traditional cookware, can be heavy, and requires a slight learning curve to prevent sticking in the steel portion (proper preheating and oiling are key).
This cookware is a great fit for the aspiring chef who wants a single set of pans that can handle anything from delicate fish to a hard-seared steak, and is willing to invest in new technology.
Shop this brand: hexclad.com
Calphalon Cookware
Calphalon is a household name with a long history of making reliable cookware for every kind of chef. The brand offers an extensive lineup, including hard-anodized non-stick, multi-ply stainless steel, and ceramic options. It’s known for delivering consistent performance and durability at an accessible price point, making it a staple in countless home kitchens.
- What it is: A long-standing cookware brand offering a wide variety of product lines, from everyday non-stick pans to professional-grade stainless steel sets.
- Key features: Even heating across different materials, dependable non-stick surfaces, ergonomic handles, and collections designed for different cooking styles and budgets.
- Price: Affordable to mid-range. A 10-inch non-stick skillet typically costs $50-$80, with full sets available for $100-$250.
- Style: Classic and functional. Finishes range from polished stainless steel to matte charcoal non-stick, designed to look good in any kitchen without being overly trendy.
- Materials/Construction: Varies by line but includes hard-anodized aluminum for their popular non-stick collections and multi-layered stainless steel for their professional series.
- Pros: Great value for the price, a huge variety of choices to fit any need, widely available in retail stores, established brand reputation, and easy-to-use non-stick surfaces.
- Cons: Traditional non-stick coatings are not metal-utensil safe, oven temperature limits vary by line and are often lower than HexClad's, and the vast number of product lines can sometimes be confusing to navigate.
Calphalon is perfect for everyday home cooks, families, and anyone who wants trustworthy, no-fuss cookware without breaking the bank.
Shop this brand: calphalon.com
HexClad vs. Calphalon Comparison
Materials & Construction
The core difference lies right here. HexClad uses a consistent tri-ply stainless steel and aluminum construction across its entire line, enhanced with its patented hybrid non-stick surface. This allows all pieces to be oven-safe up to 500°F and safe for metal utensils.
Calphalon offers different materials for different needs. Its best-selling lines use hard-anodized aluminum with a traditional non-stick coating, which offers fantastic food release but is susceptible to scratches from metal. Their stainless steel lines are durable and great for searing, but they lack any non-stick properties. You choose one or the other, whereas HexClad tries to give you both in one.
Durability & Performance
HexClad is built for longevity. Its resistance to scratching gives it a major durability advantage over any traditional non-stick pan, including those from Calphalon. In terms of performance, HexClad has a minor learning curve. It heats up like stainless steel, so you need to properly preheat it with fat to get the best non-stick release. Once mastered, it sears meat and vegetables beautifully while still handling delicate foods like eggs and fish.
Calphalon's performance is predictable and dependable. Its non-stick pans provide excellent, effortless food release from day one, making them incredibly user-friendly. The stainless steel options perform as expected, providing great heat retention for searing. However, the durability of its non-stick coatings depends heavily on proper care - no metal utensils, no extreme temperature shocks, and careful cleaning.
Price & Value
There is a substantial price gap between the two brands. HexClad positions itself as a premium investment. A single 10-inch skillet can cost three times as much as a comparable one from Calphalon. The value proposition for HexClad hinges on its hybrid technology and long-term durability, potentially replacing the need for separate non-stick and stainless steel pans.
Calphalon offers incredible value for its price. You can get a complete, high-quality set of cookware for less than the price of a few HexClad pieces. For most home cooks, the reliable performance and affordability of Calphalon present a more practical and immediate value.
Style & Aesthetics
HexClad’s look is singular and easily identifiable. The geometric, almost futuristic hexagon pattern and brushed steel handles appeal to those with a modern, contemporary kitchen design. It’s cookware that is meant to be seen and displayed.
Calphalon’s design is more traditional and classic. With clean lines, matte black finishes, or polished steel, their pieces are designed to be functional and blend seamlessly into any kitchen decor. Its aesthetic is timeless rather than trendy.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer excellent products, but they cater to very different priorities, cooking styles, and budgets.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want a single pan that can sear like stainless steel and release food like non-stick.
- You often use metal utensils and want scratch-resistant, durable cookware.
- You view your cookware as a long-term investment and have a higher budget.
- You frequently move pans from the stovetop to a hot oven.
Choose Calphalon if:
- You're looking for great performance at a more budget-friendly price point.
- You prefer the effortless food release of a traditional non-stick pan for everyday cooking.
- You want to build a large cookware set with specialty pieces for an affordable price.
- You prefer a classic, understated look that complements any kitchen style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between HexClad and Calphalon?
The primary difference is the cooking surface. HexClad uses a patented hybrid of stainless steel and non-stick material, making it scratch-resistant and great for searing. Calphalon offers separate cookware lines - either traditional solid non-stick or all stainless steel - at a more affordable price.
Is HexClad really worth the money?
For those who love to cook, value the searing ability of stainless steel, and want the durability to use metal utensils, many find it a worthwhile long-term investment. If your primary need is simple egg cooking and easy cleanup, a more affordable Calphalon pan is a better value.
Can you use metal utensils on HexClad and Calphalon?
Yes, metal utensils are safe to use on HexClad due to its patented design that protects the non-stick material. It is strongly not recommended to use metal utensils on Calphalon's traditional non-stick pans, as it will scratch and ruin the coating.
Which brand is better for induction cooktops?
All HexClad cookware is induction compatible because of its stainless steel base. For Calphalon, you must check the specific product line - while many of their stainless steel and newer non-stick lines are induction-ready, some of their classic hard-anodized aluminum pans are not.
How do you clean HexClad cookware?
HexClad is dishwasher safe. For stubborn residue on the stainless steel grid, you can use steel wool or other abrasive scouring pads without damaging the pan's surface, a major advantage over traditional non-stick.
Which one is more non-stick?
A brand new Calphalon traditional non-stick pan will feel "slicker" and provide more effortless food release for things like eggs. HexClad is effectively non-stick when preheated correctly with oil or fat, but its primary benefit is not its superior non-stickability but its durability and versatility.
Which brand lasts longer?
Theoretically, HexClad is designed to last longer, especially under heavy use with metal utensils, because its non-stick coating is protected by steel. The non-stick coating on a Calphalon pan will naturally wear down over several years of use and will need to be replaced sooner, although its stainless steel lines are built to last a lifetime.
Which brand is better for a beginner cook?
Calphalon is generally better for beginners. Its traditional non-stick pans are more forgiving, easier to use without a learning curve, and significantly more affordable, making it a great way to build a quality starter kitchen set.
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.
