The HexClad Roasting Pan and the All-Clad Roasting Pan represent two different philosophies in high-end cookware. A HexClad roaster features a modern hybrid design combining a stainless steel grid with a non-stick surface for easy cleanup, whereas All-Clad's pan is classic, fully-clad stainless steel known for professional-grade durability and superior heat control.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right roasting pan for your kitchen and cooking style.
HexClad Roasting Pan
HexClad has made a name for itself with its unique hybrid technology that aims to give home cooks the best of both worlds. The roaster features a patented hexagonal surface that sandwiches PFOA-free non-stick coating between a durable, laser-etched stainless steel grid, offering both easy release and a strong sear.
- What it is: A modern roasting pan featuring tri-ply construction with a hybrid stainless steel and non-stick cooking surface.
- Key features: Patented hexagonal non-stick surface, tri-ply construction for even heating, metal utensil-safe, PFOA-free coating, oven safe up to 500°F.
- Price: Around $150 - $200.
- Materials/Construction: It has a three-ply build: an induction-ready stainless steel exterior, an aluminum core for conductivity, and the hybrid stainless/non-stick cooking surface.
- Style: Sleek and contemporary with a functional, high-tech aesthetic from its distinctive hexagonal pattern.
- Pros: Excellent non-stick properties make cleanup significantly easier. You can use metal utensils without damaging the surface. It offers good heat distribution and modern versatility.
- Cons: Doesn't develop as deep a 'fond' (the stuck-on brown bits) for pan sauces like pure stainless steel. It is a premium price for a pan with non-stick components. As a newer brand, its long-term lifespan doesn't have the decades-long track record of All-Clad.
This roasting pan is for the enthusiastic home cook who values easy cleanup and modern design, wanting a versatile tool that combines non-stick convenience with the durability of steel.
Shop this product: hexclad.com/products/roasting-pan
All-Clad Roasting Pan
All-Clad is a legacy brand in American cookware, celebrated for its professional-grade, fully bonded stainless steel products built to last for generations. Their roasting pans are staples in serious home kitchens and professional settings, praised for their exceptional heat control, durability, and a classic, polished look.
- What it is: A high-performance, professional-quality stainless steel roasting pan with multi-ply construction.
- Key features: Fully bonded tri-ply stainless steel, superb heat retention and even distribution, large riveted handles for secure lifting, often includes a non-stick V-shaped roasting rack.
- Price: $200+ for most standard models.
- Materials/Construction: Made with layers of high-grade stainless steel bonded with an aluminum core that extends all the way up the sides for consistent heating. Many are still made in the USA.
- Style: Timeless and elegant with a polished stainless steel finish that looks professional and sophisticated in any kitchen.
- Pros: Unmatched durability and longevity (heirloom quality). Exceptional at creating fond for rich gravies and pan sauces. Superior heat retention is ideal for high-heat roasting. A trusted choice among professional chefs.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive. Requires more effort to clean than non-stick and can stick if not used with proper technique (preheating, using fats). It can be quite heavy, especially when full.
The All-Clad roaster is for the serious cook who sees cookware as a long-term investment and prioritizes performance, heat control, and tradition over convenience.
Shop this product: all-clad.com/cookware/roasters-racks.html
HexClad Roasting Pan vs. All-Clad Roasting Pan Comparison
Materials & Construction
The fundamental difference lies here. The HexClad uses a tri-ply body but features a hybrid cooking surface where recessed non-stick valleys are protected by a stainless steel grid. This allows for both searing and easy food release.
All-Clad's classic pans use fully-bonded multi-ply construction, typically with a stainless steel cooking surface over an aluminum core. This solid metal build offers incredible durability and heat distribution, but with no non-stick properties, it requires more cooking technique and cleaning effort.
Performance & Cleanup
The HexClad pan is incredibly user-friendly. Foods release easily, and cleanup is as simple as wiping it out with a sponge, even after roasting sticky items. While it can achieve a good sear, it won't produce the same deep, caramelized fond as a traditional steel pan.
The All-Clad pan is a performance beast. Its ability to retain high heat leads to phenomenal browning and crust development. It excels at creating the essential browned bits on the bottom of the pan perfect for deglazing into rich, flavorful gravies. This performance comes at the cost of more difficult cleanup, often requiring soaking and a good scrubbing with a product like Bar Keepers Friend.
Dimensions & Sizing
Both brands offer large-capacity roasting pans suitable for a Thanksgiving turkey or large family roasts. HexClad's offerings are generally in the standard large size of ~16.5 x 13.5 inches. All-Clad typically provides a wider variety of sizes, sometimes ranging from 16 to 20 inches, and their roasters frequently come bundled with a sturdy, V-shaped rack designed to hold poultry or large cuts of meat.
Style & Aesthetic
This is a clash of modern vs. classic. The HexClad pan looks contemporary and technical with its signature black honeycomb pattern. It appeals to a modern kitchen aesthetic. The All-Clad pan is timeless, with a polished, all-metal look that communicates professional quality and culinary tradition. It's a design that will never look dated.
Price & Value
The All-Clad roaster is a significant upfront investment, often costing $50-$100 more than its HexClad counterpart. However, its value is in its longevity, it's a piece of cookware that can be passed down through generations. The HexClad pan, while still premium-priced, is more accessible. Its value lies in balancing high performance with modern convenience, which for many busy home cooks is a worthwhile trade-off.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both pans are excellent tools, but they are built for different types of cooks and priorities.
Choose the HexClad Roasting Pan if:
- You absolutely prioritize fast and easy cleanup after cooking.
- You've been frustrated by food sticking to traditional stainless steel pans.
- You want the freedom to use metal utensils without worrying about scratching a delicate surface.
- You love a sleek, modern kitchen aesthetic.
Choose the All-Clad Roasting Pan if:
- You view cooking tools as a lifetime investment and want heirloom quality.
- Making rich, flavorful pan sauces and gravies from the drippings is essential to you.
- You prioritize professional-grade performance and superior heat control above all else.
- You don't mind a little extra scrubbing in exchange for a pan that will last forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the HexClad and All-Clad roasting pans?
The core difference is the cooking surface. HexClad uses a patented hybrid of stainless steel and non-stick for easy release, while All-Clad uses a classic, fully-clad stainless steel surface for maximum searing performance and longevity.
Which roasting pan is better for making gravy?
All-Clad is superior for making gravies and pan sauces. Its stainless steel surface is designed to create 'fond,' the cooked-on brown bits that dissolve when you add liquid, forming the flavor base for an incredibly rich sauce.
Can you really use metal utensils on a HexClad pan?
Yes. The stainless steel hexagonal grid stands slightly higher than the non-stick valleys, protecting the coating from direct contact with metal spatulas, spoons, or whisks during normal use.
Which pan is heavier?
All-Clad pans are typically heavier and feel more substantial due to their fully-bonded multi-ply metal construction. This additional mass contributes to their excellent heat retention.
How do you clean a stubborn All-Clad roaster?
For tough, baked-on food, the best method is to deglaze the hot pan with a little water or stock right after removing the food. For anything remaining, let it soak in hot, soapy water, then use a non-abrasive scrubber and a cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend to restore its shine.
Is the non-stick surface on the HexClad pan durable?
The HexClad non-stick is designed to be far more durable than traditional coatings because it is shielded by the stainless steel structure. It's PFOA-free and built for longevity under normal home cooking conditions.
Is the higher price of All-Clad worth it?
For serious home chefs, culinary professionals, or anyone who values "buy it for life" quality, the higher price of an All-Clad pan is often considered a worthwhile investment. Its performance and durability are unmatched in the category.
Do these roasting pans come with racks?
Both brands often sell their roasting pans with racks included, but it varies by the specific model or retailer bundle. The All-Clad often ships with a heavy-duty, V-shaped non-stick rack that is particularly useful for poultry.
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