The HexClad and Calphalon non-stick cookware lines cater to different home cooks, differing primarily in their materials, durability, and price. HexClad offers a premium, hybrid technology that combines a stainless steel structure with a PFOA-free non-stick surface, making it exceptionally durable, scratch-resistant, and great for searing. In contrast, Calphalon provides more traditional and affordable PTFE-based non-stick cookware that excels at easy food release and cleanup for everyday cooking.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which brand is the right addition to your kitchen.
HexClad Cookware
HexClad has made a name for itself with an innovative hybrid cooking surface that aims to deliver the best of both worlds: the searing power of stainless steel and the convenience of non-stick. Its signature hexagonal pattern isn't just for looks, the stainless steel “peaks” protect the non-stick “valleys,” allowing you to use metal utensils without fear of scratching the surface. This makes it a go-to for serious home cooks who want high performance and long-term durability.
- What it is: A hybrid cookware blending stainless steel and a PFOA-free, ceramic-based non-stick surface.
- Key features: Unique hexagonal non-stick design, tri-ply construction for even heating, scratch-resistant surface that is safe for metal utensils, oven-safe up to 500°F, dishwasher safe, and induction-ready.
- Price: Premium, with individual frying pans often starting at $100+ and sets ranging from $300 to over $600.
- Style: Modern, sleek, and high-tech. The black hexagonal pattern and polished steel give it a professional kitchen aesthetic.
- Materials/Construction: Features a three-ply construction with an aluminum core between two layers of stainless steel for thermal control. This structure is topped with their patented non-stick hexagonal grid.
- Pros: Extremely durable and scratch-resistant, provides excellent searing, maintains non-stick properties for easy food release, oven-safe to very high temperatures, easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- Cons: High price point can be a significant investment, can be heavier than traditional non-stick pans, may require a slight adjustment to heat settings for those used to pure non-stick.
This cookware excels for those who want a long-lasting, versatile pan that bridges the gap between stainless steel performance and non-stick convenience.
Shop this product: hexclad.com
Calphalon Non Stick Cookware
Calphalon is a household name in cookware, known for producing reliable, user-friendly non-stick pans that are accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Their non-stick collections are built on hard-anodized aluminum bases, which provide excellent heat conductivity and durability. These pans are designed for everyday cooking tasks where easy food release and quick cleanup are the top priorities, making them a kitchen staple for everything from scrambled eggs to pan-fried fish.
- What it is: Traditional PTFE-based non-stick cookware built on a durable, hard-anodized aluminum frame. It's intended for easy, everyday home cooking.
- Key features: Multi-layer, PFOA-free PTFE non-stick coating for excellent food release, hard-anodized aluminum construction for even heat distribution, oven-safe up to 450°F, stay-cool stainless steel handles, and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
- Price: Mid-range and accessible. Individual pans typically cost between $40 and $70, with full sets available from $150 to $300.
- Style: Classic, understated, and functional. Its black or grey finishes and simple, ergonomic designs fit well in any traditional or contemporary kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: The core is hard-anodized aluminum, which is harder than stainless steel and promotes even heating. The cooking surface features a reinforced, multi-layer non-stick coating.
- Pros: Fantastic non-stick performance ensures food slides right out, very affordable and widely available, lightweight and easy to handle, simple to clean.
- Cons: The non-stick surface is less durable than HexClad's hybrid design, susceptible to scratches from metal utensils, the lifespan of the non-stick coating is finite (typically a few years).
Calphalon is perfect for daily home cooks and families who prioritize convenient cooking and easy cleanup on a reasonable budget.
Shop this product: calphalon.com
HexClad vs. Calphalon Non Stick Comparison
Materials & Durability
The core difference lies here. HexClad's tri-ply construction with a stainless steel grid protecting the non-stick surface is built for longevity. It resists warping, scratching, and degradation from high heat, and you can safely use metal spatulas or whisks without damaging it. This makes it a true long-term investment.
Calphalon's system, while effective, is more traditional. Its reinforced PTFE coating on hard-anodized aluminum offers great non-stick release but is inherently less durable. Over time, with heavy use, high heat, and accidental scrapes from utensils, the coating will inevitably begin to wear down, requiring more careful handling and eventual replacement.
Cooking Performance
For searing meats, getting a crust on potatoes, or other high-heat techniques, HexClad has a clear advantage. The stainless steel elements in its design heat up to provide browning that traditional non-stick surfaces cannot achieve. At the same time, its valleys provide the easy release you expect from a non-stick pan.
Calphalon non-stick cookware excels at low-to-medium heat cooking. It's ideal for delicate foods like eggs, pancakes, and flaky fish where preventing sticking is the primary goal. While it heats evenly thanks to its aluminum construction, it’s not designed for the high-temperature searing that develops a deep crust on a steak.
Price & Value
HexClad positions itself as a premium product, and its price reflects that. An 8-inch pan can cost over $100. The value proposition is in its lifespan - it’s designed to be the last pan you need to buy. If you follow care instructions, it can replace several generations of traditional non-stick pans.
Calphalon offers immediate value with its affordable price point. You can get a complete, high-quality non-stick set for less than the cost of two or three HexClad pans. This makes it an excellent choice for those starting out, cooking for a family on a budget, or who simply see cookware as a functional tool that will be replaced every few years.
Care & Maintenance
Both brands claim their cookware is dishwasher safe, but HexClad's robust build handles the harsh environment of a dishwasher much better over the long term. Calphalon’s non-stick coating, like all PTFE surfaces, will last a lot longer with gentle hand washing. Regarding heat, HexClad is oven-safe to 500°F, while most Calphalon non-stick pans are rated up to 450°F, offering a bit less versatility for oven finishing.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cookware brands are excellent, but they are built for entirely different priorities and cooks.
Choose HexClad if:
- You view cookware as a long-term investment and are willing to pay more upfront for durability.
- You want the high-heat searing performance of stainless steel without the difficult cleanup.
- You frequently use metal utensils and want peace of mind that you won't ruin your pan.
- Your cooking style involves moving pans from the stovetop to a hot oven for finishing touches.
Choose Calphalon Non Stick if:
- You are on a budget and need reliable cookware for everyday meals.
- Your top priority is flawless non-stick release for eggs, pancakes, and delicate foods.
- You are accustomed to using wood or silicone utensils and can handle non-stick pans with care.
- You prefer lightweight cookware that is easy to maneuver in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between HexClad and Calphalon?
The main difference is the technology. HexClad uses a hybrid design combining stainless steel and protected non-stick for extreme durability and searing power. Calphalon uses a traditional, highly effective PTFE non-stick coating on an aluminum base that excels at easy food release but is less durable in the long run.
Is HexClad really worth the money?
For cooks who value durability, versatility, and high-heat performance, HexClad is often worth the investment as it can last for many years. However, for casual home cooks focused on affordability and basic non-stick tasks, the premium cost may not be justified.
Can you use metal utensils on HexClad and Calphalon?
Yes, you can confidently use metal utensils on HexClad cookware due to its protective stainless steel grid. It is strongly discouraged to use metal utensils on Calphalon non-stick, as it will scratch and accelerate the wear of the PTFE coating.
Which brand is better for searing meat?
HexClad is far superior for searing meat. The stainless steel elements in its cooking surface can reach and hold the high temperatures needed to create a deep brown crust, something a traditional non-stick surface cannot do.
Are HexClad and Calphalon non-stick coatings safe?
Yes, both brands use coatings that are PFOA-free and are considered safe for cooking when used as directed. HexClad's non-stick component is nested within a stainless steel structure, while Calphalon uses a proven, multi-layer PTFE coating.
How long does the non-stick last on each brand?
With proper care, HexClad's hybrid surface is designed to last for a very long time, potentially decades. A Calphalon non-stick coating, with regular use, typically maintains its peak performance for 2-5 years before it starts to degrade.
Which cookware is easier to clean?
Both are very easy to clean thanks to their non-stick properties. Food rarely sticks to either. However, HexClad's superior durability makes it more resilient to repeated dishwasher cycles, whereas Calphalon's coating will benefit more from gentle handwashing.
Can both brands be used on an induction cooktop?
Yes, HexClad cookware is induction-compatible across its entire line. Many of Calphalon's newer non-stick lines are also designed with induction-compatible bases, but you should always check the specific product's specifications, as some older or non-premium lines may not be.
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