While both brands deliver high-quality cookware, HexClad and Calphalon Stainless Steel serve completely different needs. HexClad offers innovative hybrid cookware that blends non-stick performance with stainless steel durability through its patented hexagon-etched surface, positioning it as a premium, versatile choice for modern cooks. Calphalon, a long-trusted name, provides classic, reliable stainless steel cookware praised for even heating and timeless design at a more accessible price point.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which cookware brand is the right investment for your kitchen.
HexClad Hybrid Cookware
HexClad has made a name for itself by creating hybrid cookware that solves a common kitchen dilemma: choosing between the searing power of stainless steel and the easy cleanup of non-stick. Their signature pans feature a distinctive laser-etched hexagon pattern that allows food to sit on non-stick "valleys" while getting a perfect sear from the stainless steel "peaks," making it a favorite for culinary enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds.
- What it is: Innovative hybrid cookware combining stainless steel durability and non-stick convenience in a single pan.
- Key features: Patented laser-etched non-stick pattern, tri-ply construction for even heating, scratch-resistant surface (metal utensil safe), dishwasher safe, and oven safe up to 500°F.
- Price: Premium pricing, with sets starting around $200 and reaching over $600 for comprehensive collections.
- Style: Sleek and modern, with a distinct high-tech look that suits contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: A tri-ply build features an aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, with a PFOA-free non-stick coating integrated into the hexagon design.
- Pros: Excellent searing ability combined with easy food release. Highly scratch-resistant and safe to use with metal utensils. Even heat distribution prevents hot spots. Easy to clean compared to traditional stainless steel. Comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Higher price point than many competitors. The hybrid surface has a slight learning curve. Not a pure non-stick or pure stainless steel experience.
This cookware excels for serious home chefs who want a single, versatile set of pans that can handle everything from delicate eggs to high-heat steaks without compromise.
Shop this product: hexclad.com
Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware
Calphalon is a household name known for producing dependable, high-quality cookware that balances performance and value. Their stainless steel line is a kitchen workhorse, favored by everyday cooks for its superior heat conduction, sturdy build, and classic aesthetic. It delivers the reliable performance needed to brown, sear, and sauté consistently, making it a staple in kitchens around the world.
- What it is: Traditional, high-performance stainless steel cookware designed for durability and even heating.
- Key features: Multi-ply construction (often 3-ply or 5-ply) with an impact-bonded aluminum base, dishwasher safe, oven and broiler safe, and compatible with all cooktops including induction.
- Price: Mid-range and accessible, with sets typically ranging from $150 to $500.
- Style: Timeless and professional, with a polished or brushed stainless steel finish that fits seamlessly into any kitchen design.
- Materials/Construction: Durable stainless steel layers sandwiching an aluminum or copper core to ensure rapid and even heat distribution across the cooking surface.
- Pros: Incredible durability and longevity. Provides excellent browning and searing results. More affordable than premium hybrid brands. A trusted name with a long track record of quality. Easy to care for and resistant to warping.
- Cons: Lacks non-stick properties, requiring proper technique with oil and heat to prevent food from sticking. Can be harder to clean. Susceptible to discoloration from high heat if not properly maintained.
This cookware is a great choice for home cooks and families who need a reliable, long-lasting set of pots and pans and appreciate the control offered by a classic stainless steel surface.
Shop this product: calphalon.com/e/stainless-steel-cookware
HexClad vs. Calphalon Comparison
Materials & Construction
The core difference between these two brands lies in their construction. HexClad uses a tri-ply construction but adds its patented hybrid technology: laser-etched stainless steel hexagons rise above a layer of PFOA-free non-stick coating. This protects the non-stick surface from scratching and allows for incredible searing. The result is a durable, versatile pan that feels substantial and distributes heat evenly thanks to its aluminum core.
Calphalon Stainless Steel focuses on classic multi-ply construction. Most of their lines are either 3-ply or 5-ply, featuring an aluminum core fully clad with durable, non-reactive stainless steel. This method has been trusted for decades to provide consistent, even heat without hot spots. While it doesn't have a non-stick component, its pure stainless surface is preferred by professional chefs for developing fond - the caramelized bits that build flavor in pans and sauces.
Performance & Durability
In terms of performance, HexClad is a jack-of-all-trades. It heats quickly, sears meat beautifully, and can handle delicate items like eggs or fish with minimal sticking. Its major durability advantage is scratch resistance, you can safely use metal spatulas without damaging the surface. This durability is backed by a lifetime warranty, making it a long-term investment.
Calphalon offers classic searing and browning power that is second to none but requires more technique. You'll need to preheat the pan and use the right amount of oil to prevent food from sticking. For durability, Calphalon is a true workhorse. With proper care, a set of their stainless steel pans can last a lifetime, enduring high heat and daily use without warping.
Price & Value
There's a significant price gap between the two. HexClad is positioned as a premium product, and its pricing reflects that innovation. You're paying for the patented hybrid technology, scratch resistance, and the convenience of a non-stick surface that can perform like stainless steel. Its value comes from its versatility and long-term durability.
Calphalon offers excellent value in the more traditional cookware market. It delivers professional-grade performance and construction at a much more accessible price point. For most home cooks, the quality and longevity of Calphalon provide an outstanding return on investment without breaking the bank.
Style & Aesthetics
The looks of these brands are worlds apart. HexClad's dark, almost gunmetal exterior finish and visible hexagon pattern give it a modern, high-tech vibe that stands out in a contemporary kitchen. The design is as much about function as it is about making a statement.
Calphalon’s cookware, with its polished or brushed stainless finish, embodies a classic, professional aesthetic. Its timeless look is designed to fit into any kitchen, from traditional to ultra-modern, and will never go out of style.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands produce excellent cookware, but they are built for different types of cooks with different priorities.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want the convenience of non-stick with the high-heat performance of stainless steel.
- You are tired of replacing worn-out non-stick pans every few years.
- You are willing to invest more for innovative technology and scratch-resistant durability.
- You appreciate a modern, tech-forward aesthetic in your kitchen tools.
Choose Calphalon Stainless Steel if:
- You want a proven, traditional stainless steel performing pan at a great value.
- You enjoy the process of searing and fond development on a pure steel surface.
- You are on a more moderate budget but still want cookware that will last a lifetime.
- You prefer a classic, timeless design that will fit in any kitchen style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between HexClad and Calphalon?
The main difference is the cooking surface. HexClad features a patented hybrid surface that combines stainless steel with non-stick valleys, making it scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Calphalon is traditional stainless steel, which offers premium searing but requires a bit more technique to prevent sticking.
Is HexClad truly non-stick?
Yes, its hybrid design provides effective non-stick properties. The hexagon pattern elevates food onto stainless steel ridges for searing, while the PFOA-free coating in the valleys allows for easy release. Some initial seasoning and a little fat or oil are still recommended for a perfect experience.
Which brand is better for high-heat searing?
Both are excellent for searing. Calphalon delivers a classic stainless steel sear that creates a flavorful fond perfect for making pan sauces. HexClad also sears exceptionally well and has the added benefit of easier cleanup after.
Are both brands oven and dishwasher safe?
Yes, both brands design their stainless steel and hybrid cookware to be oven safe and dishwasher safe. For exact temperature limits, it's always best to check the specific product line, but HexClad is typically oven safe to 500°F.
Which cookware is more durable?
Both brands are built for longevity. Calphalon's stainless steel construction is a time-tested workhorse that can last for decades. HexClad's key advantage is its surface durability - it's highly resistant to scratches from metal utensils, which is often the downfall of traditional non-stick pans.
Can I use metal utensils on HexClad and Calphalon?
HexClad is explicitly designed to be safe for use with metal utensils due to its protective stainless steel ridges. While metal utensils won't harm Calphalon's stainless steel, they can cause cosmetic scratching. Most cooks prefer to use wood, silicone, or nylon utensils to keep their Calphalon cookware looking its best.
Does HexClad require seasoning?
HexClad recommends a quick, one-time seasoning process before first use. This involves heating the pan with a bit of oil to condition the surface and ensure optimal non-stick performance from the start.
Which brand offers a better warranty?
HexClad offers a lifetime warranty on its cookware, demonstrating a strong confidence in its durability and technology. Calphalon also provides robust limited lifetime warranties on its stainless steel products, reflecting its long-standing reputation for quality.
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