Choosing between HexClad and Caraway comes down to prioritizing performance versus aesthetics and materials. HexClad's hybrid cookware combines stainless steel durability with a PFOA-free non-stick surface, making it resistant to scratches and high heat, while Caraway offers a ceramic-coated, completely non-toxic (PTFE-free) option celebrated for its stylish, minimalist design and health-conscious materials.
Here’s everything you need to know about these popular non-toxic cookware brands to decide which one is right for your kitchen.
HexClad Cookware
HexClad is a hybrid cookware brand that has gained a strong following for its unique combination of stainless steel's searing power and non-stick's convenience. Its patented laser-etched hexagon design allows it to withstand high heat and metal utensils, making it a rugged and versatile choice for serious home cooks who want professional-grade performance and durability.
- What it is: A line of hybrid cookware featuring a PFOA-free non-stick surface embedded within a stainless steel pattern.
- Key features: Patented hybrid technology combines stainless steel and non-stick, tri-ply construction for even heating, scratch-resistant surface that is safe for metal utensils, oven safe up to 500°F.
- Price: Individual pans start around $100, sets typically range from $300 to $700+.
- Materials/Construction: Has a tri-ply construction with an aluminum core between two layers of stainless steel. The cooking surface is a laser-etched pattern of stainless steel "peaks" and non-stick "valleys".
- Style: Sleek, modern, and industrial aesthetic. The dark non-stick coating contrasted with the shimmering hexagon pattern gives it a high-tech, professional look.
- Pros: Excellent heat control and searing capabilities like stainless steel. Easy cleanup and food release like non-stick. Safe to use with metal utensils. Incredibly durable and designed to last a lifetime. Lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Heavier than purely non-stick or ceramic pans. Not 100% non-stick, requires some oil or butter for best results, especially with delicate foods. More expensive upfront cost than many alternatives. Fewer color options.
The HexClad line is ideal for cooks who want a workhorse pan that can sear a steak and cook scrambled eggs - all while being tough enough to handle metal tools and daily use.
Shop this brand: https://www.hexclad.com
Caraway Cookware
Caraway is a direct-to-consumer brand that has captured attention with its thoughtfully designed, non-toxic ceramic cookware. With a strong focus on clean cooking and modern aesthetics, Caraway pans are completely free of PTFE, PFOA, and other potentially harmful chemicals, making them a top choice for health-conscious and design-savvy home cooks.
- What it is: A collection of non-toxic, eco-friendly cookware with a ceramic non-stick coating over an aluminum core.
- Key features: Mineral-based ceramic coating that’s free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAs, lead and cadmium. Lightweight aluminum core for quick, even heating. Sets include magnetic pan racks and a canvas lid holder for storage. Oven safe up to 550°F.
- Price: Individual pieces are not typically sold. A 4-piece Fry & Saucepan set costs $245, while their main 4-piece Cookware Set is $395. The full 7-piece set with accessories costs over $600.
- Materials/Construction: Aluminum core with a mineral-based ceramic non-stick coating. Stainless steel handles.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and highly aesthetic. Available in a range of muted, sophisticated colors like cream, gray, sage, and navy that are designed to be displayed.
- Pros: Genuinely slick non-stick surface requires minimal oil. Completely non-toxic and eco-conscious manufacturing. Beautiful design and colors enhance kitchen decor. Comes with a user-friendly storage solution. Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Cons: Ceramic non-stick is less durable long-term than hybrid options and can lose its slickness over time. Not scratch-proof, requires non-abrasive utensils (wood or silicone). Can be prone to staining, especially with high-heat cooking. High price point for an aluminum core set.
Caraway appeals to anyone who values a non-toxic cooking environment and wants their cookware to double as a stylish kitchen accessory.
Shop this brand: https://www.carawayhome.com
HexClad vs. Caraway Comparison
Materials & Construction
The core difference between HexClad and Caraway is in their fundamental construction. HexClad uses a robust, tri-ply stainless steel body with their signature etched non-stick surface. This hybrid approach aims for extreme durability and the ability to get a hard sear. Caraway uses an aluminum core chosen for its fast and even heating properties. This makes Caraway pans lighter and quicker to heat up, but potentially more susceptible to warping at extreme temperature changes than HexClad's steel base.
The non-stick surfaces also differ greatly. HexClad’s is integrated into the steel lattice and is PFOA-free, designed for longevity. Caraway’s is a slick, mineral-based ceramic coating that is entirely free of PTFE and other plastics, appealing to those seeking the purest non-toxic option, though ceramic coatings typically have a shorter lifespan than other non-stick types.
Price & Value
On a per-piece basis, HexClad cookware often presents a higher upfront cost. However, its lifetime warranty and rugged construction mean it’s designed to be a one-time purchase. The ability to use any utensils without fear of scratching represents long-term value for many cooks. They are a true investment piece intended to last for decades.
Caraway sets come with a similarly premium price tag, though their focus is on providing a full, color-coordinated kitchen solution complete with storage. The value here is in the bundle: beautifully designed, non-toxic cookware with the organizational accessories included. While Caraway offers a warranty, the ceramic coating's lifespan means you may need to replace pieces sooner than a HexClad pan if not cared for meticulously.
Style & Aesthetic
Style is where Caraway truly stands out. With its signature muted colors (think Sage, Cream, Perracotta) and minimalist matte finish, Caraway cookware is designed to be an integral part of a modern kitchen's design. It’s for people who want to hang their pans out in the open. HexClad’s design is more functional and professional. The geometric hexagon pattern and polished steel finish project a sleek, industrial vibe that looks equally at home in a high-performance chef's-style kitchen.
Durability & Performance
HexClad is the clear winner on durability. Its stainless steel construction is resistant to warping, and the surface is nearly impossible to scratch, giving users the freedom to use metal spatulas, whisks, and tongs. It excels at high-heat searing while still offering an easy release for most foods. The trade-off is that it’s not as "slippery" as a new ceramic skillet and performs best with a small amount of cooking oil.
Caraway performs beautifully as a truly non-stick surface, especially when new. Eggs slide right off, and cleaning is effortless. However, this performance is more delicate. It should be used at low to medium heat, and only with silicone or wood utensils. High heat can damage the ceramic coating over time, reducing its non-stick properties and causing discoloration.
Who Each One Works Best For
For cooks who prioritize performance, durability, and versatility, HexClad is the clear choice. It’s perfect for someone who moves seamlessly between delicate cooking and high-heat searing and doesn’t want to worry about which spatula they are grabbing. If you want a pan that feels like a professional upgrade and will last for years, HexClad delivers.
For health-conscious consumers whose primary concern is a 100% non-toxic, PTFE-free cooking surface, Caraway is a great fit. It’s also ideal for individuals who want kitchenware that matches their home decor and appreciate the convenience of an all-in-one set with clever storage solutions. If gentle cooking and beautiful form are more important to you than high-heat searing power, Caraway will likely be a better match.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer excellent, non-toxic alternatives to traditional cookware, but they cater to very different types of cooks and priorities.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want the high-heat searing capability of stainless steel plus easy cleanup.
- Durability is your top concern and you want to use metal utensils without worry.
- You are looking for heavy-duty, professional-grade cookware that will last a lifetime.
- You want a hybrid pan that works for nearly every type of cooking task.
Choose Caraway if:
- Your number one priority is a cookware material that is 100% non-toxic and PTFE-free.
- You love a minimalist, modern aesthetic and want your cookware in beautiful, muted tones.
- You appreciate clever storage solutions and want your set to come with its own rack and organizer.
- You primarily cook on low to medium heat and are diligent about using non-abrasive utensils.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between HexClad and Caraway?
The main difference is material and philosophy. HexClad is a durable hybrid of stainless steel and PFOA-free non-stick designed for high-heat performance and longevity. Caraway is a non-toxic ceramic-coated aluminum cookware focused on health, safety (PTFE-free), and modern, colorful aesthetics.
Is HexClad truly non-stick and safe?
HexClad is considered hybrid cookware. While it has an excellent non-stick layer, it's not as frictionless as 100% ceramic or Teflon pans and requires a little fat or oil for best results. Its non-stick coating is PFOA-free, making it a safe, non-toxic cookware choice.
How long does Caraway's non-stick surface last?
With proper care (low-medium heat, non-metal utensils, hand washing), Caraway's ceramic coating can last for several years. However, like all ceramic non-stick, its performance will gradually diminish with time and use, which is faster than the lifespan of HexClad's embedded surface.
Can you use metal utensils on HexClad and Caraway?
You can use metal utensils on HexClad, as its stainless steel lattice is designed to protect the non-stick valleys. On Caraway, you should only use wood, silicone, or plastic tools, as metal can easily scratch and damage the delicate ceramic coating.
Which brand is better for induction stovetops?
Both HexClad and Caraway cookware are fully compatible with induction stovetops. HexClad's stainless steel base and Caraway's inclusion of a steel plate on the bottom of their pans ensure they work effectively with induction technology.
Are both brands oven-safe?
Yes, both brands are oven-safe, but to different temperatures. HexClad is typically oven-safe up to 500°F. Caraway boasts a slightly higher tolerance, oven-safe up to 550°F.
How do you clean stained or burnt-on food?
For HexClad, you can safely use steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers on tough grime. For Caraway, it's important to avoid abrasive tools. Instead, soak the pan with warm, soapy water and gently scrub with a non-scratch sponge. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water can be effective.
Which cookware is easier to maintain?
HexClad is easier to maintain in the long run because it's dishwasher-safe, scratch-resistant, and can withstand more aggressive cleaning techniques. Caraway requires more careful handling - hand washing only, using low to medium heats - to preserve the life of its ceramic non-stick coating.
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