The main differences between Hexclad and Onyx Cookware lie in their construction, target audience, and price. Hexclad is famous for its patented hybrid design, featuring a stainless steel hexagon pattern over a non-stick surface, offering a balance of searing power and easy cleanup for the modern home cook. Onyx provides professional-grade, heavy-duty cookware focused on superior heat retention and long-term durability, catering to serious culinary enthusiasts who are willing to invest more for performance.
Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which cookware brand is the right choice for your kitchen.
Hexclad Cookware
Hexclad has become a popular choice for home cooks by merging the best of stainless steel and non-stick surfaces into a single pan. Its signature hexagon-etched surface provides deep searing capabilities while protecting the PFOA-free non-stick coating in the "valleys," allowing you to use metal utensils without fear of scratching. This hybrid approach makes it one of the most versatile options on the market.
- What it is: Hybrid cookware featuring tri-ply construction with a stainless steel and non-stick surface.
- Key features: Patented hexagon non-stick surface, tri-ply construction, stay-cool handles, compatible with all cooktops (including induction), oven-safe up to 500°F, dishwasher safe, and allows for use of metal utensils.
- Price: Individual pieces range from approximately $100 to $300, while sets cost between $300 and $600.
- Style: Sleek and modern. The polished steel exterior and unique surface pattern give it a high-tech, contemporary look that fits well in minimalist kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Each pan is built with three layers: magnetic stainless steel on the outside, a middle aluminum core for even heating, and a steel/non-stick hybrid surface for cooking.
- Pros: Excellent balance of searing power and food release. Extremely durable and scratch-resistant design. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Heats evenly and works on all cooktops. Modern, attractive aesthetic.
- Cons: A hybrid surface has a slight learning curve, it doesn't offer the completely slick release of a 100% non-stick pan. More expensive than traditional non-stick brands.
Hexclad is for the everyday home cook who wants a long-lasting, versatile pan that can sear a steak and cook scrambled eggs with ease and doesn't want to worry about scratching the surface.
Shop this product: hexclad.com
Onyx Cookware
Onyx Cookware positions itself as a professional-grade solution for home chefs who demand uncompromising performance. Prioritizing durability and heat management, Onyx pans are typically built with thick-gauge aluminum or stainless steel, resulting in exceptional heat retention and even distribution. This makes them ideal for tasks requiring precise temperature control and powerful searing.
- What it is: Professional-grade, heavy-duty cookware designed for serious home chefs and culinary enthusiasts.
- Key features: Heavy-gauge construction for superior heat retention, reinforced PFOA-free non-stick coatings, ergonomic handles, and compatibility with various cooktops.
- Price: Tends to be higher, with individual pieces starting around $150 and sets often exceeding $500.
- Style: Robust, traditional, and industrial. The look is more utilitarian, focusing on function over fashion, which signals professional quality and stands out in a serious cook's kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: Built from heavy-duty, thick aluminum or stainless steel bodies that resist warping and provide excellent thermal mass for stable cooking temperatures.
- Pros: Outstanding heat retention and uniform cooking. Built to withstand heavy use and high temperatures. Extremely durable and resistant to warping. Commercial-grade feel and performance.
- Cons: High price point makes it a significant investment. Pans are noticeably heavier, which can make them harder to maneuver. The industrial look may not appeal to those preferring a modern aesthetic.
This brand is perfectly suited for experienced cooks who need equipment that can handle demanding techniques and prioritize substance and performance over a lighter-weight pan.
Shop this product: onyxcookware.com
Hexclad vs. Onyx Cookware Comparison
Materials & Construction
Hexclad's innovative tri-ply construction with its laser-etched hexagon hybrid surface is its main selling point. The aluminum core ensures it heats up quickly and evenly, while the steel gives it searing power and induction compatibility. This design is engineered to protect the non-stick coating from damage.
In contrast, Onyx focuses on mass and density. Its pans use thick bodies of aluminum or stainless steel designed for maximum heat retention. While Hexclad heats fast, Onyx holds its heat longer once hot, preventing temperature drops when you add food to the pan - a key trait for getting a perfect, edge-to-edge sear on meat or vegetables.
Durability & Maintenance
Both brands are built to last far longer than typical non-stick pans. Hexclad's core durability feature is its unique, scratch-resistant surface that stands up to metal utensils. Being dishwasher safe also makes cleanup completely foolproof, adding to its everyday convenience.
Onyx's durability comes from its sheer strength. The heavy-duty construction is highly resistant to warping, which can be an issue with cheaper pans under high heat. While you can clean it easily by hand, its robust build feels like it could handle pretty much anything you throw at it in a busy kitchen environment.
Price & Value
Hexclad offers a premium product at a more accessible price point than traditional high-end brands. For the average home cook, it represents fantastic value, as you're getting hybrid technology that serves multiple purposes without breaking the bank. Promotional bundles often make it even more affordable.
Onyx is a true investment piece. Its higher price reflects its professional-grade materials and construction. The value here is in longevity and performance - this is cookware you buy once and expect to use heavily for many years, making it a good choice for someone who cooks daily and sees their tools as a long-term investment.
Who Each One Works Best For
Hexclad is overwhelmingly the better choice for the average to advanced home cook. It bridges the gap between convenience and performance perfectly. It's for the person who wants to simplify their kitchen with one set of pans that can handle searing, sautéing, sliding out delicate eggs, and then go straight into the dishwasher.
Onyx cookware, on the other hand, is aimed at the serious home chef or culinary enthusiast. If you're passionate about cooking, understand the importance of thermal mass for achieving the perfect sear, and don't mind a heavier pan, Onyx offers performance that comes close to what you'd find in a professional kitchen.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cookware brands are excellent performers, but they are designed for different types of cooks.
Choose Hexclad if:
- You want the best of both worlds: the searing power of stainless steel and the convenience of non-stick.
- Durability against metal spatulas and utensils is a top priority.
- You appreciate a sleek, modern aesthetic in your kitchen gear.
- Convenience is key - you want pans that are versatile and easy to clean.
Choose Onyx Cookware if:
- You are a serious cook who prioritizes performance and heat retention above all else.
- You need professional-grade equipment that can handle intense heat and heavy use day after day.
- You don't mind paying a premium for cookware that is built to last a lifetime.
- You prefer a heavier, more substantial pan and appreciate its classic, industrial design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Hexclad and Onyx cookware?
The core difference is Hexclad's hybrid stainless steel/non-stick surface versus Onyx's professional-grade, heavy-duty build. Hexclad offers versatility for everyday cooks, while Onyx delivers superior heat retention and durability for serious culinary tasks.
Can I use metal utensils on Hexclad cookware?
Yes. The patented hexagon design consists of stainless steel "peaks" that protect the non-stick coating in the "valleys," making it safe to use metal utensils without causing significant scratches or damage.
Is Onyx cookware worth the higher price?
For a dedicated home chef who highly values performance characteristics like excellent heat retention and durability, a pan could last for years, making it a worthwhile investment. For a more casual cook, an Onyx pan might feel like overkill, though.
Which brand is better for induction cooktops?
Both Hexclad and Onyx Cookware are designed to be fully compatible with all cooktops, including induction ranges, thanks to their magnetic stainless steel bases.
How do I clean Hexclad and Onyx pans?
Hexclad pans are dishwasher safe, although handwashing is often recommended for any premium cookware to prolong its life. Both brands clean very easily with soap and a non-abrasive sponge due to their high-quality non-stick properties.
Which cookware heats up faster?
The Hexclad tri-ply construction with its aluminum core is designed to heat up quickly and evenly. Onyx cookware may take slightly longer to come to temperature due to its heavier build, but it will retain that heat much more effectively during cooking.
Are Hexclad and Onyx non-stick coatings non-toxic?
Yes, both brands use PFOA-free coatings, which is the standard for modern, safe non-stick cookware.
Which brand offers better value for the average home cook?
For the average home cook, Hexclad generally offers better overall value. Its combination of performance, versatility, durability, and a more accessible price point makes it an incredibly practical choice for everyday kitchen tasks.
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.
