The HexClad and Onyx pan brands offer modern solutions to cookware, but they cater to very different chefs through their materials, performance, and price. HexClad is a premium hybrid brand combining stainless steel and non-stick for high-heat searing and long-term durability, whereas Onyx focuses on affordable, non-toxic ceramic non-stick pans designed for easy, everyday cooking.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which cookware is the right choice for your kitchen and cooking style.
HexClad Pans
HexClad has made a name for itself with its unique hybrid technology, bringing together the durability and searing power of stainless steel with the easy-release properties of non-stick. The brand's signature hexagon etched surface is instantly recognizable and designed to protect the non-stick valleys while allowing for incredible performance, appealing to serious home cooks who want professional-grade equipment.
- What it is: A line of hybrid cookware featuring a tri-ply construction with a laser-etched stainless steel and PFOA-free non-stick surface.
- Key features: Patented hexagon design, scratch-resistant surface (metal-utensil safe), dishwasher safe, oven safe to high temperatures, and induction-ready.
- Price: Premium pricing, with individual pans ranging from $150 to $200 and sets costing $300 to $600.
- Style: Modern and high-tech with polished stainless steel handles and the distinct silver-and-black hexagonal pattern.
- Materials/Construction: Each pan has a three-ply construction, featuring an aluminum core for even heating sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel.
- Pros: Excellent heat conduction and searing capability. Incredibly durable and backed by a lifetime warranty. Scratch-resistant surface allows for the use of metal utensils. Highly versatile for different cooking techniques.
- Cons: High price point can be a significant investment. Heavier than traditional non-stick pans. The non-stick properties may not feel as slick as a pure ceramic or Teflon pan for delicate foods.
This cookware is for the serious home chef who wants a durable, do-it-all pan and sees it as a long-term kitchen investment.
Shop this product: hexclad.com
Onyx Pans
Onyx Pans prioritizes safe, eco-friendly cooking at an accessible price point. The brand is known for its ceramic non-stick surfaces that are free from chemicals like PTFE and PFOA, making it a popular choice for health-conscious families. Their simple, functional design and focus on easy cleanup cater to daily cooking needs without the premium cost of high-end brands.
- What it is: Affordable, eco-friendly cookware with a ceramic non-stick coating over an aluminum base.
- Key features: Non-toxic ceramic coating free of PTFE and PFOA. Suitable for all stovetops, including induction. Usually oven safe to moderate temperatures. Lightweight design.
- Price: Very budget-friendly, with frying pans in the $30 to $50 range and full sets available from $80 to $150.
- Style: Minimalist and clean, often featuring matte exterior finishes in several color options.
- Materials/Construction: The core is typically an aluminum body for fast, even heating, with a multi-layer ceramic non-stick coating applied to the cooking surface.
- Pros: Very affordable and accessible. Non-toxic cooking surface provides peace of mind. Lightweight and easy to handle and clean. Heats up quickly and evenly.
- Cons: The ceramic non-stick coating is less durable long-term than HexClad's hybrid surface and can wear out over time. Not designed for extremely high-heat searing. Less resistant to scratches, especially from metal utensils.
Onyx Pans are ideal for budget-conscious home cooks who primarily need reliable non-stick performance for everyday meals and prioritize a chemical-free cooking surface.
Shop this product: onyxpans.com
HexClad vs. Onyx Pans Comparison
Materials & Construction
The core difference between these two brands lies in their construction. HexClad uses a heavy-duty, tri-ply build (stainless steel, aluminum, stainless steel) that provides exceptional heat distribution and durability. Its laser-etched hexagon pattern exposes stainless steel peaks, which protect the non-stick valleys, creating a surface built to last a lifetime.
Onyx Pans use a simpler construction with an aluminum body, which is excellent for conducting heat quickly but lacks the structural rigidity and heat retention of HexClad's bonded layers. Its surface is a pure ceramic non-stick coating. While effective and non-toxic, ceramic coatings are widely known to degrade over time with high heat and heavy use, making Onyx a less permanent solution.
Performance & Versatility
HexClad excels at versatility. The stainless steel ridges allow you to achieve a beautiful, deep sear on steaks and vegetables that is impossible with most traditional non-stick pans. At the same time, it offers easy cleanup and release for things like eggs. It's oven-safe to high temperatures, making it great for pan-to-oven recipes.
Onyx Pans perform perfectly as non-stick cookware. They are ideal for delicate foods like eggs, pancakes, and fish that tend to stick. However, they are not designed for high-heat searing, and using them at very high temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of the ceramic coating. Their oven-safe temperature limits are often lower than HexClad's.
Durability & Maintenance
HexClad is built for longevity. It's scratch-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and comes with a lifetime warranty, positioning it as a "buy it for life" product. You can use metal spatulas and whisks on its surface without causing significant damage.
In contrast, the lifespan of an Onyx pan depends heavily on care. You should avoid metal utensils, abrasive scrubbers, and extremely high heat to preserve the ceramic coating, which typically lasts from one to three years with regular use. Though easy to clean by hand, the durability gap between the two brands is significant.
Price & Value
This is the most straightforward comparison. HexClad is a premium investment, with prices many times higher than Onyx. Its value comes from its longevity, professional-level performance, and lifetime warranty.
Onyx Pans provide excellent value in the short term. For a fraction of the price of one HexClad pan, you can get a full set of Onyx cookware. They offer solid everyday performance for their price, making them an outstanding choice if you're on a budget or aren't ready to invest in high-end cookware.
Style & Aesthetic
HexClad offers one distinct look: a modern, high-tech aesthetic with its polished steel and signature hexagon pattern. It looks professional and is designed to appeal to those who appreciate a commercial kitchen vibe.
Onyx Pans lean into a minimalist style with clean lines and matte finishes. They often come in a variety of modern colors, allowing you to better match your cookware to your personal kitchen decor.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer great cookware, but they serve completely different needs and budgets.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want to invest in cookware that can last a lifetime.
- Searing meats and vegetables perfectly is a top priority for your cooking.
- You want the flexibility to use metal utensils without worry.
- You frequently cook recipes that go from the stovetop into a hot oven.
Choose Onyx Pans if:
- You are cooking on a tight budget.
- A certified non-toxic, chemical-free cooking surface is your primary concern.
- You mainly cook eggs, pancakes, and other foods that are prone to sticking.
- You prefer lightweight pans that are easy to handle and store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between HexClad and Onyx Pans?
The main difference is material and price. HexClad is a premium, durable steel-hybrid pan designed for high performance and longevity, while Onyx is an affordable, lightweight aluminum pan with a shorter-lifespan ceramic non-stick coating focused on safety and budget.
Is HexClad truly non-stick?
HexClad is a hybrid. It's not as slick as a traditional ceramic or Teflon pan because of the stainless steel grid. It offers good release properties, especially when seasoned properly with oil, but its main strength is combining the searing ability of steel with the easy-cleanup nature of non-stick.
Are Onyx Pans safe to cook with?
Yes, Onyx Pans are marketed as being very safe. Their ceramic non-stick coating is free of potentially harmful chemicals often found in older non-stick cookware, such as PTFE (Teflon), PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
Which brand is more durable?
HexClad is significantly more durable. Its stainless steel construction and scratch-resistant hybrid surface are designed to withstand years of heavy use, backed by a lifetime warranty. A ceramic pan like Onyx, by its nature, is a consumable item that will eventually need to be replaced.
Can you use metal utensils on these pans?
HexClad explicitly states its pans are designed to be safe for use with metal utensils. For Onyx Pans, it is highly recommended to use only silicone, nylon, or wood utensils to avoid scratching and degrading the ceramic surface.
Are both brands oven safe?
Yes, both brands are oven safe, but HexClad typically has a much higher temperature rating. Be sure to check the manufacturer's specified temperature limits, but HexClad often handles heat well above what's needed for most home cooking, while Onyx is better for moderate oven temperatures.
Which pan is easier to clean?
Initially, an Onyx pan might feel slightly slicker and easier to wipe clean. However, HexClad is dishwasher safe and its rugged surface handles scrubbing much better, making it easier to maintain over the long haul without worry of damaging the finish.
Do Onyx Pans and HexClad work on induction cooktops?
Yes, both brands are designed to be compatible with all common cooktop types, including gas, electric, ceramic, and induction.
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