The main difference between HexClad and traditional stainless steel cookware lies in their surface technology and user experience. HexClad features a hybrid design, combining a stainless steel structure with a PFOA-free non-stick coating in a laser-etched hexagon pattern, offering easy food release and scratch resistance. Classic stainless steel cookware, like that from All-Clad, has a pure metal surface renowned for its superior searing capabilities and longevity, but requires specific techniques to prevent food from sticking.
Here's everything you need to know to decide between these two excellent cookware options for your kitchen.
HexClad Cookware
HexClad has made a name for itself by creating a hybrid pan that aims to deliver the best of both worlds: the durability and searing power of stainless steel with the easy cleanup of non-stick. Its distinctive hexagon-patterned surface is designed to protect the non-stick coating from scratches, even allowing for the use of metal utensils.
- What it is: A modern hybrid cookware that embeds a high-grade, PFOA-free non-stick coating within a stainless steel hexagonal grid.
- Key features: Tri-ply construction for even heating, patented laser-etched hexagon design, compatibility with metal utensils, and stay-cool handles.
- Price: Individual pans range from $50 to $150, while larger sets can cost between $150 and $400.
- Materials/Construction: It's built with three layers - stainless steel on the outside and cooking surface, with an aluminum core for heat conductivity.
- Style: Sleek and modern, with a unique tech-forward pattern that stands out visually in any kitchen.
- Pros: Excellent food release makes cooking and cleanup easy. Highly scratch-resistant and safe for metal utensils. Dishwasher safe. Heats quickly and evenly. Offers a lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Cannot achieve the same deep, hard sear as pure stainless steel. Some users find the textured surface takes getting used to. Premium price compared to standard non-stick pans.
This cookware is for the home chef who values convenience, easy clean-up, and durability and wants a single pan that can handle a wide variety of foods without the fuss.
Shop this product: hexclad.com
Traditional Stainless Steel Cookware
Traditional stainless steel is a workhorse in professional and serious home kitchens. Praised for its durability and responsiveness to heat, it excels at developing fond (the browned bits on the bottom of the pan) for flavorful sauces and achieving a perfect sear on meats and vegetables.
- What it is: Uncoated cookware made from layers of stainless steel bonded around a conductive aluminum or copper core.
- Key features: Superior heat retention and control, multi-ply construction (3-ply, 5-ply, or more), a non-reactive surface that doesn't stain or retain odors, and oven-safe to very high temperatures.
- Price: Individual pieces from premium brands start around $50-$200, with sets often ranging from $200 up to $700+.
- Materials/Construction: Layers of stainless steel around an aluminum and/or copper core for fast and even heat distribution.
- Style: Timeless and professional, with either a polished, mirror-like finish or a brushed matte look that fits a classic kitchen aesthetic.
- Pros: Unmatched for searing and browning food. Extremely durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. Safe for use with any type of utensil. Versatile for any cooking method, from stovetop to broiler.
- Cons: Requires learning proper heat management and oil usage to prevent sticking. Can be difficult to clean if food burns on. Generally heavier than other cookware types.
Stainless steel cookware is the right choice for cooks who prioritize performance, especially for high-heat techniques, and are willing to invest in a set that will last forever.
Shop this product: all-clad.com
HexClad vs. Stainless Steel Comparison
Performance & Heat Control
Both cookware types heat evenly thanks to their multi-ply construction with an aluminum core. However, their performance differs at the surface level. Traditional stainless steel is the undisputed champion of searing. Its direct metal surface allows for incredible crust development on steaks, chicken, and other proteins. It gives the user precise control over browning.
The HexClad, while it can achieve a good sear, doesn't quite match the performance of pure stainless steel due to the integrated non-stick surface. Where HexClad shines is with delicate foods like eggs, pancakes, and fish. It provides excellent food release with minimal oil, something that requires substantial skill on a traditional stainless pan.
Materials & Durability
Durability is a strong point for both. High-quality stainless steel cookware is famous for its "buy-it-for-life" reputation. With no coating to scratch or wear out, it can withstand decades of heavy use, oven trips, and vigorous scrubbing. Its robustness is a primary reason it's found in professional kitchens.
HexClad offers impressive durability for a pan with non-stick properties. The stainless steel grid protects the non-stick coating in the valleys, making it resistant to scratches from metal tools. While it features a lifetime warranty, the reality is that any non-stick coating has a finite lifespan, even if it is a very long one.
Maintenance & Ease of Use
Here, the differences are stark. HexClad cookware is designed for easy use and simple cleanup. Its hybrid surface releases food particles with little effort, and it’s dishwasher safe. This low-maintenance aspect appeals to busy home cooks who don't want to spend time scrubbing pans.
Traditional stainless steel requires more user skill. Heating the pan correctly before adding oil and food is crucial to prevent sticking. Cleaning can also require more effort, sometimes needing a specialty cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend to remove stubborn spots and maintain its shine. For users who master the technique, however, it becomes second nature.
Price & Value
HexClad is priced as a premium product but sits slightly below the most high-end stainless steel brands. Its value comes from its hybrid functionality, effectively combining two types of pans into one durable product. If you want a long-lasting pan that offers non-stick convenience, HexClad provides solid value.
Top-tier stainless steel brands like All-Clad can be a significant upfront investment. However, its value is amortized over a lifetime of use. Since it doesn’t have a coating that will degrade, it’s a one-time purchase. For serious cooks, the superior performance and guaranteed longevity justify the high cost.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent investments for the right type of cook, but they serve different needs and priorities.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want the cleanup convenience of non-stick without its fragility.
- Easy food release for cooking eggs, fish, and pancakes is a must-have.
- You want the freedom to use metal spatulas and whisks.
- A modern aesthetic with a unique design appeals to your style.
Choose Stainless Steel if:
- Achieving the most beautiful, deep sear on meats and vegetables is your top priority.
- You desire cookware that is genuinely "buy it for life" with no coatings to worry about.
- You enjoy the craft of cooking and are willing to master proper heating techniques.
- A classic, professional kitchen look is what you're after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between HexClad and stainless steel?
The main difference is the cooking surface. HexClad has a hybrid surface with both stainless steel and PFOA-free non-stick elements for easy food release. Traditional stainless steel has a pure, uncoated metal surface for superior high-heat searing.
Can you really use metal utensils on HexClad?
Yes. The patented hexagon design features stainless steel peaks that are higher than the non-stick valleys. This metal grid protects the non-stick portion from scratches, making it safe for use with metal spatulas, spoons, and whisks.
Is HexClad truly non-stick?
It's a hybrid. It offers better non-stick properties than traditional stainless steel, especially for delicate foods like eggs. However, for a perfect "slide-off-the-pan" experience, it still requires proper preheating and a small amount of cooking fat, similar to a well-seasoned cast iron pan.
Why does food stick to my stainless steel pan?
Food typically sticks to stainless steel for two reasons: the pan wasn't preheated correctly, or there wasn't enough oil. You should heat the pan until a drop of water flickers and dances across the surface before adding your oil and then your food.
Which is better for searing a steak?
Traditional stainless steel is hands-down the winner for searing. Its pure metal surface makes better contact with the food, allowing it to develop a deeper, more even, and more flavorful crust via the Maillard reaction.
Is HexClad cookware heavy?
HexClad cookware is substantial but well-balanced. Its weight is comparable to that of other tri-ply stainless steel pans, giving it a sturdy and high-quality feel without being overly heavy to handle.
How do I clean stainless steel cookware?
For everyday cleaning, use soap and hot water with a non-abrasive sponge. To remove stuck-on food, you can deglaze the pan with water while it's still warm. For tough stains or discoloration, a specific stainless steel cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend works wonders to restore its original shine.
Are both types oven-safe?
Yes, both are generally oven-safe, which makes them very versatile. However, you should always check the manufacturer's specified temperature limits. High-quality stainless steel often handles higher temperatures (up to 600°,F or 315°,C) than HexClad (up to 500°,F or 260°,C).
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