The HexClad Wok and Frying Pan share the same innovative hybrid non-stick technology but are designed for entirely different cooking tasks. The Wok features high, sloped sides and a large 14-inch diameter ideal for stir-frying, deep-frying, and containing large volumes of food, while the Frying Pan uses a flat 10 or 12-inch surface perfect for searing, browning, and everyday cooking where direct contact with the heat source is key.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right HexClad cookware for your kitchen.
HexClad Wok
The HexClad Wok combines a traditional, high-sided shape with the brand's signature hybrid technology, making it a powerful tool for high-heat cooking techniques. Because of its large capacity and sloped sides, it excels at stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying, allowing you to easily toss ingredients without making a mess. Its unique construction provides the even heating of stainless steel and the easy-release properties of non-stick.
- What it is: A large, deep 14-inch hybrid wok designed for versatile cooking styles like stir-frying, steaming, and braising large meals.
- Key features: 14-inch diameter, high sloped sides, tri-ply construction with an aluminum core, patented laser-etched non-stick pattern, oven safe up to 500°F.
- Price: Around $180 - $220.
- Dimensions: 14" diameter, approximately 4" height.
- Materials/Construction: A core of aluminum between two layers of stainless steel, with a PFOA-free, laser-etched non-stick finish that is metal-utensil safe.
- Style: Sleek and modern, with the iconic black hexagon pattern on the cooking surface that defines HexClad cookware.
- Pros: Excellent for stir-frying and tossing ingredients. Huge capacity is perfect for family-sized meals. Versatile enough for deep-frying or steaming. Durable, scratch-resistant surface is easy to clean.
- Cons: Large size requires significant storage space. Not ideal for searing flat foods like steaks due to the curved cooking surface. Has a higher price point than the frying pan.
This wok is ideal for home cooks who love making Asian cuisine, stir-fries, or any large-batch meal that benefits from high sides and generous space.
Shop this product: hexclad.com/products/hexclad-wok
HexClad Frying Pan
The HexClad Frying Pan is an all-purpose kitchen workhorse, engineered for a wide range of daily cooking jobs from frying eggs to searing scallops. Its flat bottom provides maximum contact with the heat source, ensuring a perfect, even sear on meats and vegetables. Built with the same hybrid technology as the wok, it offers the performance of stainless steel with the convenience and easy cleanup of a high-quality non-stick pan.
- What it is: A versatile frying pan or skillet in 10-inch or 12-inch sizes, designed for an array of everyday cooking tasks.
- Key features: Flat cooking surface, your choice of 10" or 12" sizes, tri-ply construction, dishwasher safe, oven safe up to 500°F, and compatible with all cooktops including induction.
- Price: Around $150 - $200.
- Dimensions: Available in 10-inch or 12-inch diameters.
- Materials/Construction: Features the same tri-ply construction with a stainless steel and aluminum core and the signature PFOA-free hybrid non-stick surface.
- Style: A timeless and practical design that matches other HexClad cookware pieces, with a clean look and the brand's distinct hexagon pattern.
- Pros: Flat bottom is superior for searing and browning. Even heat distribution makes it consistent and reliable for daily use. Scratch-resistant surface can handle metal utensils. Heats quickly and cleans easily.
- Cons: Lower sides make it less suitable for tossing large amounts of food or containing sauces compared to the wok. The 10" size can be small for meals serving more than two people.
This frying pan is perfect for anyone seeking a reliable, high-performance skillet for everyday cooking, especially if searing and sautéing are part of your regular routine.
Shop this product: hexclad.com/products/hexclad-frying-pan
HexClad Wok vs. Frying Pan Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most obvious difference is in size and shape. The HexClad Wok is a large, 14-inch pan with deep, curved sides, giving it a massive volume for family meals or batch cooking. This makes it excellent for tasks where you need to contain ingredients, like stir-frying or deep-frying.
In contrast, the HexClad Frying Pan comes in more standard 10 and 12-inch sizes with low, flared sides and a completely flat bottom. This design is focused on maximizing direct contact with the cooking surface. From a practical standpoint, the frying pan is much easier to store, while the wok requires a dedicated spot in a large cabinet or pantry.
Performance & Versatility
Both pans are versatile, but excel in different arenas. The wok's high, sloped sides are designed for constant movement. It makes tossing vegetables, noodles, and proteins effortless, ensuring everything cooks quickly and evenly over high heat. Its depth also makes it a great choice for deep-frying or even boiling pasta, something a shallow frying pan can't handle.
The frying pan shines where the wok falters: searing. Its flat bottom ensures that steak, fish fillets, chicken thighs, and scallops get an even, golden-brown crust. It’s the go-to pan for pan-frying, sauteing, and finishing dishes in the oven. While you can stir-fry in it, the lower sides mean you risk spilling food if you get too enthusiastic with tossing.
Materials & Construction
Both the wok and frying pan are made with HexClad's signature construction, so quality is identical. They feature a tri-ply build (stainless steel layers with an aluminum core) that promotes rapid, even heating. The cooking surface on both is the patented, laser-etched hexagonal non-stick pattern. This hybrid surface allows you to get a great sear while still enjoying an easy release and the ability to use metal utensils without scratching it.
Price & Value
The wok typically costs about $20-$40 more than the frying pan, reflecting its larger size and the greater amount of material used. The HexClad Frying Pan offers tremendous value as a daily-use pan that will likely replace multiple lesser-quality pans. The HexClad Wok's value lies in its specialized performance - if you stir-fry multiple times a week, its utility is hard to beat and well worth the investment.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent pieces of cookware that live up to the HexClad name, but they are built for different kitchen needs.
Choose the HexClad Wok if:
- You regularly cook stir-fries, noodle dishes, or other Asian-inspired cuisine.
- You need a large-capacity pan for making meals for four or more people.
- You want a versatile piece for deep-frying, steaming, or making soups and sauces.
- You prioritize the ability to easily toss food without it spilling over the sides.
Choose the HexClad Frying Pan if:
- You need a primary, do-it-all pan for everyday tasks like cooking eggs, veggies, and proteins.
- Searing steaks, chicken, and fish to get a perfect crust is a key part of your cooking.
- You have limited storage space and need a more compact yet highly capable pan.
- You are building a foundational cookware set and need a reliable workhorse first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the HexClad Wok and Frying Pan?
The primary difference is shape and intended use. The wok has a deep, bowl-like shape for stir-frying and containing large volumes, while the frying pan has a flat bottom perfect for searing and sauteing.
Can you use the wok for searing a steak?
You can, but it's not ideal. The wok's curved surface means less of the steak will make direct contact with the hot pan, resulting in a less consistent sear compared to a flat frying pan.
Can I stir-fry in the HexClad Frying Pan?
Yes, especially for smaller portions. However, its lower sides make it difficult to toss ingredients without them spilling, which is a key technique in traditional stir-frying. The wok is much better suited for this.
Are both pans truly scratch-resistant?
Yes, HexClad's hybrid design features a stainless steel framework that protects the non-stick coating in the "valleys" of the hexagons. This makes both the wok and frying pan resistant to scratches from metal utensils.
Do I need to season this cookware?
HexClad recommends a quick seasoning process before first use to ensure optimal non-stick performance. This involves heating the clean pan with a small amount of oil for a couple of minutes.
Which pan is more versatile?
It depends on your cooking style. For the average Western-style cook, the frying pan is more versatile for daily meals. For anyone who cooks a lot of Asian food or large-batch meals, the wok offers more versatility for techniques beyond just frying.
Which one is easier to clean?
Both are equally easy to clean thanks to the hybrid non-stick surface. They are dishwasher safe, though hand-washing is often quicker and recommended to preserve the life of any premium cookware.
Is the HexClad Wok too heavy?
While substantial, the wok is well-balanced with an ergonomic handle that provides a secure grip, making it manageable even when full of food.
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