The HexClad Wok and Pan are both built with the same innovative hybrid technology, but they are designed for very different cooking styles. The Wok features high, sloped sides perfect for stir-frying and cooking large batches of food, while the Pan has a flat, wide surface ideal for everyday tasks like searing, frying, and sautéing.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right piece of HexClad cookware for your kitchen.
HexClad 12-Inch Wok
The HexClad Wok is a large, high-performance cooking vessel designed for high-heat cooking techniques like stir-frying and deep-frying. Its deep, rounded shape and signature hybrid non-stick surface allow you to easily toss ingredients and cook large family-sized meals while ensuring excellent food release and simple cleanup.
- What it is: A 12-inch hybrid stainless steel and non-stick wok designed for stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying.
- Key features: Tri-ply construction, patented hexagonal non-stick surface, oven-safe up to 500°F, scratch-resistant, metal utensil safe, and compatible with all cooktops including induction.
- Price: Around $150
- Dimensions: 12 inches in diameter with high, sloped sides.
- Materials/Construction: Layered construction mixing durable stainless steel for even heating with a non-stick coating for easy food release.
- Pros: Excellent for cooking large quantities of food. High sides contain mess when stir-frying. Patented non-stick surface is easy to clean. Impressive heat retention and distribution.
- Cons: Specialized shape is less suitable for everyday tasks like frying an egg. Larger size requires more storage space. Slightly higher price point than the standard frying pan.
This wok is perfect for anyone who frequently cooks Asian-inspired dishes, makes large one-pot meals, or needs a versatile tool for deep-frying and steaming.
Shop this product: hexclad.com/products/hexclad-12-inch-wok
HexClad 10-Inch Frying Pan
The HexClad Frying Pan is a versatile, all-purpose skillet designed to be a daily workhorse in the kitchen. Its flat cooking surface excels at searing steak, frying eggs, and sautéing vegetables, offering the perfect combination of non-stick convenience and the performance of stainless steel in one durable piece.
- What it is: A 10-inch hybrid frying pan built for a wide range of everyday cooking tasks.
- Key features: Tri-ply construction, patented hexagonal surface, oven-safe up to 500°F, metal utensil safe, stay-cool handle, and compatible with all cooktop types.
- Price: Around $130
- Dimensions: 10 inches in diameter with low, slightly sloped sides.
- Materials/Construction: A tri-ply structure that combines stainless steel and a PFOA-free non-stick coating for optimal heating and easy cleanup.
- Pros: A true multi-purpose pan suitable for countless recipes. Flatter surface provides an excellent sear. Lighter and easier to store than the wok. Non-stick performance makes cooking delicate foods foolproof.
- Cons: Smaller capacity is not ideal for large family meals. Lower sides are less effective at containing splatters compared to the wok.
This pan is an excellent choice for home cooks who need a reliable, high-performance skillet for a wide variety of meals and daily cooking routines.
Shop this product: hexclad.com/products/hexclad-10-inch-frying-pan
HexClad Wok vs. Pan Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most obvious difference between the HexClad Wok and Pan is their shape and size. The 12-inch Wok is designed with high, rounded walls that create a deep bowl shape. This design increases its volume significantly, making it ideal for preparing large stir-fries, noodle dishes, or deep-frying without overcrowding the ingredients or making a mess.
In contrast, the 10-inch HexClad Pan offers a wide, flat cooking surface with low, gently sloped sides. This shape maximizes direct contact with the heat source, which is perfect for achieving a perfect sear on a piece of meat or evenly cooking pancakes. Its more compact footprint also makes it easier to store in smaller kitchens.
Materials & Construction
Both pieces of cookware are built with HexClad's signature hybrid technology. They feature a tri-ply construction, which sandwiches an aluminum core between two layers of stainless steel. This ensures rapid, even heating without hot spots. On top of this is the patented laser-etched hexagonal grid of stainless steel, which protects the PFOA-free non-stick coating in the valleys.
Because the construction is identical, both the Wok and Pan offer the same level of durability, scratch resistance, and performance. You get the sear and durability of stainless steel combined with the easy cleanup of non-stick in either option. Both are built to professional standards and designed to withstand years of use.
Price & Value
The HexClad Wok is priced around $150, while the 10-inch Pan typically retails for about $130. The slight price increase for the Wok is due to its larger size and the greater amount of material needed for its construction. Both are premium products, and their price reflects their high-quality build and long-lasting performance. If your primary cooking style involves stir-frying, the value of the Wok is excellent. If you need an all-around performer for daily meals, the Pan offers better value and versatility for its price.
Cooking Style & Versatility
Herein lies the biggest difference. The Wok is specifically designed for high-heat, fast-cooking methods. Its deep, rounded shape is perfect for tossing ingredients, steaming with an insert, or deep-frying. While you could technically fry an egg in it, the sloped sides make it awkward.
The Pan, on the other hand, is the model of versatility. Its flat bottom is suitable for everything from delicate eggs and fish to a hard sear on a thick steak. You can sauté garlic and onions, reduce a sauce, or even bake a cornbread in the oven. For most Western-style daily cooking, the Frying Pan is the more practical and versatile choice. The Wok remains a specialized tool that performs its specific functions better than anything else.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both HexClad products are excellent investments, but your ideal choice depends entirely on your cooking habits.
Choose the HexClad Wok if:
- You cook a lot of Asian food, especially stir-fries.
- You often cook large, one-pot meals for a family or guests.
- You are looking for a high-quality vessel for deep-frying at home.
- You want to contain splatters and keep your cooktop clean during high-heat cooking.
Choose the HexClad Pan if:
- You need a go-to skillet for everyday meals like eggs, chicken, and vegetables.
- Achieving a perfect, even sear on meats and fish is a priority.
- Your kitchen space is limited, and you need a versatile, easy-to-store piece.
- You are buying your first piece of premium cookware and want maximum versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the HexClad Wok and Pan?
The main difference is their shape and intended cooking style. The Wok has high, slanted sides designed for stir-frying and large-volume cooking, while the Pan has a flat bottom and lower sides, making it a versatile tool for everyday searing, frying, and sautéing.
Which one is better for everyday cooking?
For most day-to-day tasks like cooking eggs, searing a steak, or sautéing vegetables, the HexClad Pan is more versatile and practical.
Can I use metal utensils on both the wok and the pan?
Yes, both the HexClad Wok and Pan are designed to be scratch-resistant and metal utensil safe thanks to the protective stainless steel hexagonal grid.
Are the HexClad Wok and Pan oven-safe?
Yes, both cookware pieces are oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C), allowing you to start a dish on the stovetop and finish it in the oven.
Which is better for cooking for a large family?
The HexClad Wok has a significantly larger capacity, making it the better choice for cooking family-sized meals, especially one-pot stir-fries or pasta dishes.
Do I need to use oil with HexClad cookware?
While the non-stick surface works very well, HexClad recommends using a small amount of oil for best results, especially when cooking proteins. The hybrid surface allows you to get a great sear with less oil than you would use in a traditional stainless steel pan.
How do you clean the HexClad Wok and Pan?
Both are dishwasher safe, however, hand washing with a non-abrasive sponge is recommended to prolong their lifespan. The tough surface allows for steel wool to be used for tough stains without damage.
Are both compatible with induction cooktops?
Yes, both the Wok and Pan are constructed with a magnetic stainless steel exterior, making them fully compatible with all cooktop types, including induction, gas, and electric.
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