While Hexguard and Hexclad offer similar hybrid cookware with a signature hex pattern, they mainly differ in construction, durability, and price, with Hexclad positioned as the premium, more robust option. Ceramic cookware is a separate category entirely, known for its non-toxic, mineral-based non-stick surface and colorful aesthetics, though it's typically less durable than hybrid alternatives.
Here's everything you need to know about these three popular cookware options to find the right fit for your kitchen.
Hexguard Cookware
Hexguard enters the market as a modern, mid-range choice for home cooks who want the benefits of hybrid technology without a premium price tag. It combines a durable non-stick surface with a stainless steel base, all featuring a distinctive hexagonal pattern designed for even heat distribution and scratch resistance.
- What it is: Hybrid cookware featuring a proprietary PFOA-free hexagonal non-stick surface on an aluminum or stainless steel base.
- Key features: Unique hexagonal pattern for enhanced durability, compatible with all stovetops including induction, scratch-resistant surface suitable for metal utensils.
- Price: Mid-range, with individual pans from $30 - $80 and sets starting around $150.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and modern with matte black and metallic finishes.
- Materials/Construction: Generally an aluminum or stainless steel core with a reinforced non-stick coating applied in a hexagonal pattern.
- Pros: More affordable than other big-name hybrid brands. Provides good scratch resistance and non-stick performance. Modern aesthetic fits well in contemporary kitchens. Compatible with all cooktops.
- Cons: As a newer brand, it has less long-term history and fewer reviews than established players. May not have the same heft or professional feel as premium competitors.
Hexguard is ideal for the everyday home cook who wants durable, modern-looking hybrid cookware that can handle daily tasks without the high cost of premium brands.
Shop this product: hexguardcookware.com
Hexclad Cookware
Hexclad is a well-known brand that pioneered patented hybrid cookware, blending the ease of non-stick with the searing power of stainless steel. Its tri-ply construction and distinctive hexagon etching create a durable surface that delivers professional-level performance sought after by serious home cooks.
- What it is: Patented hybrid non-stick cookware combining a stainless steel structure with a PFOA-free non-stick surface in a hexagon pattern.
- Key features: Tri-ply construction (stainless steel/aluminum/stainless steel) for superior heat control. Scratch-resistant surface allows for the use of metal utensils. Oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and compatible with all cooktops.
- Price: Mid-to-premium, with individual pans from $50 - $150 and sets from $200.
- Style: Professional and high-end, with a distinct commercial kitchen aesthetic.
- Materials/Construction: A layer of aluminum is sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The non-stick coating is applied in divots within a stainless steel hexagonal grid.
- Pros: Excellent heat distribution and searing capabilities. Extremely durable and resistant to scratches and warping. Versatile enough for searing, sautéing, and delicate cooking. Lifetime warranty offers peace of mind.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than other non-stick or hybrid options. Can be heavy. The hybrid surface may require a slight learning curve compared to traditional non-stick.
This cookware suits the serious home chef who values performance and longevity and is willing to invest in a versatile pan that can sear like stainless steel and clean up like non-stick.
Shop this product: hexclad.com
Ceramic Cookware
Ceramic cookware refers to a popular category of pots and pans with a non-stick coating made from natural minerals and sand-derivatives. Unlike traditional PTFE-based non-stick (like Teflon), it's free from PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium, making it a top choice for health-conscious and eco-friendly households. Prominent brands in this space include Caraway and GreenPan.
- What it is: Cookware with a mineral-based ceramic non-stick coating, popular for being non-toxic.
- Key features: Free from chemicals like PTFE and PFOA. Available in a wide variety of bright, stylish colors. Slick surface allows for cooking with less oil or butter.
- Price: Varies widely by brand, from budget sets around $30 to premium options over $200.
- Style: Often colorful and design-forward, with brands focusing on aesthetics to complement kitchen decor.
- Materials/Construction: Typically has an aluminum core for heat conductivity, with a glassy ceramic non-stick coating on the interior.
- Pros: A completely non-toxic and eco-friendly option. Can typically withstand higher oven temperatures. The slick surface is very easy to clean. Often available in visually appealing colors.
- Cons: The non-stick coating is less durable and more prone to chipping and scratching than hybrid options. Non-stick properties can degrade over time, especially if overheated or cleaned with abrasive sponges. Generally not dishwasher safe.
This cookware is for the health-conscious cook who prioritizes non-toxic materials and stylish designs, and who mainly performs low-to-medium heat cooking.
Shop related products: carawayhome.com
Hexguard vs. Hexclad vs. Ceramic Cookware Comparison
Materials & Durability
This is the most significant point of difference. Hexclad boasts a robust tri-ply construction of stainless steel and aluminum, making it highly resistant to warping and exceptionally durable. Its etched hexagon design protects the recessed non-stick coating, allowing you to use metal utensils without worry. Hexguard offers a similar hybrid concept but with a less complex construction, providing good durability for its price point but lacking the professional heft of Hexclad.
Ceramic cookware is the most fragile of the three. Its glaze-like coating can chip if knocked and scratch easily with metal utensils. The non-stick properties also tend to diminish faster than hybrid coatings, often lasting only a couple of years with regular use before food begins to stick.
Cooking Performance
For searing steaks and achieving a great crust, Hexclad is the clear winner. Its stainless steel grid gets ripping hot and provides the browning performance that traditional non-stick pans can't match. Hexguard offers a good balance, providing even heat and non-stick release for everyday tasks like cooking eggs or pan-frying chicken. It's a capable all-rounder but doesn't quite achieve the same level of searing as Hexclad.
Ceramic cookware excels at low-to-medium heat cooking. Its extremely slick surface is perfect for delicate foods like fish or crepes and requires minimal oil. However, it is not well-suited for high-heat searing, as excessive heat can permanently damage the non-stick coating and cause it to lose its effectiveness.
Price & Value
Ceramic cookware offers the widest price range, you can find very cheap sets, but premium design-focused brands like Caraway can be just as expensive as Hexclad. Hexguard sits comfortably in the middle, offering hybrid technology at a much more accessible price point than Hexclad, presenting a strong value proposition for most home cooks.
Hexclad is an investment. It is the most expensive option, but its longevity, performance, and lifetime warranty mean it could be the last pan you buy for a very long time, offering great long-term value for those who cook frequently.
Care & Maintenance
Both Hexguard and Hexclad claim to be dishwasher-safe, though handwashing is always recommended to extend the life of any cookware. Their durable surfaces can handle more rigorous cleaning than ceramic. Ceramic cookware is almost always hand-wash only. Its delicate surface requires soft sponges and care to prevent scratches, and using the dishwasher will rapidly degrade the non-stick coating.
Which One Should You Choose?
All three cookware types have their merits, but they serve very different kitchen needs and priorities.
Choose Hexguard if:
- You want durable hybrid technology without the high price tag.
- You need a versatile pan for daily cooking tasks.
- You appreciate a sleek, modern aesthetic in your kitchen.
- You want a good balance of non-stick convenience and durability.
Choose Hexclad if:
- You are a serious home cook who demands professional-level performance.
- You want to sear, brown, and pan-roast with confidence.
- Durability and longevity are your top priorities and you view cookware as a long-term investment.
- You want a pan that's backed by a lifetime warranty.
Choose Ceramic cookware if:
- Your primary concern is having a non-toxic, chemical-free cooking surface.
- You love colorful, stylish cookware that serves as a design element.
- You mostly cook at low-to-medium temperatures and don't do much high-heat searing.
- You are careful with your cookware and are okay with hand-washing it after every use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Hexclad and Hexguard?
The main differences are in construction and price. Hexclad uses a patented tri-ply (stainless steel/aluminum/stainless steel) build for superior heat control and durability. Hexguard achieves a similar hybrid effect but with a less complex construction, making it a more affordable mid-range option.
Is Hexclad cookware truly scratch-resistant?
It's highly scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof. The stainless steel hex grid protects the non-stick valleys below, allowing you to use metal spatulas and whisks. While normal use won't damage it, intentionally trying to scratch it with a sharp knife could cause damage.
Is ceramic cookware safer than hybrid cookware?
Ceramic cookware is marketed as the safest because it's free of PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. However, both Hexclad and Hexguard use PFOA-free non-stick coatings that are considered safe for normal home cooking use when not overheated.
Which type of cookware is best for induction cooktops?
All three types are generally induction-compatible. Hexclad and Hexguard both have magnetic stainless steel bases suited for induction. Most modern ceramic cookware is also built with an induction-compatible base, but it's always best to check the product specifications for the specific brand you're buying.
How long does ceramic non-stick coating last compared to hybrid?
Hybrid cookware like Hexclad and Hexguard is designed to last for many years, with some lasting a lifetime, because the metal grid protects the non-stick component. A ceramic non-stick coating typically has a shorter lifespan, often losing its effectiveness after 1-3 years depending on use and care.
Why is Hexclad more expensive than Hexguard?
Hexclad's higher price comes from its patented, more complex tri-ply construction, premium materials, extensive marketing, and attached lifetime warranty. Hexguard offers a more streamlined product at a lower cost.
Do you need to use oil with Hexguard and Hexclad pans?
Yes, it's recommended. While they are non-stick, seasoning the pans properly and using a small amount of oil will improve performance and longevity, especially when searing. The hybrid surface isn't as slick as a 100% non-stick pan.
How do I clean and care for each type of cookware?
Both Hexclad and Hexguard are dishwasher safe, but handwashing with a non-abrasive sponge is best. Ceramic cookware absolutely requires handwashing with a soft sponge and avoiding harsh detergents to preserve its delicate surface.
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