Imarku targets budget-conscious home cooks with its wide array of affordable, high-quality cutlery and traditional non-stick cookware. In contrast, Hexclad is a premium brand focused on its patented hybrid cookware, which combines the durability of stainless steel with the convenience of a non-stick surface for serious enthusiasts and professional chefs. The primary differences lie in technology, price point, and target audience, with Imarku offering exceptional value across kitchen tools and Hexclad providing high-performance, investment-grade cookware.
Let's compare everything you need to know to choose the right kitchenware brand for your culinary needs.
Imarku: The Accessible Kitchen Staple
Imarku has built an impressive reputation for producing reliable, sharp, and stylish kitchen tools without the premium price tag. Known primarily for its high-carbon stainless steel knives, the brand also offers a growing collection of non-stick cookware, cutting boards, and accessories, making it a one-stop-shop for outfitting a new kitchen or upgrading essential tools.
- Product mix: Extensive selection of kitchen knives (chef's, santoku, paring), knife block sets, kitchen shears, and non-stick cookware sets. Also offers accessories such as cutting boards and knife sharpeners.
- Style/vibe: Sleek, modern, and minimalist. Products feature clean lines and polished finishes that fit seamlessly into both contemporary and traditional kitchen designs.
- Price point: Very budget-friendly. A 16-piece knife set typically costs between $100–$150, while individual chef's knives can be found for under $40. Cookware sets generally range from $50–$200.
- Quality & Materials: Knives are crafted from high-carbon stainless steel (often 5Cr15Mov), which provides good edge retention and corrosion resistance. Cookware features PFOA-free non-stick coatings with aluminum cores for even heat distribution.
- Target Audience: Ideal for home cooks, culinary students, and anyone setting up a kitchen on a budget who doesn't want to compromise on functionality and style.
- Warranty: Imarku stands behind its products with strong customer support and frequently offers lifetime guarantees on its knives and cookware sets, providing excellent peace of mind.
For everyday cooking and prep work, Imarku delivers dependable performance and solid construction at a price point that is hard to beat.
Shop Imarku: imarku.com
Hexclad: The Hybrid Cookware Innovator
Hexclad revolutionized the cookware market with its signature hybrid technology, which etches a stainless steel hexagon pattern over a non-stick surface. This design aims to provide the best of both worlds: the searing power and durability of stainless steel and the easy release and cleanup of non-stick. Positioned as high-end, long-lasting cookware, it's a favorite among serious home chefs and professionals like Gordon Ramsay.
- Product mix: Tightly focused on hybrid cookware, including frying pans, woks, sauté pans, saucepans, stockpots, and complete cookware sets.
- Style/vibe: High-tech and professional. The distinctive hexagon pattern gives the cookware a unique, modern aesthetic that looks premium on any stovetop.
- Price point: Premium-tier. Individual pans typically start around $100–$150, with complete sets ranging from $300 to over $600.
- Quality & Materials: Features a tri-ply construction (aluminum core between two layers of stainless steel) for even heating. The patented cooking surface is PFOA-free, scratch-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and designed to be used with metal utensils.
- Target Audience: Seasoned home cooks, culinary enthusiasts, and anyone willing to invest in high-performance, durable cookware that can handle a variety of cooking techniques.
- Compatibility: Hexclad pans are oven-safe up to 500°F and work on all cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction.
Hexclad is built for cooks who need durable, versatile pans that can go from searing a steak to cooking delicate eggs without skipping a beat.
Shop Hexclad: hexclad.com
Imarku vs. Hexclad Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a significant price difference between the two brands, which reflects their target markets. Imarku is firmly an affordable brand. You can acquire a comprehensive knife set or a 10-piece cookware collection for under $200, making it incredibly accessible for people on a budget. This pricing strategy makes an entire kitchen setup possible for what one or two Hexclad pans might cost.
Hexclad operates in the premium cookware space. A single 12-inch frying pan can cost over $150, while a full set can easily run $600 or more. This price is an investment in its unique hybrid technology, exceptional durability, and long-term performance. Hexclad offers superior value for those who cook frequently and demand a lot from their pans, as its longevity means less frequent replacement.
Quality & Materials
Imarku uses high-carbon German stainless steel for its knives, which offers a great balance of sharpness, durability, and resistance to rust at a low cost. Their non-stick cookware is reliable for everyday use, featuring PFOA-free coatings and solid construction that prevents warping under normal heat.
Hexclad's quality is built around its patented hybrid technology. The tri-ply stainless steel body provides excellent heat control and durability, while the laser-etched non-stick surface is uniquely resilient. You can use metal utensils, a major advantage over traditional non-stick from brands like Imarku, and its scratch-resistance is a key selling point. This construction is engineered to last for years, even with heavy use.
Product Selection
Imarku has a much broader product catalog that extends beyond cookware. They are primarily a knife company, offering dozens of styles for different culinary tasks, from butchery to delicate vegetable prep. This makes them a more comprehensive source for equipping an entire kitchen with essential tools.
Hexclad is almost exclusively a cookware brand. Their focus is narrow but deep, perfecting their line of hybrid pans, woks, and pots. While they have expanded slightly into knives and accessories, their core identity and expertise remain firmly in the cookware category.
Durability & Longevity
Both brands produce durable products, but they are built for different lifetimes. Imarku cookware is sturdy enough for daily home use but, like most traditional non-stick pans, the coating will eventually wear down over several years. Their knives, however, can last a lifetime with proper care and sharpening.
Hexclad is engineered for superior longevity. The stainless steel peaks protect the non-stick valleys, significantly reducing wear and tear. This design helps the pans resist scratching and maintain their performance far longer than conventional non-stick cookware, justifying the higher initial cost as a long-term investment.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best brand for you depends entirely on your cooking habits, budget, and priorities in the kitchen.
Choose Imarku if:
- You are setting up a new kitchen or working with a tight budget.
- You need an excellent set of starter knives that offer professional-level sharpness.
- You are a casual home cook who needs reliable, easy-to-clean non-stick cookware.
- You want to purchase a wide variety of kitchen tools from a single, value-oriented brand.
Choose Hexclad if:
- You are a serious cooking enthusiast or home chef who needs high-performance, versatile cookware.
- You often sear meats and vegetables at high heat and need the durability of stainless steel.
- You frequently use metal utensils and are tired of damaging traditional non-stick pans.
- You view your cookware as a long-term investment and prioritize longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Imarku or Hexclad cheaper?
Imarku is significantly cheaper than Hexclad. A Imarku cookware set might cost $150, whereas a single medium-sized Hexclad pan could cost the same amount. Imarku positions itself as a high-value, budget-friendly brand.
Which has better quality cookware?
Hexclad has higher-quality cookware due to its innovative tri-ply construction and patented hybrid surface, which is more durable and versatile. Imarku offers excellent quality for its price point, but Hexclad is in a more premium, performance-oriented category.
Can you use metal utensils on Hexclad and Imarku pans?
You can safely use metal utensils on Hexclad cookware because its stainless steel lattice protects the non-stick coating. It is not recommended to use metal utensils on Imarku's standard non-stick pans, as you will risk scratching and damaging the surface.
Is Hexclad cookware really non-stick?
Yes, but its performance is slightly different from traditional non-stick. The hybrid surface provides easy release for most foods, but because of the stainless steel component, it performs best when properly pre-heated with a small amount of oil, especially for sticky foods like eggs.
What are Imarku knives made of?
Most Imarku knives are made from a high-carbon stainless steel blend, typically German 5Cr15Mov steel. This material is known for holding a sharp edge, being easy to resharpen, and resisting rust and corrosion effectively.
Is Hexclad cookware PFOA-free?
Yes, Hexclad's non-stick coating is completely free of PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), making it a safe choice for health-conscious cooks. Imarku's non-stick cookware is also advertised as PFOA-free.
Which brand is better for a beginner cook?
Imarku is the ideal choice for a beginner. The brand's affordability allows new cooks to get a full set of high-quality, essential tools without a large financial commitment. The user-friendly design of their knives and cookware is perfect for learning.
Which brand is better for induction cooktops?
Both brands offer cookware that is compatible with induction cooktops. Hexclad's tri-ply stainless steel construction provides excellent performance on induction, while many of Imarku's newer cookware lines also feature induction-ready bases.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
