HexClad cookware is worth it for home cooks who are willing to pay a premium for a versatile, hybrid pan that combines the searing power of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick. It excels at being a jack-of-all-trades, but it isn't a master of one.
The brand's innovative construction delivers great performance, but its non-stick coating is the main point of failure and will not last as long as traditional all-metal cookware. If you value versatility and modern design over heirloom longevity, HexClad is a strong contender. Here's what you need to know before buying.
How Is HexClad's Quality?
HexClad's quality sits in the high-mid-range, defined by its unique hybrid construction and materials. While innovative, its durability has clear limitations compared to all-metal cookware. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
- Construction and Materials: HexClad pans feature a tri-ply construction, consisting of a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel for even heating. The cooking surface features a laser-etched stainless steel hexagon pattern sitting above a PFOA-free PTFE non-stick coating. Handles are double-riveted and designed to stay cool on the stovetop.
- Durability and Longevity: The stainless steel body is durable and resists warping. However, the lifespan is dictated by the non-stick coating. While marketed as metal-utensil safe, customer reviews show that regular use of metal tools can degrade the non-stick properties within 2-3 years, a common timeframe for PTFE surfaces.
- Performance: The hybrid surface successfully delivers both excellent searing (from the steel) and easy food release (from the non-stick). Pans heat evenly due to the aluminum core and are oven-safe up to 500°F, adding to their versatility. They are also compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
- Common Complaints: The most significant weak point is the durability of the non-stick coating. Many users report chipping, flaking, or a loss of non-stick capability after a few years of use, especially when using metal utensils or high heat, despite marketing claims.
Is HexClad Good Value for the Price?
HexClad delivers decent value by offering a unique, all-in-one cooking experience, but it comes at a premium price that may not be justifiable for everyone, especially given its limited lifespan.
Price Positioning
HexClad is positioned as a premium product, priced significantly higher than traditional non-stick brands like T-fal but slightly below high-end stainless steel from brands like All-Clad. A 10-inch fry pan costs around $160, and a 12-inch version costs about $200. You are paying a premium for its hybrid technology and sleek, modern aesthetic.
What You're Paying For
The price tag is for the innovation, versatility, and design. You're buying a single pan that can sear a steak, fry an egg, and deglaze a pan sauce without switching cookware. The convenience of a scratch-resistant non-stick surface combined with stainless steel performance is its core value proposition.
Where You Get Good Value
- Hybrid Performance: If you constantly switch between stainless steel for searing and non-stick for delicate foods, HexClad consolidates those tasks into one stylish piece.
- Modern Kitchens: For cooks with induction cooktops who want a versatile, high-performance pan that looks professional and cleans easily.
- All-In-One Convenience: Ideal for home cooks who want to minimize the number of pans they own but still want the ability to perform a wide range of cooking techniques.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Long-Term Durability: If you're seeking a buy-it-for-life pan, the limited lifespan of the PTFE coating makes classic stainless steel (like All-Clad or Made In) a better long-term investment.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: You can get a high-quality stainless steel skillet and a separate traditional non-stick skillet for less than the price of a single HexClad pan.
- Aggressive Use: If you frequently use high heat or metal utensils, you will likely degrade the non-stick coating faster than anticipated, greatly diminishing the pan's value over time.
HexClad Quality by Category
HexClad’s quality is remarkably consistent across its core product lines because almost everything is built with the same signature tri-ply, hybrid construction.
Fry Pans & Skillets
These are HexClad's flagship products. Ranging from 8 to 12 inches (priced from $140 to $200), they embody the brand’s promise of searing and non-stick performance in one. They are fantastic for daily use, excelling at everything from steak to eggs. Verdict: Worth it if hybrid convenience is your top priority, but be prepared for the coating to wear over years of use.
Woks
Integrating a hybrid surface into a 12" or 14" wok, this piece offers the benefits of even heating and easy food release for stir-frying. However, a traditional carbon steel wok is significantly cheaper and develops a superior, seasoned non-stick surface over time with proper care. Verdict: A solid choice for a modern kitchen but less practical than traditional alternatives.
Cookware Sets
Available in various configurations, HexClad sets offer better value than buying pieces individually. A typical 7-piece set costs around $400-$700. Investing in a set means you're committing entirely to the hybrid ecosystem. Verdict: A good way to outfit an entire kitchen quickly with matching, versatile cookware, but remember that the lifespan of the whole set is tied to its non-stick coating.
Our Verdict: Is HexClad Worth It?
HexClad is a strong choice for the modern home cook who wants the convenience of a hybrid pan and values versatility over lifetime durability. It delivers on its promise of combining non-stick ease with stainless steel performance, but it isn't an heirloom piece and should not be treated as such.
Quality Grade: B+
HexClad earns a B+ for its innovative and high-performing construction. The tri-ply base provides excellent heat control, and the idea of a hybrid surface is well-executed for versatile cooking. The grade is held back from an A because the non-stick coating's lifespan is finite, typically lasting only 2-4 years under regular use, which contradicts the "buy it for life" durability of cookware at a similar or slightly higher price point.
Value Grade: B
For value, HexClad gets a B. You are paying a premium for its unique function and modern design. When it works, it feels worth the price. However, when the non-stick coating inevitably wears out, the high initial cost feels less justified. For many, pairing a dedicated stainless steel pan with a cheaper, disposable non-stick pan is a better long-term value strategy.
Better Alternatives to HexClad
If HexClad's price or limited coating lifespan gives you pause, several other brands offer better durability, stronger value, or more specialized performance.
All-Clad
This is the choice for heirloom quality. All-Clad's stainless steel cookware is made in the USA with 5-ply bonded construction, offering superior heat retention and a lifespan measured in decades, not years. While more expensive, it is a true long-term investment for serious cooks.
Shop now at all-clad.com
Made In Cookware
Offering chef-grade stainless clad cookware and carbon steel that directly rivals All-Clad in performance at a more competitive price. Their products provide exceptional durability and heat control, making them a preferred alternative for cooks seeking long-lasting gear without the premium brand markup.
Shop now at madeincookware.com
Scanpan
If you primarily want an extremely durable non-stick pan, Scanpan is a top choice. Their ceramic-titanium finish is PFOA-free, designed to be used with metal utensils, and known to last much longer than typical PTFE coatings, making it a better value for non-stick enthusiasts.
Shop now at scanpan.com
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro
For the best value in stainless steel, this line offers tri-ply construction with excellent heat distribution and durability for a fraction of the cost of premium brands. You lose the non-stick feature but gain incredible longevity and save a significant amount of money.
Shop now at cuisinart.com
Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad
Another excellent value pick, Tramontina puts high-quality clad stainless steel cookware within reach for budget-conscious buyers. Made in Brazil, this durable cookware offers performance that rivals brands twice the price, making it a very smart financial choice.
Shop now at tramontina.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HexClad truly scratch-resistant and metal-utensil safe?
While HexClad markets its pans as scratch-resistant and metal-utensil safe, widespread customer reviews suggest that using metal utensils will accelerate the breakdown of the non-stick coating over time. To maximize the pan's lifespan, using wood, silicone, or nylon tools is highly recommended.
Is HexClad better than All-Clad?
They are fundamentally different products. All-Clad is better for pure longevity, heat retention, and durability as an heirloom-quality stainless steel pan. HexClad is better for cooks who prioritize non-stick convenience and versatility in a single piece, even if it means sacrificing a multi-decade lifespan.
Does the HexClad non-stick coating wear out?
Yes. Like all PTFE-based non-stick surfaces, the coating will degrade with use. You can expect 2-4 years of optimal performance depending on usage frequency and care habits. Hand washing, staying below medium heat, and avoiding metal utensils will help prolong its life.
Is HexClad cookware Made in the USA?
No, HexClad cookware is manufactured in China. The company states it is produced in a modern facility with strict quality control processes in place to meet American and European standards.
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