The core difference between Matero Cookware and HexClad lies in their materials and philosophy. Matero champions sustainability and health, offering lightweight, eco-friendly cookware with a non-toxic ceramic coating at a mid-range price point. HexClad is a premium brand focused on high-performance durability, using patented hybrid technology that combines the searing power of stainless steel with the convenience of a scratch-resistant non-stick surface.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which of these popular cookware brands is right for your kitchen.
Matero Cookware
Matero has emerged as a go-to brand for home cooks who prioritize health, sustainability, and modern design. Its main appeal comes from its commitment to non-toxic, eco-friendly materials without a huge price tag. The cookware is designed to be lightweight and accessible, making it a functional and stylish choice for everyday meals.
- What it is: Cookware made from recycled and responsibly sourced materials, featuring a durable, non-toxic ceramic non-stick coating.
- Key features: Oven safe up to 500°F, compatible with all cooktops including induction, dishwasher safe, and equipped with ergonomic handles.
- Price: Mid-range, with most sets priced between $150 and $300.
- Materials/Construction: Recycled aluminum core for even heating, with a chemical-free, PTFE-free ceramic non-stick interior.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist. Features smooth, matte finishes in muted tones that fit well in contemporary kitchens.
- Pros: Affordable price point for a premium feel. Committed to sustainable and non-toxic materials. Lightweight and easy for anyone to handle. The non-stick surface is effective and easy to clean.
- Cons: As a newer brand, it lacks a long-term reputation. While durable, the ceramic non-stick may not withstand heavy, aggressive use as well as stainless steel hybrid options.
Matero is ideal for the health-conscious home cook who values sustainable manufacturing and a clean, modern aesthetic in their kitchen tools.
Shop this brand: matero.com
HexClad
HexClad has made a name for itself with its unique, patented hybrid cooking surface that aims to provide the best of both worlds: stainless steel performance and non-stick convenience. Endorsed by professional chefs like Gordon Ramsay, this cookware is built for durability, high-heat searing, and long-term use, catering to serious home cooks who are willing to invest in their gear.
- What it is: High-performance hybrid cookware combining a laser-etched stainless steel grid with a high-quality non-stick surface.
- Key features: Patented hexagon-design surface, scratch-resistant (safe for metal utensils), oven safe to 500°F, dishwasher safe, stay-cool handles.
- Price: Premium, with sets ranging from $300 to over $600.
- Materials/Construction: A three-ply construction with an aluminum core sandwiched between layers of stainless steel. The cooking surface features the laser-etched stainless steel and non-stick design.
- Style: Modern and industrial. The polished steel exterior and distinctive hexagonal pattern interior give it a professional, high-tech look.
- Pros: Excellent searing and browning capabilities. Extremely durable and resistant to scratches and warping. Hybrid surface offers great food release and is easy to clean. Lifetime warranty offers peace of mind.
- Cons: Significant price premium over other non-stick brands. Heavier than aluminum or ceramic-coated pans. The non-stick valleys require proper cleaning to prevent buildup.
HexClad is built for the aspiring home chef who needs versatile, heavy-duty pans that can handle high-heat cooking and will last for years.
Shop this brand: hexclad.com
Matero vs. HexClad Comparison
Materials & Construction
This is the most significant point of difference. Matero uses recycled aluminum at its core with a smooth, non-toxic ceramic coating. This makes the pans light, quick to heat, and completely free of chemicals like PFOA and PTFE. It's built for cooks who prioritize health and a pure non-stick experience.
HexClad's construction is all about durability and performance. Its tri-ply stainless steel body provides robust structure and even heat distribution, while the patented hybrid surface offers a unique trade-off. The stainless steel "peaks" provide a searing surface, and the non-stick "valleys" give you easy food release, creating a pan that can fry an egg or sear a steak with equal confidence.
Durability & Maintenance
HexClad takes the lead in sheer durability. The stainless steel structure is highly resistant to warping, and the company famously states that you can use metal utensils without scratching the non-stick coating. With a lifetime warranty, HexClad is designed as a long-term investment. They are dishwasher safe, though hand washing is often recommended for longevity.
Matero's cookware is durable for everyday use, with a scratch-resistant ceramic coating that holds up well with non-metal utensils. However, like any non-stick surface, the coating has a finite lifespan and will eventually wear. While dishwasher safe, hand washing will preserve the non-stick qualities much longer. It's built to last but is not in the same heavy-duty category as HexClad.
Price & Value
There is a substantial price gap between the two brands. Matero is positioned in the accessible, mid-range market. A full set can often be purchased for the price of two or three premium HexClad pans. For its cost, Matero offers excellent value, delivering on its promises of non-toxic cooking, stylish aesthetics, and solid performance.
HexClad is a premium investment. Its high price reflects the patented technology, durable materials, and professional-level performance. The value proposition for HexClad is its longevity and versatility - it’s designed to replace both your stainless steel and non-stick pans and last significantly longer than typical non-stick cookware.
Style & Aesthetics
The brands appeal to different design sensibilities. Matero is built for the modern, minimalist kitchen. Its cookware features muted, earthy tones and a soft-matte finish that looks calming and integrated. It’s designed to be seen, suiting kitchens with organized, clean lines and natural materials.
HexClad has a professional, industrial look. The shimmering stainless steel exterior and intricate hexagon pattern give it a "pro-kitchen" or high-tech vibe. It looks powerful and precise, complementing kitchens with stainless steel appliances and a more functional, performance-oriented aesthetic.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer excellent products, but they are engineered for different cooks with distinct priorities.
Choose Matero Cookware if:
- A non-toxic, chemical-free cooking surface is your highest priority.
- You are an eco-conscious consumer who values recycled materials.
- You prefer lightweight cookware that is easy to maneuver.
- You're shopping on a mid-range budget but want a premium look and feel.
- You love a minimalist, modern aesthetic for your kitchen.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want professional-level searing performance without food sticking.
- Extreme durability and scratch resistance are critical for you.
- You're willing to make a significant upfront investment in cookware meant to last a lifetime.
- You tend to be rough with your cookware and need something that can handle heavy use and metal utensils.
- You prefer an industrial, high-tech aesthetic for your kitchen tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between Matero and HexClad?
The primary difference is the material philosophy. Matero uses non-toxic ceramic non-stick coatings on a recycled aluminum base. HexClad uses a patented stainless steel and non-stick hybrid surface for maximum durability and searing performance.
Is HexClad really worth the money?
For cooks who value durability and high-heat performance, HexClad is often considered a worthy investment. Its ability to sear like stainless steel while providing easy cleanup and resistance to scratching from metal utensils makes it a versatile, long-lasting tool that can replace multiple pans.
Can you use metal utensils on HexClad cookware?
Yes, HexClad cookware is designed to be used with metal utensils. The stainless steel hexagon grid protects the non-stick coating in the valleys from scratches.
Is Matero’s cookware truly non-toxic?
Yes, Matero uses a ceramic-based non-stick coating that is free from PTFE, PFOA, lead, and other potentially harmful chemicals commonly found in older non-stick pans.
Which brand is easier to clean?
Both are relatively easy to clean. Matero’s smooth ceramic surface allows food to slide off easily with minimal effort. HexClad's hybrid surface also provides excellent food release, but its textured design may occasionally require a gentle scrub to clean the steel portion fully.
Which pan sears better?
HexClad is superior for searing. The stainless steel parts of its hybrid surface heat up significantly and create the crust and browning that you expect from a traditional stainless steel or cast iron pan.
Do I need to season HexClad pans?
HexClad recommends seasoning its pans before first use and periodically thereafter. The process involves heating a light layer of oil, which helps optimize the non-stick performance over the life of the pan.
Which cookware is lighter in weight?
Matero cookware is significantly lighter than HexClad. Its aluminum construction makes it much easier to handle and maneuver, which can be an important factor for some home cooks.
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