The Novara Pure Clad and HexClad cookware lines both target home cooks seeking professional quality, but they achieve it through very different approaches. Novara Pure Clad is a traditional multi-ply stainless steel pan designed for superior heat control and searing, while HexClad features a patented hybrid design combining a non-stick surface with a stainless steel hexagonal grid for versatility and easier cleanup.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which brand's technology and approach is the right fit for your kitchen.
Novara Pure Clad Cookware
Novara's Pure Clad line is built for experienced home cooks and culinary professionals who demand performance and durability from their cookware. It's a classic example of multi-ply construction, where layers of stainless steel and aluminum work together to provide fast, even heating and precise temperature control, making it ideal for everything from a perfect sear to a delicate sauce.
- What it is: Professional-grade cookware made from layered stainless steel and aluminum, designed for high-performance cooking.
- Key features: Multi-ply construction ensures even heat distribution and retention, warp-resistance, and a durable, non-reactive cooking surface.
- Price: Ranges from $100 to $300 for individual pieces, with full sets costing $600 or more.
- Style: Sleek, timeless, and professional, with a polished stainless steel finish that looks at home in any kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: Multiple layers of stainless steel bonded to an aluminum core for superior conductivity.
- Pros: Excellent for searing meats and achieving a fond. Offers precise temperature control. Extremely durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. Resists staining and corrosion.
- Cons: Has a learning curve for temperature control to prevent sticking. Requires more effort to clean than non-stick. Can be heavier than alternatives.
This cookware excels for those who prioritize performance and longevity and are comfortable using traditional stainless steel cooking techniques.
Shop this product: novara.com
HexClad Cookware
HexClad has made a name for itself with its unique hybrid technology that aims to offer the best of both worlds: the searing power of stainless steel and the easy-release properties of non-stick. The cooking surface features a distinctive laser-etched hexagon pattern of stainless steel peaks and non-stick valleys, designed to protect the non-stick surface while enabling browning and easy cleanup.
- What it is: A hybrid cookware technology blending PFOA-free non-stick coating with a stainless steel grid pattern.
- Key features: Patented hexagon-patterned surface, dishwasher safe, oven safe, and compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
- Price: Individual pans cost between $100 and $250, with sets ranging from $300 to $700.
- Style: Modern and tech-forward, with a signature hexagonal pattern and brushed stainless steel finish.
- Materials/Construction: Tri-ply construction featuring a PFOA-free non-stick surface crisscrossed by a stainless steel structure.
- Pros: Easy food release makes it great for eggs and delicate foods. Simple to clean and dishwasher safe. Combines non-stick convenience with improved searing capabilities over traditional non-stick. Durable enough for use with some metal utensils.
- Cons: The non-stick coating may wear down over many years. Cannot achieve the same hard sear as a pure stainless steel pan. Sits at a premium price point for hybrid cookware.
The HexClad line is designed for everyday home cooks who value versatility, convenience, and easy maintenance without completely sacrificing performance.
Shop this product: hexclad.com
Novara Pure Clad vs. HexClad Comparison
Materials & Construction
Novara Pure Clad relies on proven, multi-ply stainless steel and aluminum construction. This design is built for durability and unmatched heat distribution, allowing a skilled cook to control the cooking process precisely. Its all-metal construction means it can theoretically last a lifetime and handle extremely high heat without any material degradation.
HexClad's hybrid design is innovative. The stainless steel ridges protect the non-stick valleys from utensils and contribute to browning, while the non-stick component provides easy food release. While durable, the presence of a non-stick coating means it has a finite lifespan compared to the pure stainless steel of Novara.
Performance & Versatility
For high-heat searing, browning, and developing a pan sauce (fond), Novara is the clear winner. The fully clad stainless steel surface transfers heat directly and intensely, creating the crust and flavor that professional chefs expect. However, it requires proper heating and use of oil to prevent food from sticking.
HexClad offers incredible versatility. You can go from cooking scrambled eggs with minimal oil straight to searing chicken without switching pans. While its sear won't be as deep or efficient as Novara's, it's significantly better than a traditional non-stick pan. This makes it an excellent all-around pan for the home cook who wants one tool for multiple jobs.
Style & Aesthetic
The choice here comes down to personal taste. Novara offers a classic, polished, and professional look. Its mirror finish is timeless and fits well in both modern and traditional kitchens. HexClad, with its signature hexagon pattern, has a distinctly modern, high-tech appearance. It’s a statement piece that immediately communicates a focus on new technology.
Price & Value
Both brands operate in the premium cookware space. Novara's pricing is typical for high-quality, multi-ply stainless steel, reflecting its long-term durability. An investment in a Novara pan is an investment for decades of cooking. HexClad's pricing reflects its patented technology and unique positioning. While it may not last as long as a Novara pan due to the non-stick component, its value lies in its everyday convenience and flexibility.
Who Each One Works Best For
Novara Pure Clad is built for the passionate home cook or culinary enthusiast. If you enjoy the art of cooking, understand how to manage heat in a stainless steel pan, and want to achieve the best possible sear on your steak or caramelization on your vegetables, Novara provides the tools to get you there. It's for cooks who prioritize performance above all else.
HexClad is perfectly suited for the busy home cook who wants great results without a lot of hassle. If your cooking routine varies widely - from fried eggs in the morning to skillet dinners at night - and easy cleanup is key, HexClad is an outstanding choice. It strikes a fantastic balance between performance and practicality.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cookware lines are excellent, but they cater to very different priorities and cooking styles.
Choose Novara Pure Clad if:
- You prioritize achieving the best possible high-heat sear and browning.
- You are willing to learn and apply proper stainless steel cooking techniques.
- Lifetime durability and build quality are your main concerns.
- You prefer a classic, professional kitchen aesthetic.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want versatility to cook everything from delicate foods to meats in one pan.
- Easy food release and quick cleanup are essential to your daily cooking.
- You want the durability and searing capability that traditional non-stick lacks.
- You appreciate a modern, tech-forward design in your cookware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Novara and HexClad?
The main difference is the cooking surface. Novara Pure Clad uses a traditional multi-ply stainless steel surface for maximum heat control and searing power. HexClad uses a hybrid surface that combines stainless steel with non-stick valleys for versatility and easy cleanup.
Which one is better for searing a steak?
The Novara Pure Clad is better for searing a steak. Its solid stainless steel surface allows for higher, more direct heat transfer, resulting in a deeper, more even crust.
Is HexClad truly non-stick?
Yes, the valleys in the HexClad pattern contain a high-quality, PFOA-free non-stick coating. It provides excellent food release, especially for common sticky foods like eggs and fish.
Does HexClad's non-stick coating last?
HexClad claims its coating is highly durable due to the protective stainless steel grid. While it is more resistant to scratches than traditional non-stick, all coatings have a lifespan and may degrade over many years of heavy use.
Is Novara Pure Clad hard to clean?
It can be if food sticks. The key is proper preheating and using a sufficient amount of fat or oil. For stuck-on food, a soak and a non-abrasive scrubber like Bar Keepers Friend will restore its finish easily.
Are both brands oven and induction safe?
Yes, both Novara Pure Clad and HexClad cookware are compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and are oven-safe. Always check the specific product for its maximum oven-safe temperature.
Which brand is a better investment?
It depends on your definition of investment. For pure longevity, Novara is likely the better choice as an all-metal pan can last a lifetime. For an investment in day-to-day convenience and versatility, HexClad offers immense value.
Can I use metal utensils on HexClad cookware?
Yes, HexClad states that its patented design protects the non-stick surface, allowing for the use of metal utensils. However, for maximum longevity, using wood, silicone, or nylon tools is still recommended.
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