The Paderno Hybrid Clad and Hexclad cookware lines address different needs for the home chef. Paderno Hybrid Clad offers traditional multi-layered stainless steel construction known for superior heat distribution at a mid-range price, while Hexclad is a premium brand with patented hybrid technology that combines stainless steel and a PFOA-free non-stick surface, designed for scratch-resistance and durability.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right cookware for your kitchen.
Paderno Hybrid Clad Cookware
Paderno is a legacy brand trusted by home cooks and professional chefs for creating high-performance, durable, and reliable kitchen equipment. The Hybrid Clad series is their take on premium multi-ply stainless steel cookware, focusing on exceptional heat conduction and rock-solid construction that can withstand the demands of a busy kitchen without the premium price tag.
- What it is: A line of cookware built with multiple layers of stainless steel and an aluminum core for even heating.
- Key features: Multi-layer construction ensures edge-to-edge heat, solid riveted handles, induction compatibility, and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
- Price: Mid-range. Individual pieces typically cost between $50 and $200.
- Style: Classic and professional with a polished stainless steel finish that looks at home in any kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: Features a clad construction with outer layers of stainless steel and a thick aluminum core for rapid, even heat distribution.
- Pros: Excellent value for high-quality clad cookware. Heats very evenly, crucial for perfect sears and sauces. Built to last for decades with proper care. A versatile choice for all types of cooking techniques.
- Cons: Lacks any non-stick properties, requiring proper oil usage and heat management. May discolor or develop water spots if not cared for correctly. More prone to visible scratches than a hybrid surface.
This cookware is for the home cook who appreciates the performance and longevity of classic stainless steel and knows how to use it for everything from frying to sauce-making.
Shop this product: paderno.com
Hexclad Hybrid Cookware
Hexclad made a name for itself by creating a new category of cookware that blends the best attributes of stainless steel and non-stick. The pans feature a distinct laser-etched hexagon pattern that creates a series of stainless steel "peaks" and non-stick "valleys." This design allows for great searing while still providing an easy-release surface that is highly durable.
- What it is: Innovative hybrid cookware combining stainless steel durability with PFOA-free non-stick convenience.
- Key features: Patented hexagon-patterned surface, tri-ply construction, metal-utensil safe, scratch-resistant, oven-safe up to 500°F, dishwasher safe.
- Price: Premium. Expect to pay between $100 and $300 for individual pieces.
- Style: Modern and tech-forward with a sophisticated, brushed finish and its signature hexagon design.
- Materials/Construction: A three-layer design with an aluminum core between two layers of stainless steel, complemented by the non-stick coating integrated into the hexagon pattern.
- Pros: Offers the searing power of stainless steel and the easy cleanup of non-stick. Extremely durable and resistant to scratches from metal utensils. Healthy cooking with an eco-friendly PFOA-free coating. Requires less oil than traditional stainless pans.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than traditional cookware. The textured surface can trap fond, making it slightly harder to clean than pure non-stick. Not a "true" non-stick, some cooking oil or butter is still recommended.
Hexclad cookware is ideal for the enthusiastic cook who wants a single, long-lasting pan that can handle high-heat searing and delicate items alike, and who is willing to invest in new kitchen technology.
Shop this product: hexclad.com
Paderno Hybrid Clad vs. Hexclad Comparison
Materials & Construction
Both brands prioritize quality construction but take different approaches. Paderno uses a classic multi-ply approach, sandwiching an aluminum core between layers of stainless steel. This method is proven to provide fantastic, even heat distribution for precise temperature control. It's a heavy-duty, all-metal construction a professional chef would recognize.
Hexclad also uses a tri-ply build for even heating, but its innovation lies in the cooking surface. The laser-etched pattern of stainless steel hexagons raises the steel above a non-stick coating. This protects the non-stick from scratches and allows the stainless "peaks" to make direct contact with food for a quality sear, giving it a theoretical durability advantage over most coated pans.
Style & Aesthetics
Paderno Hybrid Clad embodies a timeless, professional kitchen aesthetic. Its bright, polished stainless steel finish, sturdy handles, and classic silhouette make it a versatile fit for both traditional and modern kitchen designs. It's the kind of cookware you proudly display on a pot rack.
Hexclad, in contrast, offers a distinctly modern and almost industrial look. The brushed matte finish combined with the unique hexagon pattern feels sleek and high-tech. This design direction is perfect for contemporary kitchens where function and form are equally important.
Durability & Maintenance
Paderno's all-stainless steel cookware is built like a tank and can last a lifetime. However, it requires some maintenance to keep it looking new - preventing food from sticking requires proper pre-heating and oil use, and it can be prone to discoloration which may require polishing with a product like Bar Keepers Friend.
Hexclad's biggest selling point is durability in the non-stick realm. Its hybrid surface is designed to withstand metal spatulas, spoons, and whisks without scratching or flaking the non-stick coating. While both are dishwasher safe, Hexclad’s easy-release surface often makes hand washing simpler than cleaning stuck-on food from traditional stainless steel.
Price & Value
There is a clear difference in pricing and value proposition here. Paderno provides a professional-level cooking experience for a much lower cost. For a budget-conscious buyer who wants performance and is willing to learn stainless steel cooking techniques, Paderno offers exceptional value.
Hexclad comes at a premium price, but it justifies it with its proprietary technology and long-term durability. The value lies in getting a scratch-resistant pan that does the job of two - a stainless fryer and a non-stick pan - potentially simplifying your collection and outlasting multiple traditional non-stick pans.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer excellent performance, but they are built for different types of cooks and priorities.
Choose Paderno Hybrid Clad if:
- You appreciate the classic performance and pure searing power of traditional stainless steel cookware.
- Your budget is a primary consideration, and you want professional results without the premium price.
- You are comfortable with using fats and oils to manage sticking and enjoy building up a fond for sauces.
- You want a timeless kitchen aesthetic that won't go out of style.
Choose Hexclad if:
- You want the convenience of non-stick combined with the high-heat searing capability of stainless steel.
- You tend to be rough on your cookware and want the freedom to use metal utensils without worry.
- You're willing to invest more for innovative technology, durability, and a sleek, modern design.
- You want one versatile pan that can handle nearly every cooking task, from fried eggs to seared steaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Paderno Hybrid Clad and Hexclad?
The core difference is the cooking surface. Paderno Hybrid Clad is traditional clad stainless steel, prized for even heating and searing. Hexclad features a patented hybrid surface that combines stainless steel with a protective PFOA-free non-stick coating for easy food release and scratch resistance.
Is Hexclad truly scratch-proof with metal utensils?
Hexclad pans are highly scratch-resistant, and the company advertises them as metal-utensil safe. The stainless steel "peaks" of the hexagon pattern protect the non-stick "valleys," allowing utensils to glide over the surface without easily damaging the coating. However, aggressive use of sharp tools could still cause wear over time.
Does Hexclad's non-stick last longer than traditional non-stick pans?
Due to its protected hybrid design, Hexclad's non-stick surface is designed to be far more durable and long-lasting than conventional all-over coated non-stick pans, which can scratch and lose their effectiveness quickly.
Which pan is better for searing a steak?
Both will give you an excellent sear. A traditional Paderno stainless steel pan is the classic choice and produces a fantastic crust and fond. Some purists may prefer it. However, Hexclad is engineered specifically to sear at high temperatures just like stainless steel, so it also does the job exceptionally well.
Which is easier to clean?
Hexclad is generally easier to clean for everyday use due to its non-stick properties. Food releases more easily, often requiring just a simple wipe-down. Paderno requires more effort if food sticks, but it can be restored to a brilliant shine with scouring powders.
Are both brands induction compatible?
Yes, both Paderno Hybrid Clad and Hexclad cookware are fully compatible with all cooktops, including induction, gas, and electric, thanks to their layered stainless steel construction.
Do I need to season Hexclad cookware?
Yes, Hexclad recommends seasoning their pans before first use and periodically after. This involves lightly heating the pan with a bit of neutral oil to optimize the non-stick performance over the life of the cookware.
Are Hexclad pans PFOA and PFAS-free?
Yes, Hexclad emphasizes that its non-stick coating is free from chemicals like PFOA and PFAS, positioning it as a health-conscious option for consumers.
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