Scanpan is a Danish cookware brand that excels in producing high-quality, eco-friendly ceramic-titanium non-stick pans with a minimalist Scandinavian design. In contrast, Hexclad offers innovative hybrid cookware that blends the durability of stainless steel with a laser-etched non-stick pattern, creating incredibly durable pans that have a modern, industrial aesthetic and are safe for metal utensils.
Let's compare these two premium cookware brands to help you decide which is the right fit for your kitchen.
Scanpan: The Eco-Friendly Non-Stick Authority
Scanpan has built a strong reputation since its founding in Denmark for environmentally friendly, PFOA-free non-stick cookware that doesn't compromise on performance. Their signature ceramic-titanium surface is known for its durability and resistance to scratching, making it a favorite among health-conscious home cooks who want reliable, non-toxic pans for everyday use. The brand's commitment to sustainability is clear, with pans often made from 100% recycled aluminum.
- Product mix: A comprehensive collection of frying pans, saucepans, stockpots, woks, and specialty bakeware designed for everyday kitchens.
- Style/vibe: Minimalist and clean Scandinavian design. The cookware features modern silhouettes, neutral black and gray finishes, and an understated aesthetic that suits contemporary kitchens.
- Price point: Mid-range. A classic 10.25-inch frying pan costs around $50-$100, while complete sets can range from $150 to over $300.
- Quality &, Materials: Features a signature PFOA-free ceramic-titanium non-stick coating on a body of recycled aluminum. This construction provides excellent heat distribution and a durable cooking surface.
- Durability: Designed for long-term use. The non-stick surface is built to resist high temperatures and everyday wear, though using metal utensils is generally not recommended.
- Sustainability: A core brand principle. Scanpan uses 100% recycled aluminum and produces its patented non-stick coatings without PFOA or other harmful chemicals.
- Cooktop Compatibility: Most lines are compatible with all stovetops, including induction, and are oven-safe to high temperatures (typically 500°F).
Scanpan is the ideal choice for cooks who prioritize health and sustainability and want a high-performing traditional non-stick pan with a sleek, modern look.
Shop Scanpan: scanpan.com
Hexclad: The Hybrid Cookware Innovator
Hexclad made a name for itself by creating a new category of hybrid cookware that combines the searing power and durability of stainless steel with the easy cleanup of non-stick. The brand’s patented technology uses a laser-etched hexagonal pattern of stainless steel "peaks" and non-stick "valleys." This design protects the non-stick coating, allowing you to use metal utensils without worry and achieve a great sear on proteins.
- Product mix: A focused lineup of frying pans, woks, saucepans, and griddles, commonly sold in versatile multi-piece sets.
- Style/vibe: Modern and industrial with a professional flair. The distinctive hexagonal pattern on a stainless steel body gives the cookware a high-tech, chef-grade appearance.
- Price point: Mid to high-range. A 10-inch Hexclad pan typically starts around $100-$150, and full sets can cost $300 to $400 or more.
- Quality &, Materials: Features a tri-ply construction (aluminum core between two layers of stainless steel) for even heating. The patented cooking surface is a hybrid of non-stick and stainless steel.
- Durability: Exceptional. The stainless steel lattice protects the non-stick surface from scratches, making it safe to use with metal spatulas, whisks, and tongs. Many products come with a lifetime warranty.
- Versatility: These pans can handle high-heat searing like stainless steel while still providing easy release for more delicate foods. They offer a unique all-in-one cooking experience.
- Cooktop Compatibility: Fully compatible with all cooktops (gas, electric, ceramic, and induction) and oven-safe.
Hexclad is built for the serious home chef who wants professional-grade durability, searing performance, and the freedom to use metal utensils.
Shop Hexclad: hexclad.com
Scanpan vs. Hexclad Comparison
Price Comparison
Scanpan is generally the more affordable option. Its individual pans are priced in the mid-range market, making it an accessible premium choice for someone upgrading their kitchen. Hexclad positions itself as a higher-end, long-term investment, with individual pan prices often double that of a comparable Scanpan. For example, a standard 10-inch skillet from Scanpan might cost around $70, while the same size from Hexclad can be $140 or more.
For value, the choice depends on use. If you want a top-tier, eco-friendly non-stick pan, Scanpan offers fantastic value. If you value lifetime durability and the versatility to sear and use metal tools, Hexclad's higher price is justified by its unique technology and robust warranty.
Quality &, Materials
The core difference lies in their approach to the cooking surface. Scanpan uses a traditional (but advanced) PFOA-free ceramic-titanium coating bonded to a recycled aluminum base. This delivers what most people expect from non-stick: a smooth, slick surface perfect for delicate foods like eggs and fish, with an emphasis on non-toxic materials.
Hexclad, on the other hand, uses a hybrid system. The tri-ply stainless steel pan provides incredible heat control and durability, while the laser-etched pattern of non-stick adds easy-release properties. This design makes Hexclad pans extremely scratch-resistant and safe for metal utensils, a claim few traditional non-stick brands can make.
Style &, Aesthetic
Your kitchen's style may influence your decision. Scanpan embodies a clean, minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic. Its cookware has smooth lines, dark surfaces, and an understated elegance that fits perfectly in modern, uncluttered kitchens. Crate & Barrel and West Elm shoppers would appreciate the look.
Hexclad projects a bold, industrial, and professional image. The visible hexagonal pattern and polished stainless steel give it a high-tech look that says you're serious about cooking. It looks right at home in open-concept kitchens with stainless steel appliances and a modern edge.
Product Selection &, Sizing
Both brands offer a great range of kitchen workhorses. You can find everything from small 8-inch frying pans to large stockpots and woks from both companies. Scanpan has a slightly broader catalog, including more diverse bakeware and specialty pans for specific cuisines.
Hexclad keeps its lineup a bit more focused on the core essentials: frying pans, woks, sauté pans, and sets. Both brands provide the necessary sizes for almost any home cooking task, making them equally versatile in what they offer.
Sustainability &, Ethics
Scanpan makes sustainability a central part of its brand identity. By using 100% recycled aluminum and a PFOA-free manufacturing process, it appeals directly to the eco-conscious consumer. Their focus is on creating a product that is safe for both users and the environment.
Hexclad focuses its messaging more on longevity and durability. The brand's argument for sustainability is that a pan that lasts a lifetime reduces waste by not needing to be replaced. While this is valid, Scanpan has a more explicit and transparent commitment to eco-friendly production materials and processes.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your cooking style, priorities, and what you expect from your cookware.
Choose Scanpan if:
- You prioritize cooking with non-toxic, PFOA-free, and eco-friendly materials.
- You want superior "traditional" non-stick performance for delicate foods like eggs and pancakes.
- You appreciate a minimalist, understated Scandinavian design in your kitchen.
- You are looking for a premium non-stick pan at a more accessible, mid-range price point.
Choose Hexclad if:
- You want the high-heat searing performance of stainless steel combined with easy cleanup.
- You frequently use metal utensils and need highly durable, scratch-resistant cookware.
- You love a professional, industrial aesthetic in your kitchen.
- You view your cookware as a long-term investment and appreciate the security of a lifetime warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scanpan or Hexclad more expensive?
Hexclad is generally more expensive than Scanpan. Its hybrid technology, tri-ply construction, and lifetime warranty contribute to a higher price point for both individual pans and sets.
Which has better quality cookware?
Both brands offer exceptional quality, but in different ways. Scanpan's quality lies in its advanced, durable, and eco-friendly non-stick coating. Hexclad's quality is defined by its innovative hybrid construction that offers extreme durability and cooking versatility.
Can you use metal utensils on Scanpan pans?
It is generally not recommended to use metal utensils on Scanpan or most other traditional non-stick surfaces. While their ceramic-titanium coating is quite strong, using wood, silicone, or nylon tools will preserve the pan's longevity. Hexclad is specifically designed to be safe for metal utensils.
Which brand is more durable?
For sheer scratch resistance and long-term abuse, Hexclad is more durable due to its unique stainless steel and non-stick hybrid surface. Scanpan cookware is also very durable for a non-stick pan and will last for years with proper care.
Are Scanpan and Hexclad non-toxic?
Yes, both brands manufacture their cookware to be free of PFOA, PFOs, lead, and cadmium. Scanpan places a stronger emphasis on its "green" and non-toxic credentials in its marketing.
Do both Scanpan and Hexclad work on induction cooktops?
Yes, both brands' primary cookware lines are compatible with all modern cooking surfaces, including gas, electric, ceramic, and induction.
Is Hexclad actually non-stick?
Yes, but it's a different experience than an entirely coated pan. The non-stick "valleys" provide easy release, but the steel "peaks" require proper preheating and a small amount of fat or oil, just like stainless steel, to prevent certain foods from sticking. It excels at searing while still being easy to clean.
Which brand is better for cooking eggs?
For flawlessly sliding eggs out of the pan with little to no oil, Scanpan's smooth, traditional non-stick surface is often considered better. Hexclad can cook eggs well, but it typically requires a bit of butter or oil for the best results.
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