Smithey offers handcrafted, heirloom-quality cast iron cookware with a vintage aesthetic, made entirely in the USA. In contrast, HexClad produces innovative hybrid cookware that blends the durability of stainless steel with the convenience of a modern non-stick surface. The core difference is tradition versus technology: Smithey is for the purist who loves the ritual and performance of classic cast iron, while HexClad is for the modern cook seeking versatility and easy maintenance.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right cookware for your kitchen.
Smithey: The Artisanal Cast Iron Choice
Smithey is revered for its premium, American-made cast iron cookware that merges classic design with refined craftsmanship. Each piece features a signature smooth, polished cooking surface that is naturally non-stick with proper seasoning. This focus on heritage and heirloom quality appeals to serious home chefs and anyone who values cookware that is both a beautiful and functional kitchen centerpiece, designed to be passed down through generations.
- Product mix: A focused lineup of cast iron skillets in various sizes, Dutch ovens, griddles, and specialty pans like the Farmer's Skillet.
- Style/vibe: Vintage-inspired and timeless. The polished, dark grey finish and elegant details create a look of understated luxury that fits well in traditional, modern farmhouse, and rustic kitchens.
- Price point: Premium. Skillets start around $150, while larger items like Dutch ovens can cost $300 or more, reflecting their artisanal, US-made quality.
- Quality & Materials: Crafted from American cast iron, Smithey pans are known for their exceptional heat retention and durability. The smooth, polished interior finish is a key feature, making seasoning easier and performance better than rougher cast iron.
- Sustainability: Strong emphasis on responsible sourcing and local manufacturing in Charleston, SC. The cookware is designed to last literally for centuries, reducing landfill waste.
- Maintenance: Requires traditional cast iron care: hand-washing, thorough drying, and regular oiling (seasoning) to maintain the non-stick surface and prevent rust.
Smithey is the ideal choice for cooks who appreciate traditional methods and want a beautiful, high-performance piece of cast iron that will become a family heirloom.
Shop Smithey: smithey.com
HexClad: The Modern Hybrid Innovator
HexClad has made a name for itself with a patented hybrid technology that etches a stainless steel hexagon pattern over a PFOA-free non-stick surface. This design aims to deliver the best of both worlds: the searing power and durability of steel with the easy release and cleanup of non-stick. It's built for busy, modern cooks who demand performance without the high maintenance of traditional materials.
- Product mix: A complete range of cookware including frying pans, woks, sauté pans, saucepans, and large stockpots, often sold in convenient sets.
- Style/vibe: Sleek, contemporary, and tech-forward. The distinctive silver hexagonal pattern and polished steel handles give HexClad a professional and modern look suited for minimalist and high-tech kitchens.
- Price point: Accessible premium. Individual pans range from $100–$200, with full sets offering a better value. The pricing reflects its innovative technology and versatile performance.
- Quality & Materials: Features a three-ply construction with an aluminum core for fast, even heating. The hybrid surface is metal-utensil safe, scratch-resistant, oven-safe to 500°F, and dishwasher safe.
- Durability: Built for heavy, everyday use with a lifetime warranty. The unique design protects the non-stick surface from scratches typically caused by metal tools.
- Maintenance: Extremely low-maintenance. HexClad pans can be cleaned with steel wool and are dishwasher safe, offering a level of convenience that Smithey's cast iron cannot.
HexClad is perfect for the home cook who wants high-performance, durable cookware that is versatile enough for any recipe and incredibly easy to maintain.
Shop HexClad: hexclad.com
Smithey vs. HexClad Comparison
Price Comparison
Smithey occupies a premium price point, with its artisanal, made-in-the-USA construction commanding a higher cost for individual pieces. A 12-inch Smithey skillet is significantly more expensive than a 12-inch HexClad frying pan. Smithey is positioned as a lifetime investment in a single piece of heirloom cookware.
HexClad is also a premium brand, but its pricing is generally more affordable per piece. The brand focuses heavily on cookware sets, which offer better overall value for outfitting an entire kitchen. You are paying for patented technology and modern convenience rather than handcrafted heritage.
Style & Aesthetic
Smithey's design is all about timeless, vintage-inspired elegance. The smooth, dark cast iron, helper handles, and heat ring evoke classic American cookware. It’s a piece you would proudly display on an open shelf or hang from a pot rack in a farmhouse or traditional style kitchen.
HexClad’s look is unabashedly modern and high-tech. The shimmering hexagonal pattern provides a unique, functional texture that immediately catches the eye. It's cookware designed to match sleek, contemporary appliances and minimalist kitchen decor.
Quality & Construction
The quality of Smithey lies in its material - superior cast iron known for incredible heat retention and distribution, perfect for searing steaks or slow-braising. The pan gets better with age as the seasoning builds up. Its weakness is its reactivity to acidic foods and its susceptibility to rust if not cared for properly.
HexClad's quality comes from its innovative hybrid construction. The stainless steel provides durability and searing capability, the aluminum core provides even heating, and the non-stick valleys offer easy food release. It's a workhorse pan designed to resist scratches, handle high heat in the oven, and stand up to daily use and machine washing.
Product Selection & Sizing
Smithey has a curated product line focused on what cast iron does best. They offer essential skillet sizes (8”, 10”, 12”), Dutch ovens, and a few specialty pieces. The selection is smaller but each item is perfected for its intended use, mainly searing, baking, braising, and frying.
HexClad offers a comprehensive collection that can replace every pot and pan in your kitchen. From small frying pans to massive stockpots and woks, they provide more variety in shape and size. Their focus on complete sets makes them an easy one-stop shop for anyone setting up a new kitchen.
Sustainability & Ethics
Smithey makes sustainability and responsible sourcing a core part of its brand identity. They use American-made cast iron and manufacture everything in South Carolina. The very nature of their product - designed to last for centuries - is inherently sustainable, reducing the need for replacement.
HexClad's primary sustainability claim is tied to the durability and longevity of its products, which are backed by a lifetime warranty. This reduces waste compared to cheap, disposable non-stick pans. However, the brand is less transparent about its manufacturing process and specific material sources.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer excellent, high-performance cookware, but they cater to very different types of cooks and kitchen philosophies.
Choose Smithey if:
- You enjoy the process of cooking with and caring for traditional cast iron.
- You want heirloom-quality cookware that can be passed down to future generations.
- Unmatched heat retention for a perfect sear on meat is your top priority.
- You value American craftsmanship and sustainable, local manufacturing.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want the convenience of non-stick with the performance of stainless steel.
- Easy cleanup is non-negotiable, you need cookware that is dishwasher safe.
- You want a versatile, complete set of cookware for all types of daily cooking.
- You prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic and innovative technology in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smithey or HexClad more expensive?
Generally, a single Smithey cast iron skillet is more expensive than a comparable HexClad frying pan. However, HexClad's complete cookware sets represent a larger overall investment than buying one or two Smithey pieces.
Which has better quality cookware?
The quality is different but equally high. Smithey's quality is in its traditional craftsmanship and premium cast iron material, which is designed to last for centuries with proper care. HexClad's quality is in its patented hybrid technology, durable multi-ply construction, and convenient, low-maintenance design.
Which is better for searing a steak?
For a pure, deep sear, Smithey's cast iron is superior. Its ability to absorb, retain, and radiate intense, even heat is unmatched and creates the perfect crust on meats.
Can you use metal utensils on Smithey and HexClad pans?
Yes, both brands are metal utensil safe. Smithey's cast iron is incredibly robust and won't be damaged by metal. HexClad's unique design features stainless steel peaks that protect the non-stick layer in the valleys, allowing you to safely use metal spatulas and whisks.
Which pan is easier to maintain?
HexClad is far easier to maintain. It's dishwasher safe, doesn't require seasoning, and can be scrubbed clean without fear of ruining the surface. Smithey requires careful hand-washing, immediate drying, and regular oiling to preserve its seasoning.
Do I really need to season a Smithey pan?
Yes. Although Smithey pans come pre-seasoned, it's a foundation that you must build upon. Regular cooking and occasional re-seasoning with oil is essential to develop and maintain its natural, non-stick properties and protect it from rust.
Is HexClad cookware heavy?
HexClad cookware is substantial and has a quality heft, but it is noticeably lighter than cast iron. A HexClad pan will be much easier to handle and maneuver in the kitchen compared to a similarly sized Smithey skillet.
Where are Smithey and HexClad products made?
Smithey cookware is proudly designed and manufactured in Charleston, South Carolina, using American cast iron. HexClad cookware is designed in Los Angeles, California, and manufactured in China.
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