The main difference between Viking cookware and HexClad cookware lies in their core materials and design philosophies. Viking offers professional-grade, fully-clad stainless steel cookware built for exceptional heat conduction and longevity, targeting serious home chefs. HexClad uses a patented hybrid technology, combining a non-stick surface with a laser-etched stainless steel hexagon pattern for maximum versatility and easier cleanup.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which brand is the right investment for your kitchen.
Viking Cookware
Viking is a top-tier American brand known for its professional-quality kitchen appliances and cookware. Their pots and pans are designed for culinary enthusiasts who demand superior heat retention, durability, and a classic, polished aesthetic. This is the kind of cookware built to be a long-term investment that handles high-heat cooking with precision.
- What it is: Professional-grade cookware made from heavy-gauge, multi-ply stainless steel for even heat distribution.
- Key features: Multi-layered construction (often 3-ply or 5-ply), ergonomic stainless steel handles, polished exterior finishes, lifetime warranty.
- Price: Premium pricing. Individual pieces typically start around $150 and sets can cost $500+.
- Style: Classic, professional, and timeless. Features a highly polished finish that looks at home in luxury kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Primarily made of heavy-gauge stainless steel with an aluminum core for rapid, even heating. Built to resist warping and last for generations.
- Pros: Superior heat control and retention. Can achieve an exceptional sear on meats. Extremely durable and built to last a lifetime. Safe for use with all utensils, including metal. Compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
- Cons: Lacks a non-stick surface, requiring more oil or fat and refined cooking techniques. Can be heavy and difficult to clean if food burns. Significantly more expensive than many consumer brands.
This brand is ideal for dedicated home cooks who prioritize performance and longevity over convenience and are willing to invest in heirloom-quality pieces.
Shop this product: https://www.vikingrange.com
HexClad Cookware
Gaining popularity through aggressive marketing and a unique design, HexClad positions itself as the perfect "hybrid" pan. It aims to deliver the searing ability of stainless steel, the durability of cast iron, and the convenience of a modern non-stick surface by combining a tri-ply stainless steel structure with a PFOA-free non-stick coating protected by a laser-etched hexagonal grid.
- What it is: A hybrid line of cookware blending stainless steel and non-stick technology.
- Key features: Patented laser-etched hexagon design, tri-ply construction, PFOA-free non-stick coating, stay-cool handles.
- Price: Mid-to-high range. Individual pans start around $80 and full sets range from $300 to $600.
- Style: Modern, sleek, and tech-forward. The distinctive hexagon pattern is its signature visual feature.
- Materials/Construction: A tri-ply construction (aluminum core between two layers of stainless steel) is coated with a non-stick material, then etched with stainless steel "peaks."
- Pros: Easy to clean and use for everyday cooking. Allows for searing better than traditional non-stick pans. Scratch-resistant surface allows for the use of most metal utensils. Excellent balance of performance and convenience.
- Cons: The hybrid surface doesn't offer the pure sear of a full stainless steel pan like Viking. The long-term lifespan of the non-stick element is less certain than that of traditional stainless steel. It still requires some oil for truly non-stick performance on delicate foods like eggs.
HexClad is for the everyday home cook who wants one set of versatile, durable cookware that is easy to manage and can handle a wide variety of meals without much fuss.
Shop this product: https://www.hexclad.com
Viking Cookware vs. HexClad Comparison
Materials & Construction
Viking's approach is traditional and performance-focused. They use multiple layers (3 or 5) of high-quality metals - typically stainless steel sandwiching an aluminum core. This provides exceptional heat conductivity from the base all the way up the sides of the pan, ensuring there are no hot spots and giving you precise temperature control. It's a proven construction method used in professional kitchens for decades because of its raw durability and performance.
HexClad also uses a tri-ply construction but adds its signature patented surface. A layer of PFOA-free non-stick coating sits in the "valleys" of the cooking surface, while a grid of stainless steel hexagons creates "peaks." This is designed to protect the non-stick portion from damage by utensils while providing stainless steel contact points for better searing.
Durability & Performance
When it comes to pure longevity, Viking has the edge. A traditional, heavy-gauge stainless steel pan has no coating to wear out and, with proper care, can literally last a lifetime and be passed down through generations. Performance-wise, Viking excels at high-heat searing, providing an even, consistent crust that professional chefs demand. Temperature control is immediate and precise.
HexClad is very durable for a hybrid pan. The stainless steel grid offers significant protection against scratches, making it more robust than typical non-stick cookware. Its performance is a jack-of-all-trades situation - it sears better than a pure non-stick pan but not as well as a full stainless pan. It heats quickly and its easy-release surface is great for everything from frying eggs to sautéing vegetables.
Care & Maintenance
This is a major point of differentiation. Viking requires more effort to maintain its "like-new" appearance. Sticking can occur without proper pre-heating and use of cooking fat, demanding soaking or the use of cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend to remove tough stains and discoloration. It is technically dishwasher safe, but most professional chefs recommend hand washing to preserve its luster.
HexClad is significantly easier to clean. Its non-stick properties mean most food residue wipes away with little effort, and it is fully dishwasher safe. While the hexagonal grid can sometimes catch small food particles, a quick scrub with a sponge is usually all that’s needed.
Price & Value
Viking is a premium brand with a premium price tag. Their cookware is an investment, with individual pieces costing upwards of $150. The value is in its longevity, it's a "buy it once, own it forever" purchase that delivers professional-level consistency. HexClad is more accessible, though still priced higher than entry-level brands. Its value lies in its versatility and convenience - you get a durable, easy-to-use product that performs well across the board.
Style & Aesthetic
Viking embodies a timeless, professional kitchen aesthetic. The polished, mirror-like stainless steel is classic and complements a wide range of kitchen designs, particularly those with a luxury or commercial-style focus. HexClad offers a modern, technological look. The matte finish and unique hexagon pattern look sleek and contemporary, appealing to those who appreciate innovative design language in their equipment.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cookware brands are excellent, high-quality choices, but they are built for different types of cooks.
Choose Viking Cookware if:
- You are a serious cook who prioritizes performance and precise heat control above all else.
- You want to achieve a professional-quality sear on steaks, scallops, and other proteins.
- You are looking for an heirloom-quality, "buy it for life" investment and don't mind the premium cost.
- You understand stainless steel cooking techniques and don’t mind a more involved cleaning process.
Choose HexClad if:
- You want a versatile, do-it-all pan for everyday cooking.
- You value convenient cleanup and a surface that's more forgiving than stainless steel.
- You want durable cookware that allows the use of metal utensils without constant worry.
- You appreciate a modern aesthetic and innovative technology in your kitchen tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between Viking and HexClad?
The primary difference is the cooking surface. Viking is pure, clad stainless steel, offering superior heat retention and searing capabilities but requires more skill to prevent food from sticking. HexClad is a hybrid of stainless steel and non-stick, providing an easier-to-clean and more versatile surface that balances searing with convenience.
Which brand is more durable?
For lifetime durability, Viking is superior. It's a solid piece of metal with no coatings to degrade over time. HexClad is very durable for a pan with non-stick elements, but any non-stick surface has a finite lifespan, even one as well-protected as HexClad's.
Is Viking cookware hard to clean?
It can be if not used properly. The keys to cooking with stainless steel are pre-heating the pan properly before adding oil, and letting the oil get hot before adding food. If food does stick, a good soak and a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend will restore its shine.
Can you use metal utensils on HexClad?
Yes. The stainless steel "peaks" of the hexagon design protect the non-stick "valleys" below, making it safe to use metal spatulas, whisks, and spoons without worrying about scratching the non-stick surface.
Which is better for induction cooktops?
Both Viking and HexClad cookware are compatible with all cooktops, including induction. Because both are made with a magnetic-grade stainless steel exterior, they perform exceptionally well on induction ranges.
Is Viking cookware worth the money?
For culinary enthusiasts or anyone seeking professional-level performance and lifetime durability, Viking cookware is widely considered a worthwhile investment. The build quality and heat control are unmatched.
Can you get a good sear with HexClad?
Yes, you can get a better sear with HexClad than with traditional non-stick pans because of the stainless steel grid. However, for the absolute deepest, most even crust on a steak or chops, high-quality stainless steel cookware like Viking will always perform better.
What are the warranties on Viking and HexClad?
Viking typically offers a limited lifetime warranty on their cookware, covering defects in materials and workmanship. HexClad also offers a lifetime warranty that covers defects under normal cooking conditions.
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