Hexclad: Stainless Steel Reinvented

HexClad is a unique hybrid cookware line that combines stainless steel and a non-stick coating. The result is a pan that offers superior performance, with the benefits of both materials. HexClad's patented design features a laser-etched stainless steel hexagon pattern that protects the non-stick coating, resulting in a pan that is tough, durable, and scratch-resistant. The combination of materials also allows for even heat distribution and perfect searing, making it a favourite among home and professional chefs alike. HexClad's lifetime warranty and dishwasher-safe features further add to its appeal, providing an easy and hassle-free cooking experience.

Hexclad's hybrid design

The stainless steel perimeters of each hexagon are raised, while the valleys are made with a high-grade, non-toxic, PFOA-free Japanese coating infused with diamond dust for extra toughness. This hybrid design is patented and sets HexClad apart from other cookware brands.

The benefits of this hybrid design include:

• Durability: The raised steel peaks protect the non-stick valleys, extending the lifespan of the cookware beyond that of traditional non-stick options.
• Versatility: HexClad combines the ease of non-stick cookware with the superior searing power of stainless steel. This allows you to cook a wider variety of dishes with minimal sticking.
• Heat Conduction and Retention: The combination of a magnetic steel base and an aluminium core allows for faster and more even heating. The steel base also ensures lasting durability.
• Ease of Use: HexClad's hybrid design makes cooking and cleaning easier. The non-stick valleys prevent food from sticking, while the stainless steel peaks provide a durable surface that is easy to clean.

Stainless steel vs non-stick

Hexclad cookware is made from stainless steel. Stainless steel and non-stick pans each have their pros and cons, and most home cooks will want at least one of each.

Stainless Steel Pans

Stainless steel pans are generally more expensive and durable than non-stick pans. They can be used to fry, sauté, boil, braise, brown, and sear food, and they can withstand higher heat. Stainless steel pans can also go from the stovetop into the oven. However, food may stick to the pan, and they can be harder to clean.

Non-Stick Pans

Non-stick pans are generally less expensive than stainless steel pans. They are ideal for cooking sticky foods like eggs, crepes, pancakes, and delicate fish. They are also easier to clean. However, non-stick pans are not designed for high heat and are often not meant to go into the oven. The non-stick coating can also degrade over time.

Both types of pans have their advantages and disadvantages, and the type of pan used will depend on what is being cooked. For example, a non-stick pan would be ideal for cooking eggs, while a stainless steel pan would be better for searing meat.

Hexclad's durability

HexClad cookware is designed with durability in mind. The pans are made from a combination of materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick coating. This hybrid design is intended to provide the best of all worlds—the durability and heat retention of cast iron, the even heat distribution of stainless steel, and the convenience of non-stick.

The unique feature of HexClad is its laser-etched stainless steel in a honeycomb pattern. This creates a network of ridges that form "peaks" over "non-stick valleys," enhancing searing capabilities. The non-stick valleys are protected from damage by the steel hexagons, making the pans more durable than traditional non-stick cookware. The raised steel guards also protect the non-stick surface from metal utensils, which typically damage non-stick pans.

The base of the pans is made from magnetic steel, which makes them compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops. The aluminium core facilitates faster and more even heating. The handles are designed to stay cool and fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.

While HexClad pans are more durable than traditional non-stick options, they are not as durable as pure stainless steel pans. The non-stick coating will eventually wear out, and the pans are prone to some discolouration and pitting. Additionally, the pans are heavier than traditional non-stick skillets, which may be a downside for some users.

Overall, HexClad pans offer a good balance of durability and performance, but they require careful use and maintenance to prolong their lifespan.

Heat distribution

HexClad's hybrid cookware is designed to offer the best of both worlds: the heat distribution and searing capabilities of stainless steel, and the ease of non-stick.

The HexClad pan features a unique design with steel hexagon peaks that provide a durable surface for even heat distribution and perfect searing. The peaks also protect the non-stick valleys in between, which are made with a high-grade non-stick coating for added toughness. This combination of materials allows for faster and more even heating, with the aluminium core conducting heat rapidly throughout the pan.

The HexClad pan's ability to distribute heat evenly was put to the test in a side-by-side comparison with an All-Clad three-ply stainless steel pan. While the HexClad pan didn't sear sausage patties as well as the All-Clad, it did produce a better crust than a traditional non-stick skillet, demonstrating its superior heat distribution.

The HexClad pan's heat distribution is further enhanced by its magnetic steel base, which ensures even heating on all types of cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction. The base layer is made of tough-as-nails magnetic stainless steel, providing lasting durability.

In addition to its heat distribution capabilities, the HexClad pan also stands out for its ease of use and durability. The non-stick valleys make it easy to release sticky foods, and the laser-etched stainless steel ridges protect the non-stick surface from damage, even when using metal utensils. The pan is also designed with a comfortable, rounded stay-cool handle, and it is both dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ease of cleaning

HexClad cookware is designed to be easy to clean. The surface is a combination of ceramic, diamond dust, and stainless steel, which makes it durable and resistant to scratches. The HexClad website recommends washing the pans with warm, soapy water and seasoning them with a bit of oil before use. This will help to strengthen the cleaning process and create a non-stick surface.

For tougher stains, HexClad recommends soaking the pans for 10 minutes and using an abrasive sponge like steel wool. The pans are also dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is highly recommended.

Some users have reported that the pans are easy to clean, with one stating that they "clean up like a dream." Others have noted that the pans are heavy and sturdy, and that the non-stick surface works well. However, some users have experienced issues with the non-stick coating peeling off after a few months of use, even when hand-washing the pans.

Overall, HexClad cookware appears to be relatively easy to clean, but there may be some issues with the durability of the non-stick coating.

Frequently asked questions