HexClad Review: Cookware & Pans Real-World Tests

Finding a high-quality cookware set can be challenging, as many products are made of cheap materials that break or crack when you least expect it. Some are heavy and difficult to maneuver, while others simply don’t live up to their claims. 

Our team tested the 13-piece hybrid cookware set from HexClad, and we were pleased with the results. Personally, I prefer non-stick cookware that’s easy to clean, distributes the heat evenly, and resists scratches. The HexClad cookware set seems to tick all the boxes, so here’s what you should know about it. 

Pros

• Oven-safe and induction-ready 
• Excellent non-stick performance
• Tri-ply construction for greater durability and even heating
• Clear lid and insulated handles
• Scratch-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Dishwasher-safe
• PFOA-free
• Lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects

Cons

• Relatively high price
• Gets very hot, very quick, which can be a challenge to get used to

Scoring

In This Review

Technology | Design | Features | Tech Specs | Performance | Durability | Maintenance | Summary

The Technology behind HexClad Cookware

Non-stick cookware wears out pretty fast, but some manufacturers have tried to address this issue by developing new technologies. 

HexClad, a company founded in 2015, offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects for all its products. The brand claims to use premium materials that combine the durability of cast iron, the performance of stainless steel, and the benefits of non-stick cookware. According to Forbes, chef Gordon Ramsay called it “The Rolls Royce of Pans.”

The HexClad cookware sets are free of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and can withstand high temperatures. They’re made of stainless steel but also contain aluminum for even heating. Moreover, the products are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, so you won’t have to worry about the aftermath of cooking. 

We’re also impressed with the company’s offering, which includes a few dozen products, from hybrid non-stick pans and woks to knives, pots, and everything in between. In addition to cooking equipment and utensils, customers can order water-resistant aprons, cutting boards, storage boards, and other accessories. 

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to try out a 13-Piece Hybrid Cookware Set from HexClad. While it’s too early to assess its durability, I’m satisfied with everything else, including its design, non-stick performance, and ease of cleaning. 

That said, here’s what my experience has been like so far. 

The Design

The HexClad Hybrid Cookware Set includes pretty much everything you need to make soups, stews, casseroles, skillet lasagna, chicken pot pie, and other dishes. The pieces look solid and have a modern design, with clean lines and functional elements. 

Inside the box, you’ll find different types of pans, woks, and pots with lids. Here’s an exact breakdown of what we’re talking about:

• 8″ sauté pan with lid
• 10″ pan with lid
• 12″ pan with lid
• 12″ stir-fry wok
• 2-quart pot with lid
• 3-quart pot with lid
• 8-quart pot with lid

Basically, the package contains seven pieces of cookware and six matching lids. All pieces are oven- and dishwasher-safe, induction-ready, and PFOA-free. 

Perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, has been linked to a higher risk of cancer, but the research is mixed. This chemical is often found in the coating of non-stick cookware, as well as in drinking water and certain foods, especially fish and shellfish. 

Most cookware products contain negligible amounts of PFOA and similar compounds, so they’re unlikely to cause any harm. However, HexClad cookware has none of these chemicals in its composition, which is a good thing. 

Key Features

We’ve already talked about HexClad’s patented cookware technology, but several other features caught our attention. 

For starters, the brand’s 13-piece hybrid cookware set is oven-safe. I don’t often cook food straight from the pan to the oven, though it’s great to see that it’s an option. I suppose I haven’t done it before simply because I haven’t had any pans capable of doing it.

I also love that these are metal utensils safe. Many pots and pans are so delicate that you cannot use metal or any other hard utensils when handling them. That’s not a problem with the HexClad cookware.

What’s more, each piece of the set (except for the wok) comes with a matching clear lid, which allows you to see the food while cooking. As a result, you’re less likely to end up with burned or undercooked food. 

Additionally, seasoning these pans and pots couldn’t be easier. It took me about five minutes to grease each piece. 

Technical Specs

The HexClad Hybrid Cookware Set has several features that may come in handy. These include: 

Hexagonal steel ridges

The inside of each pan or pot is covered with hexagonal stainless steel ridges for even searing/browning. 

Magnetic steel base

The base of each piece is coated with a layer of magnetic stainless steel that holds the heat better than other materials, such as aluminum. Plus, it helps reduce wear and tear, protecting your pan from corrosion and peeling. 

Stainless steel surface

The entire surface of the pan or pot is made from stainless steel for increased resistance and durability. 

Aluminum middle layer

HexClad’s pans and pots have three layers, including a middle one made of aluminum, which distributes the heat evenly. This feature also allows for faster cooking because aluminum has six times higher thermal conductivity than steel. 

Non-stick valleys

The pan’s hexagonal steel ridges feature non-stick ceramic elements for higher durability. These ceramic pieces are protected by a special material infused with diamond dust, which helps prevent scratches and other physical damage. 

Insulated handles

The pans and pots from HexClad feature insulated handles that stay cool to the touch. That’s a big plus, especially when you’re in a rush and don’t have the time to put on your oven mitts or find a cloth to pick up the pan from the stove. 

Oven-safe materials

All products, including the lids, can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes them suitable for those who use the oven extensively and need durable cookware that can handle high heat.

These features are great, but each of us has different priorities when buying cookware. As mentioned earlier, I’m particularly interested in four aspects: non-stick, even heating, durability, and clean-up. 

Let’s see how the brand’s cookware set performs in these areas.

Non-Stick Performance

Over the years, I have tested numerous notable cookware brands, including Le Creuset, Misen, Our Place, Kitchenaid, Rachel Ray, and Italic, among others. Within the first few months, every single one of those pots and pans performed about the same, as they had an excellent non-stick coating.

However, it’s the long-term usage that determines whether or not the cookware can stand the test of time. 

Among the above brands, only the Misen frying pan is still with me. All others I’ve retired from usage because their non-stick abilities gradually got worse until the pans became unusable (most of which happened within a year).

With that in mind, how is the HexClad doing?

It has only been a few weeks since I started using the HexClad cookware, but I’m incredibly impressed with the set so far. The non-stick layer works great, and cleaning up is a breeze (more on that below). 

That said, I’m cautiously optimistic about HexClad’s long-term potential. Its design seems more complex and intentional than most other pans I tested, but, again, it takes time to draw a conclusion in this regard. 

I use the cookware set in my kitchen on most days, and I’ll keep testing it over the next few months to assess its long-term non-stick performance. We’ll make updates to this review as our tests progress.

Even Heating

Most cookware sets are designed to heat the food evenly, and they usually do that—at least until they start to wear out. 

With respect to HexClad, I experienced fantastic even-heating across the board. The pots and pans all get hot quickly and stay hot.

However, the level of heat conductivity can be an issue. The design of these pans allows them to get insanely hot, which can ruin your meal. 

To give some background, I have an induction cooktop. With it, I only ever got as hot as a 7 out of 10 (where 10 is the maximum temperature), which generated more than enough heat. When I had the heat beyond that point and used the HexClad cookware, it was easier to quickly burn the food.

Durability

The only way to test the strength and durability of cookware is to use it in a real kitchen for many months—and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

We’re several weeks into our test, but without question, we need at least six months before we can draw a conclusion. My team and I will share further updates on HexClad’s long-term performance, so stay tuned. 

As a side note, I tested dozens of pans and pots over the years, and I’ve been disappointed with almost all of them. Most products perform well in the first few weeks but begin to deteriorate within months to the point where they become unusable. 

The Clean-up Process

As mentioned earlier, cleaning the HexClad cookware is incredibly easy. 

First of all, the pans have an excellent non-stick layer, which ensures your food doesn’t get stuck on the bottom. This eliminates the need to use harsh cleaners or spend time scraping the pan. 

In most of our tests, it was enough to simply spray the pan down to get the bulk of the food particles out of it. A quick rubdown with a soapy sponge and a rinse is more than enough. 

Second, the HexClad pans and pots are dishwasher-safe. Personally, I like the option of being able to machine wash these products. Nothing is worse than being held hostage by a cookware set that demands a delicate hand wash each time you use it.

Overall, I’m pleased with HexClad’s cleanup performance. The non-stick coating reduces food buildup, while the dishwasher-safe material is a welcomed addition. 

Should You Buy the 13-Piece HexClad Hybrid Cookware Set?

HexClad’s 13-Piece Hybrid Cookware Set uses the latest technology for increased durability and performance. The pans and pots are relatively lightweight, have tri-ply construction, and ensure even heating, making cooking a breeze. Plus, they combine the durability of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick. 

Another advantage is the clear lid, which allows you to watch your food while it’s being cooked. What’s more, the insulated handle stays cool, so there’s no risk of burning your hand. 

However, we are still testing the HexClad cookware set to assess its long-term performance and durability. So far, we’re satisfied with its aesthetically-pleasing design, its heat-conducting ability, the non-stick coating, and the ease of cleaning. Additionally, these pieces are indeed oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures. 

We would recommend HexClad to almost anyone who cooks, as it’s easy to cook with and easy to clean. Even though it’s not cheap, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty and can make cooking more enjoyable. 

Click here to learn more or to purchase the HexClad Hybrid Cookware Set.