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The HexClad Dutch oven cooks just about everything—and looks good doing it.
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HexClad Dutch Oven Review: This Workhorse Replaces Every Other Pan in My Kitchen
Updated on Nov. 26, 2024
As a home chef, I’ve spent a lot of time in the kitchen. And as Taste of Home’s Senior Shopping Editor, I’ve spent even more time researching, testing and writing about the latest gear. I’ve tried almost every type of cookware—from cast iron and ceramic to nonstick and stainless steel.
And, after years of searching, I’ve finally found my Goldilocks pan. It’s not too heavy or fussy, it cooks beautifully and it’s truly nonstick. Say hello to the HexClad Dutch oven.
What is the HexClad Dutch oven?
With a 5-quart capacity, the HexClad Dutch oven is an ideal size for searing, braising, boiling, simmering or baking nearly anything the heart desires. It’s one of many pretty pans that lives up to the hype. Like all HexClad cookware, it features the brand’s signature hybrid design. This surface, made up of steel ridges and nonstick valleys, helps you sear without sticking. It’s truly one of a kind!
The Dutch oven is also safe to use on gas, electric and induction cooktops. Plus, it can withstand oven temps of up to 900 degrees. Other benefits include its light(er) weight and dishwasher-safe construction.
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
HexClad Dutch Oven
Cook virtually anything in this sturdy HexClad Dutch oven. It's ideal for baking, boiling, sautéing and almost any other cooking task!
HexClad Dutch Oven Features
I love that the HexClad Dutch Oven came with a large five quart capacity for all of my favorite soups, stews, breads, casseroles and roasts. It also measures roughly 7 inches wide x 12 inches high which I maneuvered between my oven racks easily. Unlike most Dutch ovens on the market, it is lightweight at just under four pounds which I found helpful for maneuvering around the kitchen and cleaning up.
I also loved how versatile this pan is. HexClad comes with a patented hybrid design with a stainless steel construction and nonstick coating. It also has a scratch-resistant surface, tri-ply construction and hexagonal pattern for even searing, baking and braising on most stovetops (including induction!). Feel free to maneuver this Dutch oven from the stovetop to the oven for slow-cooked stews or bread.
The brand also advertises that the Dutch oven can take on high temperatures of up to 900 degrees. When the cooking was done, I felt comfortable putting this Dutch oven in the dishwasher as directed. Finally, after I did some digging, I also found out that HexClad comes with a lifetime warranty which is great for those that are constantly in the kitchen.
How I Tested It
I’ve used the HexClad Dutch oven as part of my day-to-day cookware rotation since February 2023. From the packaging alone, I could tell that this beauty was special.
Admittedly it’s not as flashy as other trendy pans—like the Always Pan—but it’s still eye-catching. The stainless steel exterior is sleek, while the interior hexagonal surface is unlike any pan I’ve seen before. After a quick wash, it was time to get cooking!
The Stovetop Test: Seared Tofu
For my first test, I wanted to see how the HexClad could handle the bane of my cooking existence: tofu. I’ve been a vegetarian for over a decade and still struggle with this finicky protein. Almost every time I pan-fry tofu, it sticks to the bottom, no matter how much oil I use. I often give up halfway through cooking and turn my neat slices into a tofu scramble.
To start, I patted the tofu dry to remove excess moisture and preheated the Dutch oven over medium heat. I added a thin, even layer of oil to the bottom, then nestled in the slices. The Dutch oven holds a pound of tofu comfortably. I opted to cook it without seasonings or marinades to test the HexClad’s capabilities.
Right away, I was hopeful. The slices slid around the pan with just a touch of my tongs. And when it came time to flip, I was rewarded with a crisp, golden brown crust. No stuck-on bits at all. Even after five more minutes of cooking, the tofu still glided around the pan with ease. I can easily say these were the best (and most intact!) tofu slices I’ve ever cooked. After just one test, HexClad had me hooked.
The Oven Test: Dutch Oven Bread
Next, I wanted to test the pan’s oven-proof capabilities. I whipped up a batch of our Test Kitchen’s Dutch oven bread and got to work. Once my dough had a chance to rest, I preheated the Dutch oven (with the lid on) at 450 degrees for half an hour. This step ensures that, when you go to add your loaf, it creates steam. AKA the secret to a delicious, crackly crust.
Right away, I was impressed with how much easier it is to wrangle the lightweight HexClad over my cast iron or ceramic Dutch oven. I don’t typically mind the extra weight when stovetop cooking. But when lifting a piping hot vessel out of the oven, the lighter, the better!
After shaping and scoring my loaf, I nestled the Dutch oven with parchment paper, put the lid back on and let the oven work its magic. After half an hour, it was time to remove the lid and let the crust brown even further.
Finally, after 20 long minutes of existing in the same space as a baking loaf of bread, it was time to taste. My first thought was: Why do I ever buy bread? My second was: Wow—this is amazing. It took a lot of self-control for me and my partner to not devour the entire loaf in one sitting.
Honestly, this bread alone is reason enough to buy the HexClad Dutch oven. It cooked the loaf to perfection (without any kneading!) and was effortless to lift in and out of the oven. Plus, if it saves me from spending $5 on an artisan loaf every week—well, that’s just the icing, err, butter, on top!
Six-Month Update
In addition to baking bread and searing tofu, I’ve also: boiled water for pasta, seared dumplings, browned a veggie burger, simmered soup, stirred Rice Krispies treats, sauted veggies, caramelized onions, toasted buns—you get the picture. It’s truly one of the most versatile pieces of cookware I’ve ever owned. So much so that if I ever had to pare down my cookware to just one pan, the HexClad Dutch oven is the piece I’d choose.
Plus, even after several months of consistent use, it’s barely showing signs of wear. The lid fits beautifully without any warping or loose screws. The exterior is a little grubby, but that’s only because I’m too lazy to polish the stainless steel. And the interior is still delightfully nonstick—even when tackling messy cooking tasks. (Looking at you, sticky cauliflower gnocchi!) As we head into fall and winter, I’m already dreaming of all the big-batch soups, chilis and pastas I’ll cook with ease.
18-Month Update
After over a year of use, the HexClad Dutch oven is still going strong. I love it so much that I decided to update all my cookware to HexClad, and I bought a bundle with three fry pans and a wok. I’m also very fond of the HexClad knives.
With the addition of these new pieces, I don’t lean on my Dutch oven quite as much, but it’s still holding up to at least weekly use. It’s my go-to for cooking pasta and soup. With time, I’ve noticed that the nonstick quality has started to wear down a little bit.
The last time I made Rice Krispies treats, for example, I noticed that I was left with a marshmallow film on the bottom of the pan, whereas before, the melted sticky goo would slide around effortlessly. There are no scratches, peeling or signs of wear on the coating, though. In fact, save from a small spot on the lid, the pan looks like I just pulled it out of the box.
It’s also still easy to clean. A few minutes of soaking and scouring any stubborn bits with Kosher salt leaves it looking as good as new. Plus, it’s still the longest-lasting nonstick pan I’ve ever used. My experience with brands like Caraway and GreenPan showed signs of deterioration around the six-month mark.
Pros
- Nonstick hybrid cooking surface
- Works for a variety of cooking tasks, including braising, searing, boiling, simmering and sautéing
- Oven-safe up to 900 degrees
- Lightweight, especially compared to cast iron
- Includes a lid
- Safe to use with metal utensils
- Works with a variety of cooktop types, including induction
- Dishwasher-safe
- Endorsed by professional chef, Gordon Ramsay
Cons
- On the pricey side (unless you buy during a HexClad sale!)
- Should be preheated with oil to prevent sticking
- Can scratch or discolor over time
- Only available in stainless steel finish
Why You Should Trust Us
Katie Bandurski has experience as a product tester, shopping editor and writer with Taste of Home and Better Homes & Gardens. Her hands-on expertise includes baking, kitchen tools and cookware, home decor, recipes and cooking techniques and she has published over 2,00 articles within the food industry. Given her frame of reference with cooking and kitchen gadgets, she is an excellent candidate to review the HexClad Dutch Oven.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
FAQ
Is HexClad really scratch-proof?
Yes! You can use metal utensils without worry. I’ve had my Dutch oven for over a year, and there’s nary a scratch. That said, avoid using any extra-sharp tools directly against the cookware, such as a knife.
Is HexClad safe for high heat?
Most HexClad cookware can take on temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the Dutch Oven is oven-safe to up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit for roasting meats, making soufflets or cooking up a casserole.
How long will HexClad last?
Only time will tell, but HexClad’s hybrid design is tougher than most nonstick cookware coatings. Plus, the brand offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects. I’ve been using my pan for 18 months with minimal signs of wear.
What Other Reviewers Had to Say
We’re not the only ones upgrading to HexClad cookware. While still fairly new to the market, the Dutch oven has a near-perfect 4.8-star rating on Amazon.
“We are totally thrilled with our HexClad cookware,” shares verified purchaser Circuits. “It heats quickly and it cleans up so easily. You can just wipe it out with a paper towel and it looks like new. Eggs don’t stick, cheese doesn’t stick and everything cooks very evenly. I know these are expensive, but you won’t regret treating yourself to the luxury of cooking with HexClad!”
Reviewer Mark Lienau gives high praise: “These really are the Rolls Royce of pans. Best pans I have ever owned. I am 73 and I expect that these are the last pans I’ll ever buy.”
One Amazon customer is a HexClad diehard, saying: “I have almost every piece including the knives. I’m a home cook and rarely eat out. Everything scratch-made. I have washed by hand, put in the dishwasher and they all still look new. Excellent cooking pots and pans. I soak them if anything sticks and they clean right up. No fuss.”
HexClad vs. Le Creuset vs. Caraway
When it comes to Dutch ovens, HexClad is in good company. I’ve personally worked with two other stalwarts on the market: Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron and Caraway’s ceramic Dutch oven. They are all excellent pieces of cookware, and the pros vs. cons come down to personal preference. In my kitchen, HexClad is the clear winner. Here’s why:
Compared to Le Creuset’s, the HexClad Dutch oven is much lighter. There’s a weight difference of over 7 pounds, and that’s before the Dutch oven is even filled with food. With HexClad, I feel more confident transferring a boiling stew to the table or lifting piping hot bread out of the oven. That said, Le Creuset offers a rainbow of beautiful colors that are hard to beat.
Compared to Caraway, I appreciate HexClad’s versatility. Again, I use both of these pans on the regular. But with Caraway, I need to avoid high heat and metal utensils to preserve the nonstick coating. With HexClad, I don’t have to worry as much.
Final Verdict
I am officially a HexClad convert. I love the pan’s smart, nonstick design and versatility. It’s the vessel I reach for almost every night!
This Dutch oven blends versatility with impressive nonstick performance—all while staying lightweight and sleek. In a competitive cookware market, HexClad stands out and earns my stamp of approval. (For more, read all about the differences between HexClad and All-Clad.)
Where to Buy the HexClad Dutch Oven
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
HexClad Dutch Oven
Cook virtually anything in this sturdy HexClad Dutch oven. It's ideal for baking, boiling, sautéing and almost any other cooking task!
Pick up the Dutch oven on the HexClad website or on Amazon for $200. While on the pricier side for a Dutch oven, it may very well be the last one you ever buy.
