Updated on Nov. 26, 2024
HexClad cookware supposedly rolls the best elements of cast iron, stainless steel and nonstick into one pan. We've been testing the hybrid pan for over a year—here's what we've learned.
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My cast-iron skillet, which I use to cook pretty much everything, has been my ride-or-die for a long while. The well-seasoned skillet is nonstick, oven-safe and—with the proper amount of preheating—reaches surface-of-the-sun temperatures. For reactive foods that can’t be cooked in cast iron (like tomatoes and other acidic foods), I use a sturdy stainless steel pan. And finally, for ultra-sticky foods like eggs, I keep a nonstick frying pan on hand.
When I heard that HexClad created a pan that combines the best elements of cast iron, stainless steel and nonstick into a single miraculous pan, I knew I had to check it out. Here’s my honest review of the HexClad Hybrid Pan.
According to Gordon Ramsay, HexClad skillets are “the Rolls Royce of pans,” which is one heck of an endorsement. Lest you worry those words are nothing but a paid celebrity endorsement, know that other Michelin-starred chefs have buzzed about the HexClad pan, too.
HexClad cookware is designed to feature all the positives of cast iron, stainless steel and nonstick pans with none of the negatives. Like cast iron, it’s sturdy, resilient and retains a tremendous amount of heat. Like stainless steel, it distributes heat evenly across the pan’s surface and is not reactive. And, like nonstick pans, it’s, well, nonstick.
Learn more about the different types of cookware and the difference between HexClad and All-Clad or HexClad and Caraway.
VIA MERCHANT
HexClad promises the best parts of stainless steel, cast iron and nonstick pans all in one. Available from multiple retailers, it's worth the splurge.
HexClad’s patented design relies on a laser-etching process to create a hexagonal pattern on the bottom of a stainless-steel pan. It features a tri-ply construction, an aluminum core and a high-grade nonstick coating that’s infused with diamond dust (!!!) for extra strength. The steel hexagons allow the heat to diffuse across the pan evenly, while the PFOA-free nonstick coating prevents foods from sticking. This cookware is also suitable for all stovetops (including induction!) and are completely oven-safe.
Because of its magnetic steel base, the HexClad Hybrid Pan rapidly conducts heat and is suitable for induction cooktops. Also, it is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. HexClad is sturdy enough to last a lifetime, and as such, the company backs up its cookware with a lifetime warranty. However, HexClad is heavier than other cookware on the market which may not be ideal for some users.
Three Taste of Home writers have used HexClad cookware in their kitchen for over a year. In that time, they’ve performed almost every cooking task imaginable and tested a wide variety of foods.
I tested the 12-inch HexClad Hybrid Pan. Straight out of the box, the HexClad pan’s similarities to cast iron were immediately evident. This is one beast of a skillet! It’s so heavy, it might just last forever, like how a good cast-iron pan passes down from generation to generation. Unlike cast iron, however, the HexClad’s ergonomic handle makes it easy to lift and hold without much strain on the wrist.
Most of the dishes I make for dinner start by sautéing a little garlic or onion (or both!) in olive oil until golden before adding additional ingredients. So, the first thing I cooked in my HexClad Hybrid pan was just that, along with a big mess of greens.
The HexClad pan heated up in about a minute—far less time than it normally takes my cast-iron skillet to reach sautéing temp. Both the garlic and onion cooked evenly to a beautiful golden brown without sticking to the pan. Once I added the greens alongside a big pinch of salt, I confidently tossed everything together using tongs without worrying about scraping or nicking the pan, as I would have with a traditional nonstick pan. The greens cooked down in a flash, with all the liquid quickly evaporating as I swirled the pan.
HexClad cookware could easily handle simple everyday cooking tasks, so I tested it with something that’s easy to foul up if you have the wrong pan. Slowly cooking chicken thighs, skin down, in a skillet should yield shatteringly crisp skin with tender dark meat beneath—but every skillet has its pitfalls.
I’ve found that cast iron does the best job overall with this task, but because skillets tend to heat up unevenly, some thighs brown (or burn) more than others. Stainless steel can produce uniform browning, but the chicken can stubbornly stick to the bottom of the pan. Nonstick pans don’t have this problem, but they are not suitable for the super-hot temperatures necessary for browning meat. Could the HexClad pan offer a solution?
I preheated my pan over medium-low heat for one minute, generously seasoned four chicken thighs with kosher salt, arranged them, skin down, in the HexClad pan, then left them completely undisturbed for 15 minutes. When I flipped them over with metal tongs, they were perfect: Evenly brown with no signs of hot spots, impossibly crisp and utterly delicious. Nothing stuck, nothing burned. Not only was that good for the chicken but it also made cleanup easy! The HexClad cookware washed clean quickly with soap and water—no scrubbing needed.
Our Product Testing Manager, Annamarie Higley, tested the HexClad for nine months in her own kitchen to address any concerns about long-term use or potential wear and tear.
“One of the comments I’d heard about HexClad pans is that the raised hexagonal pattern wears down over time,” Higley says. “Although I have noticed some of that, as well as discoloration in certain areas, this has minimally affected the nonstick surface or cooking capabilities.”
“I’ve continued to throw challenges at this pan, not even intentionally, because it has become my go-to. I use it daily to cook eggs—a notoriously fickle food that my other favorite, the cast iron, can’t handle,” adds Higley. “There are also some surprising uses at which it’s very successful, like toasting bread for panini. And I still love it for browning and sautéing, too. I have a Caraway Dutch oven that I just adore, but it can’t brown meat the way I’d like, so I always turn to my HexClad for that task. Yes, even if that means creating one extra dirty dish.”
Higley concludes that although she foresees the pan’s non-stickiness (if you will) waning eventually, she doesn’t anticipate easing up on her usage any time soon: “It’ll always be a sturdy, sizable, oven-safe, heat-conductive pan that can handle almost anything. I’m hooked.”
The HexClad Hybrid pan offers even heat distribution and rapid heating, but users should preheat the pan and add oil or butter before cooking to prevent any sticking.
Alison T.S. Robicelli has over 12 years of experience as a professional chef and recipe developer and 10 years of full-time writing under her belt. She has written two cookbooks and contributes to cooking, baking and kitchenware content at Taste of Home, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Eater, The Takeout and The Washington Post. Given her extensive expertise in cooking, kitchen tools and the food industry, she is an excellent choice for reviewing HexClad cookware.
Annamarie Higley oversees all of Taste of Home‘s product testing in the testing lab and is a former shopping editor for the team. In her time with Taste of Home, Family Handyman and Reader’s Digest, she has reviewed hundreds of kitchen tools and appliances, giving her an in-depth knowledge of all the best features and brands. With all of this experience, she is equipped to review HexClad cookware.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, 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.
All of HexClad’s pans are highly scratch-resistant, which means they can scratch if used with harsh metal kitchen tools like knives, spatulas, whisks and tongs or when on too high of a heat setting. However, the HexClad Hybrid pan is extremely durable, which extends its lifespan compared to other traditional nonstick pans.
HexClad cookware is safe at oven temperatures of up to 500 degrees, whereas their lids can handle up to 400 degrees.
HexClad pans may last forever and come with a lifetime warranty. However, to ensure proper longevity, they should be properly cared for as instructed by the brand.
HexClad, Caraway cookware and the Our Place Always Pan have all made waves on social media for their health-conscious cookware that looks good in the kitchen. We compared each brand’s strengths, focusing on quality, durability and versatility.
First, there’s Caraway’s ceramic cookware. Both Caraway and HexClad offer cookware in sets rather than individual pans, making it easier to cook entire meals. Each brand provides reliable nonstick construction with metal handles, but their differences stand out. HexClad’s Hybrid Pan, made with aluminum, demands more care and can create hot spots. In contrast, Caraway’s ceramic construction heats evenly but risks losing its nonstick coating with high-heat use and isn’t dishwasher-safe. HexClad offers a lifetime warranty, while Caraway’s policy extends to only 100 days with limited coverage after that. Caraway cookware also comes with a steep price tag of $395 to $495 compared to HexClad’s Hybrid Pan at $170.
We then looked at the Our Place pan. While this pan also has a nonstick surface, stainless steel construction and metal handle, its multifunctional design removes the need for a full set. The pan features a built-in spatula holder, mesh strainer, spatula and various color options—extras that HexClad doesn’t include. Priced at $150, the Our Place pan costs slightly less than HexClad’s Hybrid Pan, which costs $179.
However, for cooks who prefer a range of pans for different recipes, the Our Place pan may not provide enough flexibility. HexClad stands out by handling oven temperatures up to 500 degrees, whereas Our Place tops out at 450 degrees. HexClad also provides a lifetime warranty, while Our Place offers only a one-year limited warranty.
HexClad’s Hybrid Pan truly stands out with its versatility. It can handle high-heat cooking, withstand metal utensils and is dishwasher-safe, making it a top choice for tackling tough kitchen tasks with ease.
The HexClad Hybrid Pan stands out from the pack thanks to its multi-functionality. No need to worry about cooking on too high heat, scratching the pan with a metal utensil or accidentally running it through the dishwasher. HexClad cookware tackles even the toughest cooking tasks.
HexClad cookware might be pricey, but it’s worth the money and will pay for itself 10 times over. Not only does the HexClad Hybrid Pan do the work of three other pans but it’s also built to last. It might very well be the last pan you ever buy. Now, I have my eyes on the HexClad Dutch oven, knife set and wok!
VIA MERCHANT
HexClad promises the best parts of stainless steel, cast iron and nonstick pans all in one. Available from multiple retailers, it's worth the splurge.
Pick up the 12-inch HexClad Hybrid Pan on Amazon or the brand’s website. It retails for around $180, but you can often find it on sale. Once it arrives, all that’s left to do is pick your favorite recipe and start cooking like Gordon Ramsay!
