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Henckels Paradigm Review: Pros and Cons to Know Before Buying

Henckels Paradigm (formerly Henckels HXagon) pans have a hybrid cooking surface with stainless steel peaks that prevent utensils from scratching the non-stick coating.

According to Henckels, these pans provide the durability and searing power of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick cookware.

But are these claims valid? Is this cookware worth buying?

In this review, I break down the pros and cons of Henckels Paradigm pans. You’ll learn about their design, construction, and performance. I also reveal how they compare to other hybrid cookware brands like HexClad.

By the end, you’ll be able to decide if Henckels Paradigm pans belong in your kitchen.

Note: When Henckels first released this collection, it was called Henckels HXagon. It has since been renamed to Henckels Paradigm.


Use the links below to navigate the review:


Henckels Paradigm Review: Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of Henckels Paradigm. Throughout the full review, you’ll find detailed analysis, test results, comparisons, and photos I captured during testing.

Henckels Paradigm Pros

  • Durable: The cooking surface features raised steel hexagonal peaks that protect the non-stick coating. Because of this, you can use metal utensils without causing damage.
Upper interior wall of Henckels HXagon pan
Interior of Henckels Paradigm pan
  • Heat Conduction: Henckels Paradigm pans heat up fast and evenly. I’ve tested over 30 cookware brands and these heat faster than all but three.
  • Non-Stick Properties: When the surface is greased with oil or butter, delicate foods like eggs don’t stick.
  • Searing Power: These pans excel in searing meat thanks to their hybrid cooking surface and fast-heating aluminum core.
  • Smooth Bottom: The polished steel bottom minimizes the risk of scratching glass stovetops, unlike HexClad and other brands with textured bottoms.
  • Price: Henckels Paradigm cookware is an excellent value — the 3-piece set costs less than one pan from other hybrid cookware brands.

Henckels Paradigm Cons

  • Heat Retention: These pans struggle to maintain a consistent temperature due to their thinner construction (2.4 mm). Based on my tests of over 30 cookware brands, Henckels Paradigm pans have average heat retention.
  • Induction Efficiency: While compatible with induction cooktops, Henckels Paradigm pans heat slower than some competitors.
  • Rounded Handles: The rounded handles can be slippery and may rotate when you tilt the pan. You need to grip the handle tight when transferring food or pouring liquids.
  • Made In China: Despite Henckels’ German heritage, these pans are manufactured in China.
  • Selection: This collection currently has only one item: a 3-piece frying pan set without lids.
  • Unproven: As a new collection launched in 2024, the long-term durability of these pans remains to be seen.

Is Henckels Paradigm Cookware Worth Buying?

Henckels Paradigm pans are durable, versatile, and heat up fast. The main downside is that they don’t retain heat as well as thick-bottomed cast iron or stainless steel skillets. But for eggs, vegetables, and quick, simple meals that most people cook in non-stick or hybrid pans, heat retention is less critical. If you’re looking for hybrid pans and HexClad gives you sticker shock, Henckels Paradigm is a quality and much more affordable alternative.

Read my in-depth comparison of Henckels Paradigm vs. HexClad to learn more, or check the current price on Amazon.

Pros of Henckels Paradigm

Henckels Paradigm pans are durable, versatile, and affordable, especially compared to other hybrid cookware brands. Let’s dive into the pros of this collection in more detail.

Durability

One of the most notable advantages of Henckels Paradigm is its durability. The innovative hybrid cooking surface features raised steel hexagonal peaks. These peaks protect the non-stick coating underneath.

Henckels HXagon cooking surface
Henckels Paradigm cooking surface

This design allows you to safely use metal utensils without scratching or damaging the non-stick surface. As you glide a metal spatula or spoon across the surface, it will only touch the steel peaks without making direct contact with the non-stick coating.

Close-up of Henckels HXagon cooking surface
Close-up of Henckels Paradigm cooking surface

Although sharp utensils like knives and forks can still fit between the peaks and damage the coating, this design eliminates most of the potential for scratches. The risk is negligible if you stick to spoons and spatulas and don’t use pointy utensils.

While the durability of Henckels Paradigm over many years is still unknown since this collection first hit the market in 2024, early signs point to impressive longevity. I’ve been using similar hybrid HexClad pans for years now without any scratches, degradation, or performance issues.

Heat Conduction

Another positive characteristic of Henckels Paradigm pans is that they heat up fast and evenly.

I’ve been cooking with these pans for several months. I’ve also conducted head-to-head tests against similar brands like HexClad and Anolon X.

In one test, I wanted to compare how quickly the Henckels Paradigm and HexClad pans could cook an egg. I preheated the 12-inch versions of both pans on the stove at the same low heat setting for the same amount of time (a couple of minutes). I then cracked an egg into each pan and let it cook without stirring or moving.

Eggs cooked in Henckels HXagon vs HexClad
Eggs cooked in Henckels Paradigm (left) vs. HexClad (right)

Within just another couple minutes, the egg in the Henckels pan was already starting to brown and get crispy, caramelized edges. But the egg in the HexClad pan was cooking at a much slower pace and remained mostly white/unbrowned.

I also cooked pancakes side-by-side in Henckels Paradigm and HexClad pans. Despite turning the burners to the same temperature and preheating for the same period, the pancake in the Henckels pan started bubbling and browning much quicker.

Pancakes cooked in Henckels HXagon and HexClad pans
Pancakes cooked in Henckels Paradigm (left) and HexClad pans (right)
Pancake cooked in Henckels HXagon pan
Pancake cooked in Henckels Paradigm pan

To confirm my observations, I conducted my standard water boiling test, which I perform for every cookware brand I review.

I poured two cups of cold (55°F) water into the Henckels Paradigm 12-inch pan and turned the heat to the highest setting.

The water started bubbling at 1 minute and 36 seconds and began boiling at 2 minutes and 19 seconds. While the pan heated up, the bubbles were uniform across the cooking surface. That’s a good sign that the pan distributes heat evenly without hot or cold spots.

Water boiling in Henckels HXagon pan
Water boiling in Henckels Paradigm pan

Out of the 30+ pans I’ve tested, Henckels Paradigm performed better than all but three in heating speed. Top brands like All-Clad, Made In, and HexClad took slightly longer to boil the water. Below are the full results:

PanTime to First BubblesTime to Boil
Farberware1 minute and 2 seconds1 minute and 29 seconds
All-Clad G5 fry pan1 minute and 17 seconds2 minutes and 4 seconds
All-Clad Copper Core fry pan1 minute and 21 seconds2 minutes and 18 seconds
Henckels Paradigm fry pan1 minute and 36 seconds2 minutes and 19 seconds
Made In stainless steel fry pan1 minute and 40 seconds2 minutes and 21 seconds
Anolon X pan1 minute and 35 seconds2 minutes and 22 seconds
Misen fry pan1 minute and 50 seconds2 minutes and 25 seconds
Caraway1 minute and 53 seconds2 minutes and 26 seconds
Anolon Advanced fry pan1 minute and 55 seconds2 minutes and 27 seconds
HexClad fry pan1 minute and 40 seconds2 minutes and 30 seconds
Made In non-stick fry pan1 minute and 53 seconds2 minutes and 31 seconds
Zwilling fry pan1 minute and 45 seconds2 minutes and 31 seconds
T-fal fry pan1 minute and 50 seconds2 minutes and 32 seconds
Gotham Steel fry pan1 minute and 58 seconds2 minutes and 32 seconds
Rachael Ray fry pan1 minute and 47 seconds2 minutes and 36 seconds
Viking fry pan1 minute and 42 seconds2 minutes and 39 seconds
Calphalon fry pan1 minute and 45 seconds2 minutes and 40 seconds
Sardel fry pan1 minute and 41 seconds2 minutes and 46 seconds
Pioneer Woman fry pan2 minutes and 2 seconds2 minutes and 46 seconds
Hestan fry pan1 minute and 52 seconds2 minutes and 47 seconds
GreenLife pan2 minutes and 11 seconds2 minutes and 47 seconds
Our Place Always Pan2 minutes and 2 seconds2 minutes and 48 seconds
Ninja NeverStick Pan2 minutes and 7 seconds2 minutes and 49 seconds
Tramontina fry pan1 minute and 53 seconds2 minutes and 52 seconds
Circulon fry pan2 minutes and 7 seconds2 minutes and 55 seconds
All-Clad D3 fry pan1 minute and 55 seconds2 minutes and 55 seconds
All-Clad HA1 fry pan2 minutes and 12 seconds2 minutes and 58 seconds
All-Clad D5 fry pan1 minutes and 58 seconds3 minutes and 4 seconds
Goldilocks fry pan2 minutes and 17 seconds3 minutes and 5 seconds
Demeyere Industry fry pan2 minutes and 3 seconds3 minutes and 10 seconds
Ballarini fry pan2 minutes and 15 seconds3 minutes and 12 seconds
Heritage Steel fry pan1 minute and 59 seconds3 minutes and 15 seconds
Demeyere Atlantis fry pan2 minutes and 11 seconds3 minutes and 25 seconds
Xtrema fry pan3 minutes and 41 seconds6 minutes and 7 seconds

Non-Stick Properties

If you’re looking for a pan with a slick surface that prevents food from sticking, you’ll be happy to learn that these pans have excellent non-stick properties — but there’s one requirement.

When I initially tried cooking eggs without greasing the pan, it had trouble releasing them cleanly. The raised steel hexagons that protect the non-stick coating make the pans less slick than traditional non-stick. The eggs stuck and torn apart when I tried to move them.

Egg sticking to ungreased Henckels HXagon pan
Egg sticking to ungreased Henckels Paradigm pan

However, when I prepped the Paradigm pan by greasing the surface with just a small amount of oil and butter, the eggs slid right off without sticking.

Egg not sticking to a greased Henckels HXagon pan
Egg not sticking to a greased Henckels Paradigm pan

Pancakes performed similarly — as long as I added butter to the pan before adding the batter, they released without sticking.

Pancake not sticking to a greased Henckels HXagon pan
Pancake not sticking to a greased Henckels Paradigm pan

With traditional non-stick pans that have a smooth cooking surface, food won’t stick even if you use little to no oil or butter. But that’s not the case with Henckels Paradigm (or other hybrid pans, including HexClad).

Searing Power

One of the major selling points of this cookware is that it sears like stainless steel. And based on my testing, this claim is valid.

Traditional non-stick pans aren’t known for their searing power. Most are thin, so they don’t retain heat well, and the non-stick coating adds a layer between the hot metal and the food. That barrier makes it more difficult for the Maillard reaction to occur.

With Henckels Paradigm, the raised steel pattern on the cooking surface eliminates that barrier and delivers more heat to the food. The steel also keeps oils in the center of the pan under the food, which aids in browning and searing. Oil often moves to the edges of traditional non-stick pans because the surface is so smooth, and there’s not enough friction to keep it in place.

Here’s a chicken thigh I seared in a Henckels Paradigm pan.

Chicken cooked in Henckels HXagon pan
Chicken cooked in Henckels Paradigm pan

And here’s a hamburger. If I told you I cooked this in a stainless steel or cast iron pan, you would believe me.

Burger cooked in Henckels HXagon pan after first flip
Burger cooked in Henckels Paradigm pan

The bottom line is that Henckels Paradigm pans are versatile — the non-stick coating prevents delicate foods like eggs from sticking, and the steel hexagon and excellent heat conduction result in crispy golden browning on meat.

Smooth Bottom

Henckels Paradigm pans feature a smooth, polished steel bottom. Competitors like HexClad extend the textured hybrid coating to the exterior.

Bottom of Henckels HXagon pan
Bottom of Henckels Paradigm pan

While the smooth bottom without non-stick coating can show some discoloration and staining over time and be a little more challenging to clean, it poses less risk of scratching delicate glass stovetops.

Bottom of Henckels HXagon and HexClad pans
Bottom of Henckels Paradigm and HexClad pans

Pans with a textured bottom, like HexClad, can scratch delicate surfaces. A Prudent Reviews reader recently reached out and told me the raised hexagons on the bottom of her HexClad pans scratched her glass cooktop. The flat bottom of the Paradigm eliminates this potential damage risk.

Price

One of the biggest advantages of Henckels Paradigm cookware is its affordability. HexClad, the most comparable brand with a similar design and performance, costs more than twice as much.

For example, you could buy a 3-piece Henckels Paradigm set with 8-, 10-, and 12-inch frying pans for less than the price of one single 12-inch HexClad pan.

Cons of Henckels Paradigm

There’s a lot to love about Henckels Paradigm pans, but they’re not perfect. In this section, I break down the flaws and limitations so you have the whole story before buying.

Heat Retention

Henckels Paradigm pans have a lot to offer, but heat retention is one area where it struggles. The thinner construction, at 2.4 mm compared to HexClad’s 3 mm thickness, leads to notable temperature fluctuations.

In other words, these pans heat up quickly but can also overheat if you’re not careful. Also, when you add cold ingredients like burgers or steaks straight from the fridge, the pan loses heat. It takes time for the pan to heat back up, which can result in inconsistent searing.

I noticed this during my burger test. The first side of the burger got a crispy dark brown crust, but when I flipped it, the other side took much longer to brown. And while I waited for it to sear, the inside of the burger overcooked.

Burger cooked in Henckels HXagon pan after one and two flips
Burger cooked in Henckels Paradigm pan. First flip (left), second flip (right).

To understand these dynamics better, I conducted a heat retention test. After boiling two cups of water in the 12-inch Henckels Paradigm fry pan, I measured the temperature after 5 and 10 minutes.

The water cooled to 113°F after 5 minutes and to 96°F after 10 minutes.

Henckels HXagon heat retention after 5 minutes
Henckels Paradigm heat retention after 5 minutes
Henckels HXagon heat retention after 10 minutes
Henckels Paradigm heat retention after 10 minutes

I conducted the same test with a HexClad pan (and every pan I review), which is significantly thicker. As expected, HexClad retained heat better. The water was 120°F after five minutes and 102°F after 10 minutes.

HexClad heat retention after 5 minutes
HexClad heat retention after 5 minutes
HexClad heat retention after 10 minutes
HexClad heat retention after 10 minutes

As you can see in the result below, Henckels Paradigm has an average heat retention compared to the cookware industry — it’s not the best, but certainly not the worst. The key takeaway is that you need to pay closer attention when cooking with Henckels than with thicker pans like HexClad, Demeyere, and Made In because the heat fluctuates more.

PanTemperature After 5 MinutesTemperature After 10 Minutes
Xtrema fry pan142°F113°F
Made In stainless steel fry pan121.1°F106.6°F
Demeyere Atlantis fry pan122.0°F106.3°F
Made In non-stick fry pan120.2°F105.8°F
Ninja NeverStick Pan130.5°F104.8°F
Misen fry pan118.6°F103.4°F
Zwilling fry pan121.1°F103.0°F
Rachael Ray fry pan126.3°F102.7°F
Goldilocks fry pan122.0°F102.5°F
HexClad fry pan120.7°F102.4°F
Circulon fry pan133.3°F102.0°F
Tramontina fry pan118.5°F101.3°F
Calphalon fry pan112.8°F101.1°F
All-Clad D3 skillet111.6°F100.9°F
Ballarini fry pan120°F99.9°F
Heritage Steel120.1°F98.2°F
All-Clad HA1 fry pan117.9°F98.1°F
Hestan fry pan114.4°F98.0°F
Sardel fry pan114.0°F97.8°F
All-Clad D5 fry pan112.7°F97.3°F
Henckels Paradigm fry pan113.5°F96.7°F
Our Place Always Pan118.0°F96.7°F
Demeyere Industry fry pan115.2°F96.6°F
All-Clad G5 fry pan115.3°F96.6°F
Caraway fry pan116.6°F96.4°F
Anolon X pan114.1°F96.0°F
Viking fry pan106.6°F95.9°F
All-Clad Copper Core fry pan117.7°F95.5°F
Farberware fry pan112.0°F95.4°F
GreenLife fry pan119.0°F95.0°F
Gotham Steel fry pan113.0°F95.0°F
Anolon Advanced fry pan112.7°F90.9°F
Pioneer Woman fry pan104.3°F90.9°F
T-fal fry pan108.7°F88.0°F

Induction Efficiency

Induction cooktops work differently than traditional gas or electric ranges. Rather than relying on hot burners or coils, induction uses electromagnetic fields to create electric currents directly in the pan itself.

Because of how induction cooktops work, the materials and construction of pots and pans significantly impact heating efficiency. I conducted a simple test to see how fast Henckels Paradigm cookware heats on induction.

I poured two cups of 55°F water into 8-inch Henckels Paradigm and HexClad pans, placed them on an induction cooktop, and turned both burners to high at the same time. Note: 248°F is the maximum temperature my cooktop could reach when both burners are on.

Testing Henckels HXagon versus HexClad on an induction cooktop
Testing Henckels Paradigm versus HexClad on an induction cooktop

The HexClad pan was more responsive, reaching a simmer at the two-minute and 10-second mark and boiling at the five-minute and 30-second mark.

Water in the Henckels Paradigm pan started simmering after three minutes and boiled around the six-minute mark.

So, while you can certainly use the Henckels Paradigm line on an induction cooktop, it won’t heat as fast as its biggest competitor.

Rounded Handles

The rounded handles on Henckels Paradigm pans are comfortable. But unlike flat handles, they can rotate in your hand when you tilt the pan to slide food or pour liquids onto a plate. I’ve lost grip a few times from the handle twisting.

Henckels HXagon rounded handle
Henckels Paradigm rounded handle

For example, let’s say you cook a sauce in the pan. When you go to pour the sauce onto a plate or bowl, you need to use two hands or grip the handle tight. Otherwise, the weight of the pan causes the handle to slip. Rotating isn’t a problem with flat handles because the edges provide a better grip.

Henckels HXagon handle
Henckels Paradigm handle

Additionally, the handle has a polished finish. While it looks nice and shiny, the smooth texture makes the handle even more slippery. Handles with a brushed or textured finish are more secure.

During regular cooking like stirring with a spatula, the handle works fine. But be extra careful when pouring, sliding, or moving food.

Made In China

Henckels is a German company with a long history and reputation of producing quality kitchenware. However, the Paradigm cookware collection is manufactured in China.

Henckels HXagon made in China
Henckels Paradigm made in China

Based on my testing, the performance and durability of these pans meet Henckels’ standard regardless of origin. However, I realize negative stigma still surrounds Chinese-made goods. If you only want to buy cookware made in the USA or Europe, this manufacturing detail may be a dealbreaker.

Related: My guide to the best cookware not made in China.

Selection

The Henckels Paradigm collection is currently limited to a 3-piece set. The set comes with 8-, 10-, and 12-inch frying pans without lids.

This limited selection is a downside if you’re looking for various non-stick cookware for different cooking needs. But, I believe a frying pan is the only essential piece of non-stick cookware. Saucepans and larger pots generally cook liquid foods that don’t stick anyway.

For those shapes and sizes, buying stainless steel cookware that will last forever is a wiser investment.

Unproven

While Henckels has a long-standing history of producing quality kitchen knives and cookware, the Paradigm collection launched in 2024.

Given the HexClad-like hybrid design, I expect these pans to last longer than traditional non-stick cookware, but the longevity remains unproven. There is no long-term data on how these specific pans will hold up over years.

Bottom Line: Are Henckels Paradigm Pans Worth Buying?

Now that you understand the pros and cons of Henckels Paradigm, it’s time to decide if cookware is right for you.

On the positive side, these pans heat fast and evenly, foods don’t stick when the surface is greased, and they sear meat well. They’re highly versatile pans that perform well on all foods.

Lack of heat retention is the one major downside. Because of its relatively thin construction, maintaining a steady temperature is difficult. Since they heat so quickly, you need to monitor food closely and ensure it doesn’t burn. And when you add ingredients and the pan loses heat, you need to adjust the knob to bring the temperature back up.

Bottom line — if you’re tired of non-stick pans that scratch easily and need to be replaced every two to five years, and HexClad’s high price has you looking for other options, Henckels Paradigm is a quality and much more affordable alternative.

Read my in-depth comparison of Henckels Paradigm vs. HexClad to learn more, or check Henckels’s current prices on Amazon.

Andrew Palermo Founder of Prudent Reviews

Andrew Palermo - About the Author

Andrew is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Prudent Reviews. He began his career in marketing, managing campaigns for dozens of Fortune 500 brands. In 2018, Andrew founded Prudent Reviews and has since reviewed 600+ products. When he’s not testing the latest cookware, kitchen knives, and appliances, he’s spending time with his family, cooking, and doing house projects. Connect with Andrew via emailLinkedIn, or the Prudent Reviews YouTube channel.

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