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HexClad vs. All-Clad: I Tested Both to See Which Cooks Better

Are you shopping for cookware but can’t decide between All-Clad and HexClad?

All-Clad is an established leader in fully-clad stainless steel and ultra-durable, hard-anodized aluminum non-stick cookware. HexClad is a new name in the industry with a unique design and rapidly growing fanbase.

So what’s the difference between these brands? Which cookware is best for you?

In this comparison of HexClad vs. All-Clad, you’ll learn how their cookware differs in construction, design, price, and more.

After breaking down their differences, I’ll show you the results from my head-to-head cooking tests. I compare HexClad against an All-Clad stainless steel pan to see which sears better, and I put HexClad head-to-head against an All-Clad non-stick pan to determine which cooks eggs and releases food more effectively.

Key Takeaways

Below are the key differences between HexClad and All-Clad. Throughout the full comparison, I provide more details and side-by-side pictures of both brands.

  • History: All-Clad has a 50-year track record of delivering high-quality cookware, while HexClad is still new and unproven.
  • Oven Safety: HexClad is oven-safe up to 500°F. All-Clad stainless steel pans are oven-safe up to 600°F, and the non-stick collections are oven-safe up to 500°F.
  • Options: All-Clad has more cookware options than HexClad in terms of construction and design.
  • Non-Stick Coating: All-Clad uses traditional non-stick coatings, while HexClad utilizes an innovative hybrid non-stick surface combining stainless steel and PTFE non-stick.
  • Metal Utensils: With HexClad, you can cook with any utensil, while All-Clad’s non-stick cookware is not metal utensil-safe.
  • Where It’s Made: All HexClad offerings are made in China, while All-Clad manufactures in the United States, China, and Germany.
  • Performance: Based on my testing, HexClad and All-Clad both sear meats incredibly well, but All-Clad non-stick pans offer superior food release. Skip to test results.

Bottom Line

I’ve used All-Clad and HexClad cookware for years, and both heat evenly and retain heat well. All-Clad stainless steel cookware is ideal for searing and pan sauces, while their non-stick pans excel at lower-fat cooking. HexClad’s hybrid stainless/non-stick design sears well but eggs stick unless the surface is greased well. While HexClad is one of the most innovative and versatile pans I’ve tested, All-Clad is the safer choice, given its proven track record and reputation for high performance and longevity. For me, All-Clad gets the edge.

To learn more and compare current prices, check out HexClad and All-Clad at the links below:


Use the links below to navigate the comparison:


Comparison Chart

If you’re in a hurry, the chart below shows the main differences between HexClad and All-Clad. I’ll cover each difference in-depth throughout the article.

HexCladAll-Clad
ConstructionHybrid of 3-ply stainless steel and non-stick material.Fully clad stainless steel (3 or 5-ply) or hard-anodized aluminum (non-stick collections)
DesignCookware comes in distinct hexagon design with riveted stay-cool handles.Black hard-anodized or stainless steel with stainless handles.
Product OfferingsOnly one cookware collectionSeven cookware collections and kitchen appliances/accessories
InductionAll cookware is induction-compatibleSix out of seven collections are induction-compatible
Oven-Safe500°FNon-stick: 500°F, Stainless steel: 600°F
Where It’s MadeChinaStainless steel: USA
Hard-anodized: China Ceramic non-stick: Germany
Company HistoryTrademark registered in 2016Founded in 1971
Price$$$$ (Amazon or HexClad.com)$$$$ (Amazon or All-Clad.com)
Top Reason to BuyVersatility (performs well with all tasks)Durability; various collections with unique materials and design; non-slip handles
Top Reason to NOT BuyDelicate food sticks; expensiveExpensive; uncomfortable handles

Difference 1: Construction

The major difference between HexClad and All-Clad cookware is how it’s constructed.

HexClad and All-Clad exteriors
HexClad (left), All-Clad (right)

Let’s start with HexClad.

All HexClad cookware is fully-clad with a tri-ply construction.

The first layer of magnetic steel is the foundation of the cookware. The importance of magnetism comes into play if you have an induction cooktop (pans made of metals that are not magnetic will not work on induction cooktops).

HexClad 3-ply base
HexClad 3-ply base

Next, HexClad uses an aluminum core. This middle layer of aluminum, which is highly-conductive,  delivers heat evenly to all areas of the cooking surface.

Finally (and here is where it gets interesting), the interior and exterior features a patented, hybrid mix of PFOA-free non-stick and high-quality stainless steel. Yes, both the cooking surface and exterior are non-stick.

HexClad construction

This innovative cooking surface features a connected series of laser-etched hexagons that form a network of peaks and valleys. The peaks are stainless steel, while the valleys are made from non-stick material.

Here’s why that matters:

  • The stainless steel portion of the surface lends itself to searing, browning, and deglazing.
  • The stainless steel also offers protection against peeling and scratching of the non-stick surface.
  • The construction allows you to use any utensil, including metal, without damaging the cookware. When you run a spatula over the cooking surface, it only comes into contact with the steel, sparing the non-stick coating.
  • The PTFE non-stick is made from high-grade Japanese ceramic coating and infused with diamond dust for extra toughness.

These pans promise a durable non-stick experience with the appeal and benefits of stainless steel.

What about All-Clad?

All-Clad invented the fully-clad bonding process with stainless steel pans in the 1970s and has established itself as the leader in the category.

Its stainless steel collections include D3 (3-ply with an aluminum core), D5 (5-ply with an aluminum and steel core), and Copper Core (5-ply with a copper core).

All-Clad D5 Cookware Bonded Layers
All-Clad D5 Cookware Bonded Layers
All-Clad D5 versus Core Core bonded layers
Core Core (left), D5 (right)

The D3 and D5 collections include pans with the same fully-clad base, but the cooking surface is coated with three layers of non-stick coating.

But besides stainless steel, All-Clad also offers three non-stick collections with unique construction:

HA1 (view on Amazon or All-Clad.com): Heavy-gauge (thick), hard-anodized aluminum exterior with a tri-layer PFOA-free non-stick cooking surface and a magnetic steel base for induction cooking.

All-Clad Non-Stick Cookware with Steel Plate Bonded to the Base
All-Clad Non-Stick Cookware with Steel Plate Bonded to the Base

Essentials (view on Amazon or All-Clad.com): Heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum exterior with a tri-layer PFOA-free non-stick cooking surface.

All-Clad Essentials bottom
All-Clad Essentials

The key takeaway is that HexClad offers one type of construction (fully-clad, 3-ply with a unique steel/non-stick exterior), and All-Clad construction varies by collection.

Difference 2: Design

Every All-Clad pan has a smooth surface, whether steel or non-stick.

All-Clad Copper Core Brushed Interior
All-Clad Copper Core Brushed Interior

The stainless steel cookware has either a brushed or polished exterior finish exterior, while the non-stick has a black finish resulting from the anodizing process.

Polished stainless steel cookware
All-Clad Copper Core polished stainless steel exterior
All-Clad HA1 steel induction plate
All-Clad HA1 hard-anodized aluminum base

HexClad pans feature a network of stainless steel peaks and non-stick valleys that form tiny hexagons. This pattern goes up the pan’s sides, ending with a solid steel band around the rim.

HexClad cookware review

The idea behind this design is that the steel peaks don’t allow spatulas, tongs, and forks to touch the non-stick coating. So you can cook with metal utensils without scratching and ruining the pan.

HexClad metal utensil safe
HexClad metal utensil safe

Another significant difference between the design of HexClad and All-Clad is the handles. HexClad features riveted, polished stainless steel handles that are round and hollow in the middle to disperse heat and stay cool.

HexClad versus All-Clad handles
HexClad (bottom) All-Clad (top)

All-Clad handles are also stainless steel and riveted, but the design is different. Instead of round, most All-Clad handles are cup-shaped with a groove on top.

All-Clad D5 handles side angle
All-Clad handles

There are advantages and disadvantages to both designs. HexClad’s rounded handles look nice and are comfortable, but they’re prone to slipping and rotating in your hand.

Fingerprints and smudges on HexClad handle
HexClad handle

Let’s say you’re boiling pasta and grab the handle while wearing an oven mitt. When you tilt the pan to pour the pasta into a strainer, there’s a chance the handle will slip, and you could spit the hot water.

All-Clad’s handles are less comfortable, but the cup-shaped design locks it into your hand, giving you much more control.

Besides the shape, All-Clad handles are straight and positioned at a higher angle, so you get more leverage when shaking or flipping food.

HexClad and All-Clad’s non-stick collections come with tempered glass lids with stainless steel rims.

HexClad cookware tempered glass lid
HexClad cookware tempered glass lid

But, All-Clad’s D3, D5, and Copper Core collections come with stainless steel lids.

All Clad lid
All Clad lid

Difference 3: Product Offerings

With seven unique cookware collections, All-Clad’s product lineup is significantly more extensive than what HexClad offers.

Here’s what you can get with All-Clad:

  • D3 Stainless (3-ply stainless clad with non-stick pieces)
  • D5 Brushed (5-ply stainless clad)
  • D5 Polished (5-ply stainless clad)
  • Copper Core (5-ply stainless clad)
  • HA1 (hard-anodized aluminum non-stick)
  • Essentials (hard-anodized aluminum non-stick)
  • Bakeware (ceramic non-stick)
  • Kitchen Electrics
  • Kitchen Tools and Accessories

HexClad has one collection of hybrid stainless steel and non-stick cookware.

When you compare HexClad vs. All-Clad in terms of variety, it’s no contest. All-Clad covers all your cookware needs while HexClad offers just one collection.

Difference 4: Heat Conduction

Heat conduction refers to how fast and evenly cookware heats up. To see how All-Clad and HexClad stack up in this category, I performed a quick experiment.

I poured two cups of cold water into the HexClad 12-inch pan, All-Clad D3 12-inch pan, and All-Clad HA1 12-inch pan and placed each on the stove. After turning the burners on high at the same time, I set a stopwatch to measure which pan boiled the water faster and which had a more even distribution of bubbles.  

HexClad versus All-Clad heat conduction test

The results were surprising. The HexClad pan boiled water in 2 minutes and 30 seconds, the All-Clad D3 pan boiled water in 2 minutes and 55 seconds, and the All-Clad HA1 pan boiled water in 2 minutes and 58 seconds. 

HexClad heat conduction test

Although the difference is minor, my experiment proved that HexClad conducts heat faster than All-Clad.

With all three pans, the bubbles were evenly dispersed, indicating uniform heat distribution.

I conduct this test with every cookware brand I review. Here’s how HexClad and All-Clad compare to the rest of the industry:

PanTime to First BubblesTime to Boil
Farberware1 minute and 2 seconds1 minute and 29 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 skillet1 minute and 55 seconds2 minutes and 55 seconds
All-Clad HA1 fry pan2 minutes and 12 seconds2 minutes and 58 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 minutes 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

Difference 5: Heat Retention

After I recorded the heat conduction test results, I tested each pan’s heat retention. Pans that retain heat well are ideal for searing because they can maintain a high temperature when you place cold ingredients on them.

To determine which pan had better heat retention, I removed all three pans from the heat and measured the water temperature at the 5- and 10-minute marks. 

After five minutes, the water in the HexClad pan was 120.7°F, the All-Clad D3 pan was 111.6°F, and the All-Clad HA1 pan was 117.9°F.

All-Clad HA1 heat retention test results after 5 minutes
All-Clad HA1 heat retention test results after 5 minutes

After ten minutes, the water in the HexClad pan was 102.4°F, the All-Clad D3 pan was 100.9°F, and the All-Clad HA1 pan was 98.1°F.

All-Clad HA1 heat retention test results after 10 minutes
All-Clad HA1 heat retention test results after 10 minutes

Based on these results, HexClad retains heat better than All-Clad D3 and HA1. As you can see in the chart below, both brands are above the industry average in terms of heat retention.

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
Demeyere Industry fry pan115.2°F96.6°F
Our Place Always Pan118.0°F96.7°F
Caraway fry pan116.6°F96.4°F
Anolon X pan114.1°F96.0°F
Viking fry pan106.6°F95.9°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

One caveat with these experiments is that I used pans in the All-Clad D3 and HA1 collections. The results could have been much different if I had used one in the D5 or Copper Core collections.

Difference 6: Induction-Compatible

All HexClad cookware is induction-compatible. Each piece has a magnetized steel base, which is necessary for induction cooking.

All-Clad’s stainless steel clad collections (D3, D5, and Copper Core) and the HA1 hard-anodized collection are all induction-compatible. 

Essentials, which is the most affordable of All-Clad’s offerings, is not induction-compatible.

Difference 7: Oven-Safe Temperatures

HexClad and All-Clad pots and pans are safe to use in the oven, but the maximum oven-safe temperatures differ. 

All HexClad cookware is oven-safe up to 500°F.

All-Clad non-stick cookware is oven-safe up to 500°F and the stainless steel collections can withstand up to 600°F

All-Clad lids are not oven-safe, and the non-stick cookware can’t be used under the broiler (you can get away with it for a minute, but I don’t recommend it).

Difference 8: Where It’s Made

HexClad cookware is designed in California, but it’s manufactured in China.

All-Clad stainless clad cookware is made just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Their hard-anodized non-stick cookware (HA1 and Essentials collections) is manufactured in China.

Related: Watch me break down the best cookware not made in China in this video.

Difference 9: Company History

HexClad is a Los Angeles-based start-up that was launched in 2016 by its two co-founders: Daniel Winer and Cole Mecray.

Winer and Mecray, who have been in the cookware industry since the late ‘90s, discovered the technology behind HexClad and began working with the inventor to bring it to the United States market.

They wanted to combine the ease of non-stick with the superior performance and toughness of stainless steel.

Much of the cookware’s popularity can be attributed to the direct-to-consumer model and early use of digital advertising campaigns — something the cookware industry wasn’t doing at the time.

You can watch Winer test the durability of HexClad on this video. He scrapes the pan with a metal spatula, presses a hand mixer with metal beaters into the interior, and runs a metal pizza cutter across the surface.

It’s a pretty convincing demonstration of this unique cookware’s ability to tolerate sharp, metal utensils, something you wouldn’t dare to do with other non-stick cookware.

All-Clad was founded in 1971 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, by John Ulam, an innovative metallurgist who invented the process to make fully-clad stainless steel cookware. At the time, this was a significant breakthrough because it combined the durability of stainless steel and the heat conduction of aluminum.

Since then, fully-clad cookware has been adopted by most cookware brands, including HexClad. However, All-Clad remains the industry leader thanks to its focus on quality craftsmanship and premium materials. 

Difference 10: Price

All-Clad prices vary across collections. For example, the Essentials hard-anodized aluminum non-stick collection is the least expensive, and the Copper Core collection is, by far, the most costly. The HA1, D3, and D5 collections fall in the middle. 

If you compare HexClad to All-Clad’s high-end stainless steel collections like Copper Core and D5, the prices are similar. But if you compare it to All-Clad non-stick collections, HexClad is much more expensive.  

Considering HexClad uses non-stick material that will eventually wear down, it’s difficult for many home cooks to justify such a high price.

To see current prices for both brands, refer to the chart below:

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Difference 11: Downsides

While HexClad and All-Clad come with many benefits, there are a few downsides to consider.

Both Brands Are Expensive

As you learned in the previous section, both brands are a significant investment. Spending hundreds on a premium stainless steel set is justifiable since you can expect it to last for years, but all cookware that’s made with non-stick coating (including HexClad) eventually needs to be replaced.

So consider that as you shop. And, since HexClad is still new to the market, only time will tell how long the cookware will last.

Customers Complain That All-Clad Handles Are Uncomfortable

Many home cooks describe All-Clad handles as being uncomfortable or too lightweight for the heft of the pans. I’ve never had an issue with All-Clad’s handles, but enough people have complained that it’s worth mentioning.

All-Clad D5 handles
All-Clad D5 handles

HexClad handles are round and very comfortable; you won’t find many complaints about them.

Food Sticks to All-Clad Stainless Steel

If you’re looking for a non-stick experience with All-Clad stainless steel collections, you won’t get it. The top complaint about All-Clad stainless steel pans (and stainless steel pans in general) is food sticks.

Yet, you can minimize sticking if you use the proper cooking techniques and proper cleaning techniques.

Delicate Food Sticks to HexClad

Several HexClad customers have complained about the cookware performance when it comes to delicate foods such as eggs or crepes. I’ve found in testing HexClad that this complaint is completely valid.

I’ve tried cooking eggs several times, and, in most cases, the eggs stuck as if I was using a traditional stainless steel pan.

Food sticking to HexClad

While I think it’s possible to get good results with proper temperature and the right oil, you’ll save yourself some frustration by using a traditional non-stick pan with those ingredients.

HexClad Non-Stick Coating Might Wear Down

All non-stick cookware will eventually wear down.

The stainless steel peaks protect the non-stick valleys on a HexClad pan, but over time, high temperatures, soaps, and utensils will contact the non-stick coating and degrade its non-stick properties. Check out HexClad on Amazon and search the critical reviews to see proof.

HexClad Requires Seasoning

If you want a maintenance-free non-stick pan, stick with traditional. HexClad recommends seasoning before the first use and periodically throughout the life of the pan. All-Clad non-stick cookware does not need seasoning.

Cooking Test Results

The idea behind HexClad is that the hybrid cooking surface gives you the best of both worlds. It can sear like stainless steel and cook eggs like a non-stick pan. So, in theory, one HexClad pan should be able to do the job of two All-Clad pans.

To find out if that was true, I conducted two tests.

The goal of the first test was to compare HexClad’s ability to sear versus All-Clad stainless steel. For this test, I used the 12-inch HexClad pan and the 12-inch All-Clad D3 pan.

Testing the searing ability of HexClad and All-Clad pans
Testing the searing ability of HexClad and All-Clad pans

First, I seasoned two pieces of salmon with salt and garlic powder and preheated both pans for the same time at the same temperature. Once the pans were hot, I greased them with the same amount of oil.

Then, I placed the two pieces of salmon skin-side down and let them sear for a couple of minutes in both pans. After flipping the fish, you can see a nice sear and color on the skin side of both pieces.

HexClad versus All-Clad searing test
HexClad versus All-Clad searing test
Salmon seared in a HexClad pan
Salmon seared in a HexClad pan
Salmon seared in an All-Clad pan
Salmon seared in an All-Clad pan

Once the fish was seared, I placed both pans in the oven to finish cooking. And after about 4 minutes, both pieces of salmon were done.

As you can see, both HexClad and All-Clad did a great job searing and roasting the salmon. The outside had good texture and color, while the inside was cooked just right.

Cooked salmon in HexClad and All-Clad pans
Cooked salmon in HexClad and All-Clad pans

If you still don’t buy the fact that HexClad is good for searing, here’s another salmon I cooked recently. This piece was thicker, so I could brown it more with overcooking.

Searing salmon in a HexClad pan
Searing salmon in a HexClad pan

The only noticeable difference between the two pans is that the HexClad pan barely had any residue or discoloration from the oils. It took less than 30 seconds to clean. The fish didn’t stick to the All-Clad pan, but some leftover staining took about a minute to scrub off.

HexClad and All-Clad pans after cooking salmon
HexClad and All-Clad pans after cooking salmon

Because HexClad’s cooking surface has a non-stick coating beneath the steel hexagons, it releases food better than a traditional stainless steel pan.

But I wanted to see how it compared to a traditional non-stick pan with a smooth cooking surface. So, for the second test, I put HexClad head-to-head against All-Clad’s most popular non-stick pan within the HA1 collection.

First, I cooked an egg in each pan without oil or butter. I preheated both pans for a couple of minutes, but since the HexClad pan is 3 mm thick and the All-Clad pan is 4 mm thick, the HexClad pan was hotter when I added the eggs.

HexClad versus All-Clad egg test
HexClad versus All-Clad egg test

At first, the egg didn’t stick to either pan, but after flipping the egg in the HexClad pan, it began to stick, and I accidentally broke the yolk when I nudged it with a spatula.

Egg sticking to an ungreased HexClad pan
Egg sticking to an ungreased HexClad pan

The All-Clad pan made cooking the eggs much easier. Because it’s thicker and heats slower, the egg cooked more evenly without browning too much, and it didn’t stick at all to the smooth, non-stick surface.

Egg cooking in an All-Clad pan without oil
Egg cooking in an All-Clad pan without oil

I cooked another egg in each pan, but instead of leaving the pans dry, I greased the surface with a bit of oil and butter. This time, the eggs slid around both pans without any sticking.

Egg not sticking to a greased HexClad pan
Egg not sticking to a greased HexClad pan

But again, after preheating for the same amount of time at the same temperature, HexClad’s thinner walls made the cooking surface hotter, and the eggs overcooked slightly. I could have lowered the temperature to correct that, but I wanted to show you a direct comparison of HexClad vs. All-Clad while minimizing the variables.

The key takeaway is that you can sear meats and cook eggs in a HexClad pan, but All-Clad non-stick pans stick less with little to no grease.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy HexClad or All-Clad?

All-Clad is continuously at the top of the “best cookware” lists, but HexClad is getting serious attention due to its unique and innovative design.

So, which should you choose?

The truth is, it depends.

I’ve been cooking with both brands for several years. Both heat up fast and evenly, both retain heat well, and you can use both for just about any cooking technique and ingredient.

With All-Clad, you get a much more traditional cooking experience. You can use their American-made stainless steel pans for searing, roasting, frying, broiling, and pan sauces.

And if you want a convenient option for eggs and other low-fat cooking, their non-stick pans do an excellent job releasing food with little to no oil.

Before testing it, I thought HexClad was a gimmick, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how well it cooks.

This cookware can sear better than most non-stick pans and releases food better than stainless steel. It’s convenient and versatile, and its unique hybrid design minimizes scratches and extends its lifespan.

If you’re looking for a nudge in one direction, I recommend All-Clad. It’s one of the best cookware brands in the world with a proven track record of superior performance and durability. Plus, its non-stick cookware is long-lasting and significantly less expensive than HexClad.

HexClad’s hybrid construction is an interesting invention, but some cooking scenarios are better suited for either stainless steel or non-stick. Combining the two won’t provide optimal performance for all cooking scenarios.

HexClad costs as much as premium stainless steel cookware, but it won’t last forever. You’ll eventually have to replace HexClad when the non-stick portion of the cooking surface wears down (likely in 5 years or less, depending on how frequently you use it).

Bottom line — All-Clad is an established brand that’s been consistently delivering performance, durability, and style for decades. HexClad is a market-disrupting start-up getting much-deserved praise for its stainless steel/non-stick hybrid cookware.

Both are excellent options, and the right cookware choice comes down to your personal preferences.

To learn more, read consumer reviews, and view the current prices, check out HexClad and All-Clad at the links below:

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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