HexClad vs. Black Cube Cookware: 9 Key Differences

At a glance, Black Cube and HexClad cookware seem nearly identical.

They both feature a hybrid cooking surface with a hexagonal pattern. And both claim to offer the longevity of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick.

So, what sets these two brands apart?

In this comparison of HexClad vs. Black Cube, you’ll learn how they differ in materials, construction, design, performance, price, and more.

Note: Frieling makes two versions of Black Cube cookware: Quick Release and Stainless Steel. In this comparison, I focus on the Quick Release version since it’s most similar to HexClad.

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• HexClad vs. Black Cube: Key Takeaways
• Similarities Between Black Cube and HexClad
• Difference 1: Pan Exterior
• Difference 2: Handles
• Difference 3: Lids
• Difference 4: Oven-Safe Temperature
• Difference 5: Product Offerings
• Difference 6: Warranty
• Difference 7: Price
• Difference 8: Availability
• Difference 9: Where It Is Made
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy HexClad or Black Cube Cookware?

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Similarities Between Black Cube and HexClad

Before I break down the differences between HexClad and Black Cube, let’s quickly review the similarities.

Base Construction

Both Black Cube and HexClad pans feature a fully-clad 3-ply base. The top layer is stainless steel, the core is aluminum, and the bottom layer is magnetic steel.

The interior stainless steel layer is durable and non-reactive, the aluminum core heats up fast and evenly, and the magnetic steel bottom makes the pans compatible with all cooktops (including induction).

High-end cookware brands like All-Clad, Hestan, Made In, and many others use the same 3-ply fully-clad construction.

Cooking Surface

Unlike most non-stick pans, which have a smooth Teflon coating, HexClad and Black Cube have a hybrid cooking surface with stainless steel peaks and non-stick valleys.

The laser-etched steel is raised above the non-stick coating, so when you glide a spatula across the surface, it contacts only the steel peaks.

This design extends the lifespan of these pans by preventing the spatula from scratching the non-stick coating.

Non-Stick Coating

The non-stick portion of both Black Cube and HexClad pans is made using PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known as Teflon. This material prevents sticking and makes these pans easy to clean.

Metal-Utensil Safe

Due to the raised steel pattern on Black Cube and HexClad’s cooking surfaces, you can safely use metal utensils like spatulas and spoons. However, be cautious with sharp-pointed utensils like forks or skewers. These tools can penetrate the valleys between the steel peaks, potentially damaging the non-stick coating.

Dishwasher Safe

While both brands are dishwasher safe, I always recommend hand washing this type of cookware to extend the life of the non-stick surface. The high heat and harsh detergents in dishwashers can degrade the non-stick coatings.

Return Policy

If you’re not completely satisfied, both Black Cube and HexClad offer a 30-day return policy. However, HexClad requires you to pay the return shipping costs (see details on HexClad.com).

Difference 1: Pan Exterior

One of the most significant differences between HexClad and Black Cube cookware is the exterior.

HexClad extends the stainless steel and non-stick hybrid design throughout the pan, including on the exterior. The only part that isn’t a mix of non-stick and stainless steel is the rim, which is a solid stainless steel ring.

Since the inside and outside of HexClad pans have a non-stick coating, the entire piece is easier to clean.

Black Cube, on the other hand, has a stainless steel exterior. It looks sleek, but food is more prone to sticking to steel. If food or grease splatters over the pan’s rim and burns into the steel, it can take a ton of effort to clean up.

Difference 2: Handles

Another key difference is the handles.

HexClad and Black Cube pans both have rounded stainless steel handles that are hollow on the inside and Y-shaped at the point of attachment to the pan. This design disperses heat and helps keep the handles cool while cooking on the stove.

However, there’s a key difference in how these handles are attached to the pan. HexClad handles are attached with rivets, ensuring the handle will never loosen or detach, but this method can make cleaning challenging. Since the rivets protrude from the pan, food particles and grease can accumulate around them if you don’t scrub the pan well.

Black Cube handles are welded onto the pan. This rivet-less design results in a smooth, uninterrupted cooking surface that’s easier to clean. There aren’t any nooks or crannies where oil or grime can hide.

The one downside of rivet-less handles is that they could break off under extreme pressure. The chances of this happening are slim, but it’s possible. In fact, the welded handle on a Demeyere Atlantis Proline I was testing broke off.

I haven’t had issues with the Black Cube pans I’ve tested, but if it can happen to Demeyere (a much more expensive pan), it can happen with any brand.

Difference 3: Lids

HexClad’s lids are tempered glass with stainless steel rims and handles. They’re sturdy and look nice, but they don’t offer any special features for steam control.

Black Cube lids are also tempered glass, but the rims are silicone instead of steel, and the lid knob is plastic.

What sets Black Cube lids apart is their innovative design. Turning the knob allows you to open a vent to release steam, giving you precise control over the pan’s moisture level.

Difference 4: Oven-Safe Temperature

HexClad cookware is oven-safe up to 500°F, and the glass lids are safe up to 500°F. These guidelines are documented on HexClad.com and within the product description on other retail websites.

Black Cube’s usage instructions aren’t as clear. The product page on Black Cube’s website provides conflicting information. The “Description” section states the cookware is oven-safe up to 500°F, while the “Features” section says it’s only safe up to 450°F.

If you buy Black Cube, err on the side of caution and consider it safe up to the lower 450°F limit, given the conflicting information.

Difference 5: Product Offerings

Although HexClad is known for its hybrid cookware, it also makes kitchen knives, cutting boards, mixing bowls, and other kitchen accessories.

I’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed HexClad knives and was impressed with their design and performance. The blades are forged from 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel, and the handles are made from rare forest green Pakkawood. The look, feel, and performance remind me of Shun knives.

Frieling, the company that owns the Black Cube brand, makes various products for your kitchen, including French presses, coffee grinders, dinnerware, flatware, and more.

Besides the Black Cube Quick Release hybrid cookware highlighted in this comparison, they also offer stainless steel cookware, ceramic-coated non-stick cookware under the CeramicQR brand, and traditional PTFE-coated non-stick cookware under the Woll and Spring Meridian Intense Pro brands.

Difference 6: Warranty

HexClad and Black Cube both offer a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. This type of warranty is standard in the cookware industry — almost every brand offers it.

However, since HexClad’s advertising claims their cookware is built for life, I contacted the company to get more details on their warranty.

The representative at HexClad I connected with said their pans come with what they call a “performance warranty.”

They confirmed that this warranty covers manufacturing defects plus any issues affecting the pan’s performance. For example, if the non-stick coating gets scratched over time and your food starts sticking, HexClad will replace the pan for free.

Read each brand’s full warranty for more details: Black Cube Warranty, HexClad Warranty.

Difference 7: Price

One of the most notable differences between HexClad and Black Cube is the price — HexClad cookware costs about twice as much as the comparable Black Cube pans.

Why is HexClad more expensive? It’s pretty simple.

HexClad has created a much bigger brand than Black Cube. They spend millions on advertising and recently hired celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay as their spokesman.

Black Cube hit the market in 2014 (years before HexClad) but didn’t gain much traction.

When HexClad launched in 2017, it flooded the market with advertising to gain brand awareness and a loyal customer base. But all that advertising spending leads to higher prices.

Given the similarities in quality, construction, and performance, it’s easy to argue that Black Cube provides better value for money.

Use the links below to compare current prices across both brands:

• HexClad on HexClad.com and Amazon
• Black Cube on Amazon

Difference 8: Availability

HexClad and Black Cube are available online and in stores, but the retailers they’re sold at vary.

HexClad is sold on its website (HexClad.com) and on Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Costco.

On the other hand, Black Cube is available on Amazon, direct.frieling.com, Walmart, Home Depot, and BedBathandBeyond.com.

Difference 9: Where It Is Made

HexClad cookware is designed in California and manufactured in China. Frieling, the company that makes Black Cube, designs it in France but makes it in Vietnam.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy HexClad or Black Cube Cookware?

So, should you buy HexClad or Black Cube cookware?

After testing both for several years, the performance in the kitchen is virtually the same. HexClad’s key advantages are that its exterior is easier to clean, the riveted handles are secure, and if it starts to lose its non-stick properties, you’re covered by the performance warranty.

On the other hand, Black Cube is significantly cheaper and has rivetless handles, which provide a smooth, uninterrupted cooking surface.

Ultimately, both brands deliver similar results. So, if you want to save money, Black Cube is the clear winner. But if you want more secure handles and an exterior that’s easier to clean, go with HexClad.

Compare prices and learn more about both brands at the links below:

• HexClad on HexClad.com and Amazon
• Black Cube on Amazon