HexClad vs. Onyx Cookware: What’s the Difference?

At a glance, HexClad and Onyx pans appear to be the same.

Both brands feature hybrid construction with a hexagonal pattern. And both claim to possess the best attributes of stainless steel and non-stick cookware.

So what’s the difference between these brands? Are they owned by the same company? 

In this comparison of HexClad vs. Onyx, I break down their similarities and differences.

You’ll learn how they compare in design, construction, price, performance, warranty, product offerings, and more.

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Use the links below links to navigate the comparison:

• HexClad vs. Onyx: Comparison Chart
• Similarities Between HexClad and Onyx
• Differences Between HexClad and Onyx
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy HexClad or Onyx?

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HexClad vs. Onyx: Comparison Chart

The chart below provides a quick comparison of HexClad vs. Onyx. I dive deeper into each difference in the sections that follow.

	HexClad	Onyx
Primary Offering	Hybrid cookware	Hybrid cookware
Other Products	Knives, hybrid cutting board, mixing bowls	Knives, air fryers, vacuum pumps
Non-Stick Coating	PTFE	PTFE or Ceramic
Pan Bottom	Non-stick/stainless steel hybrid	Stainless steel
Handles	Stainless steel	Stainless steel or detachable
Oven-Safe Temperature	500°F/260°C	500°F/260°C
Metal-Utensil Safe?	Yes	Yes
Dishwasher safe?	Yes	Yes
Induction-Compatible?	Yes	Yes
Availability	International	Europe only
Warranty	Limited lifetime	2-year
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days (customer pays for return shipping)	100 days (Onyx pays for return shipping)
Price	$$$$ (HexClad.com, Amazon)	$$$ (OnyxCookware.eu)

Similarities Between HexClad and Onyx

HexClad and Onyx pans look so similar that you could easily confuse the two. People often believe they are owned by the same company or are associated with each other.

The truth is, these are two separate companies with no association. To confirm that, I reached out to both brands.

HexClad said, “We have heard of Onyx. We aren’t associated with them. The bottoms of our pans are different, and we have a lifetime warranty instead of the 100 days they offer.”

Onyx said, “We are not associated with HexClad, although we are aware that our designs look similar. With Onyx, you can choose a ceramic pan or our original coated pan.”

Although the two brands were eager to highlight their differences, there are still several similarities. Let’s explore them:

• Hybrid Cooking Surface: HexClad and Onyx both feature a black hybrid non-stick and stainless steel cooking surface with a honeycomb/hexagonal pattern. The laser-etched steel “peaks” protect the non-stick coating “valleys.” When you slide a metal spatula across the cooking surface, the spatula only comes into contact with the steel and doesn’t scratch the non-stick coating.

• 3-Ply Construction: Each HexClad and Onyx pot and pan has a 3-ply stainless steel base construction — the bottom layer is an induction-compatible stainless steel, the core is aluminum for fast and even heating, and the top layer is stainless steel.

• Oven Safe: Both brands are oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C), which is hot enough to roast vegetables, bake bread, cook pizzas, and more. However, both brands are not broiler-safe. 

• Induction Compatible: Because both pans have a stainless steel base construction, they are compatible with induction cooktops.

• Metal Utensil Safe: You can safely use metal utensils on both brands. However, even non-stick surfaces advertised as metal utensil-safe eventually wear out. I always recommend using silicone, plastic, or wood utensils to prolong the life of your pan.

• Dishwasher Safe: HexClad and Onyx pans are dishwasher safe, which makes them convenient to clean. However, to extend the life of your pans, I recommend washing them gently by hand.

• Made In China: Both cookware lines are produced in China. Read my guide to the Best Cookware NOT Made in China if you prefer to buy products made in the USA and Europe.

Differences Between HexClad and Onyx

Now that you understand the similarities between HexClad and Onyx, let’s discuss the differences.

Difference 1: Pan Bottom

While both pans are constructed with a non-stick/stainless steel hybrid cooking surface and a 3-ply steel base, there are a few subtle differences in the design and construction.

The hybrid cooking surface on HexClad’s pans extends around the pan, including the bottom exterior. This unique feature keeps spilled-over food, sauces, and oils from sticking to the pan and burning while you cook, making cleanup easier.

Onyx pans have a traditional stainless steel exterior. The hybrid hexagonal pattern does not extend to the bottom of the pan.

Although the steel exterior doesn’t impact cooking performance, it’s more likely to stain and discolor.

Difference 2: Non-Stick Coating

HexClad and Onyx offer similar PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) non-stick coatings on their pans, but Onyx also offers a ceramic non-stick coating option. Both non-stick materials are PFOA-free.

Both brands describe their PTFE non-stick coating as high-grade Japanese coating infused with diamond dust for added durability. Swiss Diamond introduced this non-stick coating type in the 1990s, but it’s now relatively common throughout the cookware industry.

Onyx’s ceramic non-stick coating looks identical to its PTFE coating, but it’s made of natural materials, including sand and clay. It’s applied to the cookware via the sol-gel process. Onyx claims it’s the only metal utensil-safe ceramic coating since the steel peaks protect it from scratches.

Based on my testing, PTFE non-stick coating performs better and lasts longer than ceramic. The main advantage of Onyx’s ceramic option is that it’s made with natural materials.

Read my comparison of ceramic vs. PTFE to learn more about the pros and cons of both materials.

Difference 3: Handles

Like HexClad, most Onyx’s pans have a stainless steel handle. But with Onyx, you can buy frying pans with detachable handles. The detachable handle clips on and off these pans easily.

The removable handle makes storing Onyx pans easier. If your kitchen is small with limited cabinet space, you can stack the pans and place the handle on top.

However, this design can be a safety hazard — if the handle isn’t reattached properly, it could break off while moving a hot pan from the stovetop or oven.

Difference 4: Rivets

HexClad handles are attached by two rivets. Onyx handles are welded to the outside of the pan so the interior is rivetless.

Rivets ensure a secure connection between the pan and the handle, but they collect grease and are difficult to keep clean. 

Difference 5: Company History

Onyx and HexClad are relatively new brands, but HexClad has already built a solid reputation through marketing and celebrity endorsements.

HexClad was launched in 2016 by co-founders Daniel Winer and Cole Mecray. Its products are designed in Los Angeles and South Korea and manufactured in China.

The company’s goal was to produce cookware with the durability of stainless steel and the convenience of non-stick. They sell primarily on HexClad.com and the HexClad Amazon store, but you can also find HexClad pans in retail stores like Walmart.

In 2021, HexClad signed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay as a spokesperson for the brand. Now, HexClad products are featured in Ramsay’s television shows and his newest cookbook.

Ramsay’s endorsement and heavy investment in advertising have made HexClad one of the most popular cookware brands in the United States.

Onyx is based in Denmark and was founded by Kenneth Jensen, according to his Linkedin profile. Jensen also owns Lumeri, a brand of projectors and stage lights. Beyond that, there is little information available about Onyx or its history.

Onyx’s About page gives insight into the company’s goals and mission. They strive to combine classic values with modern technology to create products that will change your perception of what is possible in a kitchen.

It also talks about Onyx’s direct-to-consumer distribution model. By selling exclusively online, Onyx avoids retail markups and passes those savings to you.

Difference 6: Product Offerings

Both brands offer similarly designed hybrid pans, but their other products differ significantly.

Onyx has a more extensive selection of products beyond cookware. HexClad offers a few cutting boards and mixing bowls, but Onyx has a range of kitchen tools and small appliances, like air fryers, juicers, and vacuum pumps. Onyx even offers drinkware, potholders, and thermos bottles.

HexClad’s extras include kitchen knives, an apron, a tote bag, and a spice pack. And, because of its partnership with Gordon Ramsay, HexClad customers can also purchase his newest cookbook, Ramsay in 10, directly from HexClad’s website.

Difference 7: Availability

Onyx is a direct-to-consumer brand that sells exclusively through its website. The company is headquartered in Denmark and only ships to countries in Europe. So, if you live in the United States or any other country outside of Europe, you can’t buy Onyx cookware.

HexClad ships its products internationally and offers free shipping throughout the United States, excluding Hawaii and Alaska.

Those outside the contiguous United States will have to pay additional shipping costs. These shipping costs can be extensive — for example, the 12” Hybrid Wok from Hexclad’s site costs over $100 to ship to Alaska or Hawaii.

You can purchase HexClad products directly from its website, on Amazon, and at Walmart.

Difference 8: Warranty

HexClad has a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects and any issues that impact performance.

I connected with a representative from HexClad to clarify the terms, and they said, “Our warranty is a performance warranty. Any problems that affect performance, we cover.”

So, if the non-stick coating gets scratched after several years, and those scratches cause food to stick, you can get a free replacement.

Onyx cookware comes with a 2-year warranty that covers every aspect, including the pan’s structure, shape, and coating.

They also offer a 100-day guarantee, which allows for a full refund. If you’re dissatisfied, they’ll provide a return label so you can send the product back free of charge.

Difference 9: Price

HexClad pans are a mix of stainless steel and non-stick, but they’re priced high like traditional stainless steel pans.

The only problem with this approach is that traditional stainless steel pans can last forever, while HexClad’s non-stick coating will eventually degrade.

Onyx cookware is significantly more affordable than HexClad. It’s priced more like a non-stick pan than a stainless steel pan.

For example, the Onyx 10-inch fry pan costs less than half of HexClad’s version of the same pan.

Compare both brands’ prices across all products on HexClad.com and OnyxCookware.eu.

Difference 10: Downsides

While both brands have a lot of great features, they also have downsides. Take a look at some of the problems I’ve encountered with each cookware brand:

Both Brands:

Durability – No non-stick coating will last forever; HexClad and Onyx are no exception. You can prolong the life of your pans with gentle cleaning methods and wooden or silicone utensils, but the coating will eventually wear down, and you’ll have to replace the pans.

Food sticks – The stainless steel peaks on both pans can cause food to stick. Although oil and butter help, delicate foods like eggs, flaky fish, and melted cheese are more likely to stick to HexClad and Onyx than traditional non-stick pans.

Handles – HexClad and Onyx handles are round, which makes them comfortable. But if your hands are greasy or wet, or you’re holding a towel or pot holder, there’s a high risk that your hand will slip and the handle will rotate.

HexClad Downsides:

Price – HexClad is expensive, especially compared to non-stick cookware. It’s priced similarly to traditional stainless steel cookware, even though it won’t last forever.

Rivets – Grease and food bits get stuck around the rivets. As grime accumulates, the rivets become discolored and difficult to clean. The best way to clean them is with a toothbrush, which takes extra time and effort.

Onyx Downsides:

Availability – Onyx only ships to European countries. So, Onyx is not an option if you live in the United States.

Reputation –  Since Onyx is a newer company and not as popular as HexClad, little information about the brand and its quality is available to the public. Onyx hasn’t been put through the rigorous testing of trusted reviewers. HexClad has built a solid reputation since launching in 2017, receiving thousands of mostly positive reviews.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy HexClad or Onyx?

Now that you know the differences between HexClad and Onyx, which brand is right for your kitchen?

Before I provide my recommendation, let’s quickly recap the key differences:

• HexClad pans are easier to clean since they have a stainless steel hybrid non-stick mesh surface on the pan’s interior and exterior. Onyx’s stainless steel bottom is prone to staining and discoloration.
• Both brands feature stainless steel handles, but Onyx offers handleless pans with an optional detachable handle.
• HexClad handles are riveted to the pan, while Onyx handles are rivetless.
• While HexClad offers some extras, like cutting boards and mixing bowls, Onyx has a more extensive range of products, including drinkware, appliances, and food storage kits.
• Onyx is only available in Europe and does not ship internationally. HexClad ships internationally and offers free shipping in the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
• Onyx cookware has a two-year warranty and a 100-day money-back guarantee, while HexClad offers a limited lifetime warranty.
• Onyx cookware is significantly less expensive than HexClad.

Bottom Line — HexClad is pricey, but it’s been thoroughly tested and reviewed (see my in-depth HexClad review). It heats evenly, retains heat well, and lasts longer than traditional non-stick pans.

Onyx is less expensive and offers some unique features like detachable handles and ceramic non-stick coating, but it’s a new brand, and public information about the company is limited. The lack of reviews makes predicting its long-term performance difficult, and the warranty ends after two years.

If you’re sold on hybrid cookware but are still unsure which brand to buy, go with HexClad. It’s a more established company with proven performance. Plus, it’s the only option if you live outside of Europe.

If you live in Europe and aren’t afraid to take a risk on a newer, less established brand, go with Onyx. It’s made with the same materials and construction as HexClad but costs significantly less. There’s no proof it will last as long as HexClad, but based on its makeup, there’s no reason to believe it won’t.

Learn more about HexClad on HexClad.com and Amazon, and Onyx on OnyxCookware.eu.