I Cooked Exclusively with HexClad Cookware for a Month and It Could Replace All of My Other Pots and Pans (with One Exception) - Dining and Cooking

Kitchn and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

As it is for many New Yorkers, my kitchen storage is limited, to say the least. Overstuffed drawers, DIY pot hanging racks; I’ve got it all. Unfortunately, my lack of space hasn’t curbed my desire to make sure I own every piece of cookware that I could possibly need.

What if someone asks me to make an angel food cake for their birthday and I only have a bundt pan instead of a tube pan? What if I want to make a paella but only have a 12-inch nonstick skillet? I can’t handle that kind of nightmare.

When I was asked to replace my pots and pans with HexClad cookware for a month, I was thrilled. Not only was I getting to use the cookware that Gordon Ramsay uses in his own kitchen, but its 12-piece Hybrid Pots & Pans Set could potentially replace my stainless steel, nonstick, and cast iron cookware — talk about a space-saving miracle. I was already familiar with HexClad’s products (I was gifted the HexMill Pepper Grinder last year and absolutely swear by it), and was stoked to put the patented hybrid technology to the test (not to mention editors at The Kitchn have reviewed and raved about the brand for a while now, including the Hybrid Pizza Steel).

After a month of using the set, I think it’s safe to say a clean-out of my old pots and pans is on the horizon.

A Quick Look at HexClad Cookware

High-performing, premium cookware made with patented “hybrid technology” to deliver the performance of stainless steel, cast iron, and nonstick pots and pans.

Proprietary TerraBond™ ceramic nonstick coating is PTFE- and forever chemical-free.

The 12-piece set includes 12-inch, 10-inch, and 8-inch hybrid fry pans, 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans, an 8-quart stock pot, and matching tempered glass lids.

Hexclad

What’s the Deal with HexClad Cookware?

HexClad is a premium cookware brand known for its hybrid technology, which combines the best elements of stainless steel, cast iron, and nonstick cookware into one ultra-versatile product. This technology is seen in the brand’s characteristic honeycomb design, where stainless steel hexagonal “peaks” provide high-quality searing power, while ceramic nonstick “valleys” prevent any food from sticking.

The tri-ply cookware is constructed of three layers: magnetic stainless steel, aluminum, and more stainless steel. This allows for even heat distribution during cooking, as well as long-lasting durability due to its sturdy construction. Additionally, the magnetic base allows the pots and pans to be compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops. Not to mention, all HexClad cookware comes with a lifetime warranty. In short, these pots and pans are meant to last.

Beyond being made incredibly well, HexClad cookware was also thoughtfully designed for cooks of all skill levels. Because of their tri-ply base, heat is spread out evenly across the bottom of the pans, then held steadily during cooking. That means no chasing hot spots, managing big swings in temperature, or serving unevenly-cooked proteins.

Additionally, the ergonomic handles fit comfortably in the hand, making the pots and pans easy to maneuver around the kitchen despite being a bit heavier than your traditional skillet. Every piece is also oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and metal utensil-safe, making them incredibly durable and long-lasting. Gone are the days of melted handles, warped pans, and scratched nonstick surfaces!

How I Tested HexClad Cookware

Over the course of a month I put these pans through the wringer. Not only did I completely replace all my other cookware with HexClad, but I also carried out various tests to suss out some of their most heavily advertised abilities.

Fried eggs (8-inch fry pan). In order to test the nonstick capabilities, I fried 2 eggs in a preheated pan over medium heat using 2 teaspoons of neutral oil. I cooked the eggs for 3 minutes, until the whites had set but the yolks were still runny.

Chicken thighs (12-inch fry pan). To further test the nonstick capabilities, I pan-seared 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs in a preheated pan over medium heat. I didn’t add any additional oil to the pan, and cooked the chicken skin-side down until well browned. I then flipped the thighs and cooked on the second side for about 8 minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken reached 165°F.

Seared steak (10-inch fry pan). To test the searing capabilities, I pan-seared a New York strip steak using the traditional basting method for stainless steel or cast iron pans. After preheating a pan with 2 teaspoons of neutral oil over medium heat, I added the room-temperature steak and seared on each side for 3 minutes. I then basted the steak with butter, garlic, and herbs for 2 additional minutes, then removed the steak from the pan and let it rest before slicing.

Cleaning test (all pans). Per HexClad’s instructions, I hand washed all the pots and pans with soap and warm water, allowing tougher stains to soak for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge. Additionally, I ran one pan through the dishwasher to see just how well the pans held up to machine washing.

Daily use. Along with the other tests, I also used the pots and pans in all my other day-to-day cooking tasks. This involved boiling water, braising, pan-frying, steaming rice, and more.

How It Performed

Overall, the HexClad cookware performed exceedingly well, specifically in its nonstick capabilities. When frying eggs, the whites cooked evenly on the bottom and slid around the pan with ease. Once the eggs were cooked to my liking, I didn’t even need a spatula to transfer them out; just a simple tilt of the pan and they slipped right onto my plate, leaving zero residue behind.

The performance was similarly exceptional for the chicken thighs. Despite not using any additional oil, the skin of the thighs did the seemingly impossible: Not only did the skin brown and get deliciously crispy, but it did so without sticking to the pan in the slightest. Chicken skin is notoriously finicky and refuses to release from cooking surfaces until it’s crisped and ready, but the nonstick of the HexClad pans allowed me to check on the chicken skin periodically to make sure it hadn’t burned and was rendering fully.

When cooking the steak, the stainless steel peaks of the pan produced a deliciously browned crust, while the nonstick valleys allowed me to easily adjust the position of the meat if needed. Additionally, the stay-cool handle meant I could safely tilt the pan for basting. Now, I’m a big cast iron fan, specifically for cooking proteins. Not only does cast iron brown meat beautifully, but the fond left in cast iron pans after searing adds a deep, caramelized flavor to any pan sauce I might want to make afterwards.

This is the one area where I felt the HexClad pans were lacking. Because of how incredibly nonstick they are, I had no fond left in my pans after searing the chicken thighs and steak. This doesn’t mean I couldn’t still make a pan sauce if I wanted to, but the flavor would be far less developed than if I had used a stainless steel or cast iron pan.

Lastly, the pans clean out like a breeze. With one swipe of a wet sponge, the pots and pans looked brand-spanking new again. This was particularly exciting one night when I made cheese grits, as I had practically no caked-on grits that needed soaking to remove. Since nothing is perfect, I did get some grease stains on the steel part of my pan after cooking the steak, something that’s fairly normal when cooking at a very high heat. However, after an hour or so of soaking in warm soapy water and a bit of a scrub, the pan shined like new again.

What’s so great

Nonstick capabilities are unmatched, providing top-notch performance without the need for excess fat.

Hybrid technology means you won’t compromise on getting a good sear.

Range in sizes means there’s a pot or pan for every task.

Easy cleanup can be done by hand or in the dishwasher.

Good to know

Nonstick coating means less fond for pan sauces when searing.

Tri-ply layering of materials can feel a bit heavy.

Line comes at a hefty price.

Who Is HexClad Cookware For?

If you’re looking to downsize your cookware collection and invest in high-quality, high-performing do-it-all products, HexClad is for you. Whether you’re a skilled cook or just starting out on your culinary journey, HexClad pots and pans are versatile enough to be able to handle any and all stove-top tasks you could think of. If you’re looking for premium nonstick cookware, their performance is hard to match on the market today.

Where Can I Buy HexClad Cookware?

HexClad cookware can be purchased on the brand’s website, along with its other lines of premium products, including knives, cutting boards, and kitchen utensils. Additionally, HexClad has an Amazon store and can occasionally be found at Costco stores nationwide.

Are There Any HexClad Cookware Sales Right Now?

HexClad Cookware comes at a hefty price, but luckily the brand runs sales every so often. Currently, the 12-piece set is 30% off, as are additional products on the site. Additionally, when you subscribe to email blasts, you’re eligible to receive up to $75 off your second order.

Is HexClad Cookware Worth It?

It’s no secret that these are some pretty pricey pots and pans. However, the prices are comparable with other high-end cookware brands that are far less versatile than the HexClad pots and pans. As Alicia Betz mentions in her review of the brand, since the pots and pans combine the best features of stainless steel and nonstick cookware, the value for the dollar is fairly unmatched (although a good sale is worth jumping on).