Since 1971, All-Clad has been crafting bonded cookware known for its durability and cooking performance. Today, it has an extensive catalog that includes bakeware and kitchen electronics. On the other hand, Hexclad was launched in 2016. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company’s cookware is known for its distinct hexagonal design which gives it its name.
While relatively new to the scene, Hexclad shares its pots and pans rival that of well-established brands. So, where should you buy your cookware? Below, we compare the two brands to find out.
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Hexclad vs All-Clad Comparison Chart
Hexclad Design and Construction
Hexclad sells fully-clad, tri-ply cookware that features a unique hexagonal design.
Hexclad cookware boasts three layers and full-clad construction. The company uses magnetic stainless steel for the inner layer. This allows the pans to also work on newer magnetic induction cooktops. Meanwhile, the outer layer is crafted from a hybrid of regular stainless steel and a non-stick surface. This layer also features Hexclad’s unique hexagon design.
Created with a laser etching process, these hexagons create peaks and valleys on the cookware’s surface. The peaks are made from stainless steel and help create the golden-brown sear on your food. On the other hand, the valleys use a ceramic, non-stick surface that makes the cookware easy to clean.
Sandwiched between the hybrid exterior and stainless steel core is a layer of aluminum. The material acts as the heating element of the cookware. It also ensures the even distribution of heat.
You’ll find Hexclad’s hexagonal pattern across all its pots and pans. It also lends a nice contrast against the rest of the cookware’s polished steel finish. All pans are also PFOA-free. As for the handles, Hexclad uses large and curved stay-cool handles. They’re made from polished stainless steel and are riveted to the cookware.
All-Clad Design and Construction
All-Clad cookware varies in the number of layers, type of material for the core, and exterior finish.
With All-Clad, the design and construction depend on the collection. Stainless steel collections are fully-clad bonded cookware with varying layers. On the other hand, most non-stick All-Clad cookware feature a hard-anodized aluminum exterior and a bonded stainless steel base. All-Clad pots and pans also come with stainless steel handles riveted to the cookware.
D3 Collection
All-Clad constructs its D3 Collection from three bonded layers. The layers include an aluminum core, an 18/10 stainless steel cooking surface, and a polished stainless steel exterior. You can get the D3 in two sub-collections — Stainless and Everyday. The only difference between the two is that D3 Everyday cookware have a drip-free rim and wider, less-angled handles.
D5 Collection
As its name suggests, the D5 Collection has five bonded layers. The materials used are the same as in the D3 Collection. However, with the D5, two aluminum core layers sandwich a stainless steel core. You can get the D5 in either a brushed or polished finish.
Copper Core
The Copper Core collection from All-Clad is primarily five-ply. Its biggest difference is the use of copper instead of aluminum for the core. The fully-clad lineup is also distinguishable from other collections through a copper ring on the bottom half of the cookware.
G5 Graphite Core
With the G5 Graphite Core, you’re also getting fully-clad, five-ply cookware. However, the collection uses graphite for the core, which is lighter but more conductive than copper. The graphite core is sandwiched between stainless steel layers. The G5’s exterior surface is also crafted from induction stainless steel.
HA1 Hard Anodized
For a non-stick cooking experience, All-Clad offers the HA1 Hard Anodized collection. Cookware in this lineup use hard-anodized aluminum for interior and exterior construction. Meanwhile, the cooking surface comes with PFOA-free non-stick coating. At the base, you’ll also find bonded stainless steel for induction compatibility.
Essentials
All-Clad’s Essentials collection is similar to the HA1 but without the stainless steel base. This means the pots and pans are not induction compatible.
FUSIONTEC
If you want cast iron cookware without the weight, consider All-Clad’s FUSIONTEC collection. FUSIONTEC cookware use ceramic interior and exterior layers. In between, you’ll find a thick stainless steel core. While it’s not as conductive as copper or aluminum, it is lighter than ceramic.
Cooking Performance
Hexclad cookware has a slight edge in heat conduction and non-stick performance, while All-Clad’s D3 collection wins in heat-safe temperature and durability.
Hexclad only has one collection, so comparing its performance to All-Clad will vary. However, the D3 collection, while not the exact equivalent, is the closest in terms of design and construction. Both Hexclad and the All-Clad D3 cookware have an aluminum core sandwiched between stainless steel layers.
Heat Retention and Distribution
Based on user reviews, Hexclad cookware heats faster. They’re also more responsive to changes in temperature. All-Clad’s D3 isn’t too far behind, but if you want to get your pans up to temperature fast, Hexclad has the edge. However, if you still prefer an All-Clad but want one that heats faster, consider the Copper Core or G5 collections.
Hexclad also has a slight edge in heat retention. Its pans are generally heavier than any from the D3 collection, and we know that the denser the metal, the better it is at retaining heat. Hexclad’s 12-inch fry pan, for instance, weighs 4 lbs. without the lid. In contrast, a similar skillet from the D3 collection only weighs 2.81 lbs.
Oven-Safe Temperatures and Induction Compatibility
If your recipe requires finishing in the oven, you might be asking if Hexclad or All-Clad is safe to use. The simple answer is yes. Most all-metal pans are oven-safe up to 350ºF. In fact, Hexclad’s cookware are oven-safe up to 500ºF. All pots and pans are induction-compatible, thanks to the magnetized steel base.
With All-Clad, maximum oven-safe temperatures vary depending on the collection. Stainless steel All-Clad cookware, including the D3 series, are oven-safe up to 600ºF. The non-stick sets, on the other hand, are heat-safe up to 500ºF. The D3 stainless steel pots and pans, like most All-Clad cookware, are compatible with induction ranges, too. Only the Essentials collection is not.
Non-Stick Performance and Durability
Hexclad says its cookware are non-stick due to the hexagon cooking surface. However, it does contain some PTFE, also known as Teflon. As for actual performance, the pots and pans are not truly non-stick. For starters, Hexclad shares its pans do require a bit of oil. The hybrid design’s peaks and valleys do help food to stick less. But at the same time, they mean spaces where ingredients can get lodged.
Like most stainless steel pans, All-Clad’s D3 collection isn’t non-stick. However, the D3 series itself does include some non-stick fry pans. Similar to Hexclad, these use PFOA-free coating. You get three layers of this non-stick coating over the stainless steel interior layer. Now, if you want faster cleanup, All-Clad’s dedicated non-stick cookware may be a better option.
Compared to your average non-stick, Hexclad is more durable. The hexagonal lattice design protects the non-stick coating better. It also makes the cookware metal utensil safe. But since the pans contain PTFE, high heat is a huge no-no. Hexclad recommends medium to medium-high temperatures instead.
However, All-Clad’s D3 wins over Hexclad when it comes to durability. Tri-ply stainless steel pans are simply sturdier and more robust than non-stick. While you don’t need to use high-heat on the D3 or any All-Clad stainless steel cookware, you can without worrying about damage. As a pioneer in full-clad cookware, it’s hard to beat the craftsmanship offered by All-Clad.
Verdict
Opt for Hexclad if you want non-stick cookware with above-average durability. Go for All-Clad if you prefer the robust quality of fully-clad pots and pans.
While a young brand compared to All-Clad, Hexclad has proven itself worthy as an alternative. Its cookware’s unique hybrid design certainly brings several benefits. Among them is above-average durability compared to other non-stick pans. Hexclad pans heat fast, are metal utensil safe, and are easy to clean.
However, Hexclad is not truly non-stick. In some instances, its hexagonal lattice design contributes to food getting lodged on the surface. All things being said, the innovative approach to non-stick cookware outweighs the potential cons.
On the other hand, All-Clad’s main appeal is the depth of its catalog. You have nine collections to choose from when it comes to cookware. It also boasts non-cookware items, including tools and accessories. All-Clad’s D3 collection is easiest to compare to Hexclad.
With the D3, you’re getting even heat distribution and superior durability but at the cost of non-stick performance. But the entry-level collection is a solid workhorse. Backed by several decades of experience and craftsmanship, it’s hard to go wrong with fully-clad cookware from All-Clad.
FAQs
All-Clad’s non-stick pans use a PTFE coating. In temperatures above 500ºF, these coatings start to break down and can release toxic chemicals into the air. Fortunately, the PTFE All-Clad uses is PFOA free.
All Hexclad cookware comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Yes, you can. The Hexclad hybrid design does protect your cookware from scratches, including those from abrasive sponges. However, it’s still highly recommended to wash non-stick pans by hand.
Across most of its cookware, All-Clad is slightly more expansive than Hexclad.