The One Cookware Brand That Gordon Ramsay Can’t Stop Talking About
Table of Contents
HexClad is a durable high-quality, cookware brand perhaps made most popular by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Over the past few years, the brand has risen in popularity and is now spoken in the same breadth as All-Clad and even Le Creuset. While many people shout its praises from the rooftops (us included), HexClad’s cookware isn’t cheap, so we did a deep dive into the brand to see if it’s worth the hype.
Hexclad combines everything you love about stainless steel and nonstick cookware, so you get the best of both worlds. Currently, Hexclad cookware is on steep sale during Amazon Prime Day on July 16 and 17, with discounts up to 20% off. Be sure to check out our favorites below before stocking up your cart.
What Is HexClad?
HexClad is a hybrid cookware brand that combines elements of stainless steel, cast iron, and nonstick cookware — no wonder Gordon Ramsay named it “the Rolls-Royce of pans.”
The “tri-ply” cookware is constructed of three layers: magnetic stainless steel, aluminum, and more stainless steel. The interior of each piece of cookware contains tiny hexagons, which is super unique. The hexagons contain peaks and valleys; the peaks are made of stainless steel, and the valleys are made of a nonstick coating that’s infused with diamond dust. According to Hexclad, these peaks and valleys make the cookware incredibly durable, provide even heat distribution, and create a good sear.
The pots and pans are oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, metal utensil-safe, and they have a lifetime warranty. They also have a magnetic stainless steel base, which makes them compatible with all common cooktops, including induction.
Does Gordon Ramsay Really Use HexClad Cookware?
It’s hard to think of HexClad without thinking of Gordon Ramsay; he’s currently one of the first things you see when you visit HexClad’s website. He raves about the pans for their incredible sear, nonstick qualities, temperature control, and ease of cleanup. Ramsay claims that he uses these pans in his own home, although unless he invites me over for dinner, we’ll just have to take his word for it.
Is HexClad Cookware Safe?
HexClad cookware is safe for cooking on all common cooktops, including induction. The handle stays cool to the touch when cooking on the stove, and it’s oven-safe up to 500°F, too.
Does HexClad Cookware Contain Teflon?
Yes, HexClad pans contain Teflon, which is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Teflon is a chemical often used in cookware, and its main purpose is to make cookware nonstick. A per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), Teflon may be dangerous when released as small particles. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the health effects of PFAS may include increased cholesterol levels, increased risk of high blood pressure, and increased risk of certain cancers.
HexClad’s Teflon does not contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is classified as being possibly carcinogenic to humans. This substance was previously used in Teflon cookware but has been removed from most nonstick cookware since 2013.
When used correctly, it’s likely that Teflon cookware is safe. However, when heated to extreme temperatures above 500°F, small, harmful particles may be released. If you’re worried about the use of Teflon in HexClad cookware, make sure you’re always using the cookware according to the manufacturer’s instructions and consider discontinuing use if the cookware becomes scratched or damaged.
While HexClad uses Teflon on many of their products, they use a Teflon-free ceramic coating for cookware that is intended to be used at higher temperatures, such as their roasting pan, BBQ grill pan, and Dutch oven.
Is HexClad Better than Stainless Steel Cookware?
HexClad is stainless steel cookware, at least partially. The little peaks on the cookware are made of stainless steel, which provides even heat distribution. When compared to true stainless steel cookware, HexClad is just as durable, and it has the advantage of being nonstick. HexClad and most stainless steel cookware can be used on all cooktops and many people choose stainless steel for its searing abilities, something HexClad also does well.
When it comes to the nonstick properties, HexClad wins out. Sometimes food can stick to stainless steel cookware, especially if you don’t preheat the pan enough, but you likely won’t have this problem with HexClad.
As far as finances go, HexClad can be more expensive than stainless steel, especially when it’s not on sale. People who just want a simple pan that can do the job without shelling out a lot of money might prefer stainless steel, while people who are looking for a high-performance pan and have the budget will probably prefer HexClad.
Is HexClad Better than Nonstick Cookware?
HexClad has a Teflon nonstick coating in the valleys of its hexagonal design. This results in the whole product being nonstick, and also solves some of the problems many people face with nonstick cookware, such as its vulnerability to scratches. HexClad is very durable, and it’s metal utensil-safe, too, so you don’t have to worry about scratching it the same way you do with traditional nonstick. HexClad also sears food better than nonstick cookware because of its stainless steel elements.
Traditional nonstick cookware beats HexClad only when it comes to price. You can find many nonstick cookware products at a much lower prices than HexClad. If you have the budget, however, HexClad is the better option. It’s nonstick, it’s more durable, and it provides a superior cooking experience.
Where Can You Buy HexClad?
HexClad is available at many retailers, including its direct site, Amazon, Walmart, and Target. You’ll also sometimes find the brand at Costco, although the selection is quite limited.
Does HexClad Cookware Have Any Sales?
Yes, HexClad is currently on sale during Amazon Prime Day, with many of its cookware heavily discounted. You’ll find discounts up to 20% on many of its best-selling products, as well as editor favorites.
Is HexClad Cookware Worth it?
HexClad is worth it for the home cook who is ready to invest in high-quality cookware. It’s scratch-resistant, it has good temperature control, and it creates a good sear. The price is comparable to other high-end cookware brands, but it combines the best features of stainless steel and nonstick cookware for even more durability and value for your dollar.
Hexclad Review November 2023
HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 10-Inch Fry Pan HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 10-Inch Fry Pan
Amazon
$119.20 (was $149)
Hexclad's frying pan is a kitchen essential, and it got the most use in our former tools editor's kitchen. This one is also available with or without a tempered glass lid, so it's superversatile. A 10-inch pan is an average size, so it’s ideal for cooking dinner for a couple of people. It’s compatible with all cooktops including induction, and it’s oven-safe up to 500°F. If you’re looking for other sizes, you can choose between a 7-, 8-, 12-, or 14-inch pan.
HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 10-Inch Wok HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 10-Inch Wok
Amazon
$95.20 (was $119)
Next to my traditional frying pans, my wok is one of the most used items in my own kitchen. When I’m cooking dinner for my family of five, I often need those higher sides and overall larger volume the wok can hold. HexClad’s wok comes in three sizes (10-, 12-, or 14-inch) and you can add on a lid if you’d like. Like their other products, it’s metal utensil-safe, so you can cook dinner quickly without worrying about scratching your wok.
HexClad Hybrid Nonstick Griddle Pan, 12-Inch HexClad Hybrid Nonstick Griddle Pan, 12-Inch
Amazon
$111.20 (was $139)
Hexclad's griddle pan has low sides and a generous surface area that make flipping pancakes, omlettes, and even eggs infinitely easier than a traditional frying pan. Choose between three sizes, including a double burner version for those feeding a crowd.
HexClad Chef's Knife, 8-Inch Japanese Damascus Stainless Steel HexClad Chef's Knife, 8-Inch Japanese Damascus Stainless Steel
Amazon
$79.20 (was $104)
HexClad sells its knives in various sets and à la cart, like this essential 8-inch chef's knife. It's forged from 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel, so if it’s been a while since you’ve purchased a new knife, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to slice and prep your food with this.
HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 2-Quart Saucepan with Tempered Glass Lid HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 2-Quart Saucepan with Tempered Glass Lid
Amazon
$111.20 (was $143)
From boiling water for pasta to making a big batch of oatmeal to simmering stews, you can accomplish plenty cooking tasks with this 2-quart saucepan. It's tiny but mighty!
