HexClad Skillet Review: Can One Pan Sear Like Stainless Steel and Release Like Nonstick? | Global News Avenue

8.4/10
Fraction

HexClad Hybrid Cookware

base material

magnetic steel

Weight (10 inches)

3 pounds

Cost (10 inches)

$170

Available sizes

8, 10, 12, 14 inches

advantage

• Releases food almost as well as traditional nonstick cookware

• More durable than other nonstick cookware

• Able to withstand metal utensils

• Even heating

shortcoming

• Does not burn like stainless steel

• Heavier than other 10-inch pans

• easy to stain

• expensive

You might be forgiven for thinking that HexClad cookware falls into one of the classic cookware categories. Although it has stainless steel running through it, it is not stainless steel cookware. It’s not nonstick, either, although HexClad promises its proprietary material can release food just like Teflon.

non-stick and Stainless steel A frying pan is essential for most home cooks, myself included. HexClad attempted to create a single pan that gives you the best of both nonstick and traditional pans. It features a non-stick surface for a smooth cooking experience while offering the durability and searing capabilities of stainless steel.

If these lofty claims are true, the HexClad Frying Pan is the only frying pan you’ll ever need. To see how HexClad’s pricey pans matched up to its marketing, I took a 10-inch skillet ($120) for a month-long test drive and cooked side-by-side with a stainless steel skillet and a nonstick skillet.

While the HexClad doesn’t quite perform as advertised—it doesn’t grill as well as stainless steel—it does have a clear advantage over other pans I’ve tested. It won’t (and shouldn’t) replace all your stovetop pans, but for the right person with the right cooking habits, it will make a great addition to your cookware collection.

This is my full review of the HexClad 10-Inch Fry Pan.

What is HexClad cookware?

HexClad is the first line of fused cookware PFOA-free non-stick pan Made of stainless steel laser etched into an intertwined honeycomb pattern. The stainless steel lines are slightly raised, while the nonstick pan sits in the center of a hexagonal honeycomb shape. The idea is that the steel can withstand higher surface heat when grilling steaks while protecting the embedded nonstick pan from damage from metal utensils and general wear and tear.

Like most cookware, HexClad has an aluminum core, which is lightweight and has excellent thermal conductivity properties. But in the case of 3 pounds, HexClad 10-Inch Pan Still heavier than a regular nonstick frying pan or a triple-ply stainless steel skillet, most of which typically weigh under 2 pounds.

Produced by HexClad Full range of cookwarebut I only tested frying pan ——The most commonly used piece. This sturdy skillet features comfortable, rounded, stay-cool handles. It is dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

HexClad vs. Stainless Steel

As an alternative to stainless steel (or cast iron), the big test for HexClad is how well it can transfer surface heat and sear meat and vegetables. I cook several grillable foods on the HexClad skillet, usually with Fully clad three-layer stainless steel pot. HexClad does a better job than traditional nonstick pans, which are notoriously bad for frying, but it never reaches the level of premium stainless steel pans.

In one test, I made two round sausage patties and placed them in two pans with a teaspoon of oil in each pan. I cooked them for two minutes on each side. As you can see in the picture below, the stainless steel skillet has a significantly better outer shell. This is the case for most of the high-temperature searings I do with HexClad pans.

HexClad and non-stick pans

I also cooked several foods in the HexClad that I would normally make in a nonstick pan. One of the most common nonstick candidates is scrambled eggs. If you’ve ever poached eggs in a stainless steel pot, you know that there’s usually some scrubbing that follows, but the eggs should come out perfectly fine. non-stick pan.

I cooked scrambled eggs in both HexClad and a pot OXO non-stick pan Heat a teaspoon of melted butter over low heat. This time around, the HexClad performed just as well as a nonstick pan. Once the eggs are solid, they slide easily and are completely free once cooked.

Easier to clean than stainless steel

While HexClad isn’t as scorch resistant as stainless steel, it’s easier to clean, similar to Teflon or nonstick pans. Just rinse with warm water and sponge it twice to make it spotless.

More durable than non-stick pans

Another big claim of HexClad is that it resists the wear and tear on utensils (even metal ones) that nonstick pans tend to deteriorate over time. In the month I’ve been using HexClad, I haven’t noticed any chipping or obvious damage to the protected nonstick coating. I even tapped it with a metal spatula a few times, but the raised steel guard seemed to protect the more sensitive nonstick material as intended.

Is Hexkraad worth playing?

The HexClad’s searing abilities are decidedly less proficient than the marketing jargon would suggest. That said, it still cooks grilled meat, fish, and vegetables better than other nonstick pans. However, it is the toughest nonstick pan you are likely to find. Nonstick frying pans have the shortest lifespan of all stovetop cookware. Even if you are careful to avoid using metal utensils, the surface will inevitably crack and begin to lose its non-stick properties.

HexClad can even release super sticky foods like any nonstick pan, but it’s extremely tough and will likely last longer than traditional nonstick pans. If nonstick is your go-to material for everyday cooking, or you’re particularly rough with it, causing it to break down quickly, HexClad will save you from having to replace your pan as often.

For a range of crepes or pancake makers, you might choose HexClad 12-Inch Fry Pan ($140) because it easily releases those breakfast items and allows you to freely use a metal spatula without worrying about damaging the coating.