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Are Hexclad Pans Worth It? I Tested 10 to Find Out
The pans are known for their hexagonal pattern with raised stainless steel peaks. By Rachael Penn, Friday 29 May 2026 16:28 BST
Between searching for the best stainless steel saucepans and finding the best non-stick frying pans, I have spent a lot of time in the kitchen surrounded by pans lately. But one company that keeps popping up on my social media feed is HexClad. Even if you have only glanced at TikTok lately, you have likely seen it too. If you haven't heard about these pans, HexClad offers a range of hybrid cookware that brings together the high-searing power of stainless steel, the durability of cast iron, and the convenience of non-stick. The brand's secret lies in its surface. Each pan is laser-etched with a hexagonal pattern with raised stainless steel peaks, meaning you can use metal utensils without damaging the non-stick surface underneath. They are also compatible with all hob types and oven safe up to 260C, making them great for all-round use.
HexClad pans have gained a cult-like following across social media, with Gordon Ramsay claiming he uses them at home and even investing in the company. Ramsay is not the only chef impressed by HexClad. Chris Sidiropoulos, executive chef at two award-winning restaurants including Agora Symi, told me: "It's really about stress-free cooking. In a professional kitchen, especially when you are delivering tasting menus alongside à la carte dishes, you don't want to be thinking about your pans, they just need to perform. HexClad gives that consistency and ease, which makes a big difference during service."
However, HexClad pans are premium and that comes at a cost. So, do they live up to the hype or are you just paying for aesthetics and a celebrity stamp of approval? I have been putting a range of HexClad pans through their paces to find out whether they are really worth it and if you should consider upgrading.
The Best HexClad Pans for 2026
- Best wok: HexClad 30cm hybrid wok with lid, £139
- Best for small plates: HexClad 20cm hybrid frying pan, £129
- Best for everyday cooking: HexClad 25cm hybrid frying pan, £169
- Best large frying pan: HexClad 30cm hybrid frying pan, £179
- Best for sauces: HexClad 2l hybrid saucepan with lid, £139
1. HexClad 30cm Hybrid Wok with Lid — Best HexClad Wok
I eat a lot of stir-fries, so one of my favourite pans in the kitchen is a wok. HexClad's hybrid wok sits somewhere between a traditional carbon steel wok and a non-stick pan, and the results are amazing. It is so nice to handle, and with a wide diameter and decent depth, it is ideal for stir-fries, curries, pasta dishes and more. I cooked a chicken noodle dish in the hybrid wok that could have come from a local takeaway. The meat was seared perfectly, the vegetables cooked in no time, and when adding the noodles, I didn't lose any to the surface as the non-stick coating kicked right in. You do not get that same smoky finish as a traditional wok, but it heats up fast and evenly. It is also easier to clean and maintain, as you do not need to season it after each use.
- Sizes available: 25cm, 30cm, 35cm
- Weight: 1.54kg
- Oven safe: up to 430C
2. HexClad 25cm Hybrid Frying Pan — Best HexClad Pan for Everyday Cooking
HexClad's 25cm frying pan sits in the middle of its range and is ideal for cooking for two people. There is plenty of space, it heats up super quickly even on a low heat, and the heat distribution is perfect. It was the pan I reached for the most during testing, used for everything from frying chicken thighs to making tomato-based sauces. It is large without being too big to handle. Like all pans in the range, the handle does not get hot even after prolonged use. It needed a little more cleaning than others; the stainless steel rim got stained quickly, but this was nothing that a bit of elbow grease could not remove. Overall, this is a really good all-rounder and if you can only choose one frying pan, this should be it.
- Sizes available: 20cm, 25cm, 30cm, 35cm
- Weight: 1.11kg
- Oven safe: up to 480C
3. HexClad 3l Hybrid Pot with Lid — Best HexClad Pan for Pasta and Soups
HexClad's 3l hybrid pot is a great addition to any set. It is ideal for cooking rice, pasta, or one-pot meals. It is quite large but retains a lightweight feel even when full. The long handles are ideal for draining pasta, giving enough distance from the steam. The pan heated up quickly, especially when boiling water, which was impressive given its size. Cleaning was easy, and sauces slid out without sticking. When boiling water, there were no marks where the water level had been. For the price, there is nothing overly special about this saucepan, but if you want reliable rather than revolutionary, it is a great choice.
- Sizes available: 20cm
- Weight: 1.11kg (saucepan), 540g (lid)
- Oven safe: up to 480C, up to 200C with glass lid
4. HexClad 20cm Hybrid Frying Pan — Best HexClad Pan for Small Plates
This HexClad frying pan may be compact, but it does a great job. With a drop of oil (though considerably less than some other pans), a fried egg cooked quickly and slid around the surface. With no oil, eggs clung to the surface. Where this pan really shines is in its handling. It is lightweight, fits nicely on the hob, and is easy to handle. It is a great everyday option whether you are making scrambled eggs or frying a steak. Due to its compact size, it is easy to store. Clean-up was easy, and even the trial egg that stuck slightly peeled off the surface. After that, only a quick rinse and wipe down were needed.
- Sizes available: 20cm, 25cm, 30cm, 35cm
- Weight: 720g
- Oven safe: up to 480C
5. HexClad 30cm Hybrid Frying Pan — Best Large HexClad Frying Pan
HexClad's 30cm frying pan is ideal if you are cooking for a family or batch cooking. I cooked a chilli in this pan that was enough to feed a small army. It is plenty big enough, though at 30cm it is a little too big for my hob, but the heat distributed evenly across the whole surface. Clean-up was a breeze; literally nothing stuck to this pan, even when I let sauces cook down. Due to its size, it gets a little heavy to manoeuvre when full, so it is probably not a pan for tossing food around. But if you need a large pan that performs even when crowded, or for one-pot dinners, this is a great option.
- Sizes available: 20cm, 25cm, 30cm, 35cm
- Weight: 1.36kg
- Oven safe: up to 480C
6. HexClad 2l Hybrid Pot with Lid — Best HexClad Pan for Sauces
HexClad's 2l saucepan with a lid is the ideal size for most kitchen jobs. Whether boiling pasta or warming soup, it is perfect for smaller portions. The lid fits well and, being glass, allows you to see your food bubbling inside. Importantly, it does not hold condensation, so sauces do not get watered down. The saucepan is lightweight even when full, and the extended handle makes it easy to use. Be careful with high heat, as food can stick and burn. That said, it is still super easy to clean, as stuck-on food comes off without much effort. While not hugely different from a regular stainless steel pan, it looks great, heats evenly, and is nice to handle.
- Sizes available: 17.5cm
- Weight: 930g (saucepan), 460g (lid)
- Oven safe: up to 480C, up to 200C with glass lid
7. HexClad 7.5l Hybrid Pot with Lid — Best HexClad Pan for Batch Cooking
HexClad's 7.5l hybrid pot is perfect for slow cooking or making stews, casseroles, and soups. Although it has a generous capacity, its large size can make storage tricky. The non-stick surface worked brilliantly for browning meat before adding liquid. Like all HexClad pans, this one is oven safe up to 480C, but the lid only up to 200C. It is ideal for low and slow cooking. I also found it useful for cooking a large batch of pasta; water heated up super fast, and the carry handles made lifting easier. Clean-up was not an issue, and nothing stuck. Another huge plus: it did not retain smells, even after cooking with garlic. Overall, this is an amazing saucepan, but only if you really need something this big.
- Sizes available: 32cm
- Weight: 1.99kg (saucepan), 1.21kg (lid)
- Oven safe: up to 480C, up to 200C with glass lid
8. HexClad 3L Sauté Pan with Lid — Best HexClad Pan for One-Pan Meals
HexClad's sauté pan is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. The high sides mean sauces do not splatter everywhere, a lifesaver for tomato-based dishes. At 3l it is large, but great for one-pot dishes like risotto. It fits well in the oven, and the carry handle makes moving from hob to table simple. It does get a little heavy when full. Food cooked well, with heat distributed evenly. You still need a little oil. The sauté pan was one of the easiest to clean; nothing stuck, even when placed in the oven to finish cooking. This is a really versatile pan that transitions from searing to simmering with no effort.
- Sizes available: 21cm
- Weight: 1.38kg (saucepan), 840g (lid)
- Oven safe: up to 480C, up to 200C with glass lid
9. HexClad Hybrid Compact Egg Pan — Best HexClad Pan for Eggs
If you love eggs, especially omelettes, HexClad's hybrid egg pan is a must-have. It is perfect for making Japanese omelettes, as the shape allows you to roll eggs in layers. The pan is rectangular, so on an electric hob, the whole pan does not fit on even the largest ring. However, this does not affect performance because heat spreads evenly. You need a tiny bit of oil, but nothing sticks. Clean-up is super easy; a quick wipe and it is ready. Of course, you can also cook salmon or a single steak in this pan.
- Sizes available: 20.1cm
- Weight: 910g
- Oven safe: Yes
10. HexClad Roasting Pan with Rack — Best HexClad Pan for Roasting Meat and Veg
A good roasting tin is a must-have, and this one from HexClad is perfection. It comes with a removable roasting rack to elevate meat, drain fat, and achieve a crispier finish. The rack itself has handles on either side and is nice and deep. I roasted a chicken, and it was probably the best chicken I have ever done. It was juicy without wallowing in fat, and the skin was super crispy. Clean-up was a breeze; once cooled, I removed the fat and washed it in warm soapy water. There was no sticking, even on the rack. It is quite pricey for a roasting tin, but if you want great results or love a roast, you will not be disappointed.
- Size: 41.9cm x 28.6cm x 8.3cm
- Weight: 2.24kg
- Oven safe: up to 480C, barbecue safe
Your Questions on HexClad Pans Answered
What are the best HexClad pans?
Whilst I rate all the HexClad pans I have tested, there are a couple of must-haves. The 30cm wok is non-negotiable for stir-fries and one-pan dishes. I also highly recommend the 20cm and 25cm frying pans, which cover most home-cooked meals. Finally, if you are a fan of roasts, the HexClad hybrid roasting pan is an excellent choice. There is no doubt that HexClad is an expensive brand, but if you are looking for premium pans that last and are willing to care for them, they are a great choice.
How I tested HexClad pans
I swapped out my usual cookware for the full HexClad range for two weeks, using each piece in my own family kitchen. I used the pans for everything from weekend breakfasts to slow-cooked dinners, frying eggs, making sauces, and higher-heat dishes to test the hybrid coating. I assessed non-stick performance, searing and browning, heat distribution, and cleaning ease.
Are HexClad pans worth it?
Whether HexClad pans are worth it depends on a few factors. If you want the high-heat searing of stainless steel with easy food release like non-stick, these are the perfect compromise. Budget is a huge factor; HexClad pans are not cheap. If you have a larger budget for premium pans, they should be on your radar. All HexClad pans come with a lifetime warranty, so they are an investment that should last. Consider how you cook: if you use one pan for everything, the versatility of HexClad makes sense. For home cooks looking for quality pans that last, the verdict is that HexClad is totally worth it.
Is HexClad safe?
Yes, HexClad is generally considered safe, but there has been controversy. HexClad came under scrutiny after marketing some PTFE-coated cookware as PFAS-free and non-toxic, leading to a class action lawsuit that concluded with a settlement. Since 2024, HexClad has switched to a ceramic-based coating called TerraBond, advertised as PTFE-free, PFAS-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free. The exact formulation is proprietary, which is not unusual. The controversy was about labelling, not harm from using the pans. Current HexClad pans have TerraBond coating, which is safe when used as intended. Always avoid overheating non-stick pans, use non-abrasive utensils, and replace pans when they show signs of wear.
How to care for HexClad pans
Before first use, season the pan: wash with warm soapy water, dry, heat at medium-low, spread a teaspoon of oil (vegetable oil is better), heat for 2-3 minutes, cool, and wipe excess oil. Clean by hand with warm soapy water; dishwashers can affect non-stick performance. Use low to medium heat; the design ensures even heat distribution. HexClad suggests low heat for eggs, medium-low for general cooking, and medium-high for searing.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As The Independent's review section, IndyBest has a team of testers who put products through their paces in real-world settings using objective criteria. Rachael Penn is one of our kitchen appliance writers, with reviews on stainless steel pans, saucepan sets, air fryers, and more. Her reviews are honest and realistic to help you make the best purchase for your home.
