HexClad is everywhere now

Gordon Ramsay invested $100 million in 2024. The brand floods the internet with targeted ads and influencer partnerships.

Nonstick has serious downsides

It has a short lifespan and prevents people from learning proper cooking technique. There are better alternatives.

The hybrid cookware concept

HexClad has raised stainless steel peaks and ceramic nonstick valleys. The peaks supposedly protect the coating from metal spatulas.

Bold claims about durability

HexClad says its pans combine stainless steel performance, cast iron durability, and nonstick convenience. They claim the products last a lifetime.

“HexClad products are made to last a lifetime.”

Fresh out of the box

The pans work well initially. Chicken sears nicely, crepes and pancakes release easily, though eggs sometimes leave residue.

The saucepan is annoying

The textured surface makes whisking custard or béchamel irritating. The whisk repeatedly snags on the texture.

Customers complain about sticking

Internet forums are filled with complaints about eggs sticking after just weeks or months. A year-old set showed the same problems.

All ceramic nonstick degrades

Repeated heating causes fractures in the brittle coating. This increases friction and reduces nonstick qualities over one to two years.

“The act of cooking itself will cause any ceramic pan to deteriorate over time.”

You have to season it

HexClad says you must season the pan with neutral oil over medium heat. This is the exact thing people buy nonstick to avoid.

You can't actually season it

True seasoning only works on cast iron or carbon steel. Neither stainless steel peaks nor ceramic valleys can develop a proper seasoning layer.

Stainless steel won't hold seasoning

The smooth surface and chromium oxide layer prevent polymerized fat from bonding. Any buildup just makes the pan stickier.

Same work as better pans

If HexClad requires the same prep as stainless steel or cast iron, there's no point buying it over those more durable materials.

The price is outrageous

A 12-inch HexClad pan costs $179. An All-Clad stainless steel pan costs $160 and has decades of proven longevity.

Cheaper alternatives exist

Oxo, GreenPan, and Zwilling all make cheaper textured pans. Or just learn to cook with stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel.

“Don't blow big money on a pans that won't last.”