The One Cookware Brand That Gordon Ramsay Can’t Stop Talking About

Up there in popularity with other cookware brands such as All-Clad and Le Creuset, HexClad is a durable cookware brand perhaps made most popular by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. While many people shout its praises from the rooftops, HexClad’s cookware isn’t cheap, so we did a deep dive into the brand to see if it’s worth the hype.

What is HexClad, what makes it so great, and is it worth the price tag? Here’s everything to know about the company, its cookware, our favorite pieces to shop, plus its Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. 

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What Is HexClad?

Dubbed “the Rolls Royce of pans” by Gordon Ramsay, HexClad is a hybrid cookware brand that combines elements of stainless steel, cast iron, and nonstick cookware. The “tri-ply” cookware is made of three layers: magnetic stainless steel, aluminum, and more stainless steel.

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 hails the pans for their incredible sear, nonstick qualities, temperature control, and ease of cleanup. Ramsay claims that he uses these pans in his 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 cooktops. It has a stay-cool handle for cooking on the stove, and it’s oven-safe up to 500°F, too.

Does HexClad Cookware Contain Teflon?

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 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, ensure you’re always using the cookware according to the manufacturer’s recommendations 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 products 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 to cook any food. Many people choose stainless steel for its searing abilities, something HexClad also does well.

Is HexClad Better than Nonstick Cookware?

HexClad has a Teflon nonstick coating in the valleys of its peaks and valleys design. This results in the whole product being nonstick. It 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 cookware. HexClad also sears food better than nonstick cookware. 

Traditional nonstick cookware beats HexClad out only when it comes to price. You can find many nonstick cookware products at a much lower price point than HexClad, so that is best for people on a budget. If you have the budget, however, HexClad is the better option. It’s nonstick, it’s 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 small.

Does HexClad Cookware Have Any Black Friday sales?

Yes, HexClad is having a Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale with up to 50% off right now through November 28. There are no promo codes needed; you’ll see the sale price reflected on the website when shopping.

Is HexClad Cookware Worth it?

HexClad is worth it for the home cook who is ready to invest in high-quality cookware. 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. It’s scratch-resistant, it has good temperature control, and it creates a good sear. The brand offers all of the essential cookware items, such as pots, pans, and roasters, so you can outfit your whole kitchen in HexClad. 

However, if you’re looking to save, you might be happier with more budget-friendly cookware, such as GreenPan. While these brands might not be as high-quality and versatile as HexClad, they’ll still get the job done.

Hexclad Review November 2023

The frying pan is a kitchen essential. This one is also available with or without a tempered glass lid, so it can be really versatile. 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 also choose between a 7-, 8-, 12-, or 14-inch pan.

Next to my traditional frying pans, my wok is one of the most used items in my 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 features the signature hexagon peaks and valleys, 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.

As with the other cookware, this roasting pan features HexClad’s hexagon design. This is where the metal utensil-safe aspect of HexClad really becomes important; it’s so nice to be able to use metal utensils and knives right in the roasting pan without worrying about ruining it. According to HexClad, you can use knives and even electric mixers right in the roaster. The pan is big enough to roast turkeys and hams, and you can also use it as a large pan on a double-burner stovetop.

This 12-piece set includes almost everything you’d need: a 12-inch HexClad Hybrid Pan, a 10-inch HexClad Hybrid Pan, an 8-inch HexClad Hybrid Pan, a HexClad Hybrid 2-quart Pot, a HexClad Hybrid 3-quart Pot, and a HexClad Hybrid 8-quart Pot, all with matching lids. From scrambling eggs to searing steak to simmering stews, you can accomplish most kitchen tasks with this set. Each product features the signature hexagon design that makes the cookware durable, nonstick, and scratch-resistant.

HexClad sells its knives a la cart or in various sets, like this 6-piece knife set, so you’ve got options depending on your kitchen size and budget. The 6-piece set includes everything we think a basic kitchen needs: an 8-inch bread knife, an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 7-inch Santoku knife, a 5-inch utility knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, and a knife sharpener. The knives are forged from 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel. If it’s been a while since you’ve purchased a new set of knives, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to slice and prep your food with these.