Hexclad cookware reigns supreme in this article when compared against All-Clad. If you are looking for durable, sturdy, and aesthetically appealing cookware that makes cooking easier and fun, but cannot choose between Hexclad or All-Clad, then we have compiled this comprehensive article featuring the goods and bads for each cookware brand.
With over 20 years of hands-on professional cooking experience and dedicating more than 70 hours of research, I have tried and tested a variety of top cookware brands including Hexclad and All Clad. I also have 3 decades of experience cooking with and comparing kitchenware items to bring only the best options in the market to you.
Below we compare Hexclad and All-Clad cookware so you can pick the brand that works best for your cooking preferences. You can also learn how each of the two stack up in terms of design and construction, heat retention and conductivity, and price. You can also read about Hexclad vs. Caraway cookware here and Hexclad cookware reviews.
Keep on reading if you want to learn more!
Hexclad
Hexclad is a cookware brand that has been praised for its unique product design as well as cooking efficiency. It stands out in the cookware market for its patented 6-sided hexagon design which is constructed with the help of laser etching technology and gives its products an extraordinary appearance as well as cooking advantages.
In addition, Hexclad provides premium nonstick properties which ensures that you need only use minimum grease when cooking your food. The cookware is also made with 3 superior quality layers of metal which makes it durable in the long run. Its core comprises aluminum laid out between 2 layers of stainless steel for proper heat distribution and retention.
All-Clad
All-Clad cookware is one of the leading US kitchenware companies that was founded in 1971. It started off with the production of bonded metal cookware which aided with excellent heat conductivity and durability in the long term.
This brand is known for its D5 Brushed Stainless cookware set that is also its bestselling thanks to the unique patented process through which the D5 is constructed. It features 5 layers of premium metal – stainless steel, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum, and stainless steel again – bonded together to create durability, excellent heat conduction, corrosion resistance, and great heat distribution.
All-Clad even features 7-ply or 7D cookware construction which are designed specifically for professional use such as restaurant kitchens. Home owners can even pick from their range of nonstick collections.
Key Features: Hexclad vs. All-Clad
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1. Design & Construction
Design and construction of both Hexclad and All-Clad is unique. Firstly, Hexclad cookware features a fully-clad, premium tri-ply construction. This is important as the base layer of magnetic steel is the foundation of Hexclad cookware. This is what makes these pots and pans induction ready as well.
Hexclad cookware also uses aluminum core which rests in the middle and creates excellent heat conductivity. It is also responsible for spreading and delivering heat across the pot or the pan evely.
This brand is most unique for its patented hexagonal construction which is a hybrid mix of PFOA-free nonstick and stainless steel material, providing you with the best of both worlds. This also gives Hexclad cookware a unique appearance which the brand uses to set itself apart from its competitors.
Additionally, this interior and exterior pattern is achieved through a process of laser etching which creates bumps and dips inside your cookware which aid in searing, browning, and deglazing. It also helps with the cleaning process afterward, making it so much easier to wipe away the grease and other food particles.
On the other hand, All-Clad is celebrated all across the cookware market for inventing the fully-clad bonding process with stainless steel pans in the 70s. It has since established itself as a top brand for cookware all across the United States.
It features D3 or 3-ply stainless steel range with aluminum core, D5 with an aluminum and steel core, and a 5-ply with copper core. The D3 and D5 ranges are pots and pans with a fully-clad base and its cooking interior consists of three layers of premium nonstick coating.
In addition to this, All-Clad comes with three nonstick collections with innovative constructions such as the HA1 which comprises a heavy-gauge hard anodized aluminum exterior with a 3-ply PFOA-free cooking surface, as well as magnetic steel base which makes it induction ready.
Next, the Essentials collection is a mesh of heavy-gauge hard anodized aluminum with a 3-ply PFOA-free cooking interior. Lastly, Fusiontec range is induction compatible and comprises premium carbon steel core which is shelled by a PFOA-free ceramic. Thus, All-Clad provides a significant variety by collection and construction.
When it comes to design, Hexclad features the same hexagonal pattern for all its cookware. It also comes equipped with riveted stainless steel handles that are big and round and stay cool even during the cooking process.
Whereas, All-Clad cookware is the same but its designs are different. They have a higher angle than Hexclad cookware handles and these are also straight in design.
Hexclad and All-Clad also come with nonstick collections with premium tempered glass lids that come with stainless steel rims. Although, some cookware in the All-Clad collection including the 3-ply, 5-ply, and copper core come with stainless steel lids.
2. Heat Conduction
Heat conduction refers to how well your cookware can heat up when sat on the burner. I achieved the final results through a simple test between the Hexclad 12” Hybrid Wok with Lid and the All-Clad HA1 Nonstick Universal Pan. I simply poured 3 cups of cold water in both pots and placed them on the burner at equal heat.
Using a watch to measure the time taken for the water to simmer, I noted that the Hexclad wok boiled the water at around 2.5 minutes at medium heat, whereas the All-Clad pot took nearly three minutes to heat it up while on the same heat level. Thus, this proved that Hexclad cookware conducted heat better compared to All-Clad.
Even though the difference is minor, it was surely a win for Hexclad.
3. Heat Retention
Next, I calculated the difference in heat retention of each cookware. This refers to how well your pots and pans can retain or maintain heat levels even after they are taken off the flame.
I simply removed both pots from the burner and drained out the water. After placing them on the counter, I hovered my hand above the surface of each and noticed that the Hexclad pot was still warm to the touch after 4 whole minutes while the All-Clad pot had lost all heat.
It is important to note that the results may have been vastly different if I had chosen the stainless steel All-Clad instead of the nonstick variety.
4. Stove Compatibility
If you own an induction oven, you will require cookware that consists of ferrous metals to operate on this type of cooktop. The great news is that all Hexclad cookware is fully induction ready. This is because each cooking piece is equipped with a magnetized steel layer at its base which allows your induction stove to sense it and activate the heating function.
When it comes to All-Clad, its stainless steel cookware range, the Fusiontec ceramic collection, and the HA1 hard anodized cookware are fully compatible with your induction cooktops. However, keep in mind that its Essentials cookware line is not induction ready.
5. Oven-Safety
Both Hexclad and All-Clad cookware are oven-safe but the maximum heat threshold may differ.
Hexclad cookware is oven-safe up to 500*F; whereas, the All-Clad nonstick variety is safe up to 500*F and the stainless steel collection can withstand up to 600*F. Unfortunately, the lids that come with these All-Clad cookware are not oven-safe and the nonstick pots and pans are not broiler-friendly.
6. Aesthetics
Cookware that looks good also feels good when you are cooking in it. Even when it is stacked away in your kitchen cabinets, it enhances the look and appeal of the space.
Hexclad cookware is extremely unique in its experience thanks to the patented hexagonal pattern in its interior and around the exterior base. This brand uses its appearance as a standout factor that sets it apart from all of its competitors. It also looks sleek and ultra-modern.
On the other hand, All-Clad offers a more diverse variety of cookware from stainless steel, nonstick, to copper core. This means that you have more options to pick from. Its designs are simplistic, yet chic and modern.
7. Affordability
Hexclad can be quite pricey even when you purchase single cookware items, it can be an expensive purchase. However, despite its expensive price tag, the brand provides excellent cooking aid and makes the process enjoyable.
All-Clad cookware varies in price across collections. The Essentials range is its most affordable cookware whereas the copper core style is the most expensive one. The HA1, 3-ply, and 5-ply selections are in the middle. All-Clad’s copper core collection is priced almost the same as Hexclad cookware but its other cookware collections are far cheaper.
Pros and Cons: Hexclad vs. All-Clad Cookware
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FAQs for Hexclad vs. All-Clad Cookware
Are HexClad pans made in China?
Hexclad pans are manufactured in China, although they are designed and planned in California, USA.
Do All-Clad pans rust?
Yes, All-Clad can rusts in case your water contains a significantly high iron content and you keep your pots and pans soaked for long then this may result in discoloration and rust. Always dry your All-Clad pans thoroughly.
How long do HexClad pans last?
Hexclad pans can last from 20-30 years if proper care and precaution is taken when using and cleaning them.
Can All-Clad go in the dishwasher?
Yes, All-Clad cookware is dishwasher safe.
Is HexClad good for searing?
Yes, Hexclad cookware is great for searing your meats and vegetables. It works just as well as stainless steel or cast iron when searing.
Which Brand is Better? Our Verdict
Hexclad cookware comes out as the leading brand as made evident from the various tests we used to compare both cookware brands. This is not to say that All-Clad isn’t worth it. At the end of the day it entirely depends on your cooking preferences, budget, and satisfaction.
Hexclad cookware offers an impressive and unique interior and exterior layout that no other brand has showcased. It also provides resilience, durability, and longevity when it comes to rough and demanding everyday use for your cookware. But, all this does come with an expensive price tag.
All-Clad cookware offers you a large variety of cooking pieces that are made with different materials and come at a more affordable price range. The availability of options is what makes this cookware brand so special and you can pick whichever type of cookware that best fits your cooking style.
Top Picks for Hexclad Cookware
- Best Set: Hybrid Cookware Set (13 PC)
- Best Versatility: 14” Hybrid Hexclad Pan
- Best for Searing: 12” Hexclad Hybrid Griddle Pan
Top Picks for All-Clad Cookware
- Best for Sauteing: HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Chef’s Pan
- Best All-Rounder: Mixed Material Versatile Cookware Set (12 PC)
- Best Dutch Oven: HA1 Nonstick Cookware, Dutch Oven