5 HexClad Alternatives That Cost Less and Perform Just As Good
Summary
TLDRThis video explores alternatives to the high-priced HexClad pans, offering a hybrid surface for non-stick cooking and durability. Options like Henckels HXagon, Cooksy, and Anolon X provide similar benefits at lower costs, with differences in construction and design. The video also considers traditional cast iron and carbon steel, as well as the practicality of owning separate stainless steel and non-stick pans, for a more budget-friendly approach to achieving HexClad-like performance.
Takeaways
- š³ HexClad pans offer a hybrid surface that combines the searing ability of stainless steel with the food release of non-stick materials, but they come at a high cost.
- šŖ Henckels' HXagon cookware is an alternative to HexClad, featuring a similar hexagon pattern and 3-ply stainless steel construction, but at a lower price point.
- š„ The thinner Henckels pans heat up faster and cook eggs and pancakes more quickly than HexClad, but both perform well in searing meats.
- š§ Differences in handle design between HexClad and Henckels affect usability, with Henckels offering a longer, higher-angled handle with a groove for better grip.
- š° HexClad's pricing is significantly higher than Henckels, with a 12-inch HexClad frying pan priced at $179 compared to an $87 3-piece Henckels set.
- š Cooksy is another cost-effective alternative to HexClad, with a design that exposes more steel for oil retention and a smoother, cleaner cooking surface.
- š ļø Anolon X is a hybrid cookware collection that, like HexClad, integrates steel into the non-stick surface, offering good searing performance and metal utensil safety.
- š„ Anolon X pans heat up faster due to their thinner aluminum construction but may not retain heat as well as HexClad's fully clad stainless steel pans.
- š Handle design differences in Anolon X provide a more secure grip and easier cleaning compared to HexClad's round handles.
- š³ Cast iron pans, while different in material and appearance, offer similar benefits to HexClad, including superior heat retention and longevity.
- š” The script suggests that purchasing separate stainless steel and non-stick pans can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to HexClad's hybrid pans.
Q & A
What is the primary advantage of HexClad pans?
-HexClad pans have a hybrid surface that sears like stainless steel, releases food like non-stick, and is tough enough to handle metal utensils.
What is the major downside of HexClad pans mentioned in the script?
-The major downside of HexClad pans is their high cost, making them expensive for some consumers.
What is the HXagon cookware collection by Henckels similar to HexClad in terms of design?
-The HXagon cookware collection by Henckels has a hexagon pattern on the interior with raised stainless steel peaks, similar to HexClad, which protects the non-stick coating below.
How does the thickness of Henckels pans compare to HexClad pans?
-Henckels pans are 2.4 mm thick, while HexClad pans are 3 mm thick.
What is the main difference in cooking performance between Henckels and HexClad pans when cooking eggs and pancakes?
-The Henckels pan, being thinner, cooked eggs and pancakes much faster than the HexClad pan.
What are some distinctive features of the handles on Henckels HXagon pans compared to HexClad pans?
-Henckels HXagon pans have longer handles that are angled higher, with a small groove on top, unlike HexClad's rounded handles.
What is the main concern regarding the non-stick coating of HexClad pans when used on a cooktop?
-There is a risk that the raised steel pattern of HexClad pans will scratch the cooktop, as reported by a reader on PrudentReviews.com.
How does the price of Henckels pans compare to HexClad pans?
-Henckels pans cost less than half the price of HexClad pans, making them a more affordable alternative.
What are some key differences between Cooksy and HexClad pans in terms of design and performance?
-Cooksy pans have more exposed steel, a higher angled handle with wider circumference and attached screws, and a helper handle for easier lifting, while HexClad pans have a smoother cooking surface and no helper handle.
How does the price of Cooksy pans compare to HexClad pans?
-Cooksy pans are between 20 and 30% less expensive than HexClad pans.
What are some alternatives to HexClad mentioned in the script for those looking for similar performance at a lower cost?
-Alternatives to HexClad mentioned in the script include cast iron pans from Lodge, carbon steel pans, and the option of purchasing a separate stainless steel pan and a non-stick pan.
What is the main benefit of using cast iron pans over HexClad pans in terms of durability and heat retention?
-Cast iron pans can last for generations, have superior heat retention due to their thickness, and can sear better than HexClad pans.
What is the advantage of HexClad pans over cast iron pans in terms of weight and cooking acidic sauces?
-HexClad pans are lighter than cast iron pans, and they can simmer acidic sauces for hours without degrading the pan, unlike cast iron which can have its seasoning degraded by long periods of cooking with acidic ingredients.
What is the benefit of purchasing two separate pans, a stainless steel pan and a non-stick pan, over a HexClad pan?
-Buying two separate pans can provide better non-stick performance from a dedicated non-stick pan and the durability and longevity of a traditional stainless steel pan without a coating that can wear out over time.
What is the price of the Tramontina Professional 12-inch fry pan mentioned in the script?
-The Tramontina Professional 12-inch fry pan costs only $40 on Tramontina's website.
Outlines
š³ Alternatives to HexClad Pans
This paragraph discusses the high cost of HexClad pans and presents several alternatives. Henckels HXagon cookware is introduced as a similar option with a hexagon pattern and stainless steel peaks, but at a lower price. Cooksy is highlighted for its affordability and distinct handle design, while Anolon X is noted for its thinner construction and aluminum base. Cast iron and carbon steel pans are also suggested as cost-effective alternatives, offering similar benefits to HexClad. The paragraph concludes with a comparison of buying two separate pans (stainless steel and non-stick) versus a single hybrid pan.
š° Cost-Effective Alternatives to HexClad
The second paragraph emphasizes that purchasing a HexClad lookalike is not necessary to achieve its benefits. Brands like Lodge and Matfer are mentioned for their cast iron and carbon steel offerings, which provide similar performance at a lower cost. The paragraph suggests buying two separate pans, a stainless steel pan and a non-stick pan, as a practical and cost-effective alternative to a single hybrid pan. The Tramontina Professional 12-inch fry pan and the Heritage Steel Eater series are recommended as examples of affordable options. The paragraph ends with a note about affiliate links in the video description and an invitation to subscribe for more content.
Mindmap
Keywords
š”Hybrid Surface
š”Non-Stick
š”Metal Utensils
š”Henckels HXagon
š”Cookware Construction
š”Price Comparison
š”Cooksy
š”Anolon X
š”Cast Iron
š”Carbon Steel
š”Stainless Steel Pan
Highlights
HexClad pans offer a hybrid surface that combines the searing ability of stainless steel with the non-stick release of a non-stick pan and are durable enough for metal utensils.
The major downside of HexClad pans is their high cost, making them a luxury option for many consumers.
Henckels' HXagon cookware is a cost-effective alternative to HexClad, featuring a similar hexagon pattern and 3-ply stainless steel construction but at a lower price point.
Henckels pans are thinner than HexClad, which affects cooking speed, particularly for eggs and pancakes.
Henckels HXagon pans have a smooth stainless steel bottom unlike HexClad's hybrid pattern extending to the bottom.
HexClad's non-stick coating makes it easier to clean, but there's a risk of scratching the cooktop with the raised steel pattern.
Cooksy is a budget-friendly alternative to HexClad with more exposed steel for oil retention and a completely smooth cooking surface.
Cooksy pans have a helper handle for easier handling, a feature absent in HexClad frying pans.
Anolon X is a hybrid cookware collection that integrates steel into the non-stick surface, similar to HexClad, but with a few key differences.
Anolon X pans are thinner and made of aluminum, with a steel plate bonded to the bottom for induction compatibility.
Anolon X handles provide a more secure grip and are easier to clean due to flush rivets, unlike HexClad's standard rivets.
Cast iron pans are a more affordable alternative to HexClad, offering similar benefits such as excellent searing and durability.
Carbon steel is a lighter alternative to cast iron with similar performance benefits at a lower price.
Purchasing separate stainless steel and non-stick pans can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to HexClad's hybrid pans.
Tramontina Professional and Heritage Steel Eater series are examples of affordable, quality pans that can be paired for a versatile cooking setup.
The video description will include affiliate links to the mentioned alternatives, allowing viewers to purchase at no extra cost while supporting the channel.
A more detailed breakdown of HexClad's pros and cons is available in a separate video for those interested in comprehensive information.
Transcripts
HexClad pans have a hybrid surfaceĀ that sears like stainless steel,Ā Ā
releases food like non-stick, and isĀ tough enough to handle metal utensils.
But it has one major downside,Ā itās incredibly expensive.
So, if you want the versatilityĀ of HexClad but don't want to payĀ Ā
the high prices, these are the best alternatives.
Henckels is known for its kitchen knives butĀ recently launched the HXagon cookware collection.Ā
Like HexClad, these pans have a hexagon patternĀ on the interior with raised stainless steelĀ Ā
peaks that protect the non-stick coating below. They also have the same 3-ply stainless steelĀ Ā
construction, but Henckels pans are onlyĀ 2.4 mm thick, while HexClad's are 3 mm.Ā
I tested both pans side by side, and bothĀ seared chicken and burgers nice and evenly.Ā
But since the Henckels pan is thinner,Ā it cooked eggs and pancakes much faster.Ā
Similar to HexClad, Henckels HXagon pansĀ have rounded handles, but theyāre longer,Ā Ā
angled higher, and have a small groove on top.Ā
Another difference is that HexClad extends itsĀ hybrid pattern to the bottom, while HenckelsĀ Ā
pans have a smooth stainless steel bottom. TheĀ non-stick coating makes HexClad easier to clean,Ā Ā
but there's a risk that the raised steelĀ pattern will scratch your cooktop. ThisĀ Ā
hasn't happened to me, but it didĀ happen to PrudentReivews.com reader.Ā
The biggest difference between HexCad andĀ Henckels is the price. Henckels pans costĀ Ā
less than half the price of HexClad. ForĀ example, the 12-inch HexClad frying panĀ Ā
is currently listed on HexClad.com for $179. The Henckels 3-piece set, which includes an 8,Ā Ā
10, and 12-inch frying pan isĀ listed at only $87 on Costco.com.
Cooksy is another brand that looksĀ almost exactly like HexClad but isĀ Ā
less expensive and has a few key features. If you look closely, youāll see that CooksyĀ Ā
pans have more exposed steel than HexClad. ThisĀ is great for keeping oil in the center of theĀ Ā
pan and protecting the non-stick coating,Ā but it requires you to grease the surfaceĀ Ā
with more fat to prevent eggs from sticking. The handle design is another key differenceĀ Ā
between Cooksy and HexClad. Cooksy handlesĀ are angled higher, have a wider circumference,Ā Ā
and they're attached screws rather thanĀ rivets. Because of this, the cookingĀ Ā
surface is completely smooth and easier to clean. Cooksyās 12-inch frying pan has a helper handleĀ Ā
that makes it easier to pick up with two hands.Ā HexClad frying pans donāt have a helper handle.Ā
And just like Henckels HXagon, CooksyĀ pans have a smooth steel bottom.Ā
The best part about Cooksy is that it'sĀ between 20 and 30% less expensive thanĀ Ā
HexClad, depending on the piece. The main downside of Cooksy isĀ Ā
its limited selection. They only offer aĀ few frying pans, saucepans, stock pots,Ā Ā
and sets.HexClad has a much wider range, includingĀ specialty items like roasting pans and griddles.
Anolon X is another hybrid cookware collectionĀ with steel integrated into the non-stick surface.
Similar to HexClad, AnolonĀ X pans are good for searing,Ā Ā
and you don't have to worry about stickingĀ as long as the surface is greased.
The steel mesh also does a great jobĀ keeping oil in the center of the pan.
And just like HexClad, AnolonĀ X pans are metal utensil-safe,Ā Ā
oven-safe up to 500Ā°F, and dishwasher-safe. One of the most significant differences betweenĀ Ā
Anolon X and HexClad is their construction.Ā Anolon X pans are slightly thinner and aluminum.Ā
Since aluminum isn't magnetic, these pansĀ have a steel plate bonded to the bottom toĀ Ā
make them compatible with induction cooktops. Anolon X heats up faster due to its thinnerĀ Ā
construction and aluminum base, but itĀ doesn't retain heat as well as the thicker,Ā Ā
fully clad stainless steel HexClad pans. Another key difference is their handles.Ā Ā
HexClad handles are round and comfortable,Ā but if your hand is greasy or wet,Ā Ā
or youāre holding a towel or wearing an oven mitt,Ā thereās a chance the handle will rotate.Ā
Anolon X handles are flat on the top andĀ bottom with a slight curve to rest yourĀ Ā
thumb. This design provides a more secure gripĀ and prevents the pan from rotating in your hand.Ā
Another feature I like about Anolon XĀ handles is the flush rivets. Unlike HexClad,Ā Ā
which has standard rivets that stick out,Ā Anolon X rivets are flat and easier to clean.Ā
Although Anolon X pans are not cheap, theyāreĀ less expensive than HexClad. The Anolon X 12-inchĀ Ā
pan costs $129 on Anolon.com. The same sizeĀ HexClad pan is currently $179 on HexClad.com.
Cast iron pans look nothing like HexClad andĀ are made from totally different materials,Ā Ā
but they provide similar or, in someĀ cases, better results in the kitchen.Ā Ā
And trusted brands like Lodge costĀ less than half the price of HexClad.
The key benefits of HexClad are thatĀ it sears well, food doesn't stick,Ā Ā
you can use metal utensils, and it lastsĀ longer than traditional non-stick pans.
But a well-seasoned cast iron skilletĀ checks all of those boxes, too. In fact,Ā Ā
it can last for generations, and, in most cases,Ā Ā
it sears better than HexClad because it'sĀ thicker and has superior heat retention.
The main advantage of HexClad overĀ cast iron is that it's lighter,Ā Ā
and you can simmer acidic sauces for hours.
With cast iron, large amountsĀ of acidic ingredients cookingĀ Ā
for long periods can degrade the seasoning.
If the weight of a cast iron skillet is a concern,Ā Ā
carbon steel is a lighter optionĀ with almost the same benefits.
The point is, you donāt need to buy a HexCladĀ lookalike to get the benefits of HexClad. CastĀ Ā
iron and carbon steel brands like Lodge and MatferĀ provide similar performance at a much lower price.
While HexClad combines stainless steelĀ and non-stick properties into one pan,
another practical and cost-effectiveĀ alternative is to purchase two separate pans:Ā Ā
a stainless steel pan and a non-stick pan.
With this approach, you'll get better non-stickĀ performance from a dedicated non-stick pan.
And a traditional stainlessĀ steel pan is more durable andĀ Ā
longer-lasting because it doesn't haveĀ a coating that can wear out over time.
You might think buying two pans defeatsĀ Ā
the purpose because youāll spendĀ more money, but thatās not true.
One of my favorite non-stick pans is theĀ Tramontina Professional 12-inch fry pan,Ā Ā
which costs only $40 on Tramontina's website.
If you pair this with a stainlessĀ steel pan like the Heritage Steel Eater series,Ā Ā
Misen, or Goldilocks, you saveĀ money and get two quality pans.
If you're ready to buy, I'll link to all theseĀ alternatives in the video description. Those areĀ Ā
affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission ifĀ you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.
If you want to learn more aboutĀ HexClad, check out this videoĀ Ā
where I break down all prosĀ and cons in much more detail. And for more videos like this,Ā Ā
click the logo to subscribe to the channel. ThanksĀ for watching; we'll see you in the next video.
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