Hexclad is Gordon Ramsay (yes, he of Master Chef and Hell’s Kitchen fame) approved cookware for the home chef or, as I like to call it at home, the lone chef. He went as far as to say, “The sear I can get with these pans is incredible, with absolutely no stick. The cleanup is effortless. I love using HexClad at home.”
I was invited to test one of the pans and selected the Hexclad 12″ Hybrid Pan since it is one of the most popular models. These are some of the most heavily advertised pans that I have seen, and I was very curious about them. Here is everything that you need to know about my experience with the Hexclad 12” Hybrid Pan:
Description:
According to Hexclad, the 12-inch pan is designed for big-batch cooking including frittatas, steaks, or a full family-style meal.
Product Details (From the Website):
- Hexagonal steel ridges for searing power and durability.
- Metal utensil–safe, dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 900°.
- Proprietary TerraBond™ ceramic nonstick coating.
- Aluminum core for fast and even heating.
- Stay-cool handles.
Dimensions:
- Flat Bottom Diameter: 11.4″
- Depth: 3.5″
- Weight: 3.4 lb
The Good News:
When the pan arrived, it was well-packaged and even came with its own dust bag giving it a more elevated feel than other cookware. It is an aesthetically beautiful pan with a large black cooking surface patterned with hexagons and a metal handle which stays cool to the touch while you are cooking.
To test the Hexclad 12″ Hybrid pan, I used it the way I tested a previous pan that I was supplied with. Over several weeks, I tested it with stir-fries, pasta, chicken, sautéed vegetables, veggie burgers, and grilled cheese. The large cooking surface meant leftovers for days. Following Hexclad’s instructions to heat slowly helped prevent burning, since the pan heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly.
The pan cooks evenly and lives up to its non-stick promise. What I really liked about it was that the pan had enough slip to make it easy to clean, but not so much that I felt like the food was going to land all over my stove. As mentioned, it is supposed to be dishwasher safe and oven safe. I haven’t tested the pan in the oven. I always wash pans by hand, but I will test it in the dishwasher once and update you.
Hexclad has an advantage over other pans in that it works with gas, electric (which I used) and induction stove tops. The pans have a lifetime warranty, provided you use the pan properly. You can read more about their warranty coverage here.
The Bad News:
Truly, there aren’t many cons with the pan. One is completely my fault. The 12″ Hybrid Pan is meant for cooking a variety of food, including steak. It is a little bit shallower than I would like, but they do have a deeper sauté pan that solves the problem. The only other con that I have experienced is that it isn’t completely non-stick. You will want to use a little bit of oil or a cooking spray. It helped make cleanup easier. Soak it immediately for best results. Finally, the pans are expensive, however they do go on sale regularly.
Useful Tips:
- As I mentioned, following instructions is important. They mentioned that the pans heat up quickly. They do, so avoid cooking on high heat. I broke my own rule by not seasoning the pan, but I didn’t see that in the instructions, and I will likely try it now that I know that it’s recommended.
- Use wooden or silicone utensils when using Hexclad pans to avoid scratching them.
- Use a little bit of oil. Instead of cooking spray, I use a bit of oil on a paper towel and wipe it on the pan before cooking. This makes cleanup easier.
- The best pricing that I’ve seen on Hexclad is on their website. It’s worth getting a set versus one pan (currently, the six-piece Hybrid Fry Pan set is $399.99).
Where to Buy Hexclad Cookware:
- Online at hexclad.com
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Costco
Who is This For?
If you’re a home cook who wants pro-level results without the fuss, this is a strong option. If you’re on a budget, you may want to wait for a sale.
Final Verdict:
Overall, the Hexclad Hybrid Pan delivers on its promise of pro-level results for the home cook. It’s not cheap, but if you’re looking for a durable, versatile pan that works across stovetops, it’s a worthwhile investment, especially if you find it on sale.
The product was supplied for review purposes. Opinions are my own.
