Henckels vs. Hexclad: Which Hybrid Pan is Right for You?

Both brands offer hybrid pans with a special honeycomb pattern. These pans mix stainless steel and non-stick surfaces. But, there are big differences in how they perform, their price, and their features. This guide helps you pick the best one for your cooking needs.

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✅ Henckels = https://amzn.to/4nnbm02

✅ HexClad = https://amzn.to/4ejnqLx

What are Hybrid Pans?

Hybrid pans combine the best parts of stainless steel and non-stick cookware. They have raised stainless steel bumps and non-stick areas in between. This unique design helps you sear food well and keeps it from sticking.

Both Henckels Paradigm (once called HXagon) and HexClad use this smart design. Yet, they differ in how they’re made, how they cook, and how much they cost. These differences change how well they work in your kitchen.

Key Differences: Henckels and HexClad

How They’re Made (Construction and Design)

HexClad:

• It’s thicker and heavier, so it holds heat better.
• The honeycomb pattern goes all the way to the bottom, making it easier to clean. But, this might scratch glass stovetops.
• It uses a special TerraBond ceramic coating (since 2023) for its non-stick parts.
• Handles are 8 inches long and smooth.

Henckels Paradigm:

• It’s thinner and lighter, so it heats up faster.
• The bottom is smooth, polished stainless steel without the hexagon pattern. This means less risk of scratching glass stovetops.
• It uses a PTFE-based coating for its non-stick areas.
• Handles are 8.5 inches long with a small thumb rest and are angled higher.

How They Cook (Performance)

Heat Speed:

• Henckels Paradigm heats up much faster because it’s thinner.
• In tests, Henckels boiled water faster than HexClad.
• Henckels also cooks eggs and pancakes quicker, needing less warm-up time.

Heat Hold:

• HexClad holds heat better, staying hot longer after you take it off the stove.
• This makes HexClad better for evenly searing meats.

Induction Stoves:

• HexClad works better on induction cooktops, heating water faster. This means it might use less energy on induction stoves.

Non-Stick Ability

• Both pans need some oil or butter to keep food from sticking well. They’re not like traditional non-stick pans where you can cook dry. The raised stainless steel means they won’t be fully non-stick without some grease.
• Testers found HexClad’s non-stick surface “very good” for sticky foods like eggs and tofu, with little sticking. Henckels Paradigm works just as well when you grease it right.

Price Tag

The biggest difference is the price:

• HexClad costs over twice as much as Henckels Paradigm.
• A 12-inch HexClad pan is about $179.
• A 3-piece Henckels set (8", 10", 12" pans) is around $87 at Costco. That’s a huge saving!

Safety and Durability

PFAS and PTFE

There’s been some talk about the materials in these pans:

• Henckels Paradigm uses a PTFE-based coating.
• HexClad used PTFE before, but in 2023, they switched to their own TerraBond ceramic coating, saying it’s free of PFAS and PTFE.
• Some questions have come up about HexClad’s past claims, as PTFE is a type of PFAS. If you’re worried about PFAS, HexClad’s newer pans might be better, but some experts suggest waiting for outside tests to confirm this.

Lasting Power (Durability)

HexClad:

• Has been around longer and is known for being tough.
• Comes with a lifetime warranty for factory flaws.
• Its thicker build might prevent warping over time.

Henckels Paradigm:

• Is newer (released in 2024), so we don’t know much about how long it lasts.
• Its thinner build might make it warp more easily.
• Also has a warranty, but terms might differ.

Care and Cleaning

HexClad Care:

• Wash with warm, soapy water before first use.
• Season it before the first use by heating a teaspoon of oil for 2–3 minutes.
• Cook on medium or low heat.
• For tough stains, soak in warm, soapy water. Steel wool or Barkeeper’s Friend can help.

Henckels Care:

• Hand wash to keep it looking nice, though it’s dishwasher safe.
• Avoid dishwashing soaps with bleach or citrus.
• Don’t use oven cleaners or harsh solutions.
• For stains, use stainless steel cleaners, lemon juice, or vinegar.
• Never heat an empty pan to avoid stains.

Value for Your Money

Henckels Paradigm offers better immediate value:

• Much lower price for similar cooking results.
• Works almost as well as HexClad in most cooking situations.
• Smooth bottom is safer for glass stovetops.

HexClad might offer better long-term value for some:

• Thicker build could mean it lasts longer.
• Better heat retention is great for searing meats.
• Works better on induction stovetops.
• Has been on the market longer, giving more trust in its durability.

Key Things to Remember

• Performance: Both cook well. Henckels heats faster; HexClad holds heat better.
• Price: Henckels Paradigm costs less than half of HexClad.
• Build: HexClad is thicker with a patterned bottom. Henckels is thinner with a smooth bottom.
• Induction: HexClad works better on induction cooktops.
• Safety: Newer HexClad pans claim to use PFAS-free ceramic. Henckels uses PTFE.
• Life Span: HexClad has a longer history. Henckels Paradigm is new, so its long-term life is unknown.

How to Choose: Henckels or HexClad?

• Your Cooking Style: If you often sear meat, HexClad’s better heat retention might be worth the extra cost.
• Your Stove: HexClad is better for induction. Henckels’ smooth bottom is safer for glass stovetops.
• Your Budget: If price is key, Henckels offers similar performance for much less.
• How Long You Want It: If you want a pan to last many years, HexClad’s thicker build might be a better long-term choice.
• Material Choice: If PFAS worries you, check the latest info on HexClad’s TerraBond vs. Henckels’ PTFE.

Final Thoughts

For most home cooks, Henckels Paradigm gives the best value. It cooks almost as well as HexClad for less than half the price.

But, if you cook often on induction, love searing, or want a product with a longer history, HexClad might be worth its higher price.

Both brands offer great hybrid cookware that combines the benefits of stainless steel and non-stick. Either one is a big step up from regular non-stick pans.

Which pan sounds like the better fit for your kitchen?