HexClad vs. Cast Iron: The Best Cookware Set
When it comes to cookware, there’s hardly a debate as passionate as the one between modern hybrid cookware and classic cast iron. HexClad is making waves with its high-tech hybrid pans made of stainless steel and nonstick, while cast iron has a centuries-old tradition and is popular with both home and professional cooks. But how do the two cookware compare when deciding which cookware set deserves a place in your kitchen? In this detailed guide, we compare HexClad and cast iron to help you choose the best cookware set for your cooking style.
Meet the Contenders: HexClad & Cast Iron
HexClad:
Founded in 2016, HexClad combines the performance of stainless steel with the simplicity of a nonstick coating. The patented, laser-engraved hexagonal design creates a dual-surface system—stainless steel peaks and nonstick valleys—for excellent searing, even heating, and easy cleaning. The pan is marketed as “the last pan you’ll ever need.”
Cast Iron:
Cast iron cookware has been a kitchen staple for centuries. Known for its unbeatable heat retention, natural non-stick properties (after seasoning), and indestructible construction, cast iron is the first choice for everything from fried chicken to cornbread. Brands like Lodge, Staub, and Le Creuset have perfected cast iron pieces in both traditional and enameled finishes.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | HexClad | Cast Iron |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel + nonstick hybrid | Heavy iron (bare or enamel-coated) |
| Heat Retention | Excellent, but cools faster than cast iron | Outstanding — stays hot for ages |
| Heat Distribution | Very even thanks to aluminum core | Good but needs preheating for uniformity |
| Weight | Medium — lighter than cast iron | Heavy, especially larger skillets |
| Maintenance | Dishwasher safe, low maintenance | Needs seasoning and handwashing |
| Nonstick Performance | Built-in hybrid surface | Develops naturally over time (if seasoned) |
| Versatility | Stovetop + oven up to 500°F | Stovetop, oven, campfire, grill |
| Price Range | $$$ premium | $–$$ widely available |
| Lifespan | Lifetime warranty with care | Decades or more with proper care |
Performance Showdown
1. Heat Retention & Cooking Power
- HexClad: The three-layer construction with an aluminum core heats quickly and evenly. Ideal for searing meat, sautéing vegetables, or preserving sauces. However, it cools down faster than cast iron after the burner is turned off.
- Cast iron: The heat retention capacity of cast iron is unmatched. It is perfect for deep-frying, roasting, or slow-cooking dishes where even heat is important.
2. Nonstick Performance
- HexClad: The hybrid surface offers out-of-the-box nonstick convenience. You can cook eggs, pancakes, or fish with minimal oil. The pan is also suitable for metal utensils.
- Cast iron: Traditional cast iron requires seasoning—a thin layer of polymerized oil baked into the surface—to develop its nonstick properties. Over time, a well-seasoned cast iron pan can compete with most nonstick pans, but it requires patience.
3. Maintenance & Cleaning
- HexClad: Dishwasher safe and virtually maintenance-free. A quick hand wash with dish soap is usually sufficient. Rust or abrasion are not a problem.
- Cast iron: Careful cleaning is required to prevent rust formation. Dish soap should be used minimally (except with enameled cast iron). To preserve the seasoning, the pan must be dried and oiled after each wash.
4. Weight & Handling
- HexClad: Significantly lighter than cast iron and therefore easier to handle, especially with larger sizes or when transferring from the stovetop to the oven.
- Cast iron: Heavy, sometimes unwieldy. Ideal for even cooking, but not for quick turning or frequent lifting.
5. Versatility
- HexClad: Suitable for gas, induction, ceramic, and electric stovetops. Oven safe up to 260°C. Not suitable for campfires or grills.
- Cast iron: Virtually indestructible and perfect for the stovetop, oven, campfire, and grill. Also suitable as a baking pan for bread and desserts.
Side-by-Side Product Review: HexClad 13-Piece Hybrid Cookware Set vs. Lodge Cast Iron Essentials Set
| Feature | HexClad 13-Piece Hybrid Cookware Set | Lodge Cast Iron Essentials 6-Piece Set |
|---|---|---|
| What’s Included | 8", 10", and 12" hybrid frying pans + lids, 12" wok + lid, 2qt & 3qt saucepans + lids, 8qt stockpot + lid | 10.25" skillet, 10.5" griddle, 5qt Dutch oven with lid, 8" skillet, silicone handle covers |
| Material | Stainless steel exterior + aluminum core + patented hybrid nonstick interior | 100% cast iron (bare, pre-seasoned) |
| Weight | Moderate (lighter than cast iron) | Heavy (classic cast iron heft) |
| Cooking Surface | Hybrid laser-etched nonstick with stainless steel peaks | Naturally seasoned surface develops stronger nonstick over time |
| Heat Capabilities | Oven-safe up to 500°F, compatible with all cooktops including induction | Oven-safe above 500°F, stovetop, grill, campfire, and induction safe |
| Nonstick Performance | Excellent right out of the box, minimal oil needed | Good once well-seasoned, requires oil/fat to start |
| Maintenance | Dishwasher safe, easy to clean, minimal upkeep | Handwash, dry immediately, and oil after each use to prevent rust |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects | Limited lifetime warranty (varies by retailer) |
In-Depth Analysis
Performance:
- HexClad impresses with its practicality – even heating, no seasoning required, and easy cleaning. It’s especially suitable for busy households or anyone who needs one set for everything from tender eggs to seared meat.
- Lodge cast iron excels at excellent heat retention, slow cooking, and versatility. It’s virtually indestructible and works on any heat source, even an open flame, but requires more care.
Ease of Use:
- HexClad offers a plug-and-play experience. It’s ready to use right out of the box and cleans like a nonstick pan.
- Cast iron requires patience. You’ll need to season it regularly, avoid soap or long soaks, and get used to its weight.
Durability:
- HexClad offers you modern durability and lifelong protection against defects.
- Cast iron lasts for generations – it won’t break, and even if it does rust, you can restore it with a little elbow grease.
Value:
- While HexClad is an initial investment, it can save you money in the long run if you regularly replace cheaper nonstick pans.
- Lodge Cast Iron is an affordable workhorse. You can build a complete cast iron arsenal for less than the price of a HexClad pan.
Who Each Set is Best For?
- HexClad 13-Piece Hybrid Cookware Set:
Perfect for modern kitchens, busy home cooks, or anyone who wants top-notch performance without the hassle of maintenance. - Lodge Cast Iron Essentials Set:
Ideal for traditionalists, grillers, campers, or budget-conscious cooks who value unbeatable heat retention and take pride in maintaining their pans.
- HexClad 13-Piece Hybrid Cookware Set:
Our Verdict on the Sets
If you value modern performance and convenience, HexClad’s 13-piece hybrid set will make cooking easier and faster, with virtually no learning curve.
If you’re looking for traditional cooking skills at an affordable price, the Lodge Essentials Cast Iron Set offers unmatched versatility and will last for decades with proper care.
Many kitchens benefit from having both: HexClad for quick weeknight cooking and cast iron for weekend feasts, baking, and outdoor adventures.
Design and Aesthetic
- HexClad: Elegant, modern, and high-tech with its signature hexagonal pattern. The stainless steel exterior provides a professional, modern look.
- Cast iron: Rustic and timeless. Raw cast iron has the feel of a traditional piece, while enameled versions offer colorful, glossy finishes that complement your kitchen decor.
Durability and Longevity
- HexClad: Backed by a lifetime warranty, HexClad is built to withstand daily cooking without warping or degradation. The non-stick coating lasts significantly longer than traditional coatings, but can also wear out over decades.
- Cast iron: Virtually indestructible with proper care. Some cast iron pans are passed down through generations, becoming more non-stick and more valuable over time.
Price & Value
- HexClad: A premium investment. Individual pans start at $140–$180, while complete sets cost between $400 and over $1,000. You’re paying for innovation, hybrid technology, and low maintenance.
- Cast iron: Affordable to high-quality, depending on the brand. A simple 25 cm Lodge skillet costs under $30, while enameled Le Creuset Dutch ovens can cost several hundred dollars. Cast iron offers a wider price range with similar cooking performance.
Who Should Choose HexClad?
- Cooks who value easy care and modern convenience.
- People with an active lifestyle who prefer dishwasher-safe cookware.
- Anyone who enjoys frying in stainless steel but hates burning and scrubbing.
- Small kitchens where one pan can do it all.
Who Should Choose Cast Iron?
- Traditionalists who love the ritual of seasoning and the patina of old cookware.
- Campers, grillers, and outdoor cooks who require indestructible equipment.
- Budget-conscious shoppers who want durable cookware at an affordable entry-level price.
- Bakers who value cast iron’s ability to retain and radiate heat for bread, pizza, and desserts.
Shipping, Returns, and Warranty
HexClad: Offers free shipping in the US on qualified orders, a 30-day risk-free trial, and a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. This low-risk policy makes it easy to try the cookware at home.
Cast iron brands: Policies vary widely. Lodge offers low shipping costs and a limited warranty against defects. High-end brands like Le Creuset offer a lifetime warranty on their enameled cast iron, but shipping costs and return policies vary depending on the retailer.
Tips for Using Both
- HexClad: Lightly season before first use and avoid excessive heat to preserve the hybrid surface.
- Cast iron: Preheat thoroughly before cooking and never soak in water overnight. Always dry and oil after washing.
Final Verdict: HexClad vs. Cast Iron
Both HexClad and cast iron are excellent choices, but they shine in different ways:
- Choose HexClad if you want modern convenience, the performance of stainless steel with a nonstick coating, and a lightweight, easy-care option.
- Choose cast iron if you’re a traditionalist, value high heat retention, are easy to season, and want cookware that will last for generations.
For many kitchens, both are the best solution: a HexClad pan for quick meals during the week and a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven for slow-cooked meals on the weekend. With the right balance, you have the ultimate cookware arsenal.