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HexClad is everywhere—on your feed, in celebrity kitchens, and in “best pan” lists. Its bold promise? A “true hybrid” pan that sears like stainless steel, releases like nonstick, cleans up easily, and works on every cooktop. In 2025, HexClad also claims a PFAS-free nonstick called TerraBond™ and publishes third-party “non-detect” lab results for common PFAS/fluoropolymers.

But is it actually worth your money—and are there better options?

In this in-depth review, we’ll break down what’s new with HexClad (including big changes to its coating), who it’s best for, where it falls short, and the top hybrid competitors to consider before you click “buy.”

Top Picks Summary

• HexClad 12″ Hybrid Frying Pan — Best overall hybrid skillet for daily searing + easy release. HexClad Cookware
• HexClad 12-Piece Hybrid Pots & Pans Set — Best complete set if you want the HexClad system (induction + dishwasher + metal-utensil safe). HexClad Cookware
• Anolon X SearTech 10″ Fry Pan — Best value hybrid alternative with strong browning; oven-safe to 500°F. Anolon
• Circulon SteelShield 10-Piece Stainless Hybrid Set — Best hybrid set for budget-conscious buyers; oven-safe to 500°F and induction-ready. Circulon+1
• HexClad 14″ Hybrid Fry Pan (with Lid) — Best large-format pan for family meals; very high oven-safe rating, lid to 400°F. HexClad Cookware

Comparison Table

HexClad 12″ Hybrid Frying Pan	Everyday hybrid skillet	TerraBond™ PFAS-free nonstick; metal-utensil safe; induction & dishwasher safe	Searing + release balance; works on any cooktop; easy care	Learning curve (seasoning & heat control)
HexClad 12-Piece Hybrid Set	One-and-done upgrade	Hybrid stainless + nonstick system; lifetime warranty	Cohesive set; oven/dishwasher/induction ready	Premium pricing
Anolon X 10″ Fry Pan	Value hybrid skillet	SearTech™ base; induction; oven-safe to 500°F	Strong browning; good price	Not a tri-ply body; standard coating wear over time
Circulon SteelShield 10-Piece Set	Budget hybrid set	SteelShield rings protect nonstick; induction; oven-safe to 500°F	Good feature-to-price; easy cleanup	Heavier pieces; silicone-handled lids on some bundles
HexClad 14″ Hybrid Pan (w/ Lid)	Big batches & family cooking	Hybrid surface; pan oven-safe rating up to 900°F; lid 400°F	Massive cooking area; high heat-tolerant pan	Bulky to store; heavy

*Prices change—check current price.

Sources for specs: HexClad features & TerraBond claims; warranty; care/seasoning; 14″ lid rating; Anolon X oven-safe; Circulon SteelShield oven-safe & induction.

Individual Product Reviews

1) HexClad 12″ Hybrid Frying Pan

HexClad’s flagship skillet uses a laser-etched hex pattern of stainless “peaks” over a nonstick “valley,” now marketed as TerraBond™ ceramic PFAS-free. It’s induction-ready, dishwasher-safe, and designed for use with metal utensils. If you want one pan to sauté, sear, and slide out eggs, this is the hero item. HexClad Cookware+1

Key Specs/Features

• Hybrid stainless + nonstick surface with etched hex pattern
• TerraBond™ PFAS-free coating; third-party lab “non-detect” for PTFE/PFOA/PFOS (as listed by HexClad)
• Induction-compatible base; dishwasher-safe; metal-utensil safe
• Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects

Pros

• Excellent sear + good release once seasoned
• Works on gas, electric, glass, and induction
• Easier cleanup than bare stainless
• Feels premium, with stay-cool handle

Cons

• Performs best after a quick seasoning step and a few cooks; there’s a short learning curve
• Stainless “peaks” can still show stuck bits if you scorch food—soak and clean properly
• Premium price

Real-World Use & Tips

• Do the 2–4 minute oil wipe seasoning on first use; repeat occasionally. Keep heat moderate—let the pan preheat and add a touch of oil.
• If residue builds, soak 10–15 minutes in warm soapy water and wipe with a soft sponge; dishwasher is okay when needed. HexClad Cookware

Who Should Buy / Skip

• Buy if you want a one-pan solution with both sear and release and you cook across multiple cooktops.
• Skip if you prefer classic fully-clad stainless (no coating) or pure ceramic with ultra-gentle care.

2) HexClad 12-Piece Hybrid Pots & Pans Set

Overview:
For those outfitting a kitchen in one shot, this set bundles the core skillets and pots with the same hybrid surface and induction-ready bases. You get dishwasher convenience, metal-utensil tolerance, and a lifetime warranty.

Key Specs/Features

• Hybrid stainless + nonstick across the set; TerraBond™ PFAS-free
• Induction, dishwasher, and metal-utensil safe
• Lifetime warranty; stay-cool handles

Pros

• Cohesive cooking behavior across all pieces
• Set value vs. buying a la carte
• Easy care routine; versatile for beginners to pros

Cons

• High upfront cost
• If you already own good stainless pots, you might only need the skillet(s)

Use Cases & Tips

• Great for small kitchens: two skillets + a few pots cover 90% of weekday cooking.
• Mind your lids’ oven rating (often lower than the pan).

Who Should Buy / Skip

• Buy if you’re starting from scratch or switching to induction.
• Skip if you’d rather pair a single HexClad skillet with your existing stainless set.

3) Anolon X SearTech 10″ Fry Pan

Anolon X uses a SearTech™ textured base intended to corral fats for better browning. It’s induction-capable, dishwasher-safe, and oven-safe to 500°F—a practical ceiling for most home recipes.

Key Specs/Features

• Aluminum body with full-cap induction base
• Nonstick interior with SearTech pattern
• Stainless handle; dishwasher safe; oven/broiler up to 500°F Anolon

Pros

• Strong searing power at a friendlier price
• Induction compatible; easy to clean

Cons

• Not a clad stainless body; long-term nonstick life varies with care
• Handle feel isn’t as refined as premium brands

Who Should Buy / Skip

• Buy if you want “HexClad-adjacent” performance on a budget.
• Skip if you specifically want a hybrid surface with stainless peaks up the sidewalls (not just the base).

4) Circulon SteelShield 10-Piece Stainless Hybrid Set

Circulon’s SteelShield™ raises stainless rings above the nonstick to protect the coating while letting you brown more assertively. The set is induction-ready and oven-safe to 500°F.

Key Specs/Features

• Hybrid stainless rings + nonstick “valleys” (extends up the walls on frying pans)
• Impact-bonded steel base; induction; oven-safe to 500°F
• Ergonomic, often silicone-sleeved or metal handles depending on sub-series Circulon+1

Pros

• Strong feature set for the price
• Good protection for nonstick; easy cleanup

Cons

• Heavier than typical aluminum nonstick
• Not as premium in finish as HexClad

Who Should Buy / Skip

• Buy if you want a hybrid set under premium pricing.
• Skip if you prefer minimalist aesthetics or fully clad construction.

5) HexClad 14″ Hybrid Fry Pan (with Lid)

A dinner-party workhorse with space for big sears and stir-fries. HexClad lists the pan as oven-safe up to 900°F (lid to 400°F). The huge cooking surface is a time saver for batch cooking.

Key Specs/Features

• Hybrid surface; stay-cool handle
• Very high oven rating for the pan; tempered-glass lid 400°F
• Aluminum core for even heating (per HexClad listing) HexClad Cookware

Pros

• Ideal for family portions or one-pan pasta and paella
• Handles high heat on the stovetop/oven well (follow care guidance)

Cons

• Size and weight; storage can be tricky
• Lids have a lower oven limit than the pan

Who Should Buy / Skip

• Buy if you routinely cook for 4–6 and want fewer batches.
• Skip if you have limited storage or a small cooktop.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Hybrid Cookware

1) Understand “Hybrid” surfaces

• HexClad and Circulon SteelShield raise stainless structures (peaks/rings) above a nonstick base to let you brown more aggressively while protecting the coating.
• Anolon X uses a textured base (SearTech) to pool fats for searing but doesn’t extend stainless peaks across the full interior.

2) Coating & Chemistry

• In 2025 HexClad advertises TerraBond™ PFAS-free and shares a 3rd-party lab report with “non-detect” entries for PTFE, PFOA, PFOS, and broader PFAS categories. If PFAS-free is a priority, that’s a differentiator to note.

3) Oven & Cooktop Compatibility

• Check oven-safe limits for both pan and lid (they often differ). HexClad lists very high pan limits and 400°F for many lids; Anolon X and Circulon SteelShield list 500°F across popular lines. Always verify for your exact SKU.

4) Warranty & Durability

• HexClad offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects (misuse and overheating aren’t covered). Many competitors provide limited lifetime warranties—read the fine print and consider your habits (metal utensils, dishwasher use, high heat).

5) Care & Use

• For HexClad, a quick seasoning helps early performance, and moderate heat + a little oil goes a long way. Cleaning is simple: soak briefly and use a soft sponge; it’s also dishwasher-safe.

6) Size & Set Strategy

• If you already own solid stainless pots, consider one HexClad skillet as a hybrid upgrade. Sets make sense when you’re starting fresh or switching to induction and want uniform performance.

7) Brand Partnerships & Hype

• HexClad is partnered with Gordon Ramsay and promotes use in his content. Nice for credibility, but prioritize your cooking needs and budget over celebrity endorsements.

FAQs

1) Is HexClad truly PFAS-free now?
HexClad markets its TerraBond™ coating as PFAS-free and publishes third-party “non-detect” test results for PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, and PFOS. Always consult current product pages for your region/SKU.

2) Do I need to season HexClad?
A light 2–4 minute oil wipe on medium heat helps performance; natural re-seasoning builds over time.

3) Can HexClad go in the oven?
Yes—HexClad lists very high oven-safe ratings for many pans (check your SKU), while lids are typically rated around 400°F.

4) Is it induction-compatible?
Yes, HexClad’s cookware is induction-ready.

5) Is HexClad dishwasher-safe and metal-utensil safe?
Yes, HexClad sells these as core benefits—still, use common sense to maximize lifespan.

6) How does Anolon X differ from HexClad?
Anolon X uses a textured base (SearTech) to improve searing and is oven-safe to 500°F; it’s a strong value choice but isn’t a full stainless-peaks-over-nonstick interior like HexClad.

7) What about Circulon SteelShield?
It’s a hybrid with stainless rings protecting the nonstick and is induction-ready and oven-safe to 500°F, making it a budget-friendly set alternative.

Conclusion: Should You Buy HexClad?

If you want a pan that browns like stainless yet releases like nonstick, and you value induction compatibility, dishwasher convenience, and a lifetime defect warranty, HexClad is one of the most compelling hybrid options—especially with its 2025 PFAS-free TerraBond™ claim and published lab “non-detect” results.

• Choose the HexClad 12″ skillet to test the waters.
• Go Anolon X if you want hybrid-style searing for less.
• Pick Circulon SteelShield if you’re kitting out a whole kitchen on a budget.