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I experimented a lot with my cast iron skillet, which I use for just about everything. A well-seasoned pan is non-stick, oven safe, and can reach the surface temperature of the sun with proper preheating. For reactive foods that cannot be cooked in cast iron (like tomatoes and other acidic foods), I use a sturdy stainless steel pan. Finally, for very sticky foods like eggs, I keep a non-stick pan handy.
When I heard that HexClad Cookware created a pan that combines the best elements of cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick coating, I knew I had to check it out. Here is my honest review of the HexClad Hybrid pan.
According to Gordon Ramsay, HexClad cookware is the “Rolls-Royce of pans” and that’s a big compliment. Lest you worry that these words are nothing more than paid celebrity endorsements, know that other Michelin-starred chefs are also buzzing about HexClad pans. HexClad pots, pans and woks have received hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon.
HexClad cookware is designed with all the benefits of cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick coating without any of the downsides. Like cast iron, it is strong, resilient and retains a lot of heat. Like stainless steel, it distributes heat evenly over the surface of the pan and does not react. And like a non-stick pan, it’s non-stick. (new image ()) .push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: “bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9″ }).render(“7917806a0d7f4109a1cb2a4492c81a1a”); });
I tested a 12″ HexClad Hybrid pan. Right out of the box, the contrast of HexClad pans and cast iron is immediately striking. It’s one giant frying pan beast! It is heavy and will probably last forever, the way a good cast iron skillet is passed down from generation to generation. However, unlike cast iron, the HexClad handle is easy to lift and hold without putting too much strain on your wrist.
Most of the dinners I cook are sautéing a small amount of garlic or onion (or both!) in olive oil until golden brown before adding other ingredients, so the first thing I do with the HexClad hybrid pan is that and a big porridge from vegetables.
The HexPan heats up in about a minute, much less time than my cast iron skillet usually takes. Both the garlic and onion are fried evenly to a nice golden brown without sticking to the pan. Once I added a generous pinch of salt to the veggies, I confidently used tongs to blend everything together without worrying about scratching or scratching the pan like I would with a traditional non-stick pan. The vegetables were cooked in an instant and all the liquid quickly evaporated when I swirled the pan.
It’s clear that the HexPan can handle simple everyday cooking tasks with ease, so I decided to test it on something that can easily get dirty if you use the wrong pan. Cooking chicken thighs skin side down, low and slow in a pan should produce a crispy golden brown crust with tender dark meat underneath, but each pan has its downsides.
I have found that cast iron works best for this task, but since pans tend to heat unevenly, some thighs will brown (or burn) more than others. The stainless steel provides even browning, but the chicken will stubbornly stick to the bottom of the pan. Non-stick pans do not have this problem, but they are not suitable for the very high temperatures required to brown meat. Could HexClad pans be the solution?
I preheated the skillet over medium heat for a minute, generously sprinkled four chicken thighs with kosher salt, put them skin side down in the HexClad skillet and left alone for 15 minutes. When I turned them over with metal tongs, they were perfect. Evenly browned, no signs of burning, perfectly crispy and very tasty. Doesn’t stick, doesn’t burn. Not only is it good for chickens, but it’s also easy to clean! HexClad cleans up quickly with soap and water, no rubbing required.
HexClad’s patented design uses a laser etching process to create a hexagonal pattern on the bottom of a stainless steel pan. It has a premium non-stick coating with added diamond dust (!!!) for extra durability. The hexagonal steel allows heat to be evenly distributed throughout the pan, and the PFOA-free non-stick coating prevents food from sticking.
Thanks to its magnetic steel base, HexClad Hybrid conducts heat quickly and is suitable for induction hobs. In addition, it is safe in the oven up to 500 degrees. HexClad is durable enough to last a lifetime, which is why the company offers a lifetime warranty on its cookware.
The HexClad is dishwasher safe, but hand washing is so easy you probably don’t want to! The scratch-resistant surface is safe to use with abrasive cleaners, dish sponges, and steel wool, although most likely all you need to clean up most messes is a soapy sponge and running water.
HexClad cookware is heavy, but the ergonomic handles make it easier to lift and maneuver than cast iron cookware. A 12-inch hybrid pan weighs 4 pounds.
We’ve discussed in detail how HexClad compares to other cookware materials, but what about other brands? Like cumin cookware, our place is always a frying pan and a green frying pan, HexClad made a splash on social media. All four brands are good at preparing healthy food – and they seem to be doing it right.
The HexClad Hybrid frying pan stands out for its versatility. No need to worry about cooking at too high a temperature, scratching the pan with metal utensils, or accidentally putting it in the dishwasher. HexClad cookware is designed for the toughest culinary tasks.
HexClad cookware may be pricey, but it’s definitely worth the money and it’s worth it. Not only does the HexClad Hybrid pan do the work of the other three pans, it’s built to last. This could very well be the last pan you buy!
Buy a 12″ HexClad Mixing Skillet from the brand’s website or Walmart store. It retails for $155, but you will often find it on sale. Once it’s delivered, all you have to do is choose your favorite recipe and start cooking like Gordon Ramsay!
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Post time: May-08-2023