Cast Iron vs. Hex Clad Pan Comparison

Are you on the hunt for some non-toxic pans and trying to decide what to invest in? When comparing cast iron vs. hex clad, it is important to note that both have their own place in the kitchen. I like to use each for different purposes. While I am not a professional cook, I would like to share the pros and cons of each. I hope this information will be helpful for you, whether you need to decide between the two or would like to try out both of them!

Let’s dive right in, shall we?!

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History of Cast Iron vs. Hex Clad

While the cast iron skillet has been around for thousands of years, the hex clad pan was only invented a few years ago. Even though the cast iron skillets we buy nowadays obviously do not look the same they did in ancient China, cast iron pans definitely withstood the test of time. This Lodge cast iron skillet is the one that I use in my kitchen. On the other hand, the designers of the HexClad pans used modern technology. Hex clad offers the durability of stainless steel with non-stick properties.

Cast Iron Pros

• With proper seasoning, a cast iron pan releases food easily. However, I would not consider a cast iron a non-stick cookware.
• Cast iron is very durable and is superior for slow cooking, searing meats, or placing on a grill or even a campfire!
• The heat retention is definitely better on the cast iron as it stays hot for a long time.
• These pans last a lifetime and could even be passed down for generations.
• Cast iron infuses a little bit of iron into the food you prepare, which makes it even have health benefits.
• Compared to many other pans, cast iron skillets are affordable and are cheaper than hex clad pans.
• Cast iron pans are sturdier in comparison to the hex clad pans, which makes them heavier.
• Cooking with a cast iron enhances the taste of the food the more you cook with it because all of the layers of flavors from all of the dishes you prepare meld together.

Hex Clad Pros

• The hex clad is an excellent option for when it comes to cooking delicate foods due to its non-stick properties.
• Designed beautifully with a 3-ply stainless steel base and an aluminum core, the hex clad heats up faster and more evenly.
• This pan can handle acidic foods better, such as tomatoes.
• In comparison with other non-stick pans, the hex clad has a longer life. However, the cast iron is undoubtedly more long-lasting.
• Hex clad pans are easier to clean than cast iron pans since you could place them in the dishwasher.
• Another pro for the hex clad pan is that it is much lighter and easier to handle.
• The handle of the hex clad pan remains cool during food preparation.

Cast Iron Cons

• Even if your cast iron pan is pre-seasoned, you will still need to re-season the pan about twice a year.
• It is recommended not to wash these pans with dish soap at all and just rinse them out with water. If you have trouble getting stuck-on food off of the pan, invest in a chainmail scrubber!
• The handle of the pan gets super hot. This is an easy fix though- simply wear an oven mitt to protect your hands. 😉
• Cast iron skillets rust easily. To prevent this, I like to place the pan back onto the stove and allow any moisture evaporate. Tip: if your cast iron pan rusted, scrub it down with steel wool and re-season it.
• Compared to the hex clad pan, cast iron pans are super heavy. On the bright side, they can add strength to your muscles haha.
• Acidic foods may react with cast iron pans in a negative way and strip off the seasoning. I personally haven’t noticed this in my own cooking, but people advise to avoid tomato sauces, wines, and vinegars.
• Cast iron doesn’t heat up evenly, so it’s important to allow some time for the pan to preheat before placing food onto it.

Hex Clad Cons

• The hex clad pan is more expensive than the cast iron pan and it doesn’t last a lifetime.
• You’ll need to put in some elbow grease to clean this pan, as discoloration occurs with use.
• Since this hex clad pan was only designed recently, it hasn’t withstood the test of time and there are not many reviews on this pretty pricey product.
• Hex clad pans still have PTFE(Teflon) in it, which makes it non-stick. As long as you do not heat the pan higher than 500 degrees F, the hex clad pan is safe to use and non-toxic. Also wanted to note that hex clad’s Teflon does not contain PFOA(perfluorooctanoic acid) which is carcinogenic. 🙂

Conclusion

Personally, I would recommend both a cast iron skillet and a hex clad pan for differing reasons. I love the rustic feel of the cast iron and how nice it is to cook with it on my gas stove or even when we go camping on a campfire. We use our hex clad almost daily for breakfast to fry up some eggs, since it is a great nontoxic non-stick pan:) Comment down below if you have either one of these pans and let us know what your thoughts!

Thank you so much for popping in Two Peas in Two Pods! Please look into more of our blog posts and all of our recipes. Spoiler alert- recipes using a cast iron skillet and hex clad pan coming soon!