If you’re looking for high-quality stainless steel cookware, chances are you’ve come across HexClad and Viking—two brands that claim to offer professional-grade cookware with premium materials.
I’ve used both, and let me tell you—they couldn’t be more different.
- HexClad is a hybrid cookware brand that combines stainless steel with a nonstick surface, making it easier to cook on and clean than traditional stainless steel. If you want stainless steel durability with nonstick convenience, HexClad is for you.
- Viking is a high-end, professional-quality stainless steel cookware brand, designed for serious home cooks and chefs who want heavy-duty, fully-clad stainless steel that heats evenly and lasts a lifetime.
So, should you go for HexClad’s hybrid nonstick technology or Viking’s traditional stainless steel performance? Let’s break it all down so you can make the best choice for your kitchen.
Quick Comparison: HexClad vs. Viking
| Feature | HexClad | Viking |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Hybrid: Stainless Steel + Nonstick Coating | Fully Clad Stainless Steel, Copper, Nonstick |
| Best For | Nonstick convenience + stainless steel durability | Professional-grade stainless steel cooking |
| Heat Conductivity | Good (Heats quickly but can have hot spots) | Excellent (Multi-ply stainless steel provides even heating) |
| Heat Retention | Moderate (Loses heat faster than Viking) | Superior (Holds heat longer) |
| Nonstick? | Yes (Hybrid nonstick-stainless steel surface) | No (Unless buying Viking Hard-Anodized Nonstick) |
| Induction Compatible? | Yes | Yes (All Stainless Steel Models) |
| Oven-Safe Temperature | Up to 500°F | Up to 600°F (Stainless Steel Models) |
| Durability | Good, but nonstick coating wears over time | Extremely High (Pure stainless steel lasts decades) |
| Dishwasher Safe? | Yes, but handwashing recommended | Yes |
| Price Range | $$$ (Premium, but more affordable than Viking) | $$$$ (Ultra-Premium, Expensive) |
| Made In | China | USA, Belgium, China (Varies by line) |
| Target Audience | Home cooks who want nonstick convenience + stainless steel | Serious home chefs who want fully clad, high-performance stainless steel cookware |
1. What’s the Biggest Difference Between HexClad and Viking?
The biggest difference comes down to materials, cooking performance, and long-term durability.
- HexClad uses a hybrid nonstick and stainless steel design, meaning you get some of the searing power of stainless steel with the ease of nonstick cooking. It’s perfect for people who want easier cleanup but don’t want to deal with fully nonstick pans.
- Viking, on the other hand, is traditional, fully-clad stainless steel cookware, designed for even heating, durability, and professional-level cooking performance.
If you want true professional cookware that lasts forever, Viking wins. But if you want an easier cooking experience that’s more forgiving, HexClad is the better choice.
2. Material and Build Quality: Hybrid vs. Fully Clad Stainless Steel
HexClad: Hybrid Stainless Steel + Nonstick Cookware
HexClad cookware features a raised stainless steel hex pattern over a nonstick coating, giving you the best of both worlds—you can sear like stainless steel but still enjoy nonstick convenience.
Pros of HexClad:
✔ Nonstick and stainless steel combined—best of both worlds
✔ Requires less oil than regular stainless steel
✔ Dishwasher-safe and induction-compatible
✔ Lighter than Viking, easier to handle
Cons of HexClad:
✘ Nonstick coating still wears out over time (even though it lasts longer than traditional nonstick)
✘ Not as durable as fully clad stainless steel cookware like Viking
✘ Made in China, not the USA
Viking: Fully Clad Stainless Steel Cookware for Professionals
Viking is known for high-end, fully clad stainless steel cookware, which means each pot and pan is made of multiple layers of stainless steel and aluminum or copper for superior heat performance.
Viking’s Top Cookware Lines:
- Viking 3-Ply Stainless Steel – Fully clad stainless steel with an aluminum core for excellent heat distribution.
- Viking 5-Ply Stainless Steel – Thicker and better for heat retention than the 3-ply version.
- Viking Hard-Anodized Nonstick – For those who want a fully nonstick set.
- Viking Copper Clad – Copper exterior for high responsiveness.
Pros of Viking:
✔ Extremely durable—lasts a lifetime
✔ Better heat conductivity than HexClad
✔ More responsive to temperature changes
✔ Oven-safe up to 600°F
Cons of Viking:
✘ More expensive than HexClad
✘ Heavier than HexClad, which might be harder to handle
✘ Stainless steel can stick if not properly preheated or seasoned
3. Heat Performance: Which One Cooks Better?
| Feature | HexClad (Hybrid) | Viking (Fully Clad Stainless Steel) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Responsiveness | Quick heating, but loses heat faster | More even heating and better retention |
| Heat Retention | Moderate (Cools down faster) | Superior (Stays hot longer) |
| Even Heating | Good, but stainless steel areas heat faster than nonstick zones | Outstanding, no hot spots |
| High-Heat Cooking | Good, but nonstick limits extreme heat usage | Superior for searing, browning, and professional techniques |
| Induction Compatible? | Yes | Yes |
Which One is Better?
- For professional heat control and searing, Viking wins.
- For everyday home cooking and convenience, HexClad is great.
4. Durability: Which Cookware Lasts Longer?
| Cookware Type | HexClad Lifespan | Viking Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Stainless + Nonstick | 5–7 years before nonstick wears out | Not Available |
| Fully Clad Stainless Steel | Not Available | Lifetime |
Which One is Better?
- Viking’s stainless steel cookware will last forever if properly cared for.
- HexClad’s nonstick will eventually wear down, meaning you’ll need to replace it after several years.
5. Price: Which One is More Affordable?
| Brand | Price Range for Cookware Sets |
|---|---|
| HexClad | $300–$800 |
| Viking | $400–$1,500+ |
Which One is Better?
- If you want premium cookware at a lower price, HexClad is the better deal.
- If you want top-tier, fully clad stainless steel cookware that will last forever, Viking is worth the extra cost.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
| Choose HexClad If… | Choose Viking If… |
|---|---|
| You want the convenience of nonstick but the durability of stainless steel. | You want professional-grade, fully clad stainless steel cookware. |
| You need something easier to clean and use daily. | You prefer cookware that lasts a lifetime with no coatings to wear out. |
| You don’t mind replacing your cookware after 5–7 years. | You want cookware you can pass down for generations. |
My Personal Take?
If you want long-term durability and professional performance, Viking is the winner. But if you want a mix of nonstick and stainless steel for easier cooking, HexClad is a solid hybrid option.
Leave a Reply