Gordon Ramsay go-to HexClad cookware is causing a stir among foodies – but is it worth the hype?

Backed by none other than superstar chef Gordon Ramsay – who claims that “not only are they beautiful pans, but their hybrid technology cooks to absolute, utter perfection” – HexClad has been causing quite the stir amongst foodies. And if you’ve scrolled on social media of late, you’ll also know that the LA-founded brand’s range of cookware, which spans everything from pots to frying pans and woks, has gone viral with influencers and creators singing its praises. Of which there are many, if the very American marketing is to be believed. Indeed, its winning ingredients bring together the performance of stainless steel with the durability of cast iron to serve up all the convenience of non-stick. It promises excellent temperature control, surfaces that are both oven- and metal utensil-safe, plus easy cleaning (you can bung everything in the dishwasher, apparently).The cookware comes with a lifetime warranty Nicky Rampley-Clarke/The Standard“Whether it’s through breakthrough technology, thoughtful design or expanding into new categories, we’re constantly pushing ourselves to create products that challenge expectations and elevate the way people cook and live,” explains Daniel Winer, CEO at HexClad. He adds: “Our approach to technology goes far beyond a single innovation. We combine proprietary engineering, premium materials and rigorous testing to create products that are built to perform for years to come. That commitment to quality is reflected not only in how our products perform, but in our confidence to back them with a lifetime warranty.”As a keen home cook and a lover of all things design, I’ve been testing the HexClad cookware range – here’s my verdict. HexClad Kitchen All Star Bundle Nicky Rampley-Clarke/The Standard★★★★★This trio of all-rounders – the brand’s best-selling pan, a pot and a deep sauté pan – promises everything you need for weeknight stir-fries and weekend one-pots alike, and comes with a lifetime warranty to boot. Sold? Not quite yet… Hexclad 25cm Hybrid Pan with LidNicky Rampley-Clarke/The Standard ★★★★★What we love: Excellent heat distribution on a hot plate (I’ve got an AGA) Take note: Not many negatives, other than quality like this comes at a price, which you’d expectServing up the skilling prowess of your favourite cast-iron at a fraction of the weight, the pan is perfect for frying eggs, searing chops and making light work of everyday cooking. The laser-etched, stainless-steel hexagonal design that appears across all pieces of HexClad cookware forms a network of ridges that boost searing power, while the ‘valleys’ between the ‘peaks’ feature the brand’s ceramic non-stick tech that’s both non-toxic and easy-clean. HexClad 3l deep sauté pan with lidNicky Rampley-Clarke/The Standard★★★★★Best: For searing and simmering What we love: Looks and feels good in your hand, while the angle and placement of the handle are perfect (not a given, if recent cookware reviews are anything to go by). Delivers a good-quality sear and char while being non-stick – especially for a flaky fillet of salmon – is a real win in my eyes Take note: Lids for all three can also be popped in the oven like the pans, but can only withstand temperatures up to 200ºC, although that’s still more impressive than most cookware Whether cooking up a stew, simmering a risotto or reducing a marinara, this deep sauté pan from HexClad has got you covered. With remarkably high, straight sides that reduce splatter but are low enough to help you get a great sear on meat before stewing or braising, it’s cleverly designed. Like everything else, this piece is oven-safe up to 480ºC, so you can finish things off in the oven for a crispy, bubbly top. HexClad 2l Hybrid Pot with LidNicky Rampley-Clarke/The Standard★★★★★Best: For boiling, steaming and warming What we love: The lid inverts, as it does for all three pieces in this bundle, which means it can be stacked to save on all-important cupboard spaceTake note: The pot wouldn’t suit the most traditional of kitchensFrom boiling pasta to steaming veg and warming soup, this pot is perfectly sized for small, speedy cooks. Like all three pieces, the pot comes with tri-ply construction featuring an aluminium core for fast and even heating, as well as the same stay-cool, stainless-steel handle for comfort and ease. Is HexClad cookware worth it?Are the HexClad pans worth the hype? Absolutely, I think. They look and feel great, are beautifully and cleverly designed, and serve up consistent results that I imagine ambassador Gordon Ramsay swears by (pun intended) and can genuinely stand behind. Better still, because the lids can be inverted, everything stacks and stores easily, so they don’t take up even more room in your cupboards. In short? Solid investment pieces for those who are serious about their cooking. Go for the bundle with a trio of pans for every task.