{"id":1889636,"date":"2023-06-01T10:57:27","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T14:57:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1889636"},"modified":"2025-02-19T10:31:54","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T16:31:54","slug":"hexclad-dutch-oven-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/hexclad-dutch-oven-review\/","title":{"rendered":"HexClad Dutch Oven Review: This Workhorse Replaces Every Other Pan in My Kitchen"},"content":{"rendered":"As a home chef, I've spent a lot of time in the kitchen. And as Taste Recipes's<\/em> Senior Shopping Editor, I've spent even more time researching, testing and writing about the latest gear. I've tried almost every type of cookware\u2014from cast iron and ceramic<\/a> to nonstick and stainless steel<\/a>.\r\n\r\nAnd, after years of searching, I've finally found my Goldilocks pan. It's not too heavy or fussy, it cooks beautifully and it's truly nonstick. Say hello to the HexClad Dutch oven<\/a>.\r\n

What is the HexClad Dutch oven?<\/h2>\r\n\"Hexclad\r\n\r\nWith a 5-quart capacity, the HexClad Dutch oven<\/a> is an ideal size for searing, braising, boiling, simmering or baking nearly anything the heart desires. It's one of many pretty pans<\/a> that lives up to the hype. Like all HexClad cookware, it features the brand's signature hybrid design. This surface, made up of steel ridges and nonstick valleys, helps you sear without sticking. It's truly one of a kind!\r\n\r\nThe Dutch oven is also safe to use on gas, electric and induction cooktops. Plus, it can withstand oven temps of up to 900 degrees. Other benefits include its light(er) weight and dishwasher-safe construction.\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"We Tried It\" product_name=\"HexClad Dutch Oven\" short_description=\"Cook virtually anything in this sturdy HexClad Dutch oven. It's ideal for baking, boiling, saut\u00e9ing and almost any other cooking task!\" image=\"2083946\" image_credit=\"VIA MERCHANT\" pr_name=\"HexClad\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?awinmid=21679&awinaffid=622885&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fhexclad.com%2Fproducts%2F5qt-dutch-oven\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on HexClad\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0BRQKR394?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n

HexClad Dutch Oven Features<\/h2>\r\nI love that the HexClad Dutch Oven came with a large five quart capacity for all of my favorite soups, stews, breads, casseroles and roasts. It also measures roughly 7 inches wide x 12 inches high which I maneuvered between my oven racks easily. Unlike most Dutch ovens on the market, it is lightweight at just under four pounds which I found helpful for maneuvering around the kitchen and cleaning up.\r\n\r\nI also loved how versatile this pan is. HexClad comes with a patented hybrid design with a stainless steel construction and nonstick coating. It also has a scratch-resistant surface, tri-ply construction and hexagonal pattern for even searing, baking and braising on most stovetops (including induction!). Feel free to maneuver this Dutch oven from the stovetop to the oven for slow-cooked stews or bread.\r\n\r\nThe brand also advertises that the Dutch oven can take on high temperatures of up to 900 degrees. When the cooking was done, I felt comfortable putting this Dutch oven in the dishwasher as directed. Finally, after I did some digging, I also found out that HexClad comes with a lifetime warranty which is great for those that are constantly in the kitchen.\r\n

How I Tested It<\/h2>\r\nI've used the HexClad Dutch oven<\/a> as part of my day-to-day cookware rotation since February 2023. From the packaging alone, I could tell that this beauty was special.\r\n\r\nAdmittedly it's not as flashy as other trendy pans\u2014like\u00a0the Always Pan<\/a>\u2014but it's still eye-catching. The stainless steel exterior is sleek, while the interior hexagonal surface is unlike any pan I've seen before. After a quick wash, it was time to get cooking!\r\n

The Stovetop Test: Seared Tofu<\/h3>\r\n\"Hexclad\r\n\r\nFor my first test, I wanted to see how the HexClad could handle the bane of my cooking existence: tofu. I've been a vegetarian for over a decade and still struggle with this finicky protein. Almost every time I pan-fry tofu<\/a>, it sticks to the bottom, no matter how much oil I use. I often give up halfway through cooking and turn my neat slices into a tofu scramble.\r\n\r\nTo start, I patted the tofu dry to remove excess moisture and preheated the Dutch oven over medium heat. I added a thin, even layer of oil to the bottom, then nestled in the slices. The Dutch oven holds a pound of tofu comfortably. I opted to cook it without seasonings or marinades to test the HexClad's capabilities.\r\n\r\nRight away, I was hopeful. The slices slid around the pan with just a touch of my tongs. And when it came time to flip, I was rewarded with a crisp, golden brown crust. No stuck-on bits at all<\/em>. Even after five more minutes of cooking, the tofu still glided around the pan with ease. I can easily say these were the best (and most intact!) tofu slices I've ever cooked. After just one test, HexClad had me hooked.\r\n

The Oven Test: Dutch Oven Bread<\/h3>\r\n\"Bread\r\n\r\nNext, I wanted to test the pan's oven-proof capabilities. I whipped up a batch of our Test Kitchen's Dutch oven bread<\/a> and got to work. Once my dough had a chance to rest, I preheated the Dutch oven (with the lid on) at 450 degrees for half an hour. This step ensures that, when you go to add your loaf, it creates steam. AKA the secret to a delicious, crackly crust.\r\n\r\nRight away, I was impressed with how much easier it is to wrangle the lightweight HexClad over my cast iron or ceramic Dutch oven. I don't typically mind the extra weight when stovetop cooking. But when lifting a piping hot vessel out of the oven, the lighter, the better!\r\n\r\nAfter shaping and scoring my loaf, I nestled the Dutch oven with parchment paper, put the lid back on and let the oven work its magic. After half an hour, it was time to remove the lid and let the crust brown even further.\r\n\r\nFinally, after 20 long minutes of existing in the same space as a baking loaf of bread, it was time to taste. My first thought was: Why do I ever buy bread? My second was: Wow\u2014this is amazing. It took a lot of self-control for me and my partner to not devour the entire loaf in one sitting.\r\n\r\nHonestly, this bread alone is reason enough to buy the HexClad Dutch oven. It cooked the loaf to perfection (without any kneading!) and was effortless to lift in and out of the oven. Plus, if it saves me from spending $5 on an artisan loaf every week\u2014well, that's just the icing, err, butter, on top!\r\n

Six-Month Update<\/h3>\r\nIn addition to baking bread and searing tofu, I've also: boiled water for pasta, seared dumplings, browned a veggie burger, simmered soup, stirred Rice Krispies treats, sauted veggies, caramelized onions, toasted buns\u2014you get the picture. It's truly one of the most versatile pieces of cookware I've ever owned. So much so that if I ever had to pare down my cookware to just one pan, the HexClad Dutch oven is the piece I'd choose.\r\n\r\n\"Hexclad\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nPlus, even after several months of consistent use, it's barely showing signs of wear. The lid fits beautifully without any warping or loose screws. The exterior is a little grubby, but that's only because I'm too lazy to polish the stainless steel. And the interior is still delightfully nonstick\u2014even when tackling messy cooking tasks. (Looking at you, sticky cauliflower gnocchi!) As we head into fall and winter, I'm already dreaming of all the big-batch soups, chilis and pastas I'll cook with ease.\r\n

18-Month Update<\/h3>\r\nAfter over a year of use, the HexClad Dutch oven is still going strong. I love it so much that I decided to update all my cookware to HexClad, and I bought a bundle with three fry pans<\/a> and a wok<\/a>. I'm also very fond of the HexClad knives<\/a>.\r\n\r\nWith the addition of these new pieces, I don't lean on my Dutch oven quite<\/em> as much, but it's still holding up to at least weekly use. It's my go-to for cooking pasta and soup. With time, I've noticed that the nonstick quality has started to wear down a little bit.\r\n\r\nThe last time I made Rice Krispies treats, for example, I noticed that I was left with a marshmallow film on the bottom of the pan, whereas before, the melted sticky goo would slide around effortlessly. There are no scratches, peeling or signs of wear on the coating, though. In fact, save from a small spot on the lid, the pan looks like I just pulled it out of the box.\r\n\r\n\"Hexclad\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIt's also still easy to clean. A few minutes of soaking and scouring any stubborn bits with Kosher salt leaves it looking as good as new. Plus, it's still the longest-lasting nonstick pan I've ever used. My experience with brands like Caraway<\/a> and GreenPan<\/a> showed signs of deterioration around the six-month mark.\r\n

Pros<\/h3>\r\n