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HexClad Hybrid 12-Piece Pots & Pans Set vs Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
HexClad Hybrid 12-Piece Pots & Pans Set ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on cleaning & care. Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set wins on handles & lids, durability (coating, warping).
The biggest complaint about the HexClad Hybrid 12-Piece Pots & Pans Set is not fully nonstick; for the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set it's discolors over high heat. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| HexClad Hybrid 12-Piece Pots & Pans Set | Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cookware sets | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Hybrid | Tri-ply stainless |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 4% | 9% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Even heating | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Useful pieces | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Handles & lids | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Cleaning & care | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Durability (coating, warping) | 4.0 | 4.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $200 · $$ $200–500 · $$$ over $500. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
HexClad Hybrid 12-Piece Pots & Pans Set
- Not fully nonstick
Serious Eats' over-easy eggs stuck without oil, and an editor who has owned HexClad for years says it isn't as nonstick as claimed. Amazon's summary says some owners report food sticking after prolonged use.
- Expensive
The Kitchn calls the price hefty (12-piece set listed at $999, on sale for $699 when reviewed). Serious Eats says you could buy separate nonstick and stainless pans for the price, and Amazon owners are mixed on value.
- Heavier, little fond
The Kitchn says the tri-ply pans can feel a bit heavy and leave almost no fond for pan sauces; Serious Eats calls the 12-inch pan a tad heavy at about 3 lb.
Source: The Kitchn, Serious Eats (HexClad review)
Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
- Discolors over high heat
Wirecutter's skillets tarnished and kept a tint after cleaning; Good Housekeeping's skillet discolored over high heat and was a little hard to clean. Serious Eats saw dark spots and a bronzed finish after one steak in the Tramontina 10-piece set it tested.
- Hot spots in some tests
Serious Eats measured hot spots that grew on the burner (a 22-degree swing) in a Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-piece set, and Food & Wine found hot spots and a slightly raised center in the sauté pans of the Tramontina Signature 12-piece set. Wirecutter and Good Housekeeping found even heating.
- Food sticks for some owners
Amazon's review summary says some owners report no sticking while others say food frequently sticks to the pans.
Who should pick which
Pick the HexClad Hybrid 12-Piece Pots & Pans Set if
One set that sears and mostly releases
Metal-utensil and dishwasher users
Three skillet sizes up to 12 inches
Skip it if: You want truly nonstick eggs with no oil; You want fond for pan sauces; You're on a budget
Pick the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set if
A complete stainless set for about $300
Big-batch cooking (8-qt stockpot, 6-qt deep sauté pan)
All cooktops, including induction
Skip it if: You want a 12-inch skillet in the box; You want pans that stay shiny; You need nonstick for eggs
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