I Test Cookware for a Living, and This Is Hands-Down My Favorite Nonstick Pan — Here’s Why

Micki Wagner
Micki WagnerCommerce Writer
I cover everything kitchen-related, from cookware and countertop appliances to pantry staples and cleaning and organizing must-haves. I’m based in New York, NY.
published Jan 22, 2025
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
overhead shot of eggs getting scrambled in a pan
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Ben Weiner

No matter where I am or how crunched for time I am, I always eat breakfast — and it always features eggs in some fashion. My go-to when I’m at home is cheesy scrambled eggs with hot sauce (most likely, my favorite habanero version). Naturally, this means that I’m pulling out a nonstick pan to cook my eggs every morning. And while I’ve tried stainless steel, I still tend to find the ease of nonstick more alluring. I’ve tested at least six nonstick pans over the last few years, but I’ve only just discovered one that stands above the rest. 

I’ve been using the HexClad 8” Hybrid Fry Pan in my kitchen for the last month, and I am actually shocked at how quickly it dethroned my previous favorite egg pan. I love it so much, I actually find myself daydreaming about buying a full set of these pans. And while it’s a little pricey in my opinion, I think it’s more than worth it. 

What Is the HexClad 8” Hybrid Fry Pan?

HexClad’s Hybrid Fry Pan is not only loved by Gordon Ramsay (those pans you see him using on Instagram with the honeycomb pattern all over them? Those are HexClad!), but we also love them here at The Kitchn. As contributor Alicia mentioned in her review of the brand overall, “Multiple editors at The Kitchn have tested HexClad cookware and love that it combines the best elements of stainless steel and nonstick cookware.” And it’s that hybrid aspect of this pan that makes it so special.

The honeycomb pattern you see on the surface allows for you to get the searing power of stainless steel as well as the easy lift and cleanup of nonstick pans. Plus, unlike some nonstick pans, you can toss this one right into the dishwasher (I mean, talk about easy cleanup), and you can use metal utensils on it without fear of it damaging the nonstick coating. Better yet, you can throw it into an extremely hot oven (like 900°F hot) if you need.

The Hybrid Fry Pan comes in five sizes from 7 inches to 14 inches and has the option to include a lid, if you’d like. I personally have the 8-inch size and didn’t opt for the lid. 

Credit: Micki Wagner

Why I Love the HexClad 8” Hybrid Fry Pan

Let me start by saying I have used some truly bad nonstick pans. This has given me a real appreciation for ones that are seriously good. And HexClad’s Hybrid Fry Pan is seriously good. So good, in fact, I’ve used it every morning (and sometimes at other points in the day) since I started using it about a month ago. I thought I would find myself gravitating back to my other favorite nonstick pan, but honestly, I haven’t. What impresses me with this pan is how nonstick it is. All I have to do is swirl around some olive oil or hit it with some cooking spray, and my scrambled eggs cook quickly and don’t stick. Since I use this pan so often, I usually just hand-wash it, and that has been really easy. I don’t spend more than a couple minutes cleaning it. 

Plus, I love using it for dishes beyond my eggs, too. I make sautéed shrimp at least once a week for dinner, usually with roasted broccoli on the side. I’ve been loving how nicely it cooks my shrimp (and how easily it releases them). And while I usually roast my broccoli in the oven, I’ve been having some issues with my oven not coming up to temp recently. So one frustrated night, I took it out of my annoying cool oven and threw the broccoli into my hot Hybrid Pan after I’d finished with the shrimp. It cooked my broccoli quickly and gave it some nice color on the outside, like it does when I roast them. From that point on, I’ve been ready to outfit my entire stovetop with these pans. 

I truly have fallen in love with my little 8” Hybrid Fry Pan. It heats evenly (and quickly), doesn’t leave me with much mess (if any) to speak of, and is perfect for helping me make my breakfast, veggie sides, and even dinners. I didn’t think I would love it as much as I do, and now I can’t imagine not having it.   

Buy: HexClad 8” Hybrid Fry Pan, $129

My Kitchn Helper

Get our favorite editor-tested and -approved finds sent twice a week to your inbox.