As a chef with ten years of experience in restaurants, I’ve used many kinds of kitchen tools and pots. In this article, I’m going to compare two Dutch ovens – the HexClad Dutch Oven and the Food Network Oven. These are popular choices for both home cooks and professional chefs. I will look at them based on important features to help you decide which one might be best for you.
We’ll consider:
- Material
- Weight
- Heat retention and compatibility
- Lid fit
- Handles and product design
- Colors
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Durability and performance
- Warranty
- Price
Despite not making it to the TOP-5 best Dutch ovens list for a few reasons, these two Dutch ovens are still excellent choices.
First, let’s explore each Dutch oven in detail. After that, we’ll see how they are different and figure out which one stands out as the better option.
Hexclad VS Food Network: Material
| HexClad | Food Network |
|---|---|
| The HexClad Dutch Oven stands out with its stainless steel make and innovative hexagonal non-stick surface. It’s safe, free from toxins and PFOA, and utilizes a combination of ceramic, diamond dust, and stainless steel for optimal performance. | The Food Network Dutch Oven is composed of robust cast iron and has an enameled surface for corrosion protection and simple cleaning. It is, however, notably thinner than luxury Dutch oven brands, which hints that it may not meet at par with other leading Dutch oven brands. |
Hexclad VS Food Network: Weight
| HexClad | Food Network |
|---|---|
| HexClad is lightweight due to its stainless steel construction. | Since the material is not as thick as other Dutch ovens I have tested, the Food Network Dutch Oven is not as heavy as you expect it to be. I can gently lift and maneuver it without difficulty. |
Hexclad VS Food Network: Heat Retention and Compatibility
| HexClad | Food Network |
|---|---|
| The HexClad Dutch oven excels in heat retention. Its tri-ply design, incorporating an aluminum layer between two stainless steel layers, ensures exceptional heat distribution, resulting in consistent cooking temperatures.
This Dutch oven’s heat compatibility is also impressive. It can be used on gas, electric, and induction stovetops and in ovens up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. |
The Food Network Dutch Oven excels in heat retention, ensuring consistent cooking temperatures. Its compatibility with various heat sources, including stovetops and ovens, offers versatility and precise temperature control. |
Hexclad VS Food Network: Lid Fit
| HexClad | Food Network |
|---|---|
| The HexClad Dutch oven‘s lid provides a snug fit, effectively sealing moisture and flavors while braising.
This Dutch oven’s heat compatibility is also impressive. It can be used on gas, electric, and induction stovetops and in ovens up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. |
The Food Network Dutch Oven‘s lid generally seals tightly to trap moisture and heat, but there was a minor issue with occasional steam escaping. |
Hexclad VS Food Network: Handles and Product Design
| HexClad | Food Network |
|---|---|
| The handles of HexClad are practical and ergonomic. I can firmly grasp the pot even when using oven mitts. This Dutch oven has a clean and classic style that will complement any kitchen. | The Dutch oven‘s ergonomic handles can be slightly narrow when using oven mitts, making it challenging to lift when full. Despite this, the Food Network Dutch Oven’s elegant design adds visual appeal and complements various kitchen decors. |
Hexclad VS Food Network: Colors
| HexClad | Food Network |
|---|---|
| HexClad is exclusively offered in its signature stainless steel design with a round shape in a 5-quart size. | The Food Network Dutch Oven offers a variety of color options to suit individual preferences, including classic choices like Black, White, and Yellow, as well as stylish ombre variations such as Gray Ombre, Red Ombre, Turquoise Ombre, and Navy Blue Ombre. |
Hexclad VS Food Network: Maintenance and Cleaning
| HexClad | Food Network |
|---|---|
| HexClad has a non-stick surface, making cleaning effortless with a simple wipe or gentle scrub. However, it’s essential to consider that the long-term durability of this non-stick coating may not meet some users’ expectations. | Cleaning the Food Network Dutch Oven is effortless due to its enameled surface, which prevents the need for seasoning. Food residue is easily removed with minimal scrubbing. |
Hexclad VS Food Network: Durability and Performance
| HexClad | Food Network |
|---|---|
| The HexClad Dutch Oven offers outstanding cooking performance, delivering tender and flavorful results with various dishes, including short ribs, soups, stews, and searing meats. However, I think it may not match the longevity of cast iron Dutch ovens. | The Food Network Dutch Oven performed well in high-heat searing and extended braising without immediate wear. However, long-term durability could be a concern compared to other Dutch oven brands with thicker cast iron. |
Hexclad VS Food Network: Warranty
| HexClad | Food Network |
|---|---|
| HexClad provides a limited lifetime warranty similar to other leading Dutch oven brands. | The Food Network Dutch Oven includes a standard one-year warranty, which is typical for kitchenware. A longer warranty would provide additional confidence in its quality and durability, which some users may have preferred. |
Hexclad VS Food Network: Price
| HexClad | Food Network |
|---|---|
| HexClad costs more than the other Dutch oven, mainly due to its patented technology. | Food Network Dutch Oven is a more budget-friendly option compared to HexClad. This makes it more appealing on a tighter budget. |
Cooking Test
In a direct comparison between the HexClad and Food Network Dutch ovens, we conducted a comprehensive cooking trial by making Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, focusing on three essential criteria.
Browning
Both Dutch ovens were effective in browning the short ribs, but the HexClad stood out with its more uniform heat distribution, leading to a more evenly browned result on the short ribs.
Moisture Retention
The HexClad Dutch Oven demonstrated outstanding ability to retain moisture, thanks to its well-fitting lid that effectively trapped moisture, minimizing evaporation during the long cooking period. This led to remarkably tender and juicy short ribs.
In contrast, the Food Network Dutch Oven sometimes allowed a bit of steam to escape. Although this didn’t hugely impact the overall quality of the dish, it was a noticeable difference when compared to the HexClad.
Final Flavor
Both Dutch ovens produced tasty results, yielding short ribs that were rich and full of flavor. However, the HexClad Dutch oven stood out for its better ability to keep moisture in, leading to flavors that were a bit more concentrated and robust in the dish.
How We Tested
I conducted a detailed test on both the HexClad and Food Network Dutch ovens to understand how they perform. To start, I heated each Dutch oven on the stove until it reached the right temperature for cooking.
The first task was searing short ribs, giving me a chance to check how well each pot could brown meat. I noticed that both Dutch ovens did a great job, showing they could spread heat evenly and brown the meat consistently.
Next, I put the short ribs into the Dutch ovens to braise them. This step was important to see how well each pot could keep in moisture, which is key for making the meat tender and juicy.
During the braising, I paid close attention to the fit of the Dutch oven lids. A tight fit is important because losing steam or moisture can change the texture of the food.
Once the braising was done, I evaluated the taste and tenderness of the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs cooked in each Dutch oven. I focused on the strength of the flavors and how tender the meat was.
This thorough testing gave me a clear idea of how the HexClad and Food Network Dutch ovens work in a real kitchen situation.
Conclusion
After thorough testing and analysis, my extensive experience as a chef has led me to a clear conclusion in the comparison between the HexClad and Food Network Dutch ovens. While both products have their strengths and offer great value, the HexClad Dutch Oven emerges as the superior choice for several compelling reasons.
Throughout the various tests, including the critical Red Wine Braised Short Ribs cooking trial, HexClad consistently outperformed its competitor. Its superior heat distribution ensured more evenly browned short ribs, a crucial factor in achieving culinary excellence. The HexClad’s lid design also played a pivotal role in its success, effectively sealing in moisture and flavors, which was evident in the exceptional tenderness and juiciness of the short ribs. This precise moisture retention not only enhanced the overall texture but also intensified the flavors of the dish, setting HexClad apart from the Food Network Dutch Oven.
Moreover, the HexClad Dutch Oven’s design, with its combination of materials and ergonomic features, offers both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. The innovative hexagonal non-stick surface, combined with the durability of stainless steel, strikes a balance between easy maintenance and robust performance.
Considering all these aspects – material quality, weight, heat retention, lid fit, design, color options, ease of maintenance, durability, performance, warranty, and price – HexClad stands out as the more versatile and reliable option. Its ability to deliver consistently superior cooking results, coupled with its thoughtful design, makes it an excellent investment for both home cooks and professional chefs. In the face-off between HexClad and Food Network Dutch ovens, HexClad takes the winning spot, proving to be the better choice for those seeking quality and performance in their kitchen cookware.
Chef Bradley Thompson highly recommends to check his list of the best Dutch ovens.