I gave my Dad this mini HexClad for his birthday – he’s never loved a pan more, but I regret it for one reason

Cooking an omelette in a small HexClad fry pan.

When I gave my dad a mini HexClad pan for his birthday earlier this year, I didn't quite expect him to love it so much. I've had texts and calls praising the ease of cleaning, describing it as the 'best non-stick pan he's ever used.' His old pan is in the garbage. He makes fried eggs in the HexClad every morning.

I just have one regret. I could have saved money by buying the version without the lid, which is discounted by 20% on Amazon in the last day of the sale. I completely fell for the bundle I saw, and I didn't think about what he'd be using the pan for. The truth is, unless you're simmering or steaming dishes, you don't really need a lid. The best HexClad frying pans are quite shallow, so they really work best for searing and sizzling anyway.

For my Dad's crispy fried eggs and homemade omelets, the 8-inch HexClad pan is perfect, but the lid remains untouched, collecting dust in the cabinet.

Frying an egg in a HexClad Fry Pan in my own kitchen (Image credit: Future)

Of course, I don't regret it completely. I recently reviewed a 12-inch HexClad Frying Pan and wok, and was blown away by their performance.

Then, I compared HexClad vs Caraway's non-stick performance, and the HexClad pan came out on top. Though I'm a trained cook myself and prefer to use 100% stainless steel pans for searing control and longevity, for everyday cooks who aren't clued up on technique, HexClad is a winner.

Even my Mom loves the pan, since she prefers to use non-toxic cookware. HexClad say: 'Our cookware products use our proprietary HEXCLAD TerraBond™ ceramic nonstick coating, which is PTFE-free and PFAS-free.'

If you're also looking to upgrade or grab a gift for a loved one, I do recommend shopping around for a discount – there’s usually a HexClad sale running that makes the price a little more accessible, especially if you learn from my errors and just buy what you need.

If you're wondering which HexClad pan is best for you, it really depends on your cooking habits. The 10-inch HexClad pan is a solid, do-it-all option, and the lid might come in handy for that. If you're just cooking crispy eggs and smaller fried dishes, go for the 8-inch without the lid. You'll thank me later.