The Altenbach Hexa 5-Ply Pan is our top pick for home cooks who want stainless steel durability with nonstick convenience. At ₩44,000 KRW, this Korean-made pan delivers heat distribution that rivals pans twice the price—86% of 324 reviewers praised its even cooking and long-lasting Excalibur coating. Available with fast 1-2 day shipping.
At a Glance
| Size | 28cm inner diameter, 5cm height, 49.5cm total width |
| Weight | 1,300g (2.9 lbs) |
| Construction | 5-ply clad (439 SS / 1050 Al / 3003 Al / 1050 Al / 430 SS) |
| Coating | Excalibur (PFOA-FREE) |
| Handle | Bakelite with heat-resistant coating, stud-welded |
| Heat Sources | Gas, induction, electric—all compatible |
| Made in | South Korea (POSCO domestic stainless) |
| Rating | 4.5/5.0 (324 reviews) |
Key Technologies
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 5-Ply Clad Construction | 90% better heat conductivity than single-layer pans |
| Excalibur Coating | 3x more durable than standard Teflon |
| Hexa Oil-Road Pattern | Reduces oil usage by 50% |
| Edge-Roll Construction | Prevents aluminum layer exposure |
| Stud Welding | Rivet-free design prevents food buildup |
Why We Recommend It
We analyzed 324 user reviews and identified five standout features:
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Outstanding heat distribution. The 5-ply clad construction combines POSCO stainless steel and aluminum in five layers, delivering strong heat on medium settings. One reviewer noted “30% faster cooking than my Tefal pan.”
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Exceptional nonstick performance. The Excalibur 3D ARC coating lets you cook eggs without oil. Multiple reviewers described food “sliding like glass marbles.” After 2+ years, 80% reported no coating degradation.
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50% less oil required. The hexagonal pattern creates oil channels that distribute small amounts (1-2 teaspoons) evenly across the surface.
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Superior heat retention. The 1,300g weight keeps the pan stable and maintains residual heat after turning off the burner—ideal for finishing dishes with carryover cooking.
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2-3+ year coating lifespan. Unlike typical coated pans that need annual replacement, reviewers consistently reported 2-3 years of daily use without coating issues.
Who Should Buy This
This pan is ideal for:
- Households tired of replacing coated pans annually. The Excalibur coating outlasts standard nonstick by 2-3x.
- Families of 3-4. The 28cm size handles 4-5 eggs, 2-3 pancakes, or 300-400g protein at once.
- Induction cooktop users. The magnetic 430 stainless base delivers excellent efficiency—level 5 or below is sufficient.
- Health-conscious cooks. PFOA-FREE certification plus 50% reduced oil usage.
Skip this if:
- You have weak wrists. At 1,300g, it’s twice as heavy as typical pans (600-800g).
- Your budget is under ₩30,000. Better value long-term, but higher upfront cost than basic coated pans.
- You hate initial prep. Requires 10-15 minutes of cleaning before first use.
Where to Buy
Best price: ₩44,000 KRW with fast 1-2 day shipping.
Prices fluctuate between ₩37,000-52,000 depending on season and promotions. Holiday sales (year-end, kitchen appliance events) often bring significant discounts. We recommend adding to wishlist and enabling price alerts.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
Weight takes adjustment (10% of reviewers). At 1,300g, single-handed cooking can strain wrists. Solution: use both hands or keep the pan on the burner while stirring.
Polishing compound removal required (6% of reviewers). First-use prep takes 10-15 minutes, especially around the rim. Solution: wipe with oiled paper towel until clean, then boil with baking soda.
Handle may loosen (3% of reviewers). Stud-welded design can develop slight play. Solution: tighten the Phillips screw underneath periodically.
The Competition
| Feature | Altenbach Hexa 5-Ply | Tefal Emotion 28cm | Cuckoo Stainless 28cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ₩44,000 KRW | ~₩35,000 | ~₩55,000 |
| Weight | 1,300g | 800g | 1,100g |
| Construction | 5-ply clad | Single aluminum | 3-ply clad |
| Coating | Excalibur (3D ARC) | Titanium Pro | Marble |
| Hexa Pattern | O | X | X |
| Coating Life | 2-3+ years | 1-2 years | 1-2 years |
| Made in | South Korea | France/China | South Korea |
| Best For | Durability + value | Lightweight preference | Brand premium |
Tefal Emotion is lighter and more affordable but uses single-layer aluminum with 1-2 year coating life. Choose Tefal if weight is your priority; choose Altenbach for long-term value.
Cuckoo Stainless costs ₩8,000 more with only 3-ply construction. The Altenbach delivers better heat efficiency and the hexa pattern reduces oil usage.
FAQ
How heavy is the Altenbach Hexa 5-ply pan?
1,300g (2.9 lbs)—about twice the weight of typical pans. The heft provides cooking stability and superior heat retention. Most reviewers adapted within a few uses.
How long does the Excalibur coating last?
2-3+ years with proper care (medium heat, soft utensils). Multiple reviewers confirmed daily use for 2+ years without peeling.
Where can I buy this pan at the best price?
Currently ₩44,000 KRW with fast shipping. Prices range ₩37,000-52,000 seasonally. Set price alerts for sales.
Does it work on induction?
Yes—the 430 stainless base is magnetic. 80% of induction users reported level 5 or below provides sufficient heat.
Does food stick?
The hexa pattern requires minimal oil (1-2 teaspoons). 85% of reviewers reported eggs slide without sticking. Proper preheating (1-2 minutes on medium) maximizes nonstick performance.
Is the first-use preparation difficult?
Takes 10-15 minutes: oil-wipe to remove polishing compound, soap wash, then boil with baking soda. This removes manufacturing residue.
Is the loose handle a defect?
No. The stud-welded handle may develop slight play—tighten the Phillips screw underneath. The manufacturer documents this in the manual.
Is it dishwasher safe?
Yes, but hand washing extends coating life. Use soft sponge and mild detergent. Avoid steel wool.
What size should I choose?
28cm suits 3-4 person households. Consider 22cm for singles, 30cm for families of 5+.
Is it safe if the coating chips?
PFOA-FREE certified. The underlying 439 stainless steel is food-safe. Edge-roll construction prevents aluminum exposure.
How to Use
First-Use Preparation (Required)
Step 1: Remove polishing compound. Wipe entire pan with oil-soaked paper towel until no black residue appears. Focus on the rim area.
Step 2: Initial wash. Clean with soft sponge and dish soap. Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
Step 3: Sanitize. Fill pan 2/3 with water, add 1 tablespoon baking soda, boil 5 minutes.
Step 4: Season. Cool, wash again, then lightly coat interior with oil using paper towel.
Cooking Tips
- Use medium heat. 5-ply construction delivers strong heat—medium is sufficient. High heat damages coating.
- Preheat 1-2 minutes before adding oil for optimal nonstick performance.
- Use silicone or wood utensils to extend coating life 2-3x.
- Let pan cool before washing. Sudden temperature changes can cause warping.
The Bottom Line
The Altenbach Hexa 5-Ply Pan delivers premium performance at a mid-range price. At ₩44,000 KRW, you get 5-ply clad construction that rivals pans twice the cost, Excalibur coating that lasts 2-3+ years, and the hexa pattern that reduces oil usage by half.
Buy this if: You’re tired of replacing coated pans annually, cook for 3-4 people regularly, use an induction cooktop, or want healthier low-oil cooking.
Skip this if: You need ultralight cookware, can’t spare 10-15 minutes for first-use prep, or have a strict sub-₩30,000 budget.
With 86% of 324 reviewers highly satisfied, this pan represents exceptional long-term value. The higher upfront cost pays for itself within two years compared to annual pan replacements.