HexClad pans are generally not worth the premium price tag for most home cooks. While they offer decent hybrid cooking performance and high durability, independent tests show they suffer from the pitfalls of both materials: the stickiness of stainless steel and the eventual degradation of non-stick coatings.
I've also tested carbon-steel skillets, cast-iron skillets, and nonstick cookware at the Good Housekeeping Institute. TL;DR: HexClad cookware performs well if you care for it properly and cook with a bit of fat, which seems to be a sticking point (ahem) for people.
Yes, Gordon Ramsay does more than just endorse HexClad—he is an equity partner and prominent face of the brand. He regularly uses their hybrid cookware across his restaurants, at home, and on his television shows.
The HexClad cookware controversy primarily centers on deceptive advertising regarding the "non-toxic" nature of its hybrid non-stick pans and a subsequent class-action lawsuit over their use of PTFE (often associated with "forever chemicals").
HexClad pans combine stainless steel and non-stick surfaces, but come with notable drawbacks. Key cons include a very steep price tag, lackluster non-stick performance compared to dedicated non-stick pans, staining, and controversy regarding prior PTFE marketing.
The lawsuit against HexClad is a false advertising class action over claims that its cookware was "PFAS-free," "PFOA-free," and "non-toxic," despite allegedly containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or "forever chemicals") and PTFE.
Will my HexClad pans scratch? Yes, even a diamond can scratch! Metal spatulas, whisks, spoons, and other metal utensils are fine, but sharp utensils could leave a scratch. If this happens it is only cosmetic, and it will not affect the performance or safety of the cookware.
The healthiest pans to cook in are cast iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel. These materials are naturally free of synthetic chemicals (like PFAS or Teflon), last a lifetime, and won't leach toxins into your food.
To keep eggs from sticking to your HexClad pan, always preheat the pan on medium-low heat first. Add a small amount of butter or oil, and ensure the eggs are completely set at the edges before attempting to move or flip them.
Yes, Gordon Ramsay has an ownership stake in HexClad. He initially joined the brand as an equity partner in 2021. In July 2024, he expanded his ownership by making a $100-million strategic investment through Studio Ramsay Global.
Avoid traditional non-stick pans with worn coatings or synthetic "forever chemicals" (PFAS), as well as unlined copper and reactive aluminum. Scratched or overheated pans release toxic fumes or leach heavy metals into your food.
Yes, Costco sells HexClad cookware. However, it is not a standard, everyday inventory item. You can buy it through two specific methods:
Gordon Ramsay was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. He underwent successful surgery to have the cancerous cells removed from his jawline and used the opportunity to share photos of his stitches and a public service announcement encouraging fans to wear sunscreen.
HexClad cookware is PFOA-free, but it depends on the specific line you own. Traditional lines use a PTFE-based coating, while newer releases utilize a PFAS-free ceramic surface.
Both cast iron and pure ceramic are highly inert, non-toxic cookware options that eliminate the dangers of traditional PFAS or Teflon coatings. Cast iron adds dietary iron to food but requires seasoning. Pure ceramic is completely chemical-free but more fragile.
Hexclad pans are popular for their hybrid, metal-utensil-safe design, but they are expensive and have faced controversies over nonstick coating safety. Depending on your cooking goals, you can get better performance, durability, or value by choosing traditional stainless steel, premium ceramic nonstick, or direct hybrid alternatives.
Stop Scraping the Pan — Here's How Professional Chefs Keep Eggs From Sticking | Learn more at the link in the comments! Slow and low heat. Butter + oil = no burn Or butter only- beurre noisette is best, for flavor. Tip- Small amount of water (if dipping) and cover- to steam.
Both cast iron and stainless steel are considered healthy, non-toxic cookware options that avoid synthetic PFOA/PTFE coatings. Cast iron is healthier for increasing dietary iron, ideal for those with deficiencies, but requires maintenance to avoid rust. Stainless steel is better for daily, low-maintenance cooking as it is non-reactive, durable, and won't rust or leach heavy metals.
HexClad pans are nonstick but perform best with a slight bit of butter or oil. Also, adding a bit of fat adds extra flavor for a better egg. A win-win.
In family kitchens, non-stick pans are the first choice for many housewives and cooking enthusiasts because of their easy cleaning and anti-stick properties. However, professional chefs rarely use non-stick pans in kitchens, preferring stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel pans.
Comparing HexClad and Le Creuset is like comparing an electric sports car to a vintage cast-iron Dutch oven; they serve entirely different purposes in the kitchen. The best choice depends on what you cook most and how much maintenance you are willing to handle.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the fluoropolymer used to create Teflon coatings, and some of the chemicals used to manufacture it, have been linked with certain types of cancer, infertility, and other negative health outcomes.
Yes, you can absolutely ruin a HexClad pan. While they are built with a raised steel lattice designed to protect the underlying non-stick coating, they are not indestructible.
Symptoms of Teflon flu or polymer fume fever include chills, fever, fatigue, headache, body aches, and occasional chest tightness and airway irritation. People with underlying lung diseases such as asthma are more likely to develop respiratory symptoms.
HexClad pans combine stainless steel and non-stick surfaces, but come with notable drawbacks. Key cons include a very steep price tag, lackluster non-stick performance compared to dedicated non-stick pans, staining, and controversy regarding prior PTFE marketing.