Yes, many chefs use non-stick pans, but typically only for specific tasks like cooking delicate foods (e.g., French omelettes, over-easy eggs, or flaky fish) to prevent them from breaking.
The Materials Behind Gordon Ramsay's Favorite Cookware
It's tri-ply, Hybrid ceramic nonstick cookware.
Lower durability. Non-stick pan coatings (such as Teflon) are easily damaged and peeled off at high temperatures, and commercial kitchens often need to cook quickly at high temperatures.
Most professional chefs rely on stainless steel and carbon steel cookware. Stainless steel is prized for its durability and even heat distribution, while carbon steel is favored for its lighter weight and high-heat tolerance. They rarely use non-stick pans, as the coatings cannot withstand daily commercial use.
Instead of synthetic non-stick pans, chefs primarily rely on stainless steel, seasoned cast iron, and carbon steel. These materials last a lifetime, can handle high heat without releasing chemicals, and are capable of developing deep, flavorful crusts on proteins.
Yes, most traditional nonstick cookware is still coated with Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE), which is a type of PFAS "forever chemical". While the dangerous binding chemical PFOA was phased out in 2013, modern nonstick pans still use PTFE and alternative, similar chemicals that can release fumes if overheated.
Michelin-starred chefs use a mix of commercial-grade and high-end consumer cookware. Their everyday workhorses depend heavily on culinary needs, but they almost universally prioritize the following types of pans:
Gordon Ramsay’s favorite and exclusively endorsed cookware is HexClad.
Jamie Oliver and Tefal are a winning combination: Jamie brings the knowledge and passion for food; Tefal brings the quality and technology. Together they make products that make cooking from scratch a joy. “I've been working with Tefal for nearly two decades now.
Avoid old nonstick (Teflon) pans, uncoated aluminum, unlined copper, and damaged ceramic cookware. These can leach toxic chemicals (like PFAS) or heavy metals (like lead and cadmium) into your food. Always replace any pan that has chipped, scratched, or severely degraded cooking surfaces.
Teflon, which contains PFOA, is not banned in Europe; however, strict regulations limit its use due to health and environmental concerns. As consumer awareness increases, many are looking for safer alternatives to Teflon cookware.
Non-stick pans (like Teflon) are often considered problematic because their non-stick coatings are made using PFAS, or "forever chemicals". When overheated, these pans can release toxic fumes. When scratched, they can leach microplastics into your food. They also have a shorter lifespan compared to other cookware.
Ceramic is generally considered safer than Teflon. Ceramic coatings are made from natural materials (like silica/sand) and are completely free of PFAS, PTFE, and PFOA. Teflon, while considered safe at lower temperatures, can release toxic fumes if overheated.
The safest frying pans use materials that are naturally non-toxic, heat-stable, and free of PFAS, PTFE, and heavy metals. Top recommendations are pure cast iron for unmatched durability, high-quality stainless steel for versatility, and ceramic-coated pans for easy, chemical-free non-stick cooking.
Gordon Ramsay was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common form of skin cancer.
No, HexClad and Teflon are not the same thing. Teflon is a brand name for a synthetic chemical coating (PTFE), while HexClad is a hybrid cookware that blends stainless steel and nonstick elements.
Jamie Oliver has been diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning difficulty that primarily affects reading and spelling. He was diagnosed as an adult after struggling significantly with his education as a child.
Nigella only uses a black frying pan and this is the Alessi Mami frying pan. The pan is non-stick and comes in four sizes. It is available on-line and in some cookware stores. This is the pan that Nigella uses in Nigellissima for toasting pecan nuts.
Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay fell out over a series of public jabs that began in 2009 when Oliver publicly criticized Ramsay for making derogatory comments about an Australian TV journalist. The conflict was fueled by ongoing rivalry, with Ramsay insulting Oliver's cooking and calling him "fat," while Oliver made comments about Ramsay's family.
Professional chefs typically use All-Clad for premium stainless steel and brands like de Buyer or Lodge for carbon steel and cast iron. Rather than expensive, household non-stick sets, restaurant kitchens usually rely on budget-friendly commercial aluminum pans (like Winco or Vollrath) because they are inexpensive and heat up quickly.
HexClad pans are generally not worth the premium price tag for most home cooks. While their hybrid design successfully combines stainless steel searing with non-stick convenience, you often end up with the drawbacks of both: the stickiness of stainless steel and the shorter lifespan of traditional non-stick.
Yes, Gordon Ramsay continues to be the primary celebrity ambassador for HexClad cookware. He uses the brand extensively in his home kitchen, on television shows like Next Level Chef and Hell's Kitchen, and in his official social media.
Avoid any non-stick pans coated with Teflon, PTFE, or "forever chemicals" (PFAS), especially if they are scratched or pre-2014. You should also steer clear of unlined copper, uncoated aluminum, and cheap "ceramic" non-stick pans with degrading coatings.
Celebrity chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay is famous for holding 17 Michelin stars across his career, and he currently holds 7 active stars.
Gen Z is shifting toward stainless steel—both as consumers and as career professionals—driven by a desire for health safety, environmental sustainability, and practical, long-lasting value. This pivot encompasses both daily lifestyle choices and broader career moves.