Is HexClad safe? Because HexClad includes PTFE in its products, HexClad cookware does not appear to be safe to use at home or otherwise. PTFE notoriously holds up poorly at high temperatures, breaking down and leaching toxic fumes that can cause illness.
HexClad is non-toxic.
Other experts and legal opponents disagree with the claims made by the brand about its non-toxic cookware. Sustainability expert Leigh Matthews writes in LeafScore that HexClad utilizes polytetrafluoroethylene (also known as PTFE) in its cookware.
Is HexClad cookware safe? HexClad describes its nonstick coating as a "Japanese coating infused with diamond dust." The company states that its pans are PFOA-free, though they do contain PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known by the brand name Teflon.
“HexClad's intriguing look, design, and hybrid technology caught my eye about a year ago,” says Gordon Ramsay. “I use the pans at home, and the combination of stainless steel and non-stick functionality is amazing. It's highly versatile and cooks exceptionally well.
Don't: Assume that high heat is best.
HexClad pans do best over low to medium heat. High heat can cause oil to burn and cause build up on your pans. This can make the pans harder to clean.
HexClad Cookware advertises its nonstick pans as free from harmful chemicals. But, according to recent reports, HexClad may be using a chemical compound called PTFE as a non-stick coating on its pans. PTFE is a type of PFA, or “forever” chemical, that can build up in the human body and does not break down over time.
At normal cooking temperatures, PTFE-coated cookware releases various gases and chemicals that present mild to severe toxicity. Only few studies describe the toxicity of PTFE but without solid conclusions. The toxicity and fate of ingested PTFE coatings are also not understood.
Our products are designed in Los Angeles and South Korea. Like the vast majority of cookware and other products today, our products are manufactured in China.
For our recommendations, we stick to stainless steel, cast iron, and enamel or ceramic coatings. If you're making the switch from traditional nonstick cookware, you should look into ceramic or enameled cookware. These coatings tend to hold up for years, especially if you cook over medium to low heat.
While he's released pots and pans in the past, over the last few years, Flay has given his seal of approval to cookware from one of our favorite brands, GreenPan. And now, the two have worked together to create the new Bobby Flay by GreenPan collection, available exclusively at Target.
Remember that HexClad pans work best when they're used over low and medium heat, rather than high heat. That's because HexClad's hybrid design distributes heat faster and more evenly. High heat might cause food to stick, disturbing the seasoning.
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is a polymer used to make coatings of kitchen utensils non-stick. It is more commonly known as Teflon™. PFOA is a chemical substance that was used in the past as an additive for the production of PTFE.
HexClad says its pans are designed to last a whole lifetime, which is backed by the manufacturer's lifetime warranty for defects. However, it does make clear that the warranty doesn't cover damage incurred by improper care or use – so it's worth making a note of the care and cleaning instructions advised by the brand.
However, sometime in 2024, Hexclad ditched the PTFE and began offering the same pans just with a “high-grade proprietary ceramic nonstick called TerraBond™ which is PTFE-free and free from forever chemicals.”
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.
Unless you've been on a social media blackout for the last five years, you've probably heard of HexClad, the maker of the world's coolest pans. The company, which had revenues of almost $400m last year, is part owned by Gordon Ramsay and was included in Oprah Winfrey's coveted list of her Favourite Things.
“Glass, like Pyrex cookware, is a safe option,” Perko said. “Cast iron is a safe option if NOT frying or using high-temperature cooking. If you have or can use or purchase stainless steel pots and pans, they are healthier choices for long-term/lifetime use.”
Then, we removed GreenPan entirely from our list of non-toxic cookware. There were two primary reasons: Competing brands began providing independent laboratory testing to prove their products are non-toxic. We became aware of lawsuits against GreenPan that cast doubt on the company's marketing claims.
Does HexClad have Teflon in it? Teflon is a proprietary brand of PTFE made by Chemours that is not used by HexClad. Instead, the brand now uses ceramic to coat the nonstick valleys of its cookware.
HexClad cookware is considered safe for health when used below 500°F. It is free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and features a PTFE non-stick coating, which is FDA-approved for use at temperatures below 500°F to avoid toxic fumes.
While both synthetic chemicals are classified as PFAS and share a number of properties, PTFE is broadly considered safe to use. PFOA, on the other hand, has been declared carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.
Concerns and Considerations
Environmental Impact: The manufacturing process of PTFE can lead to the release of harmful substances like PFOA, a type of PFAS. Health Risks: While PTFE is stable, overheating it can release fumes that might cause flu-like symptoms in humans, sometimes referred to as "Teflon flu."
ceramic is among the safest material for pans
From dishes, to glasses, bakeware and cookware, ceramic bakeware is our pick for the best cookware material for health thanks to its non-reactive nature and resistance to high temperatures and acidic foods. Plus it's so pretty!
In general, you want to replace nonstick pans after five years.