Because HexClad pans feature a unique hybrid stainless steel and non-stick laser-etched surface, you can safely use more aggressive scrubbing methods and cleaners. For burnt-on residue, start by boiling water in the pan. For tougher stains, scrub the area vigorously with a metal scouring pad or Bar Keeper's Friend.
To fix a burnt HexClad pan, dissolve the stubborn residue by boiling 1-2 inches of water and dish soap (or water and white vinegar) in the pan. Once cool, scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or a scouring pad. For tough scorch marks, use Bar Keepers Friend or a fine steel wool pad (like SOS) and rinse thoroughly.
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.
Fill your burnt pot with warm water, a drop of dish soap and a dryer sheet. Let it soak for 15 minutes (or overnight if the damage is dramatic). Then wipe clean with a non-abrasive sponge. It's bizarre, but it works.
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.
No. HexClad no longer uses PTFE.
Common HexClad complaints focus on food sticking, misleading warranty restrictions, and coating degradation. Additionally, the brand faced a $2.5 million false advertising settlement regarding claims that their pans were entirely free of toxic non-stick chemicals like PTFE.
HexClad's products are created to last a lifetime.
You should not use Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) on the cooking surface of your Hexclad pan, though it is safe for the outside and rim. BKF is mildly abrasive and can degrade or strip the non-stick coating between the etched steel hexagons.
Getting that burnt black residue out of your pan is easy with a simple baking soda and vinegar boil. For a basic clean, coat the bottom with a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar, boil for 5-10 minutes, then add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda. Let it cool, then easily wipe away the loosened burn marks.
So, are Hex Clad pans safe to cook with? HexClad states that its pans are PFOA-free and do not release toxic fumes, even at high heat. However, like many hybrid non-stick surfaces, the pans still contain a PTFE-based coating (commonly known as Teflon), which may degrade at very high temperatures (above 500°F).
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.
For everyday cleaning, we recommend hand washing with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. While HexClad pots and pans are dishwasher safe, using a dishwasher may cause your cookware to look dull or black over time. Additionally, phosphate-free detergents can etch or even pockmark the surface of the metal.
Restoring HexClad pans typically involves removing baked-on carbon or oil buildup, which is the most common cause of food sticking. To bring back the pan's non-stick properties, you can deep-clean the surface and re-season it following a few simple steps.
Method 1: pour one part white vinegar**, two parts water into the damaged pot/ pan and boil it. * While it simmers, use a wooden spoon to scrape the residue off the bottom of the pot or pan and optionally mix in a tablespoon of baking soda. Leave for 5-10 minutes and then pour the liquid away.
You've got this.
Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful cleaner that works wonders on stainless steel, glass, and porcelain, but its active ingredient (oxalic acid) and abrasive nature can ruin delicate and porous surfaces. Never use it on cast iron, non-stick cookware, marble, granite, wood, leather, or painted surfaces.
Brown stains on non-stick pans are usually caused by built-up, burnt-on cooking oils. To remove them safely without damaging the coating, create a cleaning paste using baking soda and water or vinegar, let it sit on the stain, and scrub gently with a soft sponge.
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.
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, 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.
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.
HexClad officially transitioned away from using PTFE coatings in early 2024.