HexClad’s current cookware lines feature their proprietary TerraBond™ ceramic non-stick coating, which is completely free of PTFE, PFOA, and other forever chemicals.
HexClad officially transitioned away from using PTFE coatings in early 2024.
Our cookware products use our proprietary HEXCLAD TERRABOND™ ceramic nonstick coating, which is PTFE-free and PFAS-free.
HexClad pans manufactured recently are PTFE-free, as the company transitioned to a proprietary HexClad TerraBond ceramic coating. However, older versions of HexClad cookware did contain a thin layer of PTFE (Teflon) beneath the laser-etched stainless steel.
HexClad is PFOA-free, but traditional HexClad pans do contain PTFE (a type of synthetic nonstick polymer). However, they have recently introduced a ceramic line (TerraBond) that is completely PTFE-free.
HexClad faced a class-action lawsuit (Cliburn v. One Source to Market, LLC) that alleged the company engaged in false advertising regarding the materials used in their hybrid cookware.
HexClad pans are generally considered safe under normal cooking conditions (below 500°F). However, they feature a hybrid non-stick surface containing PTFE. If overheated, the coating can release toxic fumes. Health experts advise against them for high-heat searing and caution users to avoid metal utensils to prevent microplastics from scratching into food.
PTFE (commonly known as Teflon) is generally safe for everyday cooking, but you should avoid it if you frequently cook at high heats, use metal utensils, or own pet birds. When overheated, it releases toxic fumes; when scratched, it flakes microplastics into your food.
Common HexClad complaints center on poor non-stick performance, steep prices, and a frustrating warranty process. The brand's heavily marketed hybrid pans—which combine stainless steel peaks with non-stick valleys—often fail to live up to the hype for everyday cooks.
The healthiest, least toxic cookware materials are 100% stainless steel, seasoned cast iron, carbon steel, and 100% pure ceramic. These options are free from harmful forever chemicals (PFAS, PTFE), heavy metals, and synthetic coatings that can degrade or leach into your food.
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.
Ceramic pans are free of PFAS, PTFE, and PFOA—so they're safer for you and the environment[1][2][3][4]. They hold up to heat and daily use, outperforming Teflon in pretty much every durability study[4][6]. If you're serious about healthier, more reliable cooking, switching to ceramic just makes sense.
Yes, HexClad has transitioned its cookware to a new proprietary non-stick formulation called TerraBond™ which is completely PTFE-free and PFAS-free.
PTFE (commonly known as Teflon) is chemically a type of PFAS, but it is much safer than the toxic, bioaccumulative "forever chemicals" (like PFOA or PFOS). In its stable, solid form, PTFE is considered non-toxic, doesn't accumulate in the body, and poses no known health risks for the end user.
HexClad and All-Clad are both premium brands, but they serve different cooking styles. HexClad features a hybrid stainless-steel/nonstick mesh designed for searing and metal utensil use. All-Clad offers traditional, specialized nonstick lines that prioritize foolproof, effortless food release and delicate cooking.
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.
Yes, Gordon Ramsay is a major partner and vocal endorser of HexClad. He frequently features their hybrid pans on his television shows, in his cookbooks, and across his social media, famously calling them the "Rolls-Royce of pans".
All current HexClad cookware is PFAS-free, PFOA-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free. Their newest models feature the proprietary TerraBond ceramic non-stick coating, which is completely PTFE-free. Older iterations contained PTFE, so ensure you are purchasing the latest ceramic hybrid line.
HexClad faced a major class-action false advertising lawsuit, Cliburn v. One Source to Market, LLC, which was settled for $2.5 million.
PTFE (often known by the brand name Teflon) does not cause cancer. In its solid state, PTFE is inert, non-toxic, and too large for the body to absorb. However, cancer concerns previously arose from PFOA, a separate chemical once used in PTFE manufacturing.
The safest nonstick coatings are ceramic (sol-gel based) and seasoned cast iron or carbon steel. Ceramic coatings are naturally free of PTFE, PFOA, and PFAS chemicals, while cast iron creates its own safe, natural nonstick layer through the polymerization of cooking oils.
Consumer studies and independent laboratory testing have found that Ziploc brand bags do not contain detectable levels of PFAS ("forever chemicals").
HexClad officially transitioned away from using PTFE coatings in early 2024.
Cast iron, carbon steel, and uncoated stainless steel are considered the least toxic cookware types. Because they contain no chemical coatings, they are completely free of PFAS, PTFE, lead, and cadmium. When cared for properly, cast iron and carbon steel even develop a naturally non-stick surface.
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.