HexClad is generally considered safe and non-toxic under normal, everyday cooking conditions. Their hybrid cookware features a unique laser-etched stainless steel lattice that protects a proprietary nonstick coating, making it highly durable and designed to resist scratching.
Quick Answer: Under normal cooking conditions (below 500 °F), HexClad's pans are considered non‑toxic. Their raised stainless steel “peaks” protect a PFAS‑free ceramic coating (TerraBond™), while a very thin PTFE layer beneath is lab‑tested for PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS compounds.
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.
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.
The least toxic non-stick pans are pure ceramic (100% ceramic) or ceramic-coated cookware that are free from PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. For those willing to learn a few temperature tricks, cast iron and stainless steel are naturally non-toxic and become non-stick with use.
PFOA has been banned for years, so consider this label the bare minimum. Instead, look for nonstick coatings made without PFAS, or opt for cookware materials like stainless steel and pure ceramic that don't rely on a coating at all.
Stainless steel cookware is widely regarded as safe and non-toxic for everyday use. Stainless steel non-toxic cookware is a durable, corrosion-resistant alloy that's practical for a wide range of cooking tasks. By preheating your stainless steel pan and using a bit of oil you can help prevent food from sticking.
No. HexClad no longer uses PTFE.
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.
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, 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 primary downsides of ceramic coating are its high upfront cost, time-consuming paint preparation, and inability to protect against rock chips, dents, or deep scratches. Furthermore, it requires strict hand-washing routines, can actually increase water-spotting, and requires abrasive polishing to remove if applied improperly.
Non-stick pans may be an ideal choice in home kitchens, but in professional commercial kitchens, their safety, heat resistance, service life and cooking effect limitations make them unpopular with chefs.
HexClad officially transitioned away from using PTFE coatings in early 2024.
Even modern non-stick pans, typically labeled “PFOA-free,” may still release ultrafine plastics at high heat or contain PTFE. According to research, 79% of non-stick pans tested in 2023 were coated with PTFE, and PFAS exposure continues to concern toxicologists and cancer specialists.
HexClad's TerraBond™ coating is made from a proprietary ceramic formula that is free from PTFE, PFAS, lead, and cadmium....
HexClad pans are generally considered safe for everyday cooking under normal conditions (below 500°F). However, they do contain a PTFE-based non-stick coating, and they were the subject of a false advertising lawsuit regarding their chemical claims.
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 agreed to a $2.5 million class action settlement to resolve claims that it falsely advertised its cookware as "non-toxic," "metal utensil safe," and free from PFAS and PFOA.
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.
Yes, HexClad has transitioned its cookware to a new proprietary non-stick formulation called TerraBond™ which is completely PTFE-free and PFAS-free.
All-Clad was sued in a major class-action lawsuit for falsely advertising its premium stainless-steel cookware lines (such as D3, D5, and LTD) as "dishwasher safe".
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.
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.
Finding the best non-toxic frying pan depends on whether you want a zero-maintenance ceramic pan, an indestructible heavy-duty material, or a versatile hybrid. Top industry and expert recommendations emphasize options like the Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Fry Pan (approx. $125) for a beautiful, naturally slick ceramic surface, the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 (approx. $95) for an all-in-one multipurpose tool, and the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (approx. $25) for traditional, chemical-free cooking.