You should only buy HexClad if you want an ultra-durable hybrid pan and are willing to pay a premium. However, if you want a true non-stick surface for eggs or a traditional smooth searing surface, you might be disappointed.
The Nonstick Ability Was (Mostly) Good
“The HexClad offers the best durability I've ever seen in a nonstick pan, I'll allow it that,” he says. “But where it falls short is in its claim that it's just as nonstick as any other nonstick pan. In my experience, it is not.” Food does stick a little in Hexclad pans.
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 does more than just endorse HexClad—he is an equity partner and prominent face of the brand. He regularly uses their hybrid cookware across his restaurants, at home, and on his television shows.
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.
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.
Eggs are likely sticking to your HexClad pan because of a cold pan or missing lubrication. Because HexClad pans use a hybrid stainless steel and non-stick grid, they must be preheated and require a little oil or butter to achieve their non-stick properties.
Gordon Ramsay was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. He underwent successful surgery to have the cancerous cells removed from his jawline and used the opportunity to share photos of his stitches and a public service announcement encouraging fans to wear sunscreen.
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.
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.
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 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.
Hexclad pans are popular for their hybrid, metal-utensil-safe design, but they are expensive and have faced controversies over nonstick coating safety. Depending on your cooking goals, you can get better performance, durability, or value by choosing traditional stainless steel, premium ceramic nonstick, or direct hybrid alternatives.
High-end pots and pans prioritize commercial-grade materials, superior heat distribution, and long-term durability. Top-tier stainless steel, multi-clad copper, and enameled cast iron define this category. Prices range from roughly $700 to upwards of $5,000 for comprehensive, heirloom-quality sets.
Stop Scraping the Pan — Here's How Professional Chefs Keep Eggs From Sticking | Learn more at the link in the comments! Slow and low heat. Butter + oil = no burn Or butter only- beurre noisette is best, for flavor. Tip- Small amount of water (if dipping) and cover- to steam.
This especially applies to HexClad pans. Their Hybrid surface distributes heat fast, so cranking it up to high heat isn't necessary and can actually make food stick. Preheat the pan. Always let your pan heat up slightly before adding food.
Both cast iron and stainless steel are considered healthy, non-toxic cookware options that avoid synthetic PFOA/PTFE coatings. Cast iron is healthier for increasing dietary iron, ideal for those with deficiencies, but requires maintenance to avoid rust. Stainless steel is better for daily, low-maintenance cooking as it is non-reactive, durable, and won't rust or leach heavy metals.
The healthiest cookware materials are cast iron, 100% ceramic, and stainless steel. They do not leach harmful synthetic chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, or PTFE (Teflon). For non-stick convenience without the toxins, ceramic-coated cookware is the best modern alternative.
If you're comparing cast iron vs ceramic cookware, here's the short answer: cast iron excels at heat retention and long-term durability, while ceramic nonstick cookware is lighter, easier to maintain, and designed for everyday cooking. Neither is universally better. They simply serve different purposes.
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:
Yes, Costco sells HexClad cookware. However, it is not a standard, everyday inventory item. You can buy it through two specific methods:
Gordon Ramsay's first move on Kitchen Nightmares was to slash 70% of the menu. His 10-6-4 rule (10 entrees, 6 appetizers, 4 desserts max) isn't arbitrary. Why? Because too many choices create decision paralysis.