Hexclad pans can stick for a few reasons: cooking with too high of heat, improper preheating, not using enough cooking fat, or a buildup of burnt-on food and grease in the steel valleys. Because HexClad is a hybrid of stainless steel and non-stick, it requires a slightly different approach than typical non-stick pans.
🙌 Whether you've just received your first HexClad or treated yourself to an upgrade, here's how to get started: 1️⃣ Clean your new pan with warm, soapy water 2️⃣ Heat the pan on medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes 3️⃣ Spread 1 teaspoon of oil evenly around the interior of the pan 4️⃣ Let it heat for 2-3 minutes As you cook ...
The HexClad cookware controversy primarily centers on deceptive advertising regarding the "non-toxic" nature of its hybrid non-stick pans and a subsequent class-action lawsuit over their use of PTFE (often associated with "forever chemicals").
HexClad sticking is usually caused by built-up grease or an incorrect cooking temperature. To fix a sticky pan, deep clean the surface with a degreaser or baking soda, preheat the pan before cooking, use a little oil or butter, and re-season the cooking surface.
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.
HexClad pans are designed to last 5 to 10+ years. Because they feature a hybrid stainless steel and non-stick surface, they typically outlast traditional Teflon pans (which last 1-3 years), and are backed by the manufacturer's Lifetime Warranty.
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.
The Pan Isn't Properly Preheated
This is especially true with proteins like eggs, fish, or chicken, which tend to stick if they hit the pan too early. For ceramic surfaces, brief preheating on low to medium heat works best, while long dry preheats can create hot spots that increase sticking.
The key to these picture-perfect eggs is using low heat and enough fat to keep them from sticking to the pan. Place the pan over medium heat and add at least 1 tablespoon of oil or butter for every 2 eggs you plan to cook.
People often dislike HexClad primarily because it carries a premium price tag but acts as a "hybrid" with conflicting traits: you get the sticking of stainless steel and the eventual lifespan of a non-stick pan.
HexClad cookware is generally safe under normal use. Modern HexClad pans utilize a proprietary, PFAS-free TerraBond ceramic nonstick coating. To ensure safety, always cook on low-to-medium heat (keeping temperatures below 500°F), avoid using aerosol cooking sprays, and never heat an empty pan.
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HexClad offers a Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer's defects on its cookware, cutlery, and pepper grinders for the original purchaser. However, the warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, cosmetic changes, or damage caused by misuse, overheating, or improper cleaning.
Yes, you can use steel wool on HexClad. Because HexClad pans are built with a metal-utensil-safe hybrid surface, you can use steel wool to scrub off stuck-on food and stubborn oil buildup.
In family kitchens, non-stick pans are the first choice for many housewives and cooking enthusiasts because of their easy cleaning and anti-stick properties. However, professional chefs rarely use non-stick pans in kitchens, preferring stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel pans.
Throw away your non-stick pan immediately if the coating is chipped, flaking, or deeply scratched. You should also replace it if the pan is visibly warped, shows rust, or if food consistently sticks even after gentle heating and oiling.
Scrambled eggs stick to nonstick pans because the egg proteins form a chemical bond with the pan's metal base. This happens when the pan's protective nonstick coating is worn out, the cooking temperature is too high, or there isn't enough fat/oil to create a barrier between the egg and the surface.
If you're still experiencing sticking after owning the pans for an extended time, we recommend giving the pan a deep clean with a more abrasive sponge and then re-season the pan. Will my HexClad pans scratch? Yes, even a diamond can scratch!
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.
HexClad pans generally last 5 to 10+ years with regular use. Because they feature a hybrid stainless steel and non-stick surface, their lifespan is much longer than standard traditional non-stick pans (which usually last 1–5 years). However, the non-stick valleys will eventually wear down over time.
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.
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.
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.