Hex Clad Pans: Safe Or Not?

Hexclad is a popular cookware brand that has been sued for deceptive marketing. The brand markets its products as hybrid cookware that combines the benefits of stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick pans. However, there are concerns about the safety of its non-stick coating, which contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a type of PFAS chemical. While ingesting small amounts of PTFE is not considered toxic, the chemicals used to bond it to the pan and the microplastics that may shed from scratches are potentially harmful to human health. Additionally, the durability and effectiveness of Hexclad pans have been questioned by customers and reviewers, who report that food sticks to the pans despite proper seasoning and care. Overall, while Hexclad may be more durable than some alternatives, its safety and performance do not seem to justify the high price tag.

Hexclad pans are coated with PTFE, a type of PFAS forever chemical

PTFE is associated with negative health effects, including reduced immunity, increased risk of allergies and asthma in children, and endocrine disruption. The use of PTFE in cookware has been the subject of lawsuits, with Hexclad facing legal action in California for allegedly making false claims about their products being PFAS-free.

The safety of PTFE is questionable, and it is considered a "forever chemical" due to its persistence in the environment. While Hexclad cookware may be more durable than some alternatives, the potential health risks associated with PTFE exposure make it a less desirable option for those seeking non-toxic and sustainable cookware.

Overall, while Hexclad pans may offer some convenience and durability, the presence of PTFE as a coating raises concerns about its potential impact on human health. It is essential to consider the possible risks associated with using cookware coated with PTFE and make informed decisions about the products we use in our daily lives.

The State of California has sued Hexclad over allegations of PFAS contamination

Hexclad is a popular cookware brand that has been sued by the State of California over allegations of PFAS contamination. The lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court for Alameda County, California, names more than 100 current and former manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as defendants. PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals", have been linked to various adverse health effects, including cancer, thyroid disease, and infertility.

The State of California's lawsuit against Hexclad and other PFAS manufacturers alleges that the defendants created, marketed, and sold PFAS compounds directly or indirectly. California seeks to hold these manufacturers liable for widespread PFAS contamination throughout the state, including alleged damages to soils, sediments, groundwater, surface waters, wildlife, and drinking water. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, damages, penalties, restitution, and abatement, as well as statewide treatment and destruction of PFAS.

The lawsuit is not an isolated incident, as North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Illinois have also sued primary and secondary manufacturers of PFAS and PFAS-containing products for alleged environmental damage and harmful exposure. These lawsuits signal a growing trend of states taking aggressive legal action against manufacturers of PFAS and certain secondary manufacturers. The science and law surrounding PFAS are evolving, and companies involved in or at risk of litigation or state enforcement actions may need to consider proactive strategies to assess and minimise their exposure to PFAS and PFAS-containing products.

In conclusion, the State of California's lawsuit against Hexclad and other PFAS manufacturers is part of a broader effort to address the environmental and health impacts of PFAS contamination. The lawsuit seeks to hold manufacturers accountable for their role in the widespread contamination of PFAS in California and other states. While the outcome of the lawsuit remains to be seen, it highlights the growing concern over the use and distribution of PFAS-containing products.

Hexclad pans may not be as non-stick as advertised

Hexclad pans are advertised as having "the performance of stainless steel, the durability of cast iron, and the convenience of nonstick". However, some users have found that they are not as non-stick as advertised.

The pans feature an innovative design, with a surface of hexagons made of etched, raised stainless steel. Between the steel hexagons are "nonstick valleys", made from a PTFE non-stick coating. The idea is that the steel allows for high surface heat when searing, while the non-stick valleys prevent food from sticking.

However, the combination of these two materials means that the pans are not as non-stick as traditional non-stick pans. The stainless steel hexagons mean that you need to heat the pan properly and use oil, otherwise, food is likely to stick. For example, one reviewer found that their over-easy eggs stuck to the pan, even though they followed the seasoning instructions. Another reviewer found that their fried eggs only cooked without sticking once they added oil to the pan.

The Hexclad website states that their patented design "allows heat to distribute faster and more evenly", meaning that you can cook at lower temperatures. However, this is disappointing to some users who want to be able to use the stainless steel at higher temperatures. As one reviewer points out, with a traditional stainless steel pan, you need to heat the pan to a high temperature before adding oil to get a good sear. But with the Hexclad pans, heating the pan to a high temperature could damage the PTFE non-stick surface.

So, while the Hexclad pans do offer some non-stick benefits, they are not as non-stick as traditional non-stick pans, and this is something that potential buyers should be aware of.

Hexclad pans are dishwasher-safe and more durable than Caraway Home pans

Hexclad and Caraway Home are two popular cookware brands that offer non-stick and scratch-resistant cookware with even heat distribution. However, when it comes to durability and dishwasher safety, Hexclad pans have a clear advantage over Caraway Home pans.

Hexclad pans are known for their unique hybrid design, combining the durability of stainless steel with the convenience of a non-stick coating. The tri-ply construction of Hexclad pans, consisting of an aluminum core sandwiched between layers of stainless steel, makes them heftier and more robust than Caraway Home pans. This construction also allows for superior heat conduction, resulting in more consistent cooking results. Additionally, Hexclad pans are dishwasher-safe, making them a convenient choice for those who want an easy cleanup.

On the other hand, Caraway Home pans are made of ceramic-coated aluminum with a steel base for induction compatibility. While the ceramic coating provides a non-stick surface, it is more delicate and prone to scratching. Caraway Home pans are not dishwasher-safe, and proper care is required to maintain their longevity. Users must avoid using metal utensils, temperature shocks, or cleaning with steel wool to ensure the pans last a long time.

The durability of Hexclad pans is further evident in their scratch resistance. The non-stick coating on Hexclad pans is protected by the tri-ply stainless steel construction, making it resistant to scratches from metal utensils. Caraway Home pans, on the other hand, are more susceptible to scratches and require the use of silicone or wooden utensils to prevent damage.

In summary, Hexclad pans are a better choice than Caraway Home pans if you are looking for durability and dishwasher safety. The tri-ply construction of Hexclad pans makes them heftier, more robust, and better at heat conduction. Additionally, the non-stick coating on Hexclad pans is more scratch-resistant and can withstand the use of metal utensils. While Caraway Home pans offer a non-stick surface, they require more careful handling and are not as durable or convenient to clean.

Hexclad pans are more expensive than other non-stick pans

The high price of Hexclad pans is attributed to their “hybrid” design, which combines the performance of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick. However, some reviews claim that the pans are not as non-stick as claimed and that the durability is questionable.

In addition, Hexclad pans have been the subject of a class-action lawsuit, with plaintiffs alleging that the company engaged in deceptive marketing by claiming to be PFAS-free when their products contain PTFE, a type of PFAS chemical. This lawsuit is particularly concerning as it calls into question the safety and honesty of the Hexclad brand.

While Hexclad pans may be more durable than some other non-stick options, their high price, questionable performance, and potential safety concerns make them a less attractive choice for consumers. It is recommended to invest in a sturdy stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron skillet instead, as these options are more versatile, durable, and can provide a nice sear on meats.

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