Hexclad Pans: Safe For Birds?

Hexclad pans are marketed as a hybrid design, combining the benefits of stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick pans. However, the presence of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon) in the non-stick coating raises concerns about their safety for both humans and birds. While Hexclad claims to be PTFE-free, multiple sources, including a 2023 lawsuit, contradict this assertion.

PTFE releases toxic fumes when heated above 390°F (around 200°C), which can be lethal to birds and cause flu-like symptoms in humans. Therefore, if you own a pet bird, it is strongly advised not to use any PTFE cookware, including Hexclad.

For bird owners, the safest cookware options are stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic-coated pans. While these alternatives may require more maintenance and cooking oil, they eliminate the risk of PTFE toxicity, prioritising your bird's respiratory health.

Hexclad pans are not 100% bird-safe

PTFE begins to degrade at temperatures of 390°F and releases toxic fumes at 490°F. These fumes can cause "polymer fever" in humans and are lethal to birds. Therefore, it is essential to only use low-to-medium heat when cooking with Hexclad pans.

In addition to the temperature restrictions, the presence of PTFE means that Hexclad pans must be cared for properly to avoid damaging the non-stick coating. This includes avoiding the use of aerosol cooking spray and harsh detergents, as well as hand-washing the pans instead of putting them in the dishwasher.

While Hexclad pans are more durable than traditional non-stick pans, they are not as durable as pure stainless steel pans. The PTFE coating will eventually wear out, even with proper care, and high temperatures will accelerate this process.

Overall, Hexclad pans are a good option for those who are looking for a durable non-stick pan and are willing to follow the care and use restrictions that come with it. However, they are not a good choice for those who want the versatility and longevity of pure stainless steel cookware. For bird owners specifically, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks of using PTFE-coated cookware and to follow the recommended safety precautions.

Hexclad pans contain PTFE, which is toxic to birds

Hexclad pans are marketed as a "hybrid" of non-stick and stainless steel cookware. They feature a hexagonal lattice made of stainless steel over a non-stick coating, which contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon. While Hexclad claims that their non-stick coating is ceramic, they do acknowledge the presence of PTFE.

PTFE is toxic to birds, and the fumes released from an overheated PTFE pan can kill a bird in minutes, even if it is in another room. Therefore, if you own a pet bird, you should not use any PTFE cookware, including Hexclad pans.

While Hexclad pans are probably safe for humans when used correctly, there are still concerns about their safety. The non-stick coating will inevitably degrade over time, and the stainless steel lattice may make it harder to detect this deterioration. Additionally, the chemicals used to apply the PTFE coating are likely to be harmful, and similar to PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), a forever chemical that was previously used to make PTFE.

Overall, while Hexclad pans may be a more durable option than traditional non-stick cookware, they are not a good choice for bird owners due to the presence of PTFE.

PTFE fumes can kill birds in minutes

PTFE fumes are odourless and colourless, so bird owners may not realise their pet has been exposed. Signs of poisoning include agitation, rapid or laboured breathing, wheezing, weakness, coma, and seizures. In many cases, death occurs before or shortly after these signs develop.

To prevent PTFE poisoning, bird owners should avoid using non-stick products containing PTFE. If you do use these products, ensure the area is well-ventilated and keep birds in a separate room. Avoid overheating cookware containing PTFE, and never leave the cooking area unattended.

While some may claim that their birds have not been affected by PTFE fumes, case reports show bleeding and damage to the lungs of exposed birds, as well as death. Birds are good at hiding injury or sickness, so it is important to take precautions to keep them safe.

Hexclad pans are probably safe for humans

Hexclad pans are made of stainless steel, which is stable at high temperatures and relatively non-toxic. While there is some research suggesting that stainless steel can leach nickel, it is not considered a problem for regular, non-nickel sensitive individuals. Additionally, the aluminum in Hexclad pans is lined with stainless steel, so it shouldn't leach into food.

While the safety of PTFE is questionable, with some medical reviews suggesting it may be harmful to human health, other sources claim that ceramic non-stick pans, which are likely safer than Teflon non-stick pans, also contain PTFE.

Overall, while there are some concerns about the materials used in Hexclad pans, particularly the PTFE non-stick coating, the pans are likely safe for human use, especially when compared to traditional non-stick pans that may contain PFOA.

Hexclad pans are more durable than regular non-stick pans

Hexclad pans are a unique type of cookware that combines the benefits of stainless steel and non-stick pans. They are designed with a layer of stainless steel that is laser-etched in a honeycomb pattern, with the non-stick surface set back in the centre of each hexagon. This construction not only protects the non-stick surface from damage but also allows for high-heat searing, similar to that of stainless steel or cast-iron pans.

One of the biggest advantages of Hexclad pans is their durability. Traditional non-stick pans are prone to nicks and wear and tear, especially when used with metal utensils. However, Hexclad pans are built to withstand this kind of use. Their unique design, with raised steel guards, protects the non-stick surface from scratches and other damage. This makes Hexclad pans significantly more durable than regular non-stick pans, which typically have the shortest lifespan of any stovetop cookware.

In addition to their durability, Hexclad pans offer several other benefits. They are easy to clean, with food residue rinsing off easily, and they are dishwasher-safe. Hexclad pans also have good heat distribution, ensuring even cooking. The pans can also withstand high temperatures, withstanding heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven. This makes them suitable for a variety of cooking tasks, from stir-fries to omelettes.

While Hexclad pans excel in durability and offer multiple advantages, they do have one notable drawback. Despite their marketing claims, Hexclad pans do not sear as well as pure stainless steel pans. However, they still perform better than traditional non-stick pans in this regard. So, while a Hexclad pan may not be the only pan you need in your kitchen, it can certainly be a valuable addition, especially for those who value durability and ease of use.

Frequently asked questions