Hexclad Pans: Are They Non-Toxic?

Hexclad pans are marketed as a hybrid of non-stick and stainless steel cookware. They are endorsed by celebrity chefs and influencers and are priced at a premium. However, their non-stick coating contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a chemical that breaks down and releases toxic fumes at high temperatures. While the manufacturer claims that the pans are non-toxic, this claim has been disputed by experts and led to a lawsuit.

Hexclad pans contain PTFE, a chemical that breaks down at high temperatures and releases toxic fumes

Hexclad pans are marketed as a "hybrid" of non-stick and stainless steel cookware. However, they contain polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a chemical that can break down at high temperatures and release toxic fumes. PTFE is a synthetic chemical similar to Teflon, known for its smooth surface and non-stick properties. While PTFE is generally safer than PFOA (another chemical found in non-stick cookware), it can still pose health risks if heated above 500°F (260°C).

At high temperatures, PTFE begins to break down and release toxic fumes, which can cause illness. This is especially dangerous for individuals with respiratory issues and can be fatal to birds. The potential release of toxic fumes at high temperatures raises concerns about the safety of using Hexclad pans, especially since the manufacturer recommends using lower temperatures with their products.

The presence of PTFE in Hexclad cookware has led to controversies and legal disputes. Hexclad previously marketed its products as non-toxic, but this claim has been disputed by experts and legal opponents. The company was accused of greenwashing and faced a class action lawsuit in California federal court. As a result, Hexclad has removed non-toxic claims from its website.

While Hexclad pans may offer some advantages in terms of durability and scratch resistance, their PTFE coating and potential for releasing toxic fumes at high temperatures are significant concerns. It is essential for users to follow the recommended heat ranges and handle the cookware with care to minimise potential health risks associated with the breakdown of the PTFE coating.

The pans are coated with Teflon, which poses significant toxicity concerns

HexClad pans are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic chemical similar to Teflon. While the company initially marketed its products as non-toxic, sustainability experts and legal opponents disagree with these claims. The pans are now the subject of a class-action lawsuit in California, which includes allegations of greenwashing.

PTFE is known to break down at high temperatures, releasing toxic fumes that may cause illness. This is particularly dangerous for those with respiratory issues and can be fatal for birds. The chemical also has poor heat resistance, which can cause the pan to become less effective over time.

The potential health risks associated with PTFE are not limited to ingestion. The bigger concern is the release of microplastics and chemicals used to bond the coating to the pan, such as PFOAs, which can off-gas and cause sickness. There is also limited safety data on the newer generation of bonding chemicals, and with the disastrous effects of PFOAs, there is good reason to be highly skeptical.

The use of PTFE in HexClad pans poses significant toxicity concerns. Consumers and researchers have legitimate worries, backed by a significant amount of scientific research. It is essential to use HexClad cookware within the recommended heat ranges to avoid potential health risks.

Hexclad markets its pans as non-toxic, but experts and legal opponents disagree

Hexclad's FAQ and about pages no longer mention the non-toxic nature of its products. The company has faced a class-action lawsuit in California, alleging greenwashing and the use of "forever chemicals" like PFAS. Experts, such as sustainability expert Leigh Matthews, agree that PTFE is harmful to people, the environment, and pets.

Despite Hexclad's claims of high-quality, durable, and non-toxic cookware, the presence of PTFE in its products raises concerns about their safety. The breakdown of PTFE at high temperatures can release toxic fumes, which may cause illness and be especially dangerous for those with respiratory issues. Therefore, it is essential to follow recommended heat ranges and proper usage guidelines when using Hexclad cookware to minimize potential health risks.

The pans are not truly non-stick, and food can stick to the stainless steel webbing

Hexclad pans are marketed as combining the performance of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick pans. However, the reality is that food can sometimes stick to the stainless steel webbing, which means they are not truly non-stick.

The pans feature a hexagonal pattern, with raised stainless steel hexagons and "non-stick valleys" in between. This means that, unlike a fully non-stick pan, the non-stick surface is broken up by the stainless steel webbing. As a result, food can stick to the pan if it is not heated properly or oiled sufficiently. For example, fried eggs may stick to the pan if it hasn't been heated beforehand, but a quick squirt of oil can solve this issue. More delicate foods like crepes, on the other hand, can be cooked without butter or grease without sticking to the pan.

The hybrid design of Hexclad pans, therefore, comes with some drawbacks. The stainless steel webbing means that the pans cannot be truly non-stick, and users must be careful to heat the pan and use oil to prevent food from sticking. This may be inconvenient for those seeking the convenience of a fully non-stick pan.

In addition, the presence of stainless steel webbing may limit the ability to cook at higher temperatures, which is typically an advantage of stainless steel pans. Hexclad recommends cooking at lower temperatures to protect the non-stick coating, which may reduce the benefits of the stainless steel component.

Overall, while Hexclad pans offer a unique combination of stainless steel and non-stick features, the design may not fully deliver on the promise of a truly non-stick surface. Users must be mindful of proper heating and oiling to prevent food from sticking to the stainless steel webbing.

Hexclad pans are dishwasher-safe and more robust than other non-stick pans

Hexclad pans are marketed as a non-toxic, non-stick alternative to traditional PTFE pots and pans. However, they are made with PTFE, which is a subgroup of PFAS. As a result, some people do not consider them to be non-toxic.

Despite this, Hexclad pans are more robust than other non-stick pans. They are dishwasher-safe, and can be used with metal utensils and steel wool. The company also offers a lifetime warranty for the pans, although this does not cover the non-stick surface.

The Hexclad pan's durability has been demonstrated by Serious Eats Commerce Editor Grace Kelly, who has used hers since 2016 without any damage. The company's website also features testimonials from customers who have used their pans daily for a year without issues.

However, some customers have complained about the non-stick coating flaking and peeling off. One customer reported that they had to get their pans replaced every few months. Another customer noted that the pans are not truly non-stick, and that food will stick to the pan without the use of oil or proper heating.

In conclusion, while Hexclad pans may be more durable and dishwasher-safe, there are concerns about the potential release of toxic fumes if the pans are overheated.

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