Tiffany Haney
HexClad markets its pans as non-toxic, with celebrity endorsements from the likes of Gordon Ramsay. However, the brand has faced scrutiny for its use of PTFE, a chemical that breaks down at high temperatures and releases toxic fumes. In 2024, HexClad quietly switched to using a ceramic non-stick coating, which is considered safer than PTFE. While the new coating addresses toxicity concerns, the lack of transparency around the change and the ongoing issues with durability and heat sensitivity have left some customers disappointed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Non-stick | Yes, since 2024 HexClad has used a ceramic coating instead of PTFE. |
| Toxicity | HexClad markets its pans as non-toxic, but there have been no tests to confirm this. |
| Warranty | HexClad offers a lifetime warranty for its pans, but this has been disputed by customers. |
| Heat resistance | The ceramic coating should not be heated above 500 °F. |
| Durability | HexClad pans are durable, but the ceramic coating may get scratched and lose its non-stick qualities over time. |
| Price | HexClad pans are expensive, with a 12-inch skillet costing $200. |
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What You'll Learn
Hexclad pans are marketed as non-toxic
Previously, Hexclad pans were made with PTFE, a type of Teflon. At high temperatures, PTFE breaks down and releases toxic fumes, which can cause polymer fume fever, a condition with flu-like symptoms, and can also be deadly to birds. In 2024, Hexclad quietly switched to using a ceramic non-stick coating, which is PTFE-free and free from forever chemicals. However, this change was not transparent, and it is still difficult for customers to determine the exact materials used in Hexclad pans.
The new ceramic coating has been praised as a step in the right direction, but it has also raised concerns about the lack of guidance on safe oven use. While the marketing claims that the ceramic-coated pans are oven-safe, some reviewers advise against using them in the oven due to the risk of the ceramic cracking or the latticework loosening. Additionally, the ceramic coating may not perform as well as the PTFE coating in terms of non-stick properties, and it is recommended that users avoid heating the pans above medium-high heat (500 degrees F) to prevent damage to the ceramic.
Despite the switch to ceramic, there are still concerns about the toxicity of Hexclad pans due to the lack of test results. The International Chemical Secretariat, ChemSec, has stated that the burning of PTFE creates PFAS, which are forever chemicals. Hexclad's FAQ and about pages also no longer mention the non-toxic nature of their products, and there are worries about the presence of toxic chemicals during the manufacturing, use, and disposal of the pans. Overall, while Hexclad markets its pans as non-toxic, there are conflicting opinions and a lack of transparency about the materials and processes used, making it challenging to determine the true toxicity of the pans.
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Teflon and PTFE concerns
Hexclad markets its pans as non-toxic, with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay as a spokesperson. However, it is important to note that these pans have not been tested for toxicity.
Teflon is a brand name of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a chemical substance known for its non-stick properties. PTFE is used in a wide range of products, including non-stick cookware, giving materials a desired non-stick function. While PTFE is often touted as a safe alternative to toxic PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl Substances), there are concerns about its potential health and environmental impacts.
One major concern with PTFE is its stability at high temperatures. When PTFE breaks down at high temperatures, it releases toxic fumes that can be harmful to humans and deadly to birds. These fumes can cause polymer fume fever, a condition with flu-like symptoms. Additionally, there is a potential risk of increased cancer risk associated with exposure to high levels of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), a replacement chemical used in the manufacturing process.
Another concern is the lack of regulation and transparency in the production and waste phases of PTFE. There are no requirements for chemical producers to disclose where PTFE is produced, making it difficult to assess its environmental impact.
Due to these concerns, some companies have started moving away from the use of PTFE. Hexclad, for example, quietly switched from using PTFE coatings to ceramic non-stick coatings in 2024. This change addresses the toxicity concerns associated with PTFE, but the long-term durability and non-stick properties of the new ceramic coating are yet to be determined.
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Ceramic coating
Hexclad pans are marketed as non-toxic and are now ceramic-coated. The company switched from using PTFE non-stick coatings to ceramic non-stick coatings in 2024. This change was not very transparent, and it is still difficult for customers to determine the exact composition of the pans. The new coating is a "high-grade proprietary ceramic non-stick called TerraBond™," which is PTFE-free and free from forever chemicals.
While the ceramic coating makes Hexclad pans technically non-toxic, the company has not provided third-party testing to verify this claim. Some reviewers have also noted that the pans require oil or butter to prevent food from sticking, especially when cooking eggs. Additionally, the pans should not be heated above medium-high heat (500 degrees Fahrenheit) to avoid damaging the ceramic coating.
Overall, while the switch to ceramic coating is a step in the right direction for Hexclad, there are still some concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the coating's composition and the need for proper use and care to maintain the non-stick properties and avoid potential health risks.
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Lack of transparency
HexClad markets its pans as non-toxic, with celebrity endorsements from Gordon Ramsay. However, the company has faced criticism for a lack of transparency regarding the materials used in its products.
In 2024, HexClad quietly transitioned from using PTFE non-stick coatings to a ceramic non-stick alternative. This change was not effectively communicated to consumers, who were left unsure about the composition of their pans. The company's FAQ and About pages also stopped mentioning the non-toxic nature of its products, raising concerns about the safety and stability of the chemical composition of HexClad pans.
The issue of HexClad's lack of transparency is further exacerbated by the absence of regulations requiring chemical manufacturers to disclose PTFE product production. This regulatory gap makes it challenging for consumers to ascertain the exact contents and potential toxicity of the pans they are purchasing.
While HexClad's shift from PTFE to ceramic is a step in the right direction, the company's failure to clearly inform its customers about this change and provide adequate care and use guidelines is concerning. This lack of transparency has left consumers unsure about the safety and durability of their cookware, potentially impacting their cooking experiences and the longevity of their pans.
To address these concerns, HexClad should prioritize transparency and proactively communicate any changes in materials or coatings to its customers. Providing clear care and use instructions for its ceramic-coated pans is also essential to ensure that consumers can maintain the non-stick properties and longevity of their cookware.
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Are Hexclad pans safe?
HexClad markets its pans as non-toxic and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay endorses the brand. However, the safety of HexClad pans has been a subject of debate.
Historical Use of PTFE
HexClad pans used to be made with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known by the trade name Teflon. PTFE is known to break down at high temperatures, releasing toxic fumes that may cause illness, especially in those with respiratory issues, and can be deadly to birds. This raises concerns about the safety of PTFE-coated pans for home use.
Transition to Ceramic Coating
In 2024, HexClad quietly transitioned to using a ceramic coating instead of PTFE. This change was not widely communicated to consumers, and there is limited transparency about the materials and processes used in the new pans. The ceramic coating provides a non-stick surface, but it may not be as durable as the PTFE coating, with reports of the non-stick qualities declining over time. Additionally, the pans should not be heated above medium-high heat (500 degrees F) as this can cause the ceramic to break.
Lack of Testing and Guidance
There is a lack of testing and guidance regarding the toxicity of HexClad pans, particularly for the newer ceramic-coated versions. The company no longer provides guidance on safe oven use, and there are concerns about the potential for the ceramic coating to crack or the latticework to loosen if used in the oven.
In conclusion, while HexClad pans are marketed as non-toxic, there are conflicting opinions on their safety. The historical use of PTFE and the recent transition to ceramic coating, along with limited transparency and testing, raise concerns about potential toxicity. More time and testing may be needed to fully assess the safety of the newer HexClad pans with ceramic coatings.
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Frequently asked questions
Hexclad pans were found to contain PTFE, a chemical that breaks down and releases toxic fumes at high temperatures. However, in 2024, the company quietly switched to using a ceramic non-stick coating, which is non-toxic.
PTFE is a fluorinated polymer, also known as Teflon, which is the trade name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTE). At high temperatures, PTFE breaks down and releases toxic fumes that can cause polymer fume fever, a condition with flu-like symptoms.
The new Hexclad pan is made of a high-grade proprietary ceramic non-stick coating called TerraBond™, which is PTFE-free and free from forever chemicals.
The new Hexclad pans with the ceramic coating are not recommended for oven use as the chances of the lattice expanding at a different rate to the ceramic coating are high. This could cause the ceramic to crack or the latticework to loosen, affecting the function and longevity of the pan.
