Tillie Doyle
Hexclad pans are a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike, with celebrity endorsements from the likes of Gordon Ramsay. Known for their non-stick properties, these pans have sparked debate about whether they are PTFE-free. PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is commonly known by the brand name Teflon and has been a standard coating material for non-stick cookware. However, concerns have been raised about the potential release of toxic gases and chemicals during overheating. In 2024, Hexclad made a quiet change to their pan coating, replacing PTFE with a high-grade proprietary ceramic non-stick coating called TerraBond™, which is PTFE-free and free from forever chemicals. This change has sparked discussions about the safety and durability of different pan coatings, with some consumers prioritizing low-toxin cookware options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| PTFE-free | Yes |
| PFOA-free | Yes |
| PFAS-free | Yes |
| Coating | TerraBond™, a high-grade proprietary ceramic non-stick coating |
| Core | Aluminum |
| Body | 3-ply stainless steel |
| Design | Patented |
| Induction compatible | Yes |
| Gas compatible | Yes |
| Metal utensil safe | Yes |
| Oven safe | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
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What You'll Learn
Hexclad pans are now PTFE-free
PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a polymer, or plastic, used in almost all non-stick cookware. It is known by the brand name Teflon. While PTFE is generally considered safe for use in cookware, it can break down and release toxic gases if overheated. Additionally, PFOA, a chemical previously used in the production of PTFE, has been linked to health and environmental concerns.
Hexclad's original pans were coated with PTFE, but the company quietly changed its coating in 2024. This change may have been in response to consumer demand for PTFE-free cookware. The new Hexclad pans look similar to the old ones, but now feature a ceramic coating that is both PTFE-free and PFAS-free.
The ceramic coating in Hexclad's new pans is designed to provide non-stick properties while being safer than PTFE. However, some reviewers have noted that the textured surface of Hexclad pans can make it more difficult to achieve a good sear or fond when cooking. Additionally, ceramic coatings can degrade faster than other materials and may not last as long as stainless steel or cast iron.
Despite the recent change to a PTFE-free coating, some consumers have expressed concerns about the safety of Hexclad's cookware. In particular, there have been questions about the company's marketing claims and the potential presence of other toxic chemicals in their products.
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PTFE is Teflon, a polymer used in non-stick cookware
Hexclad pans were previously coated with PTFE, but the company has since switched to a non-PTFE coating. PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene commonly known by the brand name Teflon. It is a polymer, or plastic, used in almost all non-stick cookware, not just Hexclad.
PTFE was first created in the 1930s and provides a nonreactive, non-stick, and almost frictionless surface. The non-stick surface makes PTFE-coated cookware convenient to use and easy to clean. PTFE is applied as an inner coating to non-stick cookware, preventing food from sticking to the pans during the cooking process.
However, there is some controversy around the use of PTFE in cookware due to health concerns. At high temperatures, PTFE-coated cookware can start to break down and release toxic chemicals into the air. These chemicals can cause polymer fume fever, or "Teflon flu," in humans, and can be lethal to birds. There is also ongoing research into the potential health effects of other substances used in the making of PTFE.
Due to these concerns, some companies, like Hexclad, have switched to using PTFE-free coatings on their cookware.
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PTFE releases toxic gases when overheated
PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a polymer (plastic) coating used in almost all non-stick cookware, including Hexclad pans. When PTFE is heated, it releases various gases and chemicals that are mildly to severely toxic. Overheating PTFE can lead to polymer fume fever, a flu-like illness with symptoms such as fever, chest tightness, and a dry cough. The condition is often mild and rarely causes death or permanent disability. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with overheating PTFE-coated cookware.
The toxicity of PTFE has been a concern for some time, and studies have shown that non-stick cookware releases toxins even under normal use. For this reason, Hexclad has recently changed its coating to remove PTFE and use ceramic instead. The new PTFE-free pans look similar to the old ones, but Hexclad has made this change to address consumers' concerns about preparing food on surfaces with potentially toxic chemicals.
While the switch to ceramic coating addresses the issue of PTFE toxicity, it is important to note that the non-stick properties of ceramic coatings may decline faster than those of PTFE. Additionally, the textured surface of Hexclad pans, which is supposed to protect the non-stick coating, can result in a less effective non-stick performance compared to a smooth surface.
To avoid the potential risks associated with PTFE, it is recommended to use alternative materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron. These materials provide a better non-stick experience and are more durable and versatile. However, it is worth mentioning that even these alternative materials may have their own limitations, and it is always essential to follow proper care and use guidelines to maintain the performance and longevity of any cookware.
In conclusion, PTFE-coated cookware can release toxic gases when overheated, and alternative materials or coatings, such as ceramic, are recommended to avoid the potential risks associated with PTFE toxicity. While Hexclad has transitioned to a PTFE-free coating, the long-term performance of their new ceramic coating remains to be seen.
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Hexclad pans now use a ceramic coating
The switch to a ceramic coating is a step in the right direction for Hexclad, as it shows that the company is listening to consumer preferences for non-toxic and environmentally friendly cookware. Ceramic coatings are generally considered safer than PTFE coatings, although they tend to degrade faster and can be less durable. The textured surface of Hexclad pans may help to protect the ceramic coating and extend its non-stick properties, but it is too early to tell how long the non-stick qualities will last.
The Hexclad pans with the ceramic coating look similar to the previous version with a PTFE coating. However, there are some concerns about the lack of transparency from Hexclad regarding the change in coating. The company did not make a formal announcement about the switch, and information about the new coating is not easily accessible on their website. Additionally, Hexclad has not disclosed the composition of the ceramic coating or provided third-party testing to verify its safety.
Despite the concerns about the lack of transparency, the Hexclad pans with the ceramic coating have received some positive reviews. The pans are marketed as hybrid cookware that combines the benefits of stainless steel and non-stick cookware. The stainless steel latticework over the ceramic non-stick coating creates a textured surface that helps to prevent food from sticking. However, some reviewers have noted that the textured surface can make it difficult to achieve a good sear or fond when cooking.
Overall, the switch to a ceramic coating is a positive change for Hexclad pans, but there are still some questions about the long-term performance and safety of the new coating. Consumers who are interested in purchasing Hexclad pans with the ceramic coating should carefully consider their priorities and do their own research to make an informed decision.
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The new coating is called TerraBond™
Hexclad pans were previously coated with PTFE, or Teflon, which is a polymer (plastic) used in almost all non-stick cookware. However, in 2024, Hexclad switched to a new coating called TerraBond™, a high-grade proprietary ceramic non-stick coating that is PTFE-free and free from forever chemicals. This change addresses consumer concerns about preparing food on surfaces containing PTFE, which can release toxic gases when overheated.
TerraBond™ is described as a Japanese coating infused with diamond dust and is said to be both PTFE-free and PFAS-free. PTFE, or Teflon, is a synthetic chemical coating that can break down and release toxic organic fluorine gases when overheated, which are considered forever chemicals as they do not break down in the environment. By switching to TerraBond™, Hexclad has moved away from the use of these potentially harmful chemicals in their cookware.
The new coating is applied to the non-stick valleys between the steel hexagon peaks of the pan's surface, which provide a durable surface for even heat distribution and a perfect sear. This unique surface design is patented by Hexclad and combines the benefits of stainless steel and non-stick cookware. The textured surface of the pans is designed to protect the non-stick coating and allow for the use of metal utensils without damaging the surface.
While the switch to TerraBond™ addresses health and environmental concerns associated with PTFE, it is important to note that the long-term performance of the new coating is not yet known. Ceramic coatings, in general, tend to get scratched and lose their non-stick qualities faster than other materials. However, Hexclad's lifetime warranty for its products may provide some reassurance to consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
Hexclad pans were previously coated with PTFE, but the company seems to have quietly changed its coating to remove PTFE and use ceramic instead. The new coating is called TerraBond™ and is PTFE-free and free from forever chemicals.
PTFE, better known as Teflon, is a polymer (read: plastic) used in almost all non-stick cookware, not just Hexclad. Overheating Teflon breaks it down and releases toxic organic fluorine gases.
The new coating on Hexclad pans is a high-grade proprietary ceramic nonstick called TerraBond™. It is PTFE-free and free from forever chemicals.
The new Hexclad pans are durable and provide a non-stick surface. However, the textured surface means you lose a lot of the sear or fond when removing food from the pan. The non-stick qualities of ceramic coatings also tend to decline faster compared to PTFE.
Yes, there are several alternatives to Hexclad pans that offer a better non-stick experience. These include stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron pans.
