Hexclad Cookware: Safe And Non-Toxic?

HexClad is a cookware company that claims to offer the benefits of stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick pans all in one. But are HexClad pots and pans non-toxic?

HexClad's non-stick coating contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a type of PFAS forever chemical that has been linked to various health issues. While HexClad markets its products as PFAS-free and non-toxic, this is misleading as PTFE is a type of PFAS. In 2023, HexClad was sued in a class-action lawsuit in California for deceptive marketing due to the presence of PFAS in their products.

While the use of PFOA, another PFAS chemical, has been phased out in the US, there are concerns that its replacements may have similar health effects. Additionally, the chemicals used to apply the PTFE coating, such as PFAS, are of greater concern as they can be released during high-heat cooking and are more likely to be ingested.

Overall, while HexClad offers some advantages in terms of durability and ease of cleaning, the presence of PTFE and potential PFAS contamination raises concerns about its toxicity. It is essential to weigh the benefits against the potential health risks before making a purchase decision.

Hexclad's non-stick coating

PTFE is used in dental implants, cardiac stents, and other implants that go into the body. While it is safe, high heat can cause the PTFE to break down and release toxic fumes. These fumes can cause "polymer fever" in humans, creating flu-like symptoms, and the fumes are lethal to birds.

Hexclad's non-stick coating contains PTFE

Hexclad's non-stick coating contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a subgroup of PFAS. While Hexclad does not use the brand name Teflon, PTFE is the chemical coating used in the brand's "non-stick valleys".

PTFE is the most common non-stick coating used on commercial pans and is very effective. However, its safety is questionable. A 2017 medical review found that non-stick cookware coated with PTFE, or Teflon, presented significant toxicity concerns due to the chemicals used. The review also concluded that newer versions of non-stick materials were not necessarily any less toxic than older ones.

PTFE is safer than perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), another compound found in non-stick cookware. PFOA was previously used to make PTFE but has been linked to health concerns and is no longer used in the United States. However, manufacturers are using similar chemicals to PFOA, which are necessary to get the PTFE layer to adhere to the pan base. Hexclad does not disclose what chemicals they are using in place of PFOA, but it is likely another "forever chemical".

Hexclad was sued in 2023 in a class-action lawsuit in California due to deceptive marketing, as the brand claimed to be PFAS-free. The lawsuit alleged that Hexclad products do contain some levels of PFAS since PTFE is a type of PFAS.

Hexclad's non-stick coating is safe

HexClad's non-stick coating is marketed as a "high-grade non-toxic Japanese coating infused with diamond dust for extra toughness." The coating is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is a subgroup of PFAS. While PTFE is considered safer than perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), another compound found in non-stick cookware, it is not without its risks.

PTFE is generally safe for human use, but it is important to note that high heat can cause the PTFE to break down and release toxic fumes. These fumes can be harmful to humans and are lethal to birds. Therefore, it is recommended to use low to medium heat when cooking with HexClad products and avoid temperatures above 390°F (200°C).

HexClad's non-stick coating also contains PFOA, which has been linked to health concerns and is no longer used in the United States cookware manufacturing process. However, the replacement chemicals may have similar health effects that are not yet fully understood.

Overall, HexClad's non-stick coating is considered safe when used correctly and at the appropriate temperatures.

Hexclad's non-stick coating requires seasoning

To season your pan before cooking, heat the pan with a thin layer of neutral oil, such as vegetable, avocado, or olive oil. This process is called polymerization, which occurs when the oil (or another fat) is heated at a high enough temperature that it transforms from a liquid into a naturally non-stick layer that bonds with the metal.

• Wash your non-stick pan with warm water, a gentle sponge, and dish soap. Dry well.
• Heat your pan over medium-low heat for about 30 seconds.
• Pour 1 teaspoon of neutral oil (like vegetable, avocado, or olive oil) into the pan and swirl to coat. You can also use a paper towel to spread the oil all the way to the edges.
• Increase the heat to medium and continue to heat the pan for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
• Use a paper towel to wipe excess oil from the pan. If you’re planning to cook right away, proceed with the recipe. Otherwise, wipe well and store.

Note that seasoning your HexClad pan is only necessary the first time you cook with the pan or after a deep clean. That’s because HexClad pans and other non-stick pans re-season with each use.

Hexclad's non-stick coating is induction-compatible

The non-stick coating in HexClad pans is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a subgroup of PFAS. PTFE is very effective, but its safety is questionable. HexClad was sued in 2023 over allegations of deceptive marketing, because PTFE is a type of PFAS, and HexClad was marketing their products as "PFAS-free".

HexClad pans are also coated with a high-grade non-toxic Japanese coating infused with diamond dust for extra toughness. HexClad's patented hybrid design combines all the benefits of stainless and non-stick into a single pan. The laser-etched stainless steel hexagonal network of ridges forms peaks over non-stick valleys, boosting the pan's searing power. HexClad's unique surface design is a patented technology.

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