Hexclad Pans: Seasoning Required?

Hexclad pans are a type of hybrid cookware that combines stainless steel and non-stick pans. They are made with a tri-ply construction, consisting of an aluminium core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. Hexclad pans should be seasoned before their first use. However, you do not need to season them before every use. Seasoning a hexclad pan is important for improving its non-stick properties and enhancing the flavour of your food.

Hexclad pans should be seasoned before first use

Hexclad pans are a unique type of cookware that combines the qualities of stainless steel and non-stick pans. They are made with a tri-ply construction, consisting of an aluminium core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The patented hexagon design creates a series of raised hexagons on the surface of the pan, providing both durability and even heat distribution.

Seasoning a Hexclad pan is important for two reasons: it improves its non-stick properties and enhances the flavour of your food. Seasoning fills in any tiny pores or imperfections, making the pan smoother and more non-stick. It also adds a layer of flavour that will transfer to your food as you cook. This is especially beneficial for dishes cooked at high temperatures, such as searing meats or stir-frying vegetables.

To season your Hexclad pan, follow these steps:

• Preheat the pan over medium-high heat for five minutes. Be careful not to use too much heat, as this can damage the pan.
• Sprinkle kosher salt over the surface of the pan and drizzle with vegetable oil. You can also use canola or grapeseed oil, but avoid butter or olive oil as they have lower smoke points. Use a paper towel to rub the salt and oil into the pan, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
• Place the pan in the oven and heat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour. Alternatively, you can use a broiler and place the pan under it for 10-15 minutes until it gets hot and starts to smoke slightly.
• Allow the pan to cool down. The pan may appear darker, and there may be some oil residue or discolouration, but this is normal.
• Wipe away any excess oil or salt with a paper towel. You can also use a damp paper towel and mild dish soap to remove any stubborn residue.
• Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and put the pan back in for 10 minutes to seal the seasoning layer further.
• Let the pan cool down again before handling it with oven mitts or a kitchen towel.
• Rub away any remaining oil residue from the pan's surface with a paper towel.
• Repeat steps 2-7 three to five times to build up layers of seasoning.

It is recommended to season your Hexclad pan before its first use and then re-season it every few months, depending on how often you use it. This will help maintain the non-stick layer and ensure your food doesn't stick.

You don't need to season the pans before every use

Hexclad pans are a type of hybrid cookware that combines the best qualities of stainless steel and non-stick pans. They are made with a tri-ply construction, consisting of an aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. The unique feature of Hexclad pans is their patented hexagon design, which creates a series of raised stainless steel and non-stick hexagons on the surface of the pan. This provides both the durability and heat distribution of stainless steel, as well as the non-stick properties for easy cooking and cleaning.

Like most fine cookware, HexClad pans should be seasoned before their first use. Seasoning a hexclad pan is important for two main reasons: improving its non-stick properties and enhancing the flavor of your food. When you season a pan, you are essentially creating a layer of polymerized oil on its surface. This helps to fill in any tiny pores or imperfections, making the pan smoother and more non-stick.

However, you do not need to season your Hexclad pans before every use. While seasoning is important for the initial preparation of the pan, the pans will continue to re-season themselves over time as you cook with them. The fats in the food you cook will help to maintain the non-stick properties of the pan. Of course, if you notice that your food is starting to stick to the pan after extended use, it is recommended to give the pan a deep clean and then re-season it.

To season your Hexclad pan, start by heating the pan to a medium-low temperature. Then, spread 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil (or another high smoke point cooking oil) around the interior of the pan. Leave the pan on the heat for 1-2 minutes, and it will be ready to cook with! You can also add a pinch of kosher salt to the pan along with the oil, which will help the seasoning process.

The pans should be cleaned with warm soapy water

HexClad pans are hybrid cookware, which means they are not as easy to clean as non-stick pans. They are made with a combination of stainless steel and a non-stick coating, which makes them more durable and long-lasting. While HexClad pans are dishwasher-safe, it is recommended to wash them by hand with warm soapy water to remove cooking residue and light stains.

Cleaning your HexClad pans with warm soapy water:

• Fill your sink with warm water and add a mild dish soap: Ensure that the water is warm, not hot, as sudden temperature changes can cause the pan's metal to distort. Use a mild dish soap that is free of bleach or citrus extracts, as these can cause corrosion or damage to the pan's surface.
• Soak the pans: Place the pans in the sink and allow them to soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen any stuck-on food or grease.
• Scrub the pans: Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the pans. Avoid using metal scouring pads or abrasive sponges, as these can scratch the non-stick coating.
• Rinse and dry: Rinse the pans thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Dry the pans completely with a clean cloth or paper towel. Ensure that all moisture is removed, as this can lead to water spots or rusting.

It is important to note that while HexClad pans are metal utensil-safe, it is recommended to use wooden or silicone utensils to prolong the life of the non-stick coating. Additionally, always allow your pans to cool completely before washing them, as hot pans can cause soap and water to evaporate, leaving behind streaks and water spots.

For tougher stains, you may need to use a more intensive cleaning method. Here are some additional tips:

• Soak the pans in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes: If you are dealing with heavy-duty stains, fill the pans with warm water and a mild dish soap and let them soak. This will help loosen the stains and make them easier to remove.
• Use an abrasive sponge: If the stains persist, use a more abrasive sponge, such as a scouring pad, to scrub the pans gently. Avoid using steel wool or other harsh scouring pads, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Try an abrasive cleaner: For particularly stubborn stains, you can use an abrasive cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. Apply the cleaner to the stained area and use a soft sponge to scrub the stain away. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly afterward.

By following these instructions, you can keep your HexClad pans clean and well-maintained, ensuring that they perform at their best for years to come.

Hexclad pans are a type of hybrid cookware

The Hexclad pans feature a patented design that enables faster and more even heat distribution, allowing users to cook at lower temperatures. The pans are made with an aluminium core, which is lightweight and an excellent conductor of heat. However, at 3 pounds, a 10-inch Hexclad pan is heavier than the average non-stick skillet or three-ply stainless steel skillet, which typically weigh under 2 pounds.

Hexclad pans are known for their durability and ease of cleaning. They can be cleaned with warm soapy water and steel wool scouring pads, and are also dishwasher-safe. While the pans are built to last, they may develop surface imperfections over time, which is considered normal wear and tear and does not affect their performance.

In addition to their functional benefits, Hexclad pans are also aesthetically pleasing, with a sleek and sexy look, according to one chef and restaurateur. They are oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and come with a lifetime warranty.

The pans can be used for all types of cooking

Hexclad pans can be used for all types of cooking. Their patented hybrid technology combines the benefits of stainless steel and non-stick pans, delivering the searing power of stainless, the durability of cast iron, and the easy cleanup of non-stick.

The pans can be used on any home cooktop or stovetop, including gas, electric, glass, and induction. They are also oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and the tempered glass lids are oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Hexclad pans' ability to distribute heat faster and more evenly means you can cook at lower temperatures. The company recommends starting at lower temperatures and increasing the heat if needed. You rarely need to cook on high heat with Hexclad.

The pans are also metal utensil-safe, though sharp utensils could leave a scratch. However, this is only cosmetic and will not affect the performance or safety of the cookware.

The Hexclad pans come in various sizes, including 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch, offering versatility for different cooking occasions, whether frying, sautéing, or simmering.

The Hexclad pans' non-stick properties make them ideal for cooking sticky foods like scrambled eggs or pancakes, while their searing capabilities make them suitable for cooking meats, fish, and vegetables.

The pans are also easy to clean, with some customers mentioning that they are heavy-duty and clean up well, even being dishwasher-safe.

Overall, the Hexclad pans' combination of non-stick and stainless steel properties, heat distribution, durability, and ease of use make them suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks.

Frequently asked questions