Marianne Martinez
HexClad is a brand of cookware that has gained popularity for its hybrid stainless steel and cast iron pans, which also feature a non-stick coating. The brand has faced scrutiny for its use of PTFE, also known as Teflon, which is a synthetic chemical coating. While HexClad claims to have changed its coating to ceramic and removed PTFE from its pans, there is skepticism about the validity of these claims due to a lack of transparency and independent testing. The use of PTFE in non-stick cookware has raised health concerns, and consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives that are free of forever chemicals. The performance of HexClad pans has been reviewed by several users, with some praising their non-stick capabilities and others finding that food still sticks, especially when not used properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| PTFE-free | Yes, since 2024 |
| Ceramic coating | Yes |
| Non-stick | Yes, but not entirely due to stainless steel webbing |
| Hybrid | Yes, combines stainless steel and ceramic |
| Price | High |
| Durability | Stainless steel prevents it from being truly non-stick |
| Warranty | Lifetime, but does not cover damage from improper use |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes, but handwashing recommended |
| Weight | Heavy |
| Ease of use | Requires proper heating and oil |
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What You'll Learn
Hexclad pans are coated with a substance called TerraBond
While Hexclad pans are free of PFOA, they did previously contain PTFE, commonly known by the brand name Teflon. PTFE is the chemical that gives nonstick pans their nonstick properties, allowing food to slide right off the surface. However, PTFE has come under scrutiny for potential health and environmental concerns. If heated above 500°F (260°C), PTFE molecules can break down and release harmful gases that can cause polymer fume fever. Additionally, metal utensils can scratch PTFE, causing it to leach into food.
In response to consumer preferences and concerns, Hexclad transitioned away from using PTFE in its coatings. The company now utilizes ceramic coatings, specifically their proprietary TerraBond coating, to provide nonstick capabilities. This change occurred around 2024, and it is important to note that the new pans look similar to the old ones. As a result, consumers need to be diligent in checking the specifications to ensure they are purchasing the PTFE-free version.
The shift towards ceramic coatings, such as TerraBond, is a positive step towards addressing the concerns around PTFE. However, some critics argue that Hexclad's lack of transparency about the composition of their ceramic coating is concerning. They advocate for independent third-party testing to verify the absence of toxic chemicals.
In summary, Hexclad pans are coated with TerraBond, a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating. This coating is an alternative to PTFE (Teflon) and is designed to provide a nonstick cooking surface while addressing some of the health and environmental worries associated with PTFE. The transition to ceramic coatings, like TerraBond, reflects a growing consumer demand for cookware that is free from potentially harmful chemicals.
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Hexclad pans are marketed as non-toxic
Hexclad pans are described as a hybrid of stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick convenience. The pans are said to be coated with a "Japanese coating infused with diamond dust" that is PFOA-free but does contain PTFE (commonly known by the brand name Teflon). PTFE is the chemical that puts the "non" in non-stick, allowing food to slide right off the pan's surface.
While Hexclad claims that their pans are PFOA-free, PTFE itself is considered unsafe by some consumers. PTFE is listed in the Biomonitoring California Priority Chemicals List, and if heated above 500°F (260°C), the molecules can break down and release harmful gases that cause polymer fume fever. Additionally, metal utensils can scratch the coating, causing it to leach into food.
In 2024, Hexclad changed its coating to remove PTFE and use ceramic instead, marketing its new pans as PTFE-free. However, this change was not widely communicated, and customers had to dig for this information. Hexclad's website states that their proprietary ceramic coating, called TerraBond, is non-PTFE and non-PFOA. However, the company does not disclose the composition of this coating and does not provide third-party testing results to support its non-toxic claims.
Some customers have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the coating's composition and the absence of third-party testing. While the new ceramic coating may be an improvement, without independent verification, there is skepticism about Hexclad's claims of being genuinely free of toxic chemicals.
In conclusion, while Hexclad pans are marketed as non-toxic, the presence of PTFE in previous versions and the lack of transparency about the current ceramic coating have raised questions about the accuracy of these claims. Until third-party testing confirms the absence of toxic chemicals, some consumers may remain hesitant to trust Hexclad's assertions.
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Teflon is a brand of PTFE, which is used in non-stick pans
Hexclad pans are described by the company as a
However, there is some confusion and concern over whether Hexclad pans contain PTFE, which is the chemical that puts the "non" in "nonstick". PTFE is commonly known by the brand name Teflon. Teflon is a brand of PTFE made by Chemours. While Hexclad claims that its pans are PTFE-free, some sources suggest that this may not be the case. One source states that Hexclad's website says: "Our nonstick coating contains PTFE, which is listed in the Biomonitoring California Priority Chemicals List". Another source states that Hexclad's pans were made with PTFE in the past, but that the company quietly changed its coating to ceramic in 2024.
However, there are some health and environmental concerns associated with PTFE. Specifically, if PTFE-coated pans are heated above 500°F, the molecules can start to break down and release harmful gases that can cause polymer fume fever. Additionally, metal utensils can scratch tiny bits of PTFE off the pan, causing it to leach into food. For this reason, it is recommended to use wood, plastic, or silicone utensils with non-stick pans.
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Hexclad pans are hybrid cookware
The pans are coated with a substance called TerraBond, a proprietary ceramic coating that is non-PTFE and non-PFOA. PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is the chemical that gives non-stick pans their non-stick properties, and is also known by the brand name Teflon. While PTFE was previously used in Hexclad pans, the company has transitioned to using ceramic to coat the non-stick valleys of its cookware, making the pans technically non-toxic.
The use of stainless steel and ceramic in Hexclad pans creates a hybrid design, with stainless steel hexagons surrounded by non-stick valleys. This design means that the pans must be heated properly and used with oil to prevent food from sticking. The stainless steel webbing also means that the pans are not entirely non-stick, and food may stick a little.
Hexclad pans are easy to clean and come with a lifetime warranty. However, the warranty does not cover damage resulting from improper use, neglect, or misuse of sharp utensils. The pans are also quite heavy and may cause strain for some users.
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Hexclad pans are dishwasher-safe
Hexclad's pans feature a proprietary ceramic coating called TerraBond, which is PFAS-free. This coating is also used on the grease splatter screen, which can be put in the dishwasher.
The pans are described as a hybrid of stainless steel and ceramic nonstick. The stainless steel webbing means that the pans are not entirely nonstick, and users must heat the pan properly and use oil to prevent food from sticking. Hexclad's website recommends seasoning the pan before the first use or after a deep clean. To season the pan, heat it to a medium temperature and spread a teaspoon of oil around the interior, leaving it on medium heat for two to four minutes.
Before 2024, Hexclad's pans contained PTFE, commonly known by the brand name Teflon. PTFE is listed in the Biomonitoring California Priority Chemicals List and is considered unsafe by some consumers. While Hexclad does not reveal the composition of its current ceramic coating, the company states that its pans are PFOA-free. PFOA was previously used in the production of PTFE and has been linked to health and environmental concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Hexclad pans do not use Teflon, a proprietary brand of PTFE made by Chemours. Instead, they use ceramic to coat the nonstick valleys of its cookware.
Teflon is a brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a chemical that gives pans their nonstick quality.
Yes, Hexclad pans previously contained PTFE. In 2024, Hexclad changed its coating to remove PTFE and use ceramic instead.
If PTFE is heated above 500ºF, the molecules can start to break down and release harmful gases that cause polymer fume fever. Metal utensils can also scratch tiny bits of PTFE off and cause it to leach into your food.
Hexclad pans are a hybrid of coated and uncoated stainless steel. They are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, but Hexclad recommends handwashing. They are also fairly heavy and may cause strain for some users.
