The Ultimate Guide To Caring For Hexclad Pans

HexClad pans are a mix of stainless steel and non-stick coatings, so they require a little more care than your average non-stick pan. HexClad pans are dishwasher-safe, but if you're washing by hand, you'll need to use warm soapy water and more abrasive sponges for tough stains. HexClad pans are also metal utensil-safe, allowing for up to 500 degrees of heat exposure. To season your HexClad pan, heat it to medium-low, spread a teaspoon of vegetable oil around the interior, and leave it on the heat for 2-3 minutes.

Wash pans with warm soapy water before first use

HexClad pans are hand-polished before leaving the factory, so it is important to wash them with warm soapy water before the first use. This initial wash is necessary to ensure that any residue from the polishing process is removed before cooking with the pan.

To wash your HexClad pan with warm soapy water, simply fill your sink with warm water and add a mild dish soap. Then, use a sponge or dishcloth to gently scrub the pan's surface. Be sure to thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior of the pan. Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pan with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue. Finally, dry the pan completely with a clean towel or paper towel.

By following these steps and washing your HexClad pan with warm soapy water before its first use, you can ensure that your cookware is clean and ready for your culinary creations.

Additionally, it is worth noting that HexClad recommends seasoning your cookware before its first use. To do this, simply heat the pan to medium-low heat and spread 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil around the interior. Leave the pan on the heat for 2-3 minutes, and it will be ready for cooking!

Season the pan with vegetable oil

Hexclad pans are a unique type of cookware that combines the best 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 unique feature of Hexclad pans is their patented hexagon design, which 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 main reasons: improving its non-stick properties and enhancing the flavour of your food. When seasoning a Hexclad pan, you are essentially creating a layer of polymerized oil on its surface, filling in any tiny pores or imperfections to make the pan smoother and more non-stick. This process also adds a layer of flavour to your pan that will be transferred to your food as you cook.

• Preheat your Hexclad pan: Start by preheating your pan over medium-high heat for about five minutes. This will help open up the pores of the stainless steel and allow it to absorb the oil more easily. Be careful not to use too much heat, as this can damage the pan.
• Add salt and vegetable oil: Sprinkle a generous pinch of kosher salt over the surface of the pan. Then, drizzle one to two tablespoons of vegetable oil onto the pan. Use a paper towel to rub the salt and oil together, ensuring that the entire surface is coated. If the salt starts to stick, add a little more oil.
• Bake in the oven: Place the pan in the oven and heat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. This step helps the oil and salt penetrate the nooks and crannies of the pan, forming a protective coating. Remember to use oven mitts when handling hot pans.
• Wipe away excess oil and salt: After removing the pan from the oven and allowing it to cool, use a paper towel to wipe away any remaining oil or salt. Ensure that no residue is left behind, as this can affect how your food cooks. If needed, you can use a damp paper towel with mild dish soap to remove stubborn residue.
• Reheat the pan: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the pan back inside for about 10 minutes. This step helps seal the seasoning layer further. Again, be careful not to use too much heat, as it can damage the pan.
• Wipe with a paper towel: Once the pan has cooled, use a new paper towel to remove any remaining oil residue from the pan's surface. This step ensures that your food will cook properly without sticking or burning.

Repeat the above steps three to five times to build up a stronger seasoning on your Hexclad pan. It is recommended to re-season your pan every few months, depending on how often you use it.

By following these steps, you will be able to properly season your Hexclad pan with vegetable oil, ensuring that it performs at its best for all your cooking needs.

Use the right heat level

HexClad's patented design allows heat to be distributed faster than other cookware brands. For example, cooking on medium heat with HexClad will be similar to cooking on medium-high with another brand. Therefore, it is recommended that users start cooking at lower temperatures and increase the temperature if necessary.

When using a HexClad pan, it is important to consider the type of stovetop you have. If you have a magnetic induction cooktop, you can use medium heat since HexClad pans are designed to distribute heat efficiently. However, if you have a standard gas or electric stove, you may need to adjust the heat level accordingly. Keep in mind that the outermost layer of HexClad pans is made of magnetic stainless steel, which performs differently on different stovetops.

Another factor to consider when determining the right heat level is the type of food you are cooking. For example, if you are cooking delicate foods like fish or eggs, you may want to use a lower heat setting to prevent overcooking. On the other hand, if you are cooking meats or vegetables, you may need to use a higher heat setting to ensure thorough cooking.

Additionally, the use of oil or butter can also affect the heat level required. Oils such as olive oil or canola oil have different smoke points, which can influence the heat setting. Using butter, which has a lower smoke point, may require a lower heat setting to prevent burning.

It is also worth noting that HexClad pans are designed to be metal utensil-safe, allowing for easy cleaning in the dishwasher. However, when cooking, it is recommended to use silicone or wooden utensils to prevent scratching and potential damage to the non-stick coating.

By following these guidelines and adjusting the heat level based on your stovetop, the type of food, and the utensils used, you can ensure that your HexClad pans perform optimally and maintain their durability.

Clean with warm soapy water

HexClad pans are hybrid cookware, which means they are not as easy to clean as non-stick pans. However, they are more durable and last longer. The pans can be cleaned using warm soapy water to remove cooking residue and light stains.

For tougher stains, it is recommended to let the pans soak in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes. After soaking, scrub the pan with a more abrasive sponge. For example, steel wool or Barkeeper's Friend can be used to scrub the pan. This method is suitable for removing heavy-duty stains.

It is important to note that HexClad pans are metal utensil-safe, allowing for easy cleaning in the dishwasher. However, for hand washing, it is recommended to use hot water instead of cold water to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause the pan's metal to distort.

Soak tough stains

HexClad pans are hybrid cookware, meaning they are not as easy to clean as non-stick pans. However, HexClad's stainless steel pans may require more abrasive sponges and effort after cooking something like a steak or vegetables on high heat. If you're dealing with heavy-duty stains, let your pans soak in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. After a good soak, these stains should come off when scrubbed.

• A little hot water can go a long way in cleaning your pans. After cooking, fill your cookware with hot water and let it soak for about 20 minutes. This will loosen the food and make it easier to clean. If you forget to soak your cookware or it needs more time, extend the soak time by a few hours or leave it overnight.
• White vinegar can help remove stubborn stains. Soak your pots and pans in two cups of white vinegar for about 30 minutes. Then, rinse the cookware with hot soapy water to remove the stains and finish with a cold-water rinse to ensure the vinegar scent does not linger.
• A saltwater soak is an overnight method that saves you the trouble of scrubbing burnt-on stains. Simply soak the cookware in saltwater overnight and boil the mixture the next day. The stain should come right off.
• For really tough stains, try adding a dash of store-bought cleansing powder like Bar Keepers Friend.
• If you want to use a natural cleaning agent, baking soda is a great option. It is a non-toxic, inexpensive household ingredient with mild abrasive properties. To clean your pans with baking soda, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of water and sprinkle baking soda liberally over the water to create a thin paste. Let the pan sit for several hours, then rinse and wash.

Frequently asked questions