HexClad Cookware markets itself as a hybrid non-stick cooking solution. However, people are rightfully suspicious of non-stick cookware after the horrors of PFOA (a component of Teflon) became known in 2015. After 2015, PFOA was removed from Teflon’s formula, but its replacement is a close relative of PFOA, and has not been proven safe.
HexClad cookware contains PTFE (Teflon). While it is safe when used as the manufacturer suggests, misuse can cause the Teflon coating to flake off into your food or produce fumes; Teflon is toxic and should not be ingested or inhaled.
Keep reading to help you decide whether HexClad is worth the risk.
What is HexClad Cookware Made of?
HexClad Cookware is made of an aluminum base coated in PFTE (Teflon) and Ceramic. Then, the trademark hexagonal pattern on top is made of stainless steel. The stainless-steel coating is designed to protect the Teflon coating from scratches and punctures while cooking. Based on consumer review, it is effective at doing this.
You can use a spatula or tongs while cooking with HexClad without damaging the Teflon coating. Since this damage of the coating is one of the main ways Teflon can be ingested, it is a welcome safety measure.
Is Teflon Coated Cookware Safe?
Teflon coated cookware is thought to be safe when used as the manufacturer instructs, however, it is quite easy to misuse. Misuse opens you up to ingesting or inhaling Teflon, which is toxic. The most common ways that people misuse Teflon are overheating and using after the cookware should have been replaced.
Teflon is safe up to five hundred degrees Fahrenheit (water boils around two hundred degrees Fahrenheit). However, past this temperature it releases fumes which can kill birds and causes Polymer Fume Fever in humans. Polymer Fume Fever has flu-like symptoms and should resolve once the Teflon fumes have been removed from the surrounding environment. Teflon pans should never be used to sear meats or be preheated. Use them at medium to low heat, and steer clear if you are prone to burning food.
Teflon is also hazardous if it comes off the pan into the food. This is caused when the coating becomes damaged over time, usually via scratches of cooking utensils or abrasive cleaning methods. Ingesting Teflon can increase your risk of cancer, so it should be taken very seriously. Inspect Teflon cookware often, and do not hesitate to replace it if it shows signs of damage.
Where is HexClad Made?
HexClad Cookware is a Los Angeles company, where the sales and design team are based. Manufacturing of the cookware is in Asia, where labor prices are lower.
Can the HexClad Coating Come Off?
HexClad uses a stainless-steel hexagonal lattice to protect the Teflon coating from scratches while cooking. Because of this, it is more resistant to damage. However, HexClad still suffers from other risks associated with Teflon. This is overheating and wear, both of which can cause the Teflon coating to come off. You are unlikely to damage the Teflon coating with a spatula, but the coating will be damaged by scrubbing, dishwasher use, and time.
Eventually, it will become unstuck from the pan and come off in small flakes. These flakes may be hard to see or even microscopic. While with a traditional Teflon pan you can monitor the condition of the coating easily, HexClad’s design can make it hard to see, so you might miss signs of wear.
How Long Does HexClad Cookware Last?
To justify the higher price tag, HexClad’s website claims the cookware lasts a lifetime. However, Teflon coatings typically do not last longer than a couple of years without damage. As we know damage to a Teflon coating is not just cosmetic – its also dangerous. If you are careful with your HexClad cookware and do not wash it in a dishwasher or with steel wool (big ifs in my opinion) then they may last many years.
However, its more likely that you will need to replace them every five years or so when you notice imperfections in the coating.
Pros and Cons of HexClad Cookware
Pros
HexClad is a non-stick pan which is safe to use with metal spatulas and otherwise more durable than its counterparts.
Cons
It can be hard to monitor the condition of the coating, and the price is higher than a typical Teflon pan.
Final Thoughts
HexClad cookware markets itself as a luxury cookware brand that combines the best of both worlds. The non-stick coating means easy cleanup, while the stainless-steel honeycomb pattern allows searing and increased durability. However, the product still contains Teflon which should always be used with caution. If you overheat or scratch up Teflon, it can pose risks to you and your family’s health.
Additionally, Teflon poses a higher risk to sensitive animals like birds which even tiny amounts of fumes can kill. It is up to each individual whether HexClad is right for your household.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.