Is HexClad Non-Toxic? What You Need To Know Before You Cook
Written by Irina Webb
Would you agree that eating healthy isn’t just about choosing the right foods—it’s also about how you prepare them? Indeed, the cookware you use can greatly impact the safety and quality of your meals. With so many “healthy” and “non-toxic” cookware options on the market, it’s hard to know what’s truly safe.
HexClad, backed by celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay, has gained popularity for its hybrid design combining stainless steel and nonstick features. But is it really a non-toxic option, or just clever marketing? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at HexClad cookware —what it’s made of, what it claims, and whether it supports a low-tox lifestyle.
Is HexClad Non-Toxic?
HexClad cookware has garnered attention for its unique hybrid design, combining the durability of stainless steel with the convenience of nonstick surfaces. But when it comes to health and safety, how does it stand? Let’s delve into the materials and coating used in HexClad pans to determine their safety.
What Is HexClad?
To start with, HexClad is a cookware brand that has gained popularity for its innovative design and functionality. According to the company, they design their products in Los Angeles and South Korea but manufacture in China.
The brand claims to offer the best of both worlds by combining the benefits of stainless steel and nonstick cookware. Specifically, HexClad non-stick pans are known for their hybrid construction which includes a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. This design aims to provide even heat distribution and durability. The interior features a unique hexagonal pattern, created through laser etching, which is then coated with a nonstick surface. This combination allows for the use of metal utensils and promises easy cleanup.
Additionally, the cookware is advertised as oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and backed by a lifetime warranty. Moreover, the brand has gained celebrity endorsement, notably from chef Gordon Ramsay, who has praised HexClad’s performance in the kitchen.
Interestingly, America’s Test Kitchen has tested HexClad cookware and reported that while HexClad offers good durability, it may not be as consistently non-stick as some traditional non-stick pans.
What Is HexClad Made Of?
Understanding the materials used in HexClad cookware is crucial to assessing its safety. Here’s a breakdown:
- Stainless Steel: Provides durability and resistance to rust and staining.
- Aluminum Core: Ensures even heat distribution.
- Laser-Etched Hexagonal Pattern: Enhances the non-stick surface and allows for the use of metal utensils.
- Non-Stick Coating: Initially, HexClad used a PTFE-based (Teflon) coating, but recent models feature a TerraBond™ ceramic coating described on the company’s website as “made from a proprietary ceramic formula that is free from PTFE, PFAS, lead, and cadmium.”
It’s important to note that while HexClad no longer uses PTFE, the company has not disclosed the full composition of their new ceramic coating, leaving some questions about its safety.
For your information, I did contact the company in May 2025 and received the following response:
As you can see, all we know about HexClad coating is that it is “a proprietary ceramic non-stick coating.” In my opinion, the response lacks in transparency and is hardly helpful for consumers to determine the safety of the cookware. Actually, in my blog post Is Ceramic Coating Safe?, I explain why I would stay away from cookware with ceramic non-stick coating. Therefore, unless HexClad provides me with the composition of their ceramic coating to be able to judge its safety, I will stick to my conclusions.
Also, take into consideration the fact that in 2023, HexClad Cookware faced a class action lawsuit, alleging that the company “deceptively markets its cookware products as environmentally friendly and free of harmful chemicals” (source).
Are HexClad Pans Non-Toxic?
The safety of HexClad cookware has been a topic of debate. While the brand says it has transitioned away from using PTFE, the current ceramic coating’s composition remains undisclosed, raising concerns about its potential toxicity. Without transparency, it’s challenging to definitively label HexClad pans as non-toxic.
Additionally, HexClad pans are advertised as being oven-safe up to 900°F (and the glass lids – up to 400°F). Nevertheless, it’s crucial to note that high heat can cause any non-stick coating, including ceramic coating, to degrade over time, potentially releasing toxic fumes. It is probably with this in mind that HexClad gives heat guidance as to starting on lower temperatures, emphasizing that medium heat with HexClad equals medium-high with others.
On the individual cookware website listings (e.g., Hybrid Fry Pan, 12″ and 7QT Hybrid Deep Sauté Pan/Chicken Fryer with Lid) the company states that their pots and pans were 3rd-party tested by Light Labs for “forever chemicals.” The latter include PFOS, PFOA, PFPeS, PTFE, PFAS, PFBS, PFNA, and some others. Reportedly, “all results were below the laboratory’s detection limits, known as ‘non-detect’.”
However, these are not the actual lab test results—just the company’s statements. Plus, it is unclear what the “laboratory’s detection limits” were to begin with. I did ask HexClad about these limits when I contacted them in May 2025, but, as you can see in the screenshot above, the company did not provide me with this information.
Why is the concept of a laboratory’s detection limits critical in the first place?
Because it refers to the smallest amount of a substance that a lab test can reliably detect. Let’s break this down with a simple example:
Imagine you want to test a clay pot for a toxic heavy metal such as lead. Now, let’s say:
- Lab A has a detection limit of 1 part per million (ppm).
- Lab B has a detection limit of 0.01 ppm.
You send the pot to both labs:
- Lab A says: “Lead not detected.”
- Lab B says: “Lead detected at 0.05 ppm.”
That means, Lab A could not detect anything below 1 ppm, so it missed the smaller amount of lead that Lab B was able to detect due to the lower detection limit. In other words, if the lab detection limits are high, not many substances will be detected, and the product will appear safe.
What Are Non-Toxic HexClad Alternatives?
If you’re seeking cookware options that prioritize transparency and safety, consider taking advantage of my Guide To Safe Cookware. In a nutshell, I believe in the safety of the following alternatives:
- cast iron
- stainless steel
- carbon steel
- glass.
Cast Iron Cookware
First, cast iron is a time-tested material known for its durability and non-toxic properties. When properly seasoned, cast iron provides a natural nonstick surface without the need for chemical coatings. It’s also oven-safe and can withstand high heat, making it versatile for various cooking methods. Keep in mind, though, that if you have high levels of iron in your blood tests, this cookware may be not for you.
In my blog post Are Cast Iron Pots and Pans Safe?, among other things, you can learn about foods that you should not cook in this type of cookware.
Stainless Steel Cookware
Second, SS cookware is another excellent option for non-toxic cooking. It’s durable, resistant to rust and staining, and doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into food. Note, though, that 18/10 and 18/8 stainless steel contains nickel (which is what the “10” and “8” indicate). So, if you are sensitive to nickel, this cookware may not be for you. Look for the 18/0 kind or use it interchangeably with other safe cookware options.
Also, while it lacks a nonstick surface, proper preheating and oiling can prevent food from sticking. See here how my husband uses this cookware to make fried eggs effortlessly slide off a stainless-steel frying pan.
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Carbon Steel Cookware
Next, similar to cast iron, carbon steel cookware develops a natural nonstick patina over time. It’s lightweight, heats quickly, and can withstand high temperatures. It requires regular seasoning to maintain its nonstick properties and prevent rusting. To learn more about this kind of cookware, read my blog post Is Carbon Steel Non-Toxic?.
Glass Cookware
Last, glass cookware is another excellent non-toxic option, especially for baking and storing food. Made from natural materials, it is free of heavy metals and synthetic coatings, and doesn’t leach chemicals into your food—even when exposed to high heat. Brands like Pyrex, Anchor Hocking, and Duralex offer high-quality glass bakeware and dinnerware that’s durable and easy to clean.
While glass isn’t ideal for stovetop cooking, it’s perfect for oven use. Just be mindful of sudden temperature changes as extreme shifts can cause glass to crack or shatter. To learn more about glass, refer to my blog post Lead-Free Glassware Brands.
Conclusion: Is HexClad Safe?
While HexClad Offers Innovative Design And Functionality, The Safety Of Their Cookware Remains A Concern Due To The Lack Of Transparency Regarding Its Ceramic Coating’s Composition.
In conclusion, if non-toxic cookware is a priority for you, consider alternatives like cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel or glass cookware. Always research and choose cookware that aligns with your health and safety standards.
In my kitchen, I use a variety of high-quality cookware such as:
- 360 Stainless Steel Cookware
- Field and Stargazer Cast Iron
- Duralex Glassware
For more options, including carbon steel and glassware, visit my Amazon storefront.
And for information on the safety of baking sheets, head over to my blog post Non-Toxic Baking Sheets.
Feel free to explore the I Read Labels For You blog, where you’ll find valuable tips for living a low-tox lifestyle. Check out my main shop along with my easy-to-follow e-books created to support smarter, healthier choices. You can also opt in to my free email updates to receive exclusive content, helpful guidance, and special offers straight to your inbox.
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5 Powerful Steps To A Non-Toxic Home
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