HexClad Hybrid Pan
High risk, avoid this cookware.
The hybrid cooking surface combines non-stick properties with PFAS-containing materials that migrate into food.
The safe swap
Pyrex
Pyrex Ceramic Cookware Set
80/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
What’s concerning
Non-stick, chemistry undisclosed
Advertised as non-stick but coating type is not explained.
Vague safety claims only
Uses vague terms like eco-friendly without confirming no PFAS.
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Teflon-type coating (Teflon) fume risk if overheated
HexClad does not confirm exact Teflon-type coating formulation or fume-release threshold. Risk is present if cookware reaches 500°F or higher, though modern Teflon-type coating coatings are considered safe under normal cooking (below 400°F). No recall or incident reports specific to HexClad.
Coating degradation and microflake ingestion
Hybrid design with raised stainless steel features may accumulate contact stress on nonstick recesses, potentially accelerating peeling. No published wear-testing data from HexClad; user reports online describe coating wear after 1-2 years of heavy use, though causation unclear.
Aluminum leaching (if aluminum substrate)
HexClad does not publicly confirm core material (likely aluminum for weight and heat distribution). Intact nonstick and stainless steel layers should prevent aluminum contact with food, but if coating degrades, acidic food may leach aluminum from substrate. No brand testing disclosed.
Lack of transparency and independent certification
HexClad does not carry GOTS, NSF, or similar third-party certifications for chemical safety. PFAS content, Teflon-type coating formulation, and long-term coating durability are not independently verified. This limits ability to assess true risk versus marketed safety claims.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals have been reported in HexClad cookware. Stainless steel composition is typically low-risk if standard 18/10 or similar alloy, but HexClad has not published alloy specification or third-party testing.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
HexClad pans use a hybrid cooking surface combining stainless steel hexagonal patterns with nonstick coating in recessed areas. The nonstick layer is typically Teflon-type coating-based (Teflon-class polymer), though HexClad has not publicly disclosed the exact formulation or whether it contains legacy PFOA or other PFAS. The stainless steel component reduces overall nonstick coverage compared to fully coated pans, which theoretically lowers Teflon-type coating fume risk if the coating degrades, but does not eliminate it.
The brand's record and disclosure
HexClad has not published detailed material safety data sheets, PFAS test results, or third-party certifications for their cookware. The company markets the hybrid design as a safety feature but does not quantify PFAS content or confirm PFOA/PFAS absence. No major recalls or regulatory actions against HexClad cookware have been recorded in public databases. Transparency on nonstick chemistry remains below industry best practice.
How it compares in its category
HexClad sits mid-range between traditional nonstick (higher Teflon-type coating exposure risk) and fully stainless steel or ceramic alternatives (no Teflon-type coating). Ceramic-coated pans avoid Teflon-type coating entirely but are often less durable; cast iron or stainless steel avoid both Teflon-type coating and PFAS but require different cooking technique. HexClad's hybrid design is a compromise intended to extend nonstick life while reducing coating load, though independent durability data is limited.
If you buy it
Avoid overheating above 500°F (260°C) to minimize Teflon-type coating fume release; modern Teflon-type coating is generally safe below this threshold but degradation accelerates at high temperatures. Hand-wash rather than use dishwasher to preserve coating integrity and reduce coating particle shedding. Replace the pan if the nonstick layer visibly peels, flakes, or loses efficacy, as this signals coating breakdown and potential Teflon-type coating particulate ingestion. Use wood or silicone utensils to minimize mechanical damage to the coating.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 100% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- HexClad has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Cookware
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Limited concern
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Limited concern
Microparticle shedding from coating
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Low risk, safe to use.
⚠Risky category by default
Scanpan
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Limited concern
Microplastic or particulate shedding from coating
Limited concern
Low risk, safe to use.
⚠Risky category by default
GreenPan
Chatham Ceramic Nonstick Frypan Set
Ceramic coating degradation over time
Limited concern
Thermal shock and handle integrity
Limited concern
Low risk, safe to use.
⚠Risky category by default
More cookware grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.