Does Hexclad Cookware Have PFAS?

What Is HexClad Cookware Made Of?

HexClad cookware is known for its distinctive hexagonal pattern that combines stainless steel, an aluminum core, and a nonstick surface. According to official product information, the company meshes stainless steel ridges with protected “valleys” of nonstick coating. This design aims to give home cooks and professional chefs the durability of steel while offering easy cleanup.

Early HexClad pans used PTFE in their nonstick surface. PTFE is a polymer that gives cookware its slippery texture. More recently, the company claims to have shifted away from PTFE to a ceramic nonstick called TerraBond™. Whether all current HexClad products contain zero traces of PFAS is under scrutiny, partly because the term “PFAS” covers thousands of chemicals, including PTFE, and California’s 2023 legislation requires more transparency from manufacturers.

HexClad also has a bonded aluminum core that conducts heat rapidly. This material is sandwiched between layers of steel to provide fast and even heating on gas, electric, or induction cooktops. The handle is designed to remain cool under normal cooking conditions, a feature many consumers appreciate.

What Are PFAS and Why Do They Matter?

PFAS stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are a group of synthetic chemicals that include PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE, among others. Scientists often call PFAS “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly in the environment and may persist in human bodies. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that 97% of Americans sampled had some level of PFAS in their blood.

According to ongoing research, certain PFAS can accumulate over time and may pose various health concerns. These concerns range from possible immune system effects to potential links with specific cancers. The National Toxicology Program concluded that two types of PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, could suppress antibody responses. California officials have also referred to PTFE as a type of PFAS. Because these chemicals often last for decades, interest in PFAS liability and PFAS health effects has grown significantly.

Authorities like the State of California have begun regulating not just single chemicals but entire classes of PFAS. They have passed legislation requiring cookware manufacturers to disclose chemical ingredients on product labels and websites, especially when those chemicals appear on the Department of Toxic Substances Candidate Chemical list.

Does HexClad Contain PTFE or Other PFAS?

The central question for most consumers is: does HexClad contain PTFE or other PFAS chemicals? In earlier product lines, HexClad acknowledged using PTFE-based coatings to provide nonstick properties. PTFE is widely recognized as a PFAS chemical, based on definitions from California regulators and many scientists. This classification contradicts older marketing statements that labeled the cookware as “PFAS-free” or “PFOA-free.”

California’s new 2023 legislation makes it illegal for a company to claim its cookware is free of a certain PFAS when another PFAS in the same class is present. Some consumers have alleged that HexClad’s labeling or website claims created confusion about whether PTFE or other PFAS chemicals were in the cookware.

The company has stated that in the second half of 2024, it shifted to a nonstick ceramic finish called TerraBond™, which it describes as PTFE-free and PFAS-free. However, questions remain about how thoroughly this transition was rolled out and whether older PTFE-based inventory is still being sold. There is also scrutiny over what exact test results confirm “PFAS-free” claims, since PFAS detection limits can vary across laboratories.

Is HexClad Considered Non-Toxic or Safe?

Safety often hinges on whether nonstick coatings break down during normal use or extreme temperatures. Most manufacturers assert that PTFE is inert and does not release dangerous substances under typical household cooking conditions. Industry groups often reference research indicating that stable coatings do not pose a significant risk unless overheated beyond recommended levels (typically above about 500°F to 600°F).

However, critics point to the persistence of PFAS chemicals in the environment, noting that chronic exposures can occur from multiple sources over time, including cookware, water, and consumer products. Because PFAS are found widely—often turning up in PFAS in drinking water, personal care items, or food packaging—there is a cumulative exposure concern.

HexClad’s steel-aluminum-stainless-ply design is generally viewed as robust and safe for routine cooking. What remains uncertain, for some, is the potential for nano-particles to shed from the coating. Ceramic-based coatings, such as TerraBond™, claim to minimize or eliminate PTFE. If these statements hold true, HexClad’s newest generation of products would be significantly less likely to release PFAS during ordinary use.

What Has HexClad Said About PFAS Use?

HexClad has previously claimed its lines were “free from PFAS forever chemicals” even while admitting that polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was part of the nonstick formulation. According to California authorities, PTFE falls under the PFAS umbrella. The company’s stance has evolved, as evidenced by its introduction of TerraBond™, which, according to HexClad, meets the criteria for being PTFE-free and PFAS-free.

Questions remain about how these statements align with new regulatory standards. The 2023 California Safer Food Packaging & Cookware Act specifically prohibits manufacturers from advertising a product as “free” of one PFAS chemical while others in the same class are present. Critics say HexClad’s transition announcements have not always referenced older stock or provided clear disclaimers on existing cookware lines.

On its website and marketing materials, HexClad indicates that recent TerraBond™ coatings had “non-detect” laboratory results for PFAS. These tests claimed no measurable PFAS were found above the lab’s threshold. However, “non-detect” can differ based on each lab’s detection limits. California law now mandates that companies disclose chemicals on the Department of Toxic Substances Candidate Chemical list, which includes 66 PFAS compounds.

How Does HexClad Compare to PFAS-Free Alternatives?

When we look at the cookware market, some brands advertise fully PFAS-free pans made from materials such as uncoated ceramic, glass, or cast iron. These brands omit nonstick coatings entirely, relying instead on naturally slick surfaces or seasoning techniques. While such pans can be reliable, they may require more maintenance and skill to prevent food from sticking.

HexClad’s marketing highlights the combination of stainless steel’s durability and the convenience of nonstick. Many consumers praise its versatility and ease of cleaning. Gordon Ramsay has endorsed HexClad, and various media outlets have acknowledged its performance. The choice between HexClad and other PFAS-free products ultimately depends on personal priorities, such as ease of use, cooking style, and tolerance for possible chemical exposures.

Critics point to simpler surfaces like cast iron, carbon steel, or fully ceramic as ways to avoid PFAS altogether. Other owners prefer rotating multiple cookware types, rather than relying on a single set. Organizations like Mamavation have recommended mixing surfaces—stainless steel, glass, carbon steel, or cast iron—to minimize potential PFAS exposure.

Are There Health Risks with Cooking on PFAS-Coated Surfaces?

Public health experts continue to research the long-term impact of ingesting small amounts of PFAS that might migrate from cookware. While some industry participants say that properly used PTFE-coated cookware releases minimal particles, scientists remain concerned about cumulative exposure from multiple sources. In addition, PFAS from other consumer products, contaminated water, and food might add up.

Some PFAS chemicals, such as PFOA and PFOS, have been phased out of U.S. manufacturing, but they have often been replaced by other PFAS with similar properties. Studies on how these alternatives may affect health are ongoing. According to the National Toxicology Program, PFOA and PFOS can suppress immune function by reducing antibody responses.

In practical terms, the risk from a single pan might not be enormous when used correctly. However, potential harm could occur if cookware is regularly overheated, scratched, or degraded so that the coating flakes. Infants and children, who are more sensitive to toxicants per unit of body weight, may face greater vulnerabilities. While specific data on cookware alone remains limited, the overall body of evidence has led several consumer advocacy groups to urge reducing total PFAS exposure.

How to Identify PFAS in Cookware Products

Identifying PFAS in cookware can be challenging because manufacturers sometimes list only broad categories of chemical coatings. To comply with California’s 2023 law, companies must now disclose intentionally added chemicals on their websites or product labels if those substances appear on the state’s designated list.

Here are some tips to help you spot PFAS in cookware:

1. Check labels for mention of PTFE, PFOA, PFOS, or other “fluoro” compounds.

2. Look for marketing terms: PFOA-free does not necessarily mean PFAS-free if other chemicals in that class are present.

3. Review reliable consumer reports. Independent testing or third-party certifications can confirm if a pan is PFAS-free.

4. Monitor state regulatory sites. Some states publish lists of brands that must make disclosures.

5. Ask the manufacturer directly. Companies often provide written assurance or lab test results showing whether their cookware tests positive for specific PFAS substances.

If you already own HexClad, you can look into whether it was manufactured before or after the introduced TerraBond™ ceramic coating. While the product packaging might not always say explicitly, the company website or customer service may clarify the timeline of the product’s release.

Can You File a Complaint or Claim Over PFAS in Cookware?

People worried about harmful exposures often wonder if they can file a claim over PFAS in cookware. State laws vary, but in California, there are restrictions on how cookware companies can market and advertise their products concerning PFAS. Any consumer who believes a company’s labeling was deceptive regarding “PFAS-free” claims could explore legal options.

Generally, PFAS lawsuits target manufacturers or industries accused of releasing these chemicals into the environment. Consumers filing individual claims over cookware alone might face complex legal hurdles. Still, if you believe you have experienced contamination or adverse health effects connected to PFAS, legal experts advise documenting your exposure, seeking medical advice, and consulting attorneys who specialize in PFAS litigation. If you want to learn more about how lawyers evaluate these cases and whether you may qualify, you can check the PFAS lawsuits information bible.

We understand that PFAS contamination also extends to sources like PFAS in products and PFAS contamination map data around industrial areas. When exploring potential legal action, gather all relevant purchase records, health reports, and any public findings regarding local contamination. A consultation with a law firm familiar with PFAS cases offers the most direct advice about possible compensation or dispute resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is PTFE always a PFAS chemical?

In California and among many scientific communities, PTFE is classified as part of the PFAS chemical family. Several regulators consider PTFE a PFAS because it contains fully fluorinated carbon atoms.

Did HexClad discontinue PTFE coatings entirely?

HexClad says it replaced PTFE with TerraBond™ ceramic in the second half of 2024, claiming the new formula is PFAS-free. However, it is unclear if older stock remains on the market. If you have questions, ask the manufacturer or retailer when the cookware was manufactured.

Is ceramic nonstick safer than PTFE?

Ceramic nonstick surfaces do not contain PTFE, which may be more attractive to people who want to avoid possible PFAS exposures. However, not all ceramic coatings are identical. Confirm if your cookware underwent independent testing and whether the manufacturer discloses full materials.

Could I be exposed to PFAS from other sources?

Yes. PFAS contamination appears in drinking water, food packaging, cosmetics, and more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the vast majority of Americans have detectable PFAS levels in their blood. To minimize overall exposure, some people install filtration systems or research pfas remediation solutions.

What about claims of “PFOA-free” cookware?

While some cookware avoids PFOA, it may still contain PTFE or other PFAS. California law now states that labeling a product “free” of one chemical is misleading if you use another PFAS in the same category. Always review disclosure lists or ask manufacturers for specific documentation.

Are lawsuits common for PFAS in cookware?

Most PFAS lawsuits target industrial polluters, water contamination, or large-scale chemical releases. However, some consumers have initiated legal actions against cookware brands over misleading marketing claims. The outcome of these cases often depends on the specific facts and jurisdiction.

Does the new California law affect purchases outside California?

California regulations can influence national marketing because companies typically standardize labeling to comply with the strictest state laws. Even if you live outside California, you might see changes in product disclosures and claims on cookware websites or packaging.

Where can I learn more or seek legal help?

You can consult attorneys experienced in PFAS-related litigation. If you believe you have a claim you can check your eligibility.