Is HexClad Actually PFAS-Free?

slug: is-hexclad-actually-pfas-free

title: "Is HexClad Actually PFAS-Free?"

teaser: "HexClad quietly overhauled their formula in 2024—here is how to tell if your pan is the new clean ceramic or the old hidden Teflon."

category: cookware-bakeware

subcategory: non-stick-pfas

verdict: depends

status: published

is_new: true

updated: 2026-03-03

tldr: >

It depends on when your pan was made. Models manufactured after 2024 with the new TerraBond™ coating are certified PFAS-free and PTFE-free. However, millions of older HexClad pans sold before this switch contain PTFE (Teflon) despite previous "non-toxic" marketing claims. If you are buying new today from the official site, you are likely safe; if you are buying second-hand or have an older pan, it almost certainly contains forever chemicals.

key_findings:

• New "TerraBond" Formula: In late 2024/2025, HexClad switched to a proprietary ceramic coating that is verified PFAS-free.
• The Teflon Past: Pans sold prior to this switch used a PTFE-based coating, meaning they contained the same chemicals as standard non-stick pans.
• $2.5M Settlement: HexClad settled a class-action lawsuit in 2025 regarding misleading "PFAS-free" advertising for their older PTFE-containing products.
• Identification: Reports indicate that new PFAS-free batches may carry specific serial number prefixes (like "CBY"), but the only guarantee is buying new from authorized retailers.

sources:

• title: "Cliburn v. HexClad Cookware, LLC Settlement"

url: "https://www.classaction.org/hexclad-cookware-lawsuit"

type: "legal"

• title: "HexClad TerraBond™ FAQ"

url: "https://hexclad.com/pages/faq"

type: "brand"

• title: "LeafScore HexClad Testing 2026"

url: "https://www.leafscore.com/kitchen/hexclad-review/"

type: "article"

recommendations:

• name: "HexClad Hybrid Pan (TerraBond™)"

brand: "HexClad"

verdict: "acceptable"

note: "Safe only if confirmed to be the new TerraBond ceramic version; durable but less non-stick than Teflon."

• name: "Stainless Steel Pro"

brand: "All-Clad"

verdict: "recommended"

note: "The gold standard for durability and safety—zero coating to worry about."

related:

• does-teflon-cause-cancer
• is-ceramic-cookware-really-pfas-free
• what-is-the-safest-cookware-material

suggested_articles:

• title: "How to Tell if Your 'PFAS-Free' Pan is Actually Safe"

reason: "Readers will want a guide to decoding serial numbers and marketing terms for other brands."

• title: "Ceramic vs. Hybrid: Which Non-Stick Lasts Longer?"

reason: "HexClad's new ceramic hybrid is unique—readers need to know if it holds up better than standard GreenPan."

The Short Answer

It depends entirely on the manufacturing date.

If you buy a brand-new HexClad pan today (March 2026) from their official website, it likely uses their new TerraBond™ coating, which is a ceramic-based, PFAS-free material. HexClad quietly made this switch around 2024/2025 to distance themselves from "forever chemicals."

However, if you own an older HexClad pan (purchased in 2023 or earlier) or buy "new old stock" from a third-party seller, it contains PTFE (Teflon). For years, HexClad used a PTFE-based coating while aggressively marketing their pans as "non-toxic," a practice that led to a $2.5 million class-action settlement.

Why This Matters

Marketing claims can be misleading. For years, HexClad marketed their pans as "PFOA-free"—a specific type of banned chemical—while still using PTFE, the generic name for Teflon. This allowed them to sound "clean" while using the same plastic coating as a $20 grocery store pan. Does Teflon Cause Cancer

The pivot to ceramic is a major shift. The new TerraBond coating solves the toxicity issue but changes the performance. Ceramic coatings are generally less non-stick and more brittle than PTFE. By switching to ceramic, HexClad is now competing directly with brands like Caraway and GreenPan, but with their signature stainless steel lattice for protection. Is Caraway Cookware Worth It

The "Hybrid" confusion. HexClad is a "hybrid" pan, meaning it has a laser-etched stainless steel hexagon pattern raised above the non-stick valleys. This protects the coating from metal utensils. In the old pans, those valleys were Teflon. In the new pans, those valleys are Ceramic. Visually, they look nearly identical.

What's Actually In HexClad (Old vs. New)

The New Formula (2025-Present)

• TerraBond™ Ceramic: A proprietary "sol-gel" ceramic coating. It is silica-based and free from fluorine-based chemicals. Is Ceramic Cookware Really Pfas Free
• Stainless Steel: The raised "peaks" of the hexagon pattern are bare 304 stainless steel.
• Aluminum Core: The middle layer is aluminum for heat conduction (this is encased and doesn't touch food).

The Old Formula (Pre-2024)

• PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): The standard "forever chemical" non-stick plastic. It releases toxic fumes if overheated above 500°F.
• "Diamond Dust": Marketing term for reinforcing particles mixed into the PTFE to increase durability.

What to Look For

Green Flags (New TerraBond Model):

• "TerraBond" Branding: Look specifically for this trademark on the packaging or product description.
• "PTFE-Free" Claim: The new packaging explicitly states "PTFE-Free." (The old packaging only said "PFOA-Free").
• Serial Numbers: Reports indicate newer batches may start with specific prefixes like "CBY", though this is not officially confirmed by the brand for all regions.

Red Flags (Old Teflon Model):

• "PFOA-Free" Only: If the box only says "PFOA-Free" but omits "PTFE-Free" or "PFAS-Free," it is the old version.
• Manufacture Date: Any pan made before 2024 is almost certainly PTFE-based.
• Discount/Outlet Stock: Be wary of deep discounts at third-party retailers (like TJ Maxx or random Amazon sellers), as they may be clearing out the old PTFE inventory.

The Best Options

If you want the durability of HexClad without the confusion, here is how it stacks up against alternatives.

The Bottom Line

1. Buy New, Buy Direct: To ensure you get the PFAS-free TerraBond version, purchase directly from HexClad's site or an authorized major retailer ensuring current stock.

2. Ditch the Old Ones: If you have a pre-2024 HexClad pan that is heavily scratched, stop using it. The exposed PTFE valleys can leach chemicals into food.

3. Expect "Stickier" Cooking: The new ceramic HexClad is safer, but ceramic is inherently less slick than Teflon. You will need a bit more oil than you used to.

FAQ

Is the "Gordon Ramsay" pan safe?

Depends on which one. Gordon Ramsay has endorsed HexClad for years. The pans he used in 2022/2023 contained PTFE (Teflon). The pans he endorses now (2026) are likely the new TerraBond ceramic version. Don't rely on the celebrity; rely on the "PTFE-Free" label.

Did HexClad get sued?

Yes. HexClad settled a $2.5 million class-action lawsuit in 2025. Plaintiffs alleged the company misled consumers by marketing PTFE-based pans as "non-toxic" and "free from harmful chemicals," despite PTFE being a PFAS substance.

Can I use metal utensils on the new HexClad?

Yes, but be careful. The stainless steel "peaks" protect the ceramic coating from some damage, but ceramic is brittle. Using metal utensils will eventually degrade the non-stick valleys faster than using silicone or wood. What Cookware Should You Never Use