Does HexClad Have PFAS? My Take on PFAS Free HexClad Cookware

As a mom who’s always on the lookout for cookware that’s safe for my family and free from those stubborn forever chemicals, I decided to roll up my sleeves and dig into the big question: Does HexClad have PFAS? If you’ve heard of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), you know these “forever chemicals” don’t break down easily—they stick around in the environment and our bodies, potentially causing health issues. So, steering clear of them in our kitchen gear is a smart move.

Now, HexClad has gone through quite the makeover lately. They moved away from using PTFE-based coatings—which are a type of PFAS—and switched to their proprietary ceramic coating called TerraBond™ that they say is completely PFAS-free. HexClad’s official info and product pages confirm that their TerraBond™ coating is free from PTFE, PFOA, PFOS, lead, cadmium, and other forever chemicals[1][2][4][6]. Plus, third-party lab tests cited by HexClad show PFAS levels so low they’re below detectable limits—that’s a good sign![1][2]

But heads up—this wasn’t always the case. Older HexClad products, especially those sold between 2022 and early 2024, did contain PTFE. That led to a $2.5 million class-action settlement over misleading “non-toxic” claims[10][11]. So if you’re hunting for HexClad cookware, keep an eye on the manufacturing date!

Why I’m Excited About PFAS Free HexClad Cookware

HexClad now promotes their TerraBond™ coating as a PFAS free HexClad option, proudly stating it’s PTFE-free and ceramic-based. Their science page explains the magic behind it: the coating nestles in laser-etched hexagonal valleys and is shielded by stainless steel ridges, which means it’s both tough and nonstick—no compromise here![3][13] They say their pans have been tested with results showing PFAS compounds below laboratory detection limits—imagine trying to find a single drop in an Olympic-sized pool![1][2][7]

What makes this even better? This TerraBond™ coating is designed to be free of microplastics and forever chemicals, which means less chemical worry for us moms who want safe kitchen tools[4][6]. If you want to explore more cookware options without chemicals or microplastics, check out the PFAS Free Life database—it’s a treasure trove for healthy cooking gear!

A Quick Look Back: The PTFE Days and Legal Drama

Before this switch to ceramic, HexClad’s nonstick surface contained PTFE—a well-known type of PFAS. PTFE is great for slick cooking but has raised eyebrows over potential health issues, especially when overheated[8][15]. This sparked pushback from consumers and eventually a class-action lawsuit accusing HexClad of falsely advertising their pans as “non-toxic” and PFAS-free when they weren’t[10].

The lawsuit wrapped up with a $2.5 million settlement covering purchases made from February 1, 2022, through March 31, 2024[11]. This timeline fits perfectly with when HexClad transitioned to their TerraBond™ ceramic coating around 2024[9][12]. So if your HexClad pans are older than that, they likely contain PTFE; newer ones should be safely PFAS free.

What About Independent Verification? Should We Trust It?

While HexClad’s official word and internal lab tests are promising, some third-party reviewers and watchdog groups caution that independent verification is still limited[5][15]. For example, LeafScore points out there aren’t publicly available third-party lab results confirming the PFAS-free status of the new TerraBond™ coating[5]. Green Matters also notes some older pans still contain PTFE, and more transparency about the transition would be welcome[15].

This is where science meets marketing head-on. As savvy shoppers (and moms who want the best for our families), we should keep asking questions and look for independent testing when possible. If you want more options that avoid microplastics and forever chemicals altogether, check out the PFAS Free Life frying pan listings.

Bottom Line: Is HexClad Without Microplastics and Forever Chemicals?

• Current HexClad cookware (from 2025 onward) uses the TerraBond™ ceramic coating, which is PFAS free HexClad cookware—meaning no PTFE or forever chemicals here![1][2][3][4][6][13] This is a great step toward safer kitchenware that cares about our health.

• Older HexClad products (2022 to early 2024) did contain PTFE (a type of forever chemical) and were part of a lawsuit about misleading claims[10][11].

• Independent verification is still catching up, so if you want peace of mind, keep an eye out for third-party labs confirming these claims[5][15].

If you’re aiming to cook with peace of mind using HexClad without microplastics or harmful chemicals, make sure you’re getting their latest TerraBond™ ceramic-coated pans. And remember—when it comes to protecting our families from forever chemicals, staying curious and informed is the best recipe.

Additional Resources

• Explore more PFAS-free cookware options: PFAS Free Life Cookware Database
• Find frying pans without forever chemicals: PFAS Free Life Frying Pan Listings
• Learn about the science behind PFAS and cookware safety on our PFAS Free HexClad page.

References

[1] https://hexclad.com/collections/all/products/12-hexclad-pan
[2] https://hexclad.com/products/10-hexclad-pan
[3] https://hexclad.com/pages/hexclad-science
[4] https://support.hexclad.com/en_us/what-is-hexclad-s-terrabond-nonstick-coating-made-from-rkxwIM4x1g
[5] https://www.leafscore.com/eco-friendly-kitchen-products/cookware/are-hexclad-pans-worth-it-not-if-ptfe-is-a-concern/
[6] https://hexclad.co.uk/pages/faq
[7] https://hexclad.com/products/pots-and-pans-set
[8] https://mamavation.com/activism/hexclad-cookware-pfas-ptfe-mystery.html
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po1udHGtEsk
[10] https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/household/hexclad-class-action-alleges-cookware-marketed-as-non-toxic-actually-contains-pfas/
[11] https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/open-lawsuit-settlements/2-5m-hexclad-cookware-class-action-settlement/
[12] https://www.seriouseats.com/hexclad-review-8418511
[13] https://hexclad.com/products/hexclad-ultimate-everything-collection
[14] https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2025/06/is-hexclad-non-toxic/
[15] https://www.greenmatters.com/business/is-hexclad-non-toxic
[16] https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/cooking-tools/cookware-reviews/a45035297/hexclad-cookware-review/