Your questions on HexClad pans answeredWhat are the best HexClad pans?Whilst I rate all the HexClad pans I’ve tested, there are a couple of pans that I think are must-haves when it comes to building your collection. The 30cm wok is a non-negotiable. If you like stir-fries or one pan dishes then this is the pan that does it all. I’d also highly recommend investing in the 20cm and 25cm frying pans, which are two great sizes that will cover most home cooked meals. And finally, if you’re a fan of roasts, the HexClad hybrid roasting pan is an excellent choice. It comes with a rack, which means meat is cooked to perfection and it has plenty of room to roast your veg underneath. There’s no doubt that HexClad is an expensive brand. But if you’re looking for premium pans that are going to last and you’re willing to put some effort into caring for them, then they are a great choice.How I tested HexClad pansI swapped out my usual cookware for the full Hexclad range for two weeks, using each piece in my own family kitchen to see how well they worked for home cooks. This meant using the pans for everything from weekend breakfasts to slow-cooked dinners. I used the pans to fry eggs, make sauces, and even a few higher-heat dishes to see how well the hybrid coating performed. When testing the range, I looked at the following:Non-stick performance: I noted how easily the food released and how much oil was needed. Seating and browning: I looked at how effectively the pans cooked meat. Heat distribution: I assessed how fast the pans heated up and whether the heat was evenly distributed, especially on some of the larger pans. Cleaning: Whilst HexClad cookware is dishwasher-friendly, I hand-washed each pan to test how easy they were to clean. Are Hexclad pans worth it?Whether HexClad pans are worth it really depends on a few factors. As I discovered when searching for the best stainless steel pans, cooking with stainless steel is an art. So if you’re looking for something that will give you the high-heat searing capabilities of stainless steel, but will release food easily like non-stick pans then these are the perfect compromise. Budget is a huge factor, too and the HexClad pans are not cheap. If you have a larger budget to splurge on some premium pans, then absolutely, they should be on your radar. All HexClad pans come with a lifetime warranty, so these are investment that should last.It’s also worth thinking about how you actually cook. If you’re someone who reaches for the same pan and uses it for everything, whether that’s searing a steak or frying an egg, then the versatility of the HexClad pans makes a lot of sense. Because of its hybrid design, the HexClad range covers all bases, and if you’re like me and obsessed with buying kitchenware, there’s plenty of pots and pans on offer. For home cooks looking for quality pans that are going to last, then the verdict is in, HexClad is totally worth it. Is HexClad safe?In short, yes, HexClad is generally considered safe, but there has been some controversy surrounding the brand over the past few years. Hexclad came under scrutiny after marketing some of its PTFE-coated cookware as being PFAS-free and non-toxic. These are a group of synthetic chemicals sometimes called “forever chemicals”, because they don’t naturally break down. This led to a class action lawsuit, Cilburn v One Source to Market, which concluded with a settlement. Whilst HexClad denied all wrongdoing, part of the agreement was that HexClad was required to stop using phrases like “PFAS-free” on PTFE-coated products. Since 2024, HexClad has switched to a ceramic-based coating called TerraBond, which is advertised as being PTFE-free, PFAS-free, lead-free and cadmium-free. As with many non-stick coatings, the exact formulation isn’t publicly disclosed, with HexClad describing it simply as proprietary. This isn’t unusual in the industry, but it does make independent evaluation a little tricky. The upshot is, the controversy surrounding HexClad wasn’t harm from using the pans, it was about how they were labelled. If you’re buying a current HexClad pan, you’re getting a TerraBond coating (not PTFE), which is safe when used as intended. So always remember when you’re cooking with non-stick pans, avoid overheating, not to use non-abrasive utensils and always replace them when you start to notice signs including scratches, chips and discolouration. How to care for HexClad pansIf you’re going to splurge on expensive pans then it’s worth knowing how to care for them properly. It’s worth noting that whilst HexClad has a lifetime warranty, it won’t cover any damage caused by improper care or use. Before using HexClad pans for the first time, they need to be seasoned in the same way that you would season cast-iron pans:To do this, first wash the pan with warm, soapy water. Dry it off and heat the pan at a medium-low heat until it’s hot. Then spread a teaspoon of oil (vegetable oil is better for its higher smoke point) around the pan and heat it for around 2-3 minutes. Take it off the heat, leave it to cool and then wipe away any excess oil. You don’t need to do this every time you use your pans, it’s just for the first use. When it comes to cleaning your pans, it’s best to do it by hand. Whilst you can pop your HexClad pans in the dishwasher, the detergents used along with the high temperatures can affect the non-stick performance. So, leave your pans to cool and then wash with warm, soapy water. It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t use your HexClad pans on a high hob heat. Use them on a low to medium heat and the design will ensure that heat is distributed across the pan, so you get great results. As a general rule of thumb, HexClad suggests low heat for items like eggs, medium-low for general cooking and then medium-high for searing. Why you can trust IndyBest reviewsAs The Independent's review section, IndyBest has a team of testers who put products through their paces in real-world settings, using objective and thorough testing criteria to bring you their honest verdict. You can trust that when we recommend something, you can feel confident that it’s actually worth buying.Rachael Penn is one of our kitchen appliance writers. She has written reviews on everything from the best stainless steel pans to the best saucepan sets, so knows what to look for when testing and recommending cookware. She has put dozens of culinary gadgets through their paces, such as the best air fryers, and knows which brands are worth having on your radar. Rachael’s reviews are honest and realistic to help you make the best purchase for your home.Complete your cookware with the best induction pans and saucepan sets