How to Care for Hexclad Frying Pan

To care for a HexClad frying pan, season it before first use by heating it on medium-low and wiping a teaspoon of oil over the surface, cook on low to medium heat with a little fat, and wash it once cool with warm soapy water and a sponge or soft brush. Remove sticky build-up with a baking soda paste, and re-season the pan every few months or whenever food starts to stick. Although HexClad says its pans are metal-utensil and dishwasher safe, gentle hand washing keeps them non-stick for longer.

How a HexClad Pan Is Different

HexClad makes “hybrid” pans. The cooking surface is tri-ply stainless steel with aluminum in the middle, and a laser-etched hexagon pattern. The raised stainless steel lines sit slightly above small non-stick valleys. The steel gives you browning and toughness, and the coating helps food release.

That design means the pan behaves partly like stainless steel and partly like non-stick. It needs a little more fat and a bit more care with heat than a pure non-stick pan, and it rewards you with better searing.

Step 1: Season It Before First Use

1. Wash the new pan in warm soapy water, rinse and dry it.
2. Place it on medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add about 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and spread it over the whole inside with a paper towel.
4. Leave it on the heat for another 1 to 2 minutes, then let it cool.

This fills the tiny valleys of the pattern with a thin layer of oil and improves food release right away.

Step 2: Cook the Right Way

• Use low to medium heat. The tri-ply base heats fast and evenly, so high heat is rarely needed. High heat burns oil into the pattern and causes sticking.
• Preheat for 1 to 2 minutes before you add oil, then add the food once the oil shimmers.
• Use a little fat. A teaspoon of oil or butter helps eggs and fish release cleanly.
• Let food release. Meat and fish stick at first, then let go when a crust forms. Wait before flipping.
• Utensils: HexClad says metal utensils are fine. Wood or silicone are still kinder over the long run, and you should never cut food in the pan.

Step 3: Clean It After Every Use

1. Let the pan cool. Cold water on a hot pan can warp it.
2. Wash with warm water and dish soap using a sponge. A soft brush helps reach into the hexagon pattern.
3. Rinse and dry with a towel.

HexClad lists its pans as dishwasher safe, but detergents and high heat dull the finish and can strip the seasoning faster. Hand washing takes a minute and is worth it.

Step 4: Deep Clean When Needed

If food starts to stick or you see a brown, tacky film, oil has built up in the pattern:

1. Make a paste of baking soda and a little water.
2. Spread it over the inside and leave it for 10 minutes.
3. Scrub gently with a non-scratch sponge or soft brush, following the pattern.
4. Rinse, dry and re-season the pan.

For stubborn burnt spots, simmer a little water in the pan for 5 minutes first. A gentle stainless steel cleaner also works on the outside and on rainbow heat tint.

Step 5: Re-Season Regularly

Repeat the seasoning step every few months, or whenever eggs start to stick. Many cooks also wipe a few drops of oil over the warm pan after washing to keep the surface in top shape.

How to Store a HexClad Pan

• Make sure it is completely dry.
• Hang it, or place a cloth or pan protector between stacked pans.
• Store lids separately so their glass does not knock against the pan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cooking on high heat every time
• Skipping the first seasoning
• Using cooking spray, which leaves a gummy film in the pattern
• Putting the pan through the dishwasher daily
• Scrubbing with steel wool inside the pan
• Expecting it to behave exactly like a pure non-stick pan with no oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is food sticking to my HexClad pan?

The most common causes are too much heat, too little oil, or burnt oil built up in the pattern. Deep clean it with baking soda, re-season it and cook on medium heat.

Can HexClad go in the oven?

Yes. HexClad states its pans are oven safe to 260°C (500°F). Glass lids have a lower limit, so check the guidance for your lid.

Do I need to season HexClad every time?

No. Season it before first use and then every few months, or whenever food starts to stick.

Is HexClad safe to use on induction?

Yes. The magnetic stainless steel layer works on induction, gas, electric and ceramic hobs.

Final Thoughts

A HexClad pan is tough, but it still needs good habits: season it, use moderate heat and a little fat, and hand wash it once cool. Deep clean with baking soda when food starts to stick, and re-season every few months. Treated this way, it will sear and release food well for many years.

For more cookware care, see our guides on caring for a Tefal frying pan and cleaning a stainless steel frying pan.