Gordon Ramsay’s Bestselling Cookware Brand Just Got Hit With a Major Safety Scandal originally appeared on Parade.
HexClad—the ultra-sleek, celebrity-backed cookware brand you’ve probably seen all over TikTok and Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen—just got hit with a dose of legal drama. The brand recently agreed to a $2.5 million class-action settlement after being accused of misleading shoppers with its “non-toxic” and “PFAS-free” marketing for years. But as it turns out, many of its pans were coated in PTFE, a type of PFAS also known as the stuff in Teflon.
PTFE is technically safe at normal cooking temperatures, but it’s still part of the broader PFAS chemical family—aka the so-called “forever chemicals” that don’t break down easily in the environment and have been linked to growing health concerns. Basically, while the label said “non-toxic,” the ingredients told a more complicated story.
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Plaintiffs argued that HexClad cashed in on the wellness boom by calling its cookware clean and toxin-free while still using the very substances many health-conscious shoppers are actively avoiding. And the lawsuit caught traction—especially in California, where PFAS-related concerns are front and center.
In response, HexClad didn’t admit any wrongdoing, but the brand has agreed to stop calling its PTFE-coated pans “non-toxic” or “PFAS-free.” And according to recent reports, HexClad started switching to a new ceramic-based coating in 2024 that actually is PTFE-free—though you’d have to read the fine print (and maybe some Reddit threads) to find out if that’s true.
For now, the takeaway is this: just because a pan looks good and has Gordon Ramsay’s stamp of approval doesn’t mean it’s as clean as it claims. While plenty of fans still swear by the performance and durability of HexClad’s signature pans, others are raising eyebrows over the brand’s past marketing choices.
It’s not exactly a kitchen nightmare, but it’s a reminder to read beyond the buzzwords. If you’re shopping for cookware that’s truly PFAS-free, it might be time to double-check those product specs—or stick with old-school classics like cast iron and stainless steel.
As for HexClad? The brand is still sizzling in the spotlight—but now, under a bit more scrutiny.
Related: Urgent Nationwide Recall Issued on This Popular Item Sold at Aldi—Here’s What to Know
Gordon Ramsay’s Bestselling Cookware Brand Just Got Hit With a Major Safety Scandal first appeared on Parade on Jun 18, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
