How to Care for Your HexClad Products

A good pan is more than just a tool: It’s a kitchen MVP, helping you turn out everything from perfectly fluffy pancakes to restaurant-worthy omelets. The same goes for all HexClad products, from the pizza steel that makes family pie night so much more fun to the cutting board that lets you perfect your julienne and create stunning charcuterie spreads. When your kitchen is stocked with essentials that elevate every meal, it’s only natural to want them to last. Thankfully, with a little TLC, they will. (There's a reason we offer a lifetime warranty on pots and pans!)

Let’s dive into the simple steps to keep your kitchen heroes in top form.

1. LATHER BEFORE LIFTOFF

It might seem obvious, but when you pull your new knives, pot, roasting pan or any other product out of the box, take time to wash it before it hits the stove. Each piece is hand-polished at the factory before being shipped to you, so give it a quick wash in warm, soapy water to remove any residue.

2. SEASON TO PERFECTION

Pans need seasoning as much as food does—and no, we don’t mean a dash of salt and pepper. Here’s how to do it: Heat your pan over medium-low, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface. Leave it on the heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then let it cool down. Once cool, wipe out any excess oil with a paper towel. From there, you’re ready to cook or store it. Over time, the fats from food will naturally enhance the seasoning, improving the pan’s performance with each use. Think of it as a little kitchen magic; your pan evolves and gets better with every meal you make.

3. LOW TEMPS, HIGH REWARDS

Not to get too technical about it, but HexClad’s patented Hybrid tri-ply design takes heat distribution to the next level. The construction delivers faster, more even cooking than your old standby pots and pans. Translation? You won’t need to crank up the heat to get great results. Stick to low heat for most cooking, and only turn it up to medium for tasks like searing a steak or pork chop. Our cookware is engineered for precision, so let it do the heavy lifting while you keep things cool, calm and collected in the kitchen.

4. DON'T WANT NO (HARSH) SCRUBS

For everyday cleaning of HexClad pots and pans, warm soapy water and a soft sponge will do the trick. While HexClad cookware is dishwasher-safe, regular trips through the dishwasher can dull its shine over time. Plus, harsh detergents can etch or even pockmark the exposed metal, and nobody wants that.

Because our hybrid pans feature stainless steel, you might notice temporary staining around the rim or bottom. To remove these marks on those areas only, use a more abrasive tool like steel wool or a stainless scouring pad. Just remember: Keep abrasives away from the nonstick cooking surface. Treat it gently, and your cookware will stay as stunning as the meals you create.

5. GOT RESIDUE?

High-heat cooking can sometimes leave behind a stubborn layer of burned residue. It happens to the best of us, and it’s nothing HexClad can’t handle. To deep-clean your cookware, simply soak it in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the residue has softened, use a soft sponge to gently wash it away. A little patience goes a long way to keep pans looking pristine and performing their best.

6. RULES OF THE BOARD GAME

Before your cutting board debuts, give it the VIP treatment with food-grade mineral oil. Saturating the board protects it from soaking up unwanted juices or lingering aromas. To prep, rub a generous amount of oil all over the board, being sure to cover every inch. Then, prop it up on a clean dish towel (one you don’t mind getting a little oily) or a pot lid holder to dry overnight. Repeat this process whenever the wood feels porous or develops an "off" smell.

It’s a simple step to keep your board in top shape and ready for its next chopping challenge.

For daily cleaning and maintenance, start by scraping off any leftover food—a plastic bench scraper works wonders and can be tossed in the dishwasher afterwards. Wash the board’s surface with warm water and gentle soap, but never submerge it in water or place it in the dishwasher, as this can cause warping. Once clean, towel-dry the board and prop it up on a dish rack or against a wall to air dry completely.

7. STAY SHARP

No need to dabble in at-home sharpening machines or master the art of the whetstone to keep your knives ship-shape. Instead, a quick weekly pass over the honing steel included in the 7-piece Damascus Steel Knife Kit will keep your blades aligned and ready for action. If your knives start feeling seriously dull, outsource the heavy lifting to a professional service like Knife Aid. (HexClad Food Director, Laura Rege, swears by it.) With just a little regular maintenance, your knives will slice, dice and impress for years to come.

Ultimately, caring for your cookware is like seasoning your food—it’s the small things that make the biggest difference.