The Biggest Pan Care Mistakes Home Cooks Make

Even high-quality cookware can lose performance if it’s cared for incorrectly. Home cooks can unknowingly make mistakes like overheating their pans or cleaning them with the wrong tools. These errors might seem insignificant, but they can damage cooking surfaces and shorten cookware lifespan. This guide breaks down the biggest pan care mistakes—and explains how to properly care for HexClad pans and their patented TerraBond™ surface so they continue to perform at their best.

Table of Contents

• Temperature Shocking: The Silent Pan Killer

• Using Heat That’s Too High

• Cleaning and Storage Mistakes

• Cooking Errors 

• Neglecting Good Maintenance 

Temperature Shocking: The Silent Pan Killer

One of the most common—and most damaging—pan care mistakes happens right after cooking is finished. Temperature shocking occurs when a hot pan is placed directly under cold water or submerged in a sink immediately after use.

This sudden change in temperature causes the metal to contract too quickly, placing stress on the pan’s structure. Over time, repeated thermal shock can lead to warping, weakened bonding layers and compromised cooking performance. Warped pans no longer sit flat on the stovetop, which leads to uneven cooking, hot spots and inefficient heat transfer.

When a pan doesn’t heat evenly, food cooks inconsistently. Oil may pool to one side. Hot spots increase the likelihood of burning, while other areas remain undercooked. These issues often get misattributed to the stove or recipe when the real issue is damaged cookware.

HexClad pans are engineered for durability, combining stainless steel with a patented TerraBond™ surface. While HexClad cookware is more resilient than many traditional nonstick pans, even premium cookware benefits from proper temperature management.

How to avoid this mistake:
Always allow your pans to cool naturally before washing. Waiting just 10–20 minutes before introducing water helps preserve the structural integrity of the cookware and ensures long-term performance.

Using Heat That’s Too High

Another major pan care mistake is using excessive heat—especially with nonstick pans.

Many home cooks assume higher heat equals better results, but blasting pans on high heat often does more harm than good. Traditional nonstick coatings can degrade under high temperatures, losing their nonstick properties and shortening the lifespan of the pan. Overheating can even cause coatings to break down and release unpleasant odors.

Most everyday cooking tasks—sautéing vegetables, searing proteins, frying eggs—do not require extreme temperatures. Medium to medium-high heat is sufficient for the majority of recipes when you’re using quality cookware.

HexClad pans are specifically designed to perform best on low to medium heat. Thanks to their Hybrid construction and excellent heat retention, HexClad cookware reaches and maintains cooking temperatures efficiently without needing high heat. Using lower heat not only protects the TerraBond™ surface, but also improves control and consistency.

Another common mistake is preheating empty pans for too long. Leaving a dry pan on heat can damage the cooking surface and contribute to residue buildup.

Best practice:
Preheat your pan for 1–2 minutes, then add oil or fat. If oil begins smoking immediately, the heat is too high.

Cleaning and Storage Mistakes

Cleaning habits play a major role in cookware longevity, and this is how many pan care mistakes occur—even with good intentions.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Tools

Abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh scouring pads can permanently damage traditional nonstick coatings. While older guidance sometimes recommended aggressive scrubbing, care instructions for modern cookware have evolved.

With HexClad’s patented TerraBond™ surface, abrasive sponges should not be used on the interior cooking surface. Scratching the cooking surface—even on durable Hybrid cookware—can reduce performance over time.

For everyday cleaning, HexClad recommends:

• Hand-washing with warm, soapy water.

• Using a soft sponge.

• Washing with mild dish soap only.

Bar Keepers Friend and other abrasive cleaners should not be used on the interior cooking surface, as they can compromise the TerraBond™ layer.

Dishwasher Overuse

HexClad pots and pans are dishwasher-safe, but frequent dishwasher use may cause cookware to appear dull or dark over time. High heat, aggressive detergents and long wash cycles are hard on metal surfaces.

Additionally, phosphate-free detergents—commonly used in modern dishwashers—can etch or pockmark exposed stainless steel.

For best results, hand-washing is recommended whenever possible.

Cleaning the Exterior and Stainless-Steel Areas

HexClad Hybrid pans contain stainless steel, which means temporary staining can sometimes occur around the rim or on the bottom where stainless steel is exposed. These stains are cosmetic and do not affect performance.

Unlike the cooking surface, abrasive tools such as steel wool or stainless steel scouring pads may be used on these exterior stainless steel areas to remove discoloration. Care should always be taken to avoid the interior cooking surface when doing so.

Improper Storage

Stacking pans without protection can lead to scratches, chipped surfaces and cosmetic damage. Over time, this damage can affect cooking performance.

Storing pans while still wet can also cause rust on certain materials and degrade finishes.

Smart storage habits:

• Dry pans thoroughly before storing.

• Use pan protectors or towels between pans when stacking.

• Avoid nesting pans directly on cooking surfaces.

Cooking Errors 

Some pan care mistakes happen during the cooking process itself.

Using the Wrong Utensils

If you are using a traditional nonstick pan, you should know that they are easily scratched by metal utensils, which expose the underlying material and cause food to stick more easily over time. Wooden spoons or silicone utensils are safer options for most nonstick cookware.

HexClad’s Hybrid design, however, incorporates stainless steel into the cooking surface, making it far more resistant to utensil damage. This allows home cooks to safely use metal utensils without the same risks associated with traditional nonstick pans.

Overcrowding the Pan

Adding too much food at once lowers the pan’s temperature, causing food to steam instead of sear. This leads to poor browning, soggy textures and stuck-on food that’s harder to clean later.

Excessively High Temperature

Cooking at high heat can cause burnt residue buildup—even on high-performance cookware. This residue doesn’t mean the pan is damaged, but it does require proper cleaning.

HexClad pans perform best on low to medium heat. Using higher temperatures than necessary increases the likelihood of residue buildup without improving results.

Neglecting Good Maintenance 

Different cookware materials require different maintenance routines, and neglecting them can shorten lifespan significantly.

Deep-Cleaning HexClad Cookware

If burnt or sticky residue does build up, there’s a simple fix that doesn’t require harsh chemicals.

How should I clean my HexClad cookware?
For everyday cleaning, hand -ash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. While HexClad cookware is dishwasher safe, hand washing helps prevent dulling and discoloration over time.

To deep-clean the interior cooking surface:

1. Soak the pan in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes.

2. Clean gently with a soft sponge.

3. Avoid abrasive sponges and harsh cleaners on the cooking surface.

This method effectively removes residue while protecting the TerraBond™ surface.

Understanding Material-Specific Needs

Cast iron and carbon steel require regular seasoning to maintain nonstick properties and prevent rust. Skipping that maintenance leads to sticking, corrosion and poor performance.

HexClad’s low-maintenance design removes much of this guesswork. Unlike traditional cookware, it does not require frequent seasoning and is far more forgiving of everyday use—making it an excellent choice for busy home cooks.

Conclusion

Most pan care mistakes come down to excessive heat, improper cleaning and rushed handling. By avoiding temperature shock, using low to medium heat and following updated care guidelines for HexClad’s TerraBond™ surface, home cooks can dramatically extend cookware lifespan. A few smart habits ensure your pans cook better, clean easier and perform consistently for years.

FAQs

What’s the best way to remove stuck-on food from HexClad pans?
Soak the pan in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes, then clean with a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive tools on the cooking surface.

Should I use nonstick cooking spray on my pans?
Aerosol sprays can leave residue buildup over time. Use a small amount of butter or oil instead, as HexClad’s Hybrid surface requires minimal fat.

Can I use steel wool on HexClad cookware?
Steel wool may be used only on exposed stainless steel areas, such as the rim or bottom of the pan. Do not use abrasive tools on the interior cooking surface.

What makes HexClad more forgiving than traditional nonstick pans?
HexClad’s Hybrid construction allows metal utensil use and distributes heat evenly, allowing you to avoid many common mistakes that quickly destroy traditional nonstick cookware.