HexClad “Non-Toxic” Pans Lied, Gordon Ramsay’s Cookware Hid Toxic Chemicals—Final Approval Feb 10
HexClad agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle claims it falsely advertised cookware as “non-toxic,” “PFAS-free,” and “PFOA-free” despite coating products with toxic forever chemicals. The final approval hearing has been rescheduled to February 10, 2026, with approximately 210,000 claims filed for products purchased between February 1, 2022, and March 31, 2024.
The net settlement fund is estimated at $1.35 million, which will be split pro-rata between all valid claims, equating to approximately $6 per claim. Gordon Ramsay-endorsed cookware that promised safety delivered toxic chemicals instead.
What HexClad Hid From Customers About Toxic Chemicals
The class action lawsuit claimed HexClad falsely marketed certain cookware products as “non-toxic,” “metal utensil safe” and free from toxic “forever chemicals” PFOA and PFAS. PTFE is a type of PFAS chemical. It is therefore misleading for HexClad to represent to consumers that cookware was free from PFAS when the non-stick coating contains PTFE.
The brand admitted to the inclusion of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in some of its products. However, PTFE is a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), one of the chemicals which HexClad claims its products do not contain.
While expressly telling consumers that PTFE is safe and inert, HexClad wrote and published an undated blog on their website citing a National Library of Medicine article titled “PTFE-coated non-stick cookware and toxicity concerns: a perspective.” The article described PTFE as releasing various gases and chemicals that present mild to severe toxicity at normal cooking temperatures. This means HexClad knew about toxicity risks while marketing products as non-toxic.
The Health Risks Hidden in Your “Safe” Cookware
Health studies on PFOA indicate that people exposed to the chemical are more at risk for endocrine disruption, cancer, thyroid disease, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancer, liver damage and disease, and colitis. When PFOA is used in making non-stick cookware, it can be a significant health risk over time, particularly because the non-stick coating burns off during the cooking process, becoming a toxic substance.
PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they bioaccumulate in the human body and build up in the environment. PFAS stay in the human body, as well as in the environment, for significant periods of time. Studies have linked these chemicals to global warming, endocrine disruption, reproductive ailments, and increased cancer risk.
The lawsuit alleged HexClad violated California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act, False Advertising Law, and Unfair Competition Law, along with claims of breach of express warranty, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment.
Why Claims Only Pay $6 Despite $800 Purchases
209,712 timely claims were received for the $2.5 million settlement. The gross settlement fund of $2.5M has a net settlement fund estimated to be $1.35M which will be split pro-rata between all valid claims, equating to approximately $6 per claim.
One frustrated claimant commented: “$800 in HexClad toxic pans and I will receive $6?!? What the heck? What a joke! Not to mention no compensation for possible long term health effects…wow.”
Initial estimates of $25 payments per claim have been determined to “likely” have been overly optimistic. The massive number of claims—over 200,000—diluted individual payouts far below what claimants expected.
According to the settlement agreement, consumers who file a timely, valid claim form are eligible to receive a pro-rated share of the settlement fund, after deductions are made for attorneys’ fees, administrative expenses and service awards. A consumer’s share of the settlement fund will not exceed what they spent on a covered item or items.
Gordon Ramsay’s Role in Marketing the “Non-Toxic” Cookware
A lot of the HexClad buzz can be attributed to that loveable curmudgeon, Gordon Ramsay’s, fondness for the HexClad Hybrid cookware. Ramsay was not named as a defendant in the suit, though his name, face, and apparent words cover the HexClad site, including a quote that reads, “The sear I can get with these pans is incredible, with absolutely no stick.”
Ramsay does not appear to have commented on HexClad Hybrid’s lack or inclusion of chemicals such as PTFE or PFAS. The celebrity chef’s endorsement helped HexClad become one of Costco’s most highly-rated cookware sets, despite the toxic chemicals in the non-stick coating.
What Happens at the February 10 Final Approval Hearing
The final approval hearing was originally scheduled for September 15, 2025, but has been rescheduled to February 10, 2026. The Court will hold a hearing on February 10, 2026 at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to decide whether to approve the Settlement.
Payments will be issued approximately 90 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement and any appeals are resolved. If the Court approves the Settlement, there may be appeals, which can take time to resolve, perhaps more than a year.
The settlement requires HexClad to stop advertising products as “non-toxic,” “PFOA free,” or “PFAS free” if they contain PTFE. This business practice change must remain in effect for at least two years.
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What Class Members Need to Know Now
The claim deadline was November 14, 2025. No further claims can be filed. If you submitted a claim before the deadline, you’re automatically included and will receive payment after final approval.
Many claimants are waiting for payments: “30 days after the claim deadline which was December 24, 2025 and today is January 20, 2026 and I have yet to receive a payment.” Payments cannot be distributed until after the February 10, 2026 final approval hearing and resolution of any appeals.
Contact the settlement administrator at [email protected] or 866-507-0323 with questions about your claim status. The Settlement Administrator shall pay all Approved Claims no later than thirty (30) days after final approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HexClad lawsuit about?
The lawsuit alleged HexClad falsely advertised, labeled, and marketed the non-stick coating of certain products, including claims that products were “non-toxic,” “PFAS Free,” “PFOA Free,” or otherwise free from certain chemicals. The cookware actually contained PTFE, a type of PFAS forever chemical.
Who qualifies for payment?
If you purchased one or more Eligible Products between February 1, 2022 and March 31, 2024, you are included in this Settlement as a “Settlement Class Member.” Eligible products include HexClad Hybrid fry pans in various sizes and any sets containing these products.
Can I still file a claim?
No. The claim deadline was November 14, 2025. The deadline has passed and no further claims can be submitted.
How much will I receive?
Approximately $6 per claim based on 209,712 valid claims filed and a net settlement fund of $1.35 million. Individual amounts depend on total valid claims and cannot exceed what you originally paid.
When will I get paid?
Payments will be issued approximately 90 days after the court grants final approval on February 10, 2026, and any appeals are resolved. Expect payment in spring or summer 2026 if no appeals are filed.
Did HexClad admit wrongdoing?
HexClad has denied any and all allegations of wrongdoing, fault, liability, or damage of any kind. The company settled to avoid ongoing litigation costs.
What changes is HexClad making?
HexClad agreed to stop advertising products as “non-toxic,” “PFOA free,” or “PFAS free” if they contain PTFE for at least two years following final approval.
Last Updated: February 16, 2026
This article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance about toxic cookware exposure or consumer protection rights, consult a qualified attorney.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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