HexClad Running Hot? The Heat Settings That Fixed My Eggs
Disclosure: Tested Kitchen is reader-supported. If you buy through links on this page, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I bought my HexClad pan with my own money.
If your HexClad pan seems to burn things or your eggs are sticking, the pan probably isn't the problem. HexClad runs hot. After more than six months of cooking with mine almost every day, the single biggest improvement I made was turning the heat down.
Why HexClad Runs Hotter Than Your Old Pan
According to HexClad, the pans use tri-ply construction with an aluminum core, which heats quickly and evenly. HexClad itself says the pan distributes heat swiftly and recommends starting at lower temperatures. In practice, that means the dial setting you used with a thin nonstick pan is too high for HexClad.
The Rule I Use: One Notch Lower
In my experience, medium on a HexClad is about medium-high on other pans. Here's how that plays out:
Eggs and pancakes: medium-low after a proper preheat.
Everyday sautéing: medium.
Searing steak: high heat is fine. This is where the heat retention is a strength, and the stainless peaks help build a good crust.
How to Stop Eggs Sticking
Preheat. HexClad's guidance is one to two minutes with a small amount of oil.
Use a little fat. A cold, dry pan is a bad experience with HexClad or any pan.
Turn it down. Once the pan is hot, drop to medium-low before the eggs go in.
Once I followed those three steps, fried eggs slide around my pan and scrambled eggs don't leave a crusty film.
Season It Before First Use
HexClad recommends spreading a teaspoon of oil in the pan over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes before first use. I did this with mine and recommend it.
Is the Heat a Dealbreaker?
No. It's a short learning curve, and once I adjusted, my results got noticeably better. The same heat retention that catches people off guard on eggs is exactly why it sears so well.
FAQ
What heat should I use on a HexClad pan?
Start one notch lower than you would on a regular pan. Medium on HexClad is roughly medium-high elsewhere.
Why are my eggs sticking to my HexClad?
Usually not enough preheat, no fat, or too much heat. Preheat with a little oil, then turn it down before the eggs go in.
Can HexClad go in the oven?
Yes. HexClad rates its pans as oven-safe up to 900°F. The glass lids are only oven-safe up to 400°F.
For the full six-month verdict, read my HexClad review.
Comments