Quick answer

Season HexClad hybrid pans by washing and drying them thoroughly, then rubbing a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil over the cooking surface with a paper towel. Heat the pan on medium for 1–2 minutes until the oil just begins to shimmer, then let it cool completely and wipe away any excess. Repeat once or twice before first use, then maintain the seasoning with gentle washing, thorough drying, and a light oil rub after most cooking sessions.

Why HexClad hybrid pans need both seasoning and maintenance

HexClad pans combine a stainless steel exterior with a hybrid cooking surface, so they do not behave like bare cast iron or classic nonstick. A thin layer of polymerized oil on the surface improves release and helps protect the pan’s textured pattern, but it is not a permanent coating. That is why seasoning is a repeatable habit rather than a one-time task. If you skip maintenance, oils and food residue can build up in the pan’s texture, causing sticking and making cleanup harder. If you over-oil, the surface turns tacky and collects dust. The goal is a thin, even, dry-to-the-touch layer.

Choosing the right oil for hybrid pan seasoning

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as grapeseed, avocado, canola, or refined safflower. These oils polymerize into a durable film without burning or leaving a bitter smell. Avoid extra-virgin olive oil, butter, and unrefined coconut oil for seasoning because their low smoke points cause them to carbonize before they bond. For everyday cooking, you can still use butter or olive oil—just don’t rely on them to build the seasoning layer. Store your seasoning oil in a small squeeze bottle for controlled application.

Everyday cleaning that protects the seasoning

Let the pan cool until it is warm but safe to handle—never plunge a hot pan into cold water, which can warp the base. Wash by hand with warm water, a soft sponge, and a drop of mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, and harsh oven cleaners, which can scratch the hybrid surface and strip the seasoning. For stuck-on bits, simmer a little water in the pan for a minute, then loosen with a wooden or silicone spatula. Dry immediately with a towel and place the pan back on low heat for 30 seconds to evaporate hidden moisture.

Storage and long-term care habits

Stack pans only with a soft protector—a felt pad, paper towel, or clean dish towel—between each piece to prevent scratches. Hang pans or store them in a single layer if you have the space. Re-season lightly every few weeks, or more often if you notice food beginning to stick. If the surface feels rough or tacky, scrub gently with a paste of baking soda and water, rinse, dry, and apply a fresh seasoning layer. With this routine, a hybrid pan can stay in rotation for years.

Step-by-step: season and maintain your HexClad pans

  1. Wash and dry the pan thoroughly: Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge to remove any manufacturing residue or dust. Rinse well, then dry with a clean towel. Place the pan on low heat for 30 seconds to ensure no moisture remains. Checkpoint: the pan should be completely dry before oil touches it—any water will cause the oil to bead and season unevenly.
  2. Apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil: Pour a few drops of grapeseed, avocado, or canola oil onto the cooking surface. Rub it over the entire interior, including the sidewalls, using a paper towel. The goal is a barely visible sheen, not a puddle. Common mistake: using too much oil. If it looks wet or glossy, wipe more off with a clean paper towel.
  3. Heat the pan on medium until the oil shimmers: Place the pan on the stovetop over medium heat for 1–2 minutes. The oil will thin out and just begin to shimmer; you may see a faint wisp of smoke. Do not let it smoke heavily or turn dark. Checkpoint: if the oil smokes aggressively, remove the pan from heat immediately and wipe out the excess—your heat was too high.
  4. Cool completely, then wipe away excess oil: Turn off the heat and let the pan cool on the stovetop until it is safe to touch. Wipe the surface with a dry paper towel to remove any remaining oil. The pan should feel dry, not greasy. If the surface feels tacky after cooling, you used too much oil—wash gently and repeat the seasoning step with less oil.
  5. Repeat once or twice before first use: For a new pan, repeat the oil-and-heat process one or two more times. Each layer should be extremely thin. After the final layer, your pan is ready to cook. You do not need to season before every use—once or twice initially is enough to start.
  6. Maintain after each cooking session: Let the pan cool, wash by hand with mild soap and a soft sponge, dry immediately, and warm on low heat to remove all moisture. If the pan looks dull or food starts sticking, apply a light oil rub and heat for 1 minute. Common mistake: putting a wet pan away. Even a little moisture can cause spotting or rust over time.
  7. Deep clean and re-season when needed: If the surface feels rough or tacky, make a paste of baking soda and water, scrub gently with a soft sponge, rinse, and dry. Then apply a fresh seasoning layer using the steps above. Checkpoint: re-season every few weeks, or whenever water no longer beads on the surface.

HexClad pans that fit this routine

  • Hybrid Fry Pan Set with Lids, 6pc: Hybrid Fry Pan Set with Lids, 6pc includes 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch skillets with lids, ideal for scrambled eggs, solo meals, and searing steaks. A three-pan set lets you season and maintain different sizes without overloading one pan, and the lids help with covered cooking and steam control.
  • Hybrid Roasting Pan, 7” x 10”: Hybrid Roasting Pan, 7” x 10” is designed for smaller side dishes like mac and cheese, shepherd’s pie, or green bean casserole, and features the same hybrid surface for searing and easy cleanup. This size is useful for weeknight sides, and its hybrid surface means you can season and maintain it with the same oil-and-heat method as your fry pans.
  • Hybrid Roasting Pan Set, 4-pc: Hybrid Roasting Pan Set, 4-pc is oven-safe to 900°F and dishwasher-safe, with smaller sizes ideal for chicken parm, enchiladas, cornbread, and roasted salmon. The high heat tolerance makes it versatile for roasting and broiling, and dishwasher-safe cleanup saves time on busy nights—though hand washing still helps preserve seasoning.