GreenPan Cookware Review: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you in the market for new cookware and considering GreenPan as an option? 

If so, you may be wondering how this brand stacks up against others and whether it’s the right choice for you. 

GreenPan is a ceramic nonstick cookware brand that prides itself on being free of harmful chemicals like PTFE and PFOA. 

If you’re searching for a safer, eco-friendly alternative to Teflon, GreenPan may be the answer. 

We’ll take a closer look at the brand’s construction and nonstick finish to help you make an informed decision. 

So, if you want to learn all there is to know about GreenPan cookware, keep reading.

The GreenPan Valencia Pro 11-piece set is a practical choice with essential pieces for regular use.

 What Is GreenPan?

GreenPan is one of the latest products to hit the nonstick ceramic cookware market, designed to reduce environmental hazards while providing top-notch quality. 

Although the prices of GreenPan cookware are average, customers praise the quality, making it a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking for a safer and more eco-friendly option, then GreenPan may be the perfect solution. 

Unlike traditional frying pans, GreenPan doesn’t use Teflon coating, making it safe for your health and the planet. Instead, they use a unique ” Thermolon ” material for their nonstick coating, made without PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium.

GreenPan Cookware Reviews

GreenPan Paris Pro

GreenPan’s Paris Pro is an upgraded version of the original Greenpan, featuring an improved version of the Thermolon nonstick coating and upgraded stainless steel handles and solid lids.

This cookware set features a ceramic nonstick coating and includes 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and 11-inch frypans, 1.5-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, and 3-quart and 5.5-quart stockpots with lids.

 It is compatible with all cook surfaces except induction and can withstand oven and broiler temperatures up to 600 F. 

The set is covered by a limited lifetime warranty and includes 11 pieces, all free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.

GreenPan Rio

The GreenPan Rio cookware set offers fast and uniform cooking with its high-quality aluminum base. In addition, its nonstick ceramic coating ensures scorch-free cooking and easy food release. 

The set includes a range of essential pieces, such as 5″, 8″ and 10″ frying pans, a 2.8 quart sauté pan with a lid, 1.2-quart and 2.2-quart saucepans with lids, a 5-quart casserole with a lid, stainless steel steamer; and 4 bamboo tools.

The Bakelite handlebars make lifting and maneuvering the pan comfortable, and the glass lids aid in monitoring meals. This aluminum pan is also 100% free from harmful substances like cadmium, PFAS, Lead, and PFOA. 

The Rio collection has a Thermolon interior and colored ceramic exterior and is available in black, burgundy, and turquoise. The set is oven safe to 350 F and not compatible with induction ranges. A limited lifetime warranty covers the 16-piece set.

GreenPan Valencia Pro

The GreenPan Valencia Pro set offers an induction upgrade without an additional cost, making it an excellent value for those with induction cooktops. 

The set includes 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and 11-inch frypans, 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3-quart skillet with a lid, and a 5-quart casserole with a lid. 

The set’s premium stainless steel and hard anodized aluminum coating provide durability, while the nonstick pans are infused with diamonds and free of harmful materials. 

Although some pieces are compatible with metal utensils, it’s important to handle them carefully to maintain the nonstick coating. 

Overall, the GreenPan Valencia Pro set is a great investment for anyone looking for durable, high-quality cookware that works well on an induction cooktop.

GreenPan Lima

The GreenPan Lima cookware set is a cost-conscious nonstick option with a sophisticated gray ceramic look and stainless steel handles. It is built with an aluminum base for quick and even heat distribution but is incompatible with induction stoves. 

This set features a 2-quart saucepan with a lid, a 5-quart casserole with a lid, an 8-inch frying pan, a 9.5-inch frying pan, and a 3-quart skillet with a lid. Additionally, it includes a stainless steel steamer insert and three bamboo utensils. 

The set is oven safe up to 600 F, making it suitable for most home chefs. In addition, the nonstick Thermolon coating is free from toxic chemicals and requires a small amount of oil or fat for optimal performance. 

The Lima set comes with a standard limited lifetime warranty and includes a range of pots, pans, and bamboo utensils. Overall, the GreenPan Lima offers an affordable and eco-friendly option for home cooks.

GreenPan Venice Pro

The GreenPan Venice Pro collection boasts a sleek and timeless look thanks to its stainless steel base that is compatible with induction cooking. 

It includes two frying pans, one measuring 8 inches and the other 10 inches, along with two saucepans, one holding 2 quarts and the other 3 quarts, both with lids. Additionally, the set includes a 3-quart sauté pan with a lid and a 5-quart casserole with a lid.

Its superior heat retention and balance give it an edge over aluminum-based models. In addition, the light gray cook surface adds visual contrast to the food, though some owners noted that the ceramic coating at the lip of the pan could be prone to scratching. 

The set includes infused with diamonds for added durability and non-toxicity. The set also features oven-safe lids with stainless steel handles for convenience and safety.

GreenPan Padova

The Padova cookware set offers a stylish and playful addition to your kitchen decor with its attractive pastel color. 

The cookware set includes an 8-inch and 11-inch frypan, a 2-quart saucepan with a lid, a 3-quart casserole with a lid, a 2.5-quart skillet with a lid, and an 8-quart stockpot with a lid.

Not only is it visually appealing, but the white cook surface of the pans provides a useful contrast that makes it easier to see how your food is cooking, especially in low-light environments. 

This set is perfect for those who want to display their pans in plain view or want to add a chic and stylish value to their short-term rental. The GreenPan Padova is the way to go for an affordable yet feature-packed option.

GreenPan Swift

The GreenPan cookware set includes a range of pans and pots that deliver exceptional heat transfer and performance. The set includes an 8” and 10” frypan, 1QT and 2QT saucepans with lids, 3QT sauté pan with lid, 5QT stockpot with lid, nylon slotted turner, nylon solid spoon, and a bonus Renew Sponge.

These pans are designed with drip-free pouring rims for easy transfer of food and feature GreenPan’s healthy ceramic nonstick coating, making them effortless to clean.

The set also comes with sturdy stainless steel handles that provide total control and tempered glass lids that offer an easy view of your meal in progress. The cookware set is dishwasher safe and oven safe to 600°F, while the lids are oven safe up to 425°F.

GreenPan Chatham

The Chatham collection is a more durable version of Greenpan’s Lima model and is priced slightly higher. It is Infused with industrial-grade diamond dust. 

The cookware set comprises 1QT and 2QT saucepans with lids, a 5QT casserole with a lid, 8″ and 9″ frypans, and a 3QT skillet with a lid.

This set improves both heat transfer and scratch resistance. While you still need to avoid metal utensils and the dishwasher. 

It is also free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, making cooking healthier and safer. In addition, all GreenPan products are manufactured in a factory outside of Hong Kong in China, and their tough anodized bodies are scratch-resistant and extremely durable.

GreenPan Levels

The Levels collection from GreenPan is designed for easy stacking in small kitchens, taking up less than 10″ of space when stacked together. 

It’s important to order the pans correctly for storage to reduce wear and tear, as the design aims to minimize friction between pans. 

The cookware set includes 1.6QT and 3.2QT saucepans, each equipped with glass straining lids, a 6QT stockpot with a glass straining lid, a 10″ frypan, an 11″ forged round grill pan, a 12.5″ frypan with a helper handle and lid, a foldable stainless steel steamer, and 3 pan protectors.

The hard anodized aluminum construction of the GreenPan Levels Stackable Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set makes it durable and long-lasting. 

The set also features an advanced ceramic nonstick coating that is metal utensil safe and free of harmful chemicals, making it a safe and convenient addition to any kitchen.

What to look for when buying GreenPan

Materials

GreenPan has varying base constructions in its collections, including aluminum, hard-anodized aluminum, or stainless steel-clad (3-ply) cookware, allowing you to choose according to your preference and budget. 

Collections with a fully-clad stainless steel base are the most durable and expensive, while those with an aluminum base are the least durable and cheapest. Hard-anodized aluminum collections fall in the middle in terms of durability and cost.

Design

The Original GreenPan offers more than a dozen cookware collections featuring various designs, including matte black with gold-tone handles, sleek brushed stainless steel, and high-sheen pastels.

Handles

GreenPan has ergonomically designed handles that disperse heat and stay cool. The handles are riveted to the base for stability but can make the pan harder to clean. 

The brand offers various handle materials across its collections, including stainless steel, gold-toned, wooden, and Bakelite handles.

Induction Compatibility

Most of GreenPan’s cookware collections work with gas and electric stoves found in about 85% of North American kitchens. 

Due to their stainless steel base, only the Venice Pro and Valencia Pro lines are compatible with induction stoves. All pots and pans are safe in oven up to 600F, but lids have a lower temperature limit and are not intended for oven use.

Durability

Ceramic pans are not very durable and tend to wear out faster than other cookware types, even the best ones. 

They usually last between 1-2 years with daily use, while Teflon nonstick pans last 2-5 years, and a cast iron skillet can last multiple lifetimes at a low cost.

Performance

GreenPan cookware heats up rapidly and evenly, allowing you to cook your food at medium heat. Low to medium heat is sufficient for most dishes, and high heat is only necessary for searing and browning.

Price

GreenPan is priced lower than comparable ceramic nonstick brands (such as Caraway) but is more expensive than most traditional Teflon-coated nonstick cookware.

Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Vs. PTFE Nonstick Cookware

There are two types of nonstick cookware: traditional (PTFE-based) and ceramic. Traditional nonstick cookware uses PFCs like Teflon, which is heat-resistant up to 500°C but can peel or flake off over time. 

To avoid toxic ingredients, many home chefs are switching to ceramic products like GreenPan, which gained popularity for its non-traditional design.

GreenPan Competitors

GreenPan vs. GreenLife

Greenlife pans are less popular than GreenPan among customers, even though both brands use the same Thermolon ceramic coating. 

Greenlife is cheaper but doesn’t hold up as well as GreenPan, which has a diamond-reinforced ceramic coating. In addition, GreenPan offers higher-end options, such as clad stainless bodies, and heats more evenly. 

GreenLife, on the other hand, is thinner and doesn’t heat as evenly. If you’re on a budget, GreenLife is a decent choice, but for better quality, it’s worth investing a little more in GreenPan.

GreenPan vs. Caraway

GreenPan and Caraway both offer ceramic nonstick cookware, but GreenPan is more affordable and offers a wider range of products. 

While both claims to be non-toxic, GreenPan is free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, while Caraway only claims to be free from PTFE, lead, and cadmium. Therefore, consumers concerned about the health aspects of their cookware should choose GreenPan.

GreenPan vs. Scanpan

Scanpan used to be the official cookware of Gordon Ramsey, but their nonstick pans are pricier than GreenPan and less durable. 

Although both brands are promoted as toxic-free cookware, Scanpan is more suitable for professional-grade cooking, whereas GreenPan offers more value for its affordability.

Final Verdict

For those who prioritize convenience over durability, Greenpan is a fantastic option. Their nonstick cookware sets are not only affordable but also visually appealing when compared to other brands. 

The Valencia Pro 11-piece set is a practical choice, featuring only essential pieces that you’ll use regularly. Constructed with sturdy stainless steel, this set offers excellent heat retention and can be used with induction ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is GreenPan Cookware Made?

GreenPan’s cookware designers are based in Belgium, while the manufacturing, testing, and production occur in the company’s factory in Jiangmen, China.

Are GreenPan products oven-safe?

GreenPan products are oven-safe, but the temperature limit varies for each item, typically ranging from 320-600 degrees. The temperature limit for GreenPan lids is usually between 350-600 degrees. For oven-safe cookware, Paris Pro or Valencia Pro sets are recommended.

Is GreenPan Cookware Worth It?

GreenPan is worth the investment as they provide a non-toxic, nonstick ceramic cookware option that is competitively priced.

In addition, these pots and pans are easy to care for and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. While the nonstick coating may wear out within a few years, it will last as expected with proper care and maintenance.

Is GreenPan toxic?

GreenPan’s nonstick properties are achieved through Thermolon, a coating free from PFAS and PFOA, making it non-toxic.

Is the GreenPan safe?

GreenPan’s nonstick property comes from Thermolon instead of PTFE. This makes it a healthier option as it is free from other nonstick substances like PFAS and PFOA.