GreenPan Cookware Review (Testing 3 Pans In-Depth)

GreenPan has its fair share of supporters and critics. For those who are fond of GreenPan, they appreciate its non-toxic and nonstick cookware, which is completely free from harmful chemicals that could potentially seep into our bodies. On the other hand, there are individuals who view GreenPan's claim of being a healthier cookware option as a deceptive scheme. Nevertheless, GreenPan has gained widespread popularity worldwide due to its distinctive ceramic non-Teflon coating and durable construction.

In order to determine the validity of the hype surrounding GreenPan, I conducted a thorough evaluation of their 12" Rio fry pan, 10" Valencia Pro fry pan with lid, and 12.5" Lima wok. This assessment aimed to assess the performance of their nonstick coating, cooking capabilities, and the efficiency of the cleanup process.

GreenPan background and key information

In 2007, the Belgian firm, The Cookware Company, introduced GreenPan as the first PTFE-free, nonstick cookware. Touting its revolutionary Thermolon ceramic coating as a new option for healthy cooking, GreenPan became a sensation when it was demonstrated by Chef Todd English on Home Shopping Network, selling 20,000 units of a six-piece set in four hours. 

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) – or the brand name Teflon – was made with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a toxic chemical that our bodies absorb and can lead to serious health conditions, including cancerous tumors. Up until 2013, all nonstick pans were made with PFOA, but by the end of 2015, the eight U.S. manufacturers of nonstick cookware ceased using PFOA in production.

In effect, back in 2007, GreenPan really was the first, purportedly safe nonstick cookware. Since then, though, The Cookware Company’s proprietary Thermolon coating has been under a lot of scrutiny and investigation. The company has been pretty cagy about Thermolon, claiming that it’s mostly made from silicon dioxide or silica, a natural compound that’s considered safe to humans.

In 2019, a class action lawsuit was filed against The Cookware Company for overhyping GreenPan’s health benefits and misrepresenting GreenPan as free of toxins. Thermolon’s patent shows that its formulation does indeed have minute amounts of chemicals that are toxic. In 2020, the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning The Cookware Company can’t be prosecuted again on this charge.

It is worth noting that the lawsuit highlighted a specific instance of false advertising by The Cookware Company, which involved their claim that the GreenPan was "diamond-enhanced." Even the packaging of the 12-inch frypan I purchased still prominently displays the term "diamond-enhanced" alongside a diamond pictogram. However, it begs the question, is this claim truly accurate?

GreenPan is widely available in numerous locations, with various collections to choose from. In 2021, Bobby Flay joined forces with GreenPan Premiere as a spokesperson, and in their promotional materials, Flay enthusiastically praises its "Diamond-Advanced (notice the word change) Technology."

Where is the GreenPan made?

The Cookware Company is headquartered in Belgium, where it designs all of its products. GreenPan's Thermolon coating is produced in South Korea, while the cookware itself is manufactured in the company's factory in Jiangmen, China. 

The company's website emphasizes that it maintains complete control over manufacturing practices and procedures, ensuring an environmentally friendly and sustainable factory. Additionally, they make a point to reassure customers that there is absolutely no child labor involved in their manufacturing process.

GreenPan cookware line

GreenPan offers a diverse range of cookware collections in various colors, styles, and metal types. Here are some of the collections:

1. Valencia Pro: Crafted from anodized aluminum, this collection features a mineral Thermolon coating that is resistant to metal utensils. It also includes a "Magneto" base specifically designed for induction cooktops.

2. Venice Pro: Made from stainless steel, the Venice Pro collection is coated with Thermolon for enhanced cooking performance.

3. Venice Pro Noir: Similar to the Venice Pro collection, the Noir edition features black handles and a black Thermolon coating.

4. Performance Pro: This collection boasts anodized aluminum construction with a dark blue Thermolon coating.

5. Searsmart: Designed for optimal browning, the Searsmart collection is made from anodized aluminum and features a Thermolon coating. Its special textured surface allows for excellent browning of food.

6. Reserve: Similar to the Venice Pro collection, the Reserve series offers diamond-advanced Thermolon coating. It is available in a wide variety of colors.

7. Rio: The Rio collection shares the same features as the Reserve collection but comes in a two-tone design with matching handles and exteriors. It is available in black, red, and pale green.

8. Chatham Stainless: This collection combines three layers of aluminum and stainless steel, ensuring durability. It also features a metal-utensil safe coating.

9. Levels Stainless: Similar to the Chatham Stainless collection, the Levels Stainless series is designed to be stackable, providing convenience and space-saving storage.

10. Treviso: The Treviso collection is crafted entirely from stainless steel and coated with Thermolon for exceptional cooking performance.

11. Smartshape: This collection shares the same features as the Valencia Pro series but is specifically designed to be stackable, offering practicality in storage.

Additionally, there are collections that are identical to the Performance Pro series but come in different colors and handle styles:

• Chatham Hard Anodized
• Chatham Black
• Paris Pro
• Lima
• Hudson
• Mayflower
• Swift
• Dover
• Canterbury
• Levels – stackable
• York

GreenPan also has a variety of other cookware and small appliances:

• Grillpans
• Griddles
• Woks
• Stockpots
• Rice Cooker
• Roasting pans
• Waffle Maker
• Ice Cream Maker
• Electric Skillet
• Fondue Set
• Egg Maker
• Sandwich Maker

GreenPan’s 12” fry pan – Rio

I had the opportunity to test out the 12’ fry pan from the Rio Black collection and I must say, I was extremely satisfied with the outcome. Weighing in at 2 pounds and 3 ounces, the fry pan felt substantial in my hand, striking the perfect balance between weight and maneuverability on the stovetop.

What impressed me the most about this Greenpan fry pan was its completely flat surface. Unlike other nonstick pans I've tried, there was no pooling of liquid ingredients or eggs along the sides. This ensured even cooking and made cleanup a breeze. The 8” handle, which tapers to an oven-safe Bakelite grip, was not only comfortable to hold but also remained cool-to-the-touch during stovetop use. However, I did find that the handle could benefit from being slightly longer to provide better support for the pan's weight.

The Rio collection offers a variety of colors including black, red, and sea-foam green. The cream-colored interior of the pans creates a visually pleasing two-tone contrast with the exteriors. The Rio Black cookware exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a perfect fit for any modern kitchen. On the other hand, the red and sea-foam green pans have a Martha Stewart-esque charm and would create a striking contrast on a black or white cooktop.

Performance

I prepared three distinct recipes using the fry pan: a delightful Moroccan chicken sauté, a traditional Spanish tortilla, and some perfectly fried eggs. 

GreenPan recommends heating the pan at a low to medium-low temperature to extend the lifespan of its Thermolon coating. Unlike other nonstick pans I've tested, which took 5 to 10 minutes to heat up, the GreenPan heated up evenly and completely in just about 2 minutes. For the sauté, I only used 1 tablespoon of olive oil to cook the aromatic vegetables and then added the sliced chicken. I maintained the heat at a medium-low level, and although the chicken didn't brown, it cooked to a lovely pale golden color. After adding some wine and increasing the heat to evaporate the alcohol, the dish was ready in just 10 minutes, and nothing stuck to the pan.

When it comes to cleaning, GreenPan suggests allowing the pan to cool down and then simply wiping it clean with warm soapy water and a sponge. In fact, I could have easily wiped it with a paper towel; the fry pan was that effortless to clean. After a quick rinse, both the interior and exterior of the pan looked as good as new.

The Spanish tortilla is a straightforward recipe that involves sautéing onions and sliced potatoes in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, followed by pouring an egg mixture on top. Additionally, the fry pan was evenly heated, eliminating the need to move the ingredients from the sides to the center for even cooking.

The GreenPan is not only broiler-friendly but also allows for easy transfer of the tortilla onto a cutting board without the use of a spatula or any physical contact. Once again, the cleanup process was completed in less than a minute.

Testing the nonstick capabilities of a pan is best done by frying eggs without the use of butter or oil. I cracked the eggs into the center of the pan and, when they were cooked to my desired level, a simple shake of the pan allowed the eggs to effortlessly slide out. To achieve over easy eggs, I confidently executed a Julia Child flip, resulting in the eggs gracefully landing on the awaiting plate.

GreenPan’s 12.5” wok – Lima

The Lima collection offers a variety of woks to choose from, including the 12.5" wok. This particular wok has a diameter of 12.5" at the top and narrows down to an 8" cooking surface. It has a depth of 4" and features an 8" handle that is securely riveted through the pan. Despite weighing 2 pounds and 13 ounces, it feels substantial without being overly heavy. The handle is made of brushed aluminum and is ergonomically curved to fit comfortably in your hand.

In terms of aesthetics, the pots and pans in the Lima collection have dark gray exteriors and slightly lighter gray interiors. These sleek and modern cookware pieces can be proudly displayed on your cooktop or hung on a rack in your updated kitchen.

Performance

The GreenPan wok, constructed with anodized aluminum, boasts a slightly more substantial build compared to the Rio fry pan, potentially explaining its longer preheating time. Notably, the sides of the wok were not as hot as its center. To commence the stir fry, I introduced a tablespoon of oil followed by the vegetables. 

Employing tongs, I diligently stirred the contents, resulting in uniformly cooked vegetables over medium heat. Similar to the fry pan, the stir fry effortlessly slid onto a plate without any adherence issues. Once cooled, the wok effortlessly cleaned within seconds, exhibiting no signs of scratching.

GreenPan’s 10” fry pan with lid – Valencia Pro

I had the opportunity to test out the 10" fry pan from the Valencia Pro collection, which stands out because it is suitable for any heat source but specifically designed for induction cooktops. The Valencia collection is highly acclaimed and popular among GreenPan's offerings due to its patented "Magneto 2" induction technology.

Induction cooktops require cookware that is made of magnetic metal. As per GreenPan's website, the "Magneto" in the Valencia collection consists of a thick base composed of copper-reinforced magnetic iron particles. It features a slightly textured finish, reminiscent of a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.

In terms of appearance, the Valencia Pro collection shares a similar gray-on-gray aesthetic with the Lima collection. However, it boasts a striking polished aluminum handle measuring 8" in length. The handle is securely riveted to the pan and has a subtle curve. It fits comfortably in my hand, and I found the 2-pound pan to be effortless to maneuver around my cooktop.

The weight and design of the pan were ideal for effortlessly flipping eggs or preparing an omelet. Additionally, the pan comes with a tempered-glass lid that closely resembles other glass lids typically found with anodized cookware.

Performance

I achieved equally impressive outcomes with the 10" fry pan, just like I did with the 12" fry pan and the wok. However, there was one noticeable distinction. The Magneto base took a considerable amount of time to heat up, even longer than the wok. I kept the flame at medium heat, and the bottom of the pan heated up faster than the sides. Nevertheless, after 5 minutes, the pan was fully heated and retained the heat exceptionally well.

Furthermore, this collection is designed to be resistant to metal utensils, which was a great relief. I could effortlessly move food around using a fork or spatula without worrying about scratching the nonstick surface.

Is GreenPan a good brand?

If we set aside the hype and take a closer look at GreenPan as a company, there are numerous admirable aspects. Despite being located in China, which may raise concerns about manufacturing processes and quality control for some individuals, GreenPan has made significant efforts to ensure high quality and sustainability. In fact, the factory currently operates with 30% solar power, incorporates an in-house wastewater management system, reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and utilizes recycled aluminum.

Regardless of whether one believes GreenPan to be a healthier option for nonstick pans, it cannot be denied that their non-PFTE Thermolon coating is free from PFOA, lead, and cadmium. Furthermore, GreenPan's products are known for being well-crafted, reasonably priced, and enjoy international popularity. Considering these factors, it is highly likely that the brand will continue to thrive for a considerable period of time.

Is it worth it?

GreenPan has cookware collections for any budget, some of which are less expensive than GreenPan’s new competitor, Caraway, which I’ve also reviewed. You can pick up an 18-piece cookware set from the Lima collection for only $300 or the 22-piece set from the Rio collection for less than $350. Greenpan also has a painter’s palette of colors to choose from that will coordinate with any kitchen design. 

Performance-wise, I had no complaints with the three GreenPans that I tested and would gladly toss out my old nonstick pans (well, maybe not my carbon steel) and replace them with GreenPan. Some Amazon naysayers gripe that the Thermolon coating doesn’t last, but who knows how they’ve treated or misused their pans? I say just follow the easy rules for all nonstick cookware, and the GreenPan will reward your small effort.