If you’re looking to replace your non-stick teflon cookware, you’ve probably come across GreenPan when doing your research.
You may be wondering if they’re really safe and non-toxic or if there are any honest GreenPan reviews out there that will make you feel comfortable with your purchase decision.
When my husband and I decided to get rid of all of our Teflon, we were left with one cast-iron skillet and one stainless steel stockpot. Needless to say, I needed to do some digging to find some healthier cookware to use on a daily basis.
Of course, like you, I found GreenPan. I did a lot of research into the brand, and now I’m here to make your life a little easier, share my findings with you, and hopefully answer all of your questions!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I could be compensated if you decide to make a purchase. You can read our full disclosure here.
The Problem with Teflon
Before talking about my GreenPan review, let’s revisit the problem with non-stick cookware and Teflon.
In the past, companies made Teflon with PFOA and PFOS (aka C8). Research links these chemicals with immune system issues, high cholesterol, birth defects, heart disease, and cancer.
The U.S. required companies to phase out PFOA and PFOS in the early 2000s, and completely banned them by 2014. (Which means if you purchased your Teflon pre-2014, you should definitely consider buying something new.)
While PFOA and PFOS are not manufactured in the U.S. anymore, it’s important to note that imported products may still contain these harmful chemicals.
Obviously, companies replaced C8 chemicals with something else in order to continue making Teflon and other non-stick cookware. Unfortunately, this replacement (GenX) may be just as harmful.
According to the EPA, GenX chemicals can disrupt the immune system and cause liver, kidney, and thyroid issues. They can also hinder fetal development.
This is why you should still stay away from Teflon when possible and switch to non-toxic cookware.
What is GreenPan?
After learning about the dangers of Teflon, two friends in Belgium decided to create cookware that was healthier and safer for our bodies. That’s when GreenPan was born.
GreenPan carries multiple lines of ceramic non-stick cookware that are supposed to be safer for you. Instead of Teflon, they use something called Thermolon (which we’ll talk more about below).
Is GreenPan Made in the USA?
No, GreenPan is not made in the USA. The company designs the products at their offices in Belgium, creates the Thermolon coating in South Korea, and manufactures the finished products at their production facility in China.
Is GreenPan Cookware Safe?
GreenPan sounds all well and good on the outside. But is it really safe and non-toxic? Let’s talk a little about what we know about the company and the materials that they use.
Is GreenPan PFOA-Free?
Yes, as mentioned above, GreenPan does not use PFOA in their cookware lining. Instead, they use something called Thermolon.
What is Thermolon?
GreenPan makes Thermolon from a sand derivitive, SiO2 (silicon), which is basically what glass is made out of.
Unfortunately, that’s the only ingredient that they disclose. In a conversation with Irina Webb from I Read Labels For You, they also mentioned that they may use some pigments to create the different colors, but they assure us that all of the materials in Thermolon are 100% food-safe.
A company’s reassurance is not necessarily enough for me though, and there is actually an open class-action lawsuit against GreenPan for falsely advertising their products to be safe and completely toxin-free.
GreenPan Lawsuit
The lawsuit against GreenPan alleges that there are many toxic chemicals in their Thermolon coating, including silane (which can cause skin and eye irritation), aluminum oxide (which can cause skin and eye irritation, irritate the respiratory system, cause shortness of breath, and ultimately may lead to lung damage after chronic exposure), tetraethoxysilane or ethyl silicate (which can cause skin and eye irritation, affect the nervous system, and may lead to kidney and liver damage), methyltrimethoxysilane (which can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system and affect the nervous system long-term), and potassium titanate (which can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation).
Since the lawsuit has not been settled yet, there isn’t much to back up the plaintiff’s claims, but I will update this article as more information becomes available.
Personally, I would really like to see a full list of ingredients in order to decide if GreenPan’s Thermolon coating is truly safe and non-toxic.
Is GreenPan Safer than Teflon?
All of that being said, I do think GreenPan’s products are safer than Teflon.
Looking at their safety reports and data, as long as you’re taking care of your pans (more on their cleaning and care recommendations below) and not allowing the ceramic coating to flake off into your food, GreenPan is less toxic than Teflon.
Overview of GreenPan Cookware Lines
All of GreenPan’s cookware lines are meant to be safe for metal utensils, and most are dishwasher and oven-safe (at least to a certain temperature). Their glass lids are also oven-safe up to 400-degrees Fahrenheit.
Below I’ve listed some of the main details for each line to give you a better way to compare in case you’re looking to purchase a set, even after reading my GreenPan reviews above.
GreenPan Reserve
- Stainless steel body
- Scratch-resistant
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven & broiler safe
- NOT to be used with an induction stove
GreenPan SearSmart
- Aluminum body
- Scratch-resistant
- Has room for more cooking space
- Specially made for searing & browning
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven & broiler safe
GreenPan Valencia Pro
- Aluminum body with stainless steel handles
- Dishwasher-safe
- Oven & broiler safe
- Compatible with induction stoves
GreenPan Chatham
- Aluminum body
- Scratch-resistant
- Made with drip-free edges to make it easy to pour food/liquids
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven & broiler safe
GreenPan Hudson
- Aluminum body
- Scratch-resistant
- Wood handles for a more vintage look
- Dishwasher safe
- NOT to be used with induction stoves
GreenPan Venice Pro
- Stainless steel body
- Stainless steel handles that are corrosion and wear-resistant
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven & broiler safe
- Compatible with induction stoves
- Most expensive line
GreenPan Rio
- Least expensive line
- Non-stick aluminum body (not made with their scratch-resistant materials)
- Comes in bright colors (also available in black)
- Dishwasher safe
GreenPan Lima
- Aluminum body
- Stainless steel handles
- Colored ceramic
- Scratch-resistant
- Oven & broiler safe
- NOT safe for induction stoves
- Hand wash ONLY
GreenPan Padova
- Aluminum body
- Stainless steel handles
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven & broiler safe
- Drip-free edges for easy pouring
GreenPan Levels
- Available in aluminum and stainless steel bodies
- Dishwasher safe
- Good for small kitchens because they easily stack together to take up less cabinet space
How Long Does GreenPan Last?
This question really depends on how well you take care of your pans.
According to reviews and consumer reports, the non-stick coating tends to wear off after a few months of use, and food begins to stick to the pans.
GreenPan says you can make the pans last a lot longer by following their recommendations for care and cleaning.
How to Care for Your GreenPan Cookware
Lower the heat. When using your GreenPan on the stove, the company recommends a lower heat setting than you would normally use because they supposedly conduct heat much more efficiently than other pans.
Use oil or butter. Even though GreenPan is non-stick, the brand also recommends using butter or oil when you cook, but they specifically state NOT to use extra virgin olive oil.
Don’t use metal utensils. Yes, I know I just said that their pans were safe to use with metal utensils, but they don’t actually recommend that you do so. This is because the metal utensils can scratch the surface and wear it down over time. Instead, they recommend using nylon, silicone, or wood utensils. You also shouldn’t cut food on the pans.
Don’t leave them on the stove empty. When pans are empty, they heat up much quicker and may even heat up too much. Then, when you put your food on them, the food may burn and stick, shortening the life of the pan.
Hand wash. Though most of GreenPan’s lines are dishwasher-safe, the company recommends that you hand-wash them instead.
Protect them in your cabinets. If you stack your pots and pans, GreenPan recommends placing a protective sheet between each one in order to minimize wear and tear.
What’s the Difference Between GreenPan and Green Life Cookware?
You may have also heard of Green Life cookware. This is a separate company that also uses a Thermolon coating on their pans in order to shy away from PFOA and PFAS.
Comparing the two brands, GreenPan is likely the better option because it’s a bit more durable and will likely last longer when you take care of it. GreenPan, however, is about 3 times the price of Green Life.
Here’s a more in-depth review of GreenPan vs. Green Life.
Which GreenPan Line is Best?
Obviously, this is up to your personal preference and household needs. If you have a really small kitchen, GreenPan’s Levels line is probably your best bet. If you’re looking for something inexpensive, I’d go with the Rio collection. If you’re a pro cook or have an induction stove, your best bet is probably the Venice Pro line.
What is the Safest Cookware for Your Health?
Unfortunately, if you’re looking for cookware that is truly safe for your health, you should skip the non-stick cookware entirely.
We really like our cast-iron, and stainless steel is great too (but cooking with it does take some practice after using non-stick cookware for years).
If you’re looking for cookware that’s safer and more reliable than ceramic, check out this post.
I hope this was a big help for you if you’re researching GreenPan! Do you have any of their cookware? If so, I’d love to know your experience with it. Leave me a note in the comments and tell me how long it’s lasted and what you think about it after reading this post.
