My GreenPan Review After 10+ Years of Testing

This GreenPan cookware review has been a long time in the making. We’re talking over a decade of testing — I took on this labor of love so you don’t have to. I’ve cooked everything from delicate eggs to stretchy, gooey (aka prone-to-stick) mac ‘n’ cheese in these cookware pieces, and I’m here to share my experience. And as a pro-trained chef and self-proclaimed clean cookware nerd, you can trust my opinion here. 

Back before buzzwords like ‘non-toxic’, ‘microplastics’, and ‘eco-conscious cookware’ were everywhere from Williams Sonoma to Target, GreenPan was already on the front lines of clean kitchenware innovation. They’re truly the OG of non-toxic ceramic cookware, and they’ve earned their place as the industry leader in sustainable products that are built to last.

A Short History of GreenPan

GreenPan was launched in 2007 by two school friends, Jan Helskens and Wim De Veirman. The leading nonstick cookware brand at that time was Teflon, which had been around since Dupont created it in 1946. The only problem with those convenient nonstick Teflon pans? Like nearly all traditional nonstick cookware, they were made with a PTFE plastic coating containing toxic synthetic chemicals. 

Helskens and De Veirman set out to develop a non-toxic, nonstick alternative to Teflon: Thermolon™. GreenPan cookware became the first to introduce a non-toxic, nonstick coating free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS chemicals are also not-so-fondly known as ‘forever chemicals,’ which are responsible for polluting our environment and harming human health (more on that below, keep reading!).

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Is GreenPan Cookware Safe?

If safety is your priority when it comes to cookware (and if it’s not, it should be!), GreenPan cookware definitely passes the test. GreenPan uses nonstick coatings made without PFAS chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, and GenX, as well as heavy metals like lead and cadmium. They offer high performance without the health concerns associated with the PFAS that leach from traditional nonstick surfaces, like liver and kidney disease, endocrine issues, increased risk of cancer, reproductive and immunity harm (the list goes on).

They’re also constantly paving the way for the industry with new standards of excellence. They offer the world’s first and only NSF® certified ceramic nonstick, and they recently earned the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certification for the responsible sourcing and production of aluminum (again, they’re the first cookware company to achieve this)!

“We’ve created nine generations of Thermolon, each a culmination of years of study and experience. We hold over 150 patents for technological advancements designed to make cooking easier and better for everyone. We also have a dedicated in-house testing lab, in addition to our third-party testing lab, that compares our innovations with other products on the market — so we know for a fact our technology makes our pans better.”

Madison Oakley from the GreenPan Team

The Health Risks of Traditional Nonstick

It’s hard to fully understand the benefits of non-toxic cookware without understanding the pitfalls of traditional nonstick. Understanding what could happen if you keep using those old PTFE pans will make you appreciate GreenPan that much more.

When heated above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, PTFE begins to decompose and emit toxic particles and gases. These fumes are potent enough to kill pet birds and hospitalize humans through an illness called polymer fume fever¹.

This gets even scarier when you think about the fact that PFAS earned the nickname of ‘forever chemicals’ due to the fact that they bioaccumulate in blood and organs. While ongoing research aims to determine how various levels of exposure can lead to different health outcomes, we know that prolonged PFAS accumulation can lead to negative effects such as a slowed metabolism, decreased fertility, developmental delays or effects in children, increased risks of certain cancers, increased cholesterol levels, and a weakened immune system, among others².

GreenPan’s rigorous tests and patented innovations ensure their PFAS-free cookware gets the job done without any health risks. From their ceramic-coated to stainless steel options, GreenPan delivers on cookware that’s safe for high-heat cooking and completely free from harmful chemicals.

Why PFOA-Free Labels Are Misleading

Many consumer brands like to parade their PFOA-free status as if they deserve a pat on the back, but in reality it’s a pretty misleading label. PFOA was actually phased out of production in 2005, so it’s nothing to brag about. And the rest of those chemicals under the larger PFAS umbrella? Yeah, you can bet that if your cookware boasts being PFOA-free, they might be hiding some other chemicals under that label. 

In contrast, GreenPan’s non-toxic coating options are completely free of ALL PFAS chemicals, which is what we should really be demanding of our cookware. That means you never have to worry about your pans off-gassing toxic fumes, even at high temperatures. Oven safety recommendations vary from line to line, but you can expect that GreenPan cookware is safe for use in the oven from anywhere between 600-850°F.

After 10+ Years of Rigorous Testing, GreenPan Still Comes Out on Top

As the founder of Organic Authority and a culinary school grad, I was one of the first to write about non-toxic, nonstick cookware years ago. Since then, I’ve tested an extensive list of GreenPan’s cookware sets (many of which they don’t even sell anymore!). Of their currently available sets, I’ll be sharing my review of the Valencia Pro (including the new Stainless Steel Pro edition), the Reserve Pro collection, and the impressive Spectra Collection.

I’ve cooked everything in these pans, from my daily morning eggs to oatmeal, salmon, veg, sauces, pasta, grass-fed meats, soups, stews, pancakes, and more. All that to say — I’d consider myself pretty well-qualified to share a thorough review of GreenPan cookware.

My mother, who lives with me, has also been using these pans for years. Fun fact: she refuses to use silicone or wooden utensils when she cooks with ceramic nonstick cookware, and although I wouldn’t recommend following in her footsteps, these pans have proved their durability and stood up well to her metal utensil use.

My Favorite GreenPan Cookware Sets

 1. Valencia Pro Collection

The Valencia Pro collection isn’t just GreenPan’s bestseller, it’s an award-winning superstar that has truly earned its place in my kitchen. And it’s not just me that feels this way — the Valencia Pro line caught the attention and admiration of Good Housekeeping, earning their 2023 Sustainable Innovations Award. 

The original Valencia Pro has been a workhorse for me for years, and the newest Stainless Steel Pro edition with its mirror-polished finish takes that durability to the next level. It’s seriously beautiful in person (the only downside is that it does highlight fingerprints and smudges). They’ve also added some lovely color options for their ceramic frypan trios like sage green and oxford blue for options galore.

I’ve tested this line rigorously, and I’ve found it to be the ideal companion for everything from simple fried eggs to searing a piece of salmon with a flawless, crispy crust. A standout feature I’m still head over heels for is the curved handle. The shape was designed to rest comfortably in your hand, making it a joy to maneuver around the stovetop (I wish this handle was standard across all of their lines, hint hint GreenPan!). This collection showcases GreenPan’s best, and it’s no wonder it continues to be one of my long-standing favorites.

Features:

• Safe for all stovetops, including induction
• Oven-safe up to 600°F (lids up to 425°F)
• Diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating
• V-shaped handles minimize heat transfer
• Metal-utensil-safe and dishwasher-safe
• Balance Pro Bases stay flat while cooking, which means oil won’t pool

Price: $599.99 at time of publish

Other purchase options:

• 10″ Frypan with Lid – $99 at time of publish
• 8″ Frypan – $69 at time of publish
• 4.5-Quart Sauté Pan with Lid – $159 at time of publish

Other purchase options:

• 8” Valencia Pro Stainless Steel Frypan – $79.99 at time of publish
• Valencia Pro Stainless Steel 8’’ and 10’’ Frypan Set – $129.99 at time of publish
• 1.5-Quart Valencia Pro Stainless Steel Saucepan w/Lid – $109.99 at time of publish

2. GreenPan Spectra

This line is a beautiful showcase of next-level technology and cookware innovation, and frankly, I’m a little obsessed. These pans exceeded my expectations by such a long shot that they weren’t even visible in the rearview mirror.

Think about it like fusion cooking — marrying multiple techniques to create something brand new. GreenPan has combined 3-ply stainless steel with an etched pattern, their newest Thermolon^TM 9G ceramic nonstick coating, AND an extra nonstick “boost” layer. It’s like they’ve read our minds to gather our favorite features and develop a beautiful, ultra-effective cookware line. This translates to a surface that they claim is 10 times more metal utensil-safe than their previous collections(!), all while providing the accurate heat control you need to sear perfect proteins.

I had my doubts about the hype, but from my first test of cooking my husband’s favorite crispy-skinned fish, I was honestly blown away. The fish skin crisped up beautifully without sticking. It passed my scrambled eggs test with flying colors too, producing soft (but not runny!) eggs that slipped right out of the pan with just a tiny bit of my favorite ghee. 

My mother, who is notoriously hard on pans, is also a huge fan — and that really says something. The handle design is another pro-level touch: although it’s not the same shape as the handles on the Valencia Pro, it fits nicely in hand, with a seamless, welded-on design that means no bolts for food to get stuck in. It’s also got an oven safety rating up to a mind-blowing 850°F (or 425°F with the lid), which is honestly kind of insane. However, with all that high-heat capability, it’s important to note that Spectra should not be used on a grill, in the microwave, air fryer, or freezer. 

All told, this is a kitchen powerhouse that legitimately lives up to its promises.

Features:

• Compatible with all cooktops, including induction
• Oven-safe up to a stunning 850°F (425°F with lid)
• Metal utensil-safe
• New Thermolon^TM 9G ceramic nonstick coating with an added nonstick boost layer
• 3-ply stainless steel with an etched pattern for exceptional sear and release
• Seamless, welded-on handle design

Price: $599.99 at time of publish

Other purchase options:

• Spectra Thermobond Hybrid Ceramic Nonstick 8″ Frypan – $109.99
• Spectra Thermobond Hybrid Ceramic Nonstick 10’’ and 12’’ Frypan Set – $179.99
• Spectra Thermobond Hybrid Ceramic Nonstick 12″ Wok with Lid – $169.99

3. Reserve Pro Ceramic

The GreenPan Reserve Pro is the next generation of their classic Reserve line. They’ve up-leveled the nonstick performance with their latest Thermolon^TM 9G ceramic nonstick coating, making it ideal for low-to-medium heat cooking (which is where this cookware truly shines!).

The design has been updated with a few welcome features, including beautiful gold-tone handles and improved scratch resistance. The new glass lids also come with a silicone rim for a secure, heat-sealed fit. But our favorite upgrade is the chip-free rims, which is a massive win. One of our team members has been using the previous gen Reserve line for two years now and has found them to be super durable, with the sole exception of small chips on the rim. This upgrade directly addresses customer feedback and is one of the many reasons we love GreenPan! 

To get the longest life out of your GreenPan cookware (and any nonstick cookware, for that matter), you’ll still want to stick with wood and silicone utensils. Otherwise, this line is seriously versatile — it’s a dream for both gas and electric cooktops, and it’s oven- and broiler-safe up to 600°F, so you don’t have to worry about your nonstick degrading in the oven. And with its 11 modern colorways including harvest, twilight, and moss, there’s a look to fit everyone’s design aesthetic.

Features:

• Stovetop compatibility: Ideal for gas and electric cooktops
• Oven-safe up to 600°F (lids up to 390°F)
• Improved scratch resistance
• Chip-free rims
• Glass lids with silicone rims for a secure fit
• Dishwasher-safe, though handwashing is recommended

Price: $449.99 at time of publish

Other purchase options:

• Reserve Pro Ceramic Nonstick 8”, 10”, and 12” Frypan set – $179.99
• Reserve Pro Ceramic Nonstick 10” and 12” Frypan set – $139.99

Reserve Stainless Steel

Sometimes a 3-ply stainless steel body is all you need — especially if you’re just starting out with stainless steel or prefer a pan that’s a little more manageable in weight vs. 5-ply. This collection offers incredible performance and value, making it a great way to tiptoe your way into the world of steel. 

While you might need to be a touch more careful with heat distribution on larger pans, I found that the Reserve Stainless Steel set handled heat beautifully. It heats up and cools down quickly, and the combination of its two layers of stainless steel with the aluminum core means it offers excellent heat conduction — without those frustrating hot spots. 

These pans also have a nice rounded curve, which makes flipping food a breeze. The enclosed rims are a nice aesthetic touch, but they also serve a functional purpose by preventing wear and tear that can sometimes lead to corrosion. The pretty (and useful!) gold handles are a nice bonus.

If you’re new to stainless steel though, don’t expect miracles. Regardless of the brand, you can’t expect your pans to stay sparkling new forever. Using these pans over high heat to create that yummy, crusty goodness will eventually result in oil stains. These are a natural part of cooking and cookware, and in my opinion, they’re evidence of your love and care.

Like any good stainless steel, these pans are oven- and broiler-safe up to 600°F, making it a breeze to move your food from stovetop to oven. And in the case of this Reserve line, the stainless steel is pro-grade, meaning it’s more chemically inert. This reduces the likelihood of any metals transferring to your food, which can be a concern with lower-grade cookware.

The Trick To Getting Your Stainless Steel to Perform Like Nonstick

One of the best parts of stainless steel? With just a little bit of extra prep, these products are capable of performing like nonstick with just a few simple steps:

1. Heat the pan
2. Add your oil and wait until heated through
3. Then add your food

I tried these steps with my classic scrambled egg test, and they moved around the pan like a dream.

Price: $499.99 at time of publish

Other purchase options:

• Reserve Stainless Steel 8″ Frypan – $69.99 at time of publish
• Reserve Stainless Steel 12″ and 10” Frypan Set – $149.99 at time of publish

4. Stanley Tucci Collection

Designed in collaboration with Stanley Tucci, this collection blends refined architectural details with pioneering technology. 

Made in Italy at GreenPan’s high-tech facility, these pans feature a 5mm thick body with a cutting-edge Plasma Tech treatment for incredible performance. This unique laser technology hardens the surface beneath the Infinite8 coating for extra strength and nonstick release. 

They offer a true pro-level cooking experience, with an expansive set of features that justify the premium price tag. The included cookbook from Stanley Tucci is a great bonus to get you started!

Features:

• Infinite8 ceramic nonstick coating
• Plasma Tech laser treatment for extra durability and nonstick release
• Professional gauge 5mm aluminum bodies
• Tight-fitting tempered glass lids with stainless steel rims
• All stovetops, including induction
• Oven safe up to 600°F (lids up to 425°F)
• Hand wash recommended
• Crafted from at least 70% recycled aluminum

Price: $849.99 at time of publish

Other purchase options:

• Stanley Tucci Ceramic 12″ Frypan w/Lid – $219.99 at time of publish
• Stanley Tucci Ceramic 4-Quart Saucepan w/Lid – $219.99 at time of publish
• Stanley Tucci Ceramic 6.5-Quart Essential Stanley Pan – $249.99 at time of publish

Why We’re Qualified to Review GreenPan

Here at Organic Authority, we like to think that just like GreenPan, we were on the non-toxic train before it was cool. We’ve spent over 20 years doing deep dives into topics like the best non-toxic bakeware and the top ceramic cookware sets. 

By deep dives, we mean researching, reviewing, testing products, and regularly revisiting our articles to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information. You can trust us when we say GreenPan is the non-toxic cookware we always come back to.

Here’s What Makes GreenPan’s Cookware Safe

Generally speaking, non-toxic cookware today, or clean cookware, is any cookware that doesn’t contain the class of PFAS chemicals found in those traditional PTFE plastic coatings. 

The great news is that GreenPan’s cookware is completely PFAS-free and does not contain any lead or cadmium. Their Thermolon coating is made from the same minerals that have been used to make glass and pottery for centuries, AND it doesn’t produce toxic fumes at over 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here’s What Thermolon Is Made of

Instead of plastic, the raw materials of Thermolon are derived from sand. Using a proprietary Sol-Gel method, this sand derivative is turned into a solution and sprayed directly onto the pan. This coating then undergoes a sustainable curing process that results in 60 percent fewer CO2 emissions than traditional nonstick methods.

Madison Oakley from the GreenPan team spoke to Organic Authority and told us:  “We’ve created seven generations of Thermolon, each a culmination of years of study and experience. We hold over 150 patents for technological advancements designed to make cooking easier and better for everyone. We also have a dedicated in-house testing lab, in addition to our third-party testing lab, that compares our innovations with other products on the market — so we know for a fact our technology makes our pans better.”

GreenPan’s Thermolon Coating: Innovative and Sustainable

Today, GreenPan produces four different types of their proprietary Thermolon coating: their Infinite8 Ceramic Nonstick, Thermolon Advanced, Thermolon 9G (used on the Spectra and Reserve Pro), and most recently, Thermobond™, which is a groundbreaking hybrid combining their Thermalon 9G with stainless steel.

Their latest Thermobond™ technology breakthrough integrates a powerful etched pattern and is their most advanced coating to date. It’s the most durable, and it gets the tick of approval from my mom for being metal utensil-safe. It’s worth noting that the Thermolon Advanced coating is also safe for metal utensils, but the standard Thermolon coating is not.

Poor-quality ceramic nonstick cookware can wear out in as little as three months, and it quickly ends up in the landfill after losing its nonstick ability. To disrupt this wasteful cycle, GreenPan has invested heavily in research and design to craft a non-toxic ceramic product that not only enhances durability but also optimizes performance for efficient cooking.

What’s more, GreenPan owns every step of its manufacturing process, which means it can easily adopt environmentally friendly processes without the red tape of a fragmented supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GreenPan Worth It?

No matter your budget, GreenPan has options, options, and more options. I recommend sticking with the higher-end collections if possible — in my experience, they last the longest. 

If you look at reviews for GreenPan cookware, you’ll always find the complainers who say the pans don’t work, the nonstick coating wore out, they chipped, and so on. What those naysayers don’t tell you is how they cooked with these products. 

If they cooked with their pots and pans over high heat, banged them up with heavy metal utensils, and constantly put them in a scalding hot dishwasher after use, then all of their complaints would be true. These are the very things that shorten the life of ceramic-coated nonstick pans. In fact, they’re the exact things GreenPan tells you not to do on their packaging material. 

If you cook this way, then I wholeheartedly recommend that you do not buy these pans. However, if you can follow their simple guidelines, you will get a long life out of GreenPan’s cookware. Depending on how closely you follow the guidelines, each cookware piece can last three to five years, making GreenPan products a long-lasting investment. I’ve gotten five years out of mine already, and I’m still using them! Plus, once your pans reach their end of life, GreenPan has a recycling program that you can put to use.

How GreenPan Products Compare to Carbon Steel

While carbon steel cookware is known for its durability and high-heat capabilities, GreenPan offers a superior non-toxic alternative. GreenPan’s ceramic nonstick cookware delivers excellent cooking performance without the need for seasoning, and it’s easier to clean. Carbon steel, on the other hand, requires a seasoning and “break-in” period, not to mention the meticulous upkeep required to maintain the seasoned layer. 

Unlike carbon steel, which can react with acidic foods, GreenPan’s products ensure safe, non-reactive cooking surfaces and provide the added benefit of being completely free from harmful chemicals like PFAS.

Laura’s Cheat Sheet for Cooking with Non-Toxic Nonstick Cookware

As you continue to cruise through GreenPan cookware reviews, you might run into a mention of a class action lawsuit filed against GreenPan in 2019. Don’t let this concern you or deter you from their cookware — the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice and no findings of liability. 

Ultimately, GreenPan is a great choice for your health, being one of the few nonstick cookware brands that doesn’t contain any lead, cadmium, or toxic PFAS forever chemicals. Not only that, but there are very few cookware companies on the market that have gone to the lengths that GreenPan has to create a more sustainable supply chain with reduced emissions. They’re also constantly improving, continuing to innovate on their nonstick coatings and cookware (their new Spectra line is a great example of this!).

The bottom line: are they perfect? No. But what company is? I’ve been testing these pots and pans for over 10 years and I continue to be pleasantly surprised by how long their cookware lasts when treated properly. And with GreenPan’s nonstop tech innovation, it’s hard not to be a fan.

Shipping, Returns, and Customer Service

At the time of this update, GreenPan offers free shipping on orders over $125. You’ll receive the receipt directly after purchase, ensuring transparency in your order.

They also offer a 60-day return policy, which speaks to their confidence in their products — not all cookware manufacturers offer that. 

They even have a customer service number you can call, which seems to be rare in today’s digital world. Companies these days often opt to employ ineffective chatbots or send customers links to what they think might solve the problem. Spoiler alert: they rarely do, and this creates a frustrating experience that’s rich with friction. In a world of low customer satisfaction and loyalty, I find GreenPan’s more human approach refreshing and worth mentioning.

GreenPan’s Environmental Stewardship

Another thing we love about GreenPan is how transparent they are about their practices. When we reached out, GreenPan happily provided a copy of third-party lab tests, proving their compliance with California’s Prop 65 standards.

GreenPan’s factory runs on 30 percent solar energy, and all of the company’s products are made with recycled aluminum. The company even has its own wastewater treatment plant to ensure they’re being responsible with their water usage.

“We own our factories. We know the DNA of our products,” says Oakley. “We make our coating, we make our pans, and we make sure every product lives up to our standards. We don’t have to wait for the industry to change to do something about it — we are the change.”

Not to mention, GreenPan’s production process boasts a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional coatings made with PTFE and other PFAS chemicals. Thanks to GreenPan’s initiatives and staunch commitment to sustainable values, their Thermolon coating generates 60% fewer CO2 emissions than traditional nonstick during its curing process.

In addition to upholding sustainable standards now, the company is always looking for the next step to do better by its consumers and the planet. “We’ve won dozens of awards for our dedication to our workers and the environment,” says Oakley, “but we are always working to make healthy products better for everyone.”

Organic Authority Approved Clean Cookware

Conclusion

In my experience, when it comes to cookware, you get what you pay for. I’ve bought and tested everything from the low-end cheap cookware to the high-end, well-made cookware, and there’s a clear difference. 

The low-end, cheap cookware just doesn’t last. It burns quickly, carries hot spots that result in burnt, unevenly cooked food, and it ultimately ends up in the trash or recycling bin within a few months. Not a great cooking experience AND a waste of money. 

My philosophy is: when it comes to consumer products that you’ll use almost daily, invest in high-quality items. Spending a bit more upfront on cookware usually means you’ll buy less of it — and in the long run, fewer replacements mean you’ll reduce waste and save money. Over time, you can slowly but surely build out a cookware collection that suits your cooking style (and most importantly, that you really love!). For those who appreciate the versatility of cookware, a cast iron pan is also a great addition to complement your GreenPan cookware.

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Sources:

1. https://www.ewg.org/research/canaries-kitchen
2. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas