I’ve rounded up GreenLife’s most popular ceramic non-stick cookware. I’ve found that GreenLife cookware is well-suited to those who want the benefits of nonstick cookware without any harsh or toxic chemicals.
I love pans that help me make delicious, healthy meals. Ceramic non-stick cookware has become an increasingly popular option for those who want toxin-free non-stick pots and pans. And GreenLife cookware is a prime example of this new wave of cookware.
GreenLife’s affordability and colorful variety can easily catch anyone’s eye. But their quality performance and versatility make GreenLife Cookware a solid choice for almost any home cook.
But there are variations among sets. For instance, you might want a set that can handle oven use. Or perhaps you have your eye on a particular color choice. There are different factors to consider.
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Which GreenLife cookware set is ideal for you? Keep reading my GreenLife Cookware Review to learn more.
Contents
About GreenLife Ceramic Non-stick Cookware
GreenLife Cookware Review: Brand
GreenLife, owned by the Cookware Company, began with a mission to bring healthy cooking to everyone through ceramic non-stick cookware. All of GreenLife’s products are manufactured in China. Don’t hold this against them, though, as “Made in China” is typical of most ceramic cookware brands on the market.
GreenLife uses a patented coating called Thermolon, a ceramic nonstick coating. GreenLife cookware prides itself on environmentally-sound manufacturing practices, as well. For example, GreenLife uses recycled aluminum to manufacture most of its ceramic pots and pans.
To quickly see GreenLife in Action, take a look at this short video by the manufacturer:
Why Choose Ceramic Nonstick Cookware?
There are various reasons someone might choose ceramic non-stick over traditional non-stick, but the main reason is the chemical makeup of the coatings.
Traditionally, nonstick cookware uses a Teflon coating, which contains PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene). While there is no evidence that this polymer is unsafe at normal temperatures, it can release toxic fumes at high heat (above 500°F/260°C).
These toxic fumes can be lethal to birds and cause flu-like symptoms in humans. For this reason, many people want to avoid Teflon. For recommendations, check out my list of the best non-stick pans without Teflon.
Ceramic non-stick cookware uses a sand-based ceramic coating. During the manufacturing process, a silica gel is applied to the pan. This silica gel is then fired in the curing phase to adhere to the metal. The result is a hard, smooth, non-porous finish.
It’s important to note that a ceramic non-stick coating can sometimes contain PTFE, but this is not typically the case. All the GreenLife pans on our list use the proprietary Thermolon coating and are PTFE-free.
You might also see a lot of manufacturers claim their cookware is PFOA-free. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) has been banned from cookware for several years, so this claim practically means nothing.
Caring for Ceramic Non-stick Cookware
Ceramic non-stick cookware won’t last a lifetime, but there are some things you can do to extend the life of your cookware.
First, it’s best to use only heat-resistant silicone or wooden utensils while cooking. Even if a brand claims its cookware is safe for metal utensils, assume it’s not. Metal utensils are notorious for scratching and damaging non-stick cookware. And once you get scratching, the non-stick properties go away… quickly.
Secondly, stick to low or medium heat while cooking. Using high heat can break down the non-stick properties and damage the ceramic non-stick coating. You’ll also want to use a little oil or butter. Not much, mind you, but a little is necessary.
Lastly, take care when cleaning your pan. Hand washing is preferred, and it’s best to use mild soap and soft sponges. Towel dry after cleaning and store in a cool dry place, preferably in a single layer to avoid contact with other pans.
GreenLife Cookware FAQs
Is GreenLife Cookware 100% Ceramic?
No. GreenLife uses an aluminum or hard-anodized aluminum base and coats it with a ceramic non-stick coating. This coating is a silicon-based gel derived from sand.
If you’re worried about your food coming into contact with aluminum, don’t fear. Beneath the Thermolon non-stick cearmic coating, there is a thick underlayer that prevents food from touching the aluminum.
Is GreenLife Cookware Safe?
Yes. GreenLife Cookware is safe and healthy. Just be sure to follow the proper care and cleaning instructions. Use low to medium heat, stick with heat-resistant plastic or wooden utensils, and hand wash the cookware.
What’s the Difference Between GreenLife and GreenPan?
Both GreenLife and GreenPan are owned by the Cookware Company. Both brands focus on healthy ceramic non-stick cookware and bakeware. But they are separate companies with a few key differences. I break down the differences in my comparison of GreenPan vs. GreenLife.
Essentially, GreenPan is pricier but more durable. GreenLife is a great entry-level brand that’s more affordable.
GreenLife Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Reviews
GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Nonstick 16-Piece Pots and Pans Set: Best Overall
The GreenLife soft grip collection is one of the more popular pots and pans sets the brand offers, perhaps because it is affordable, lightweight, convenient and easy to use. It’s one of my top choices for cookware for gas stovetops.
This GreenLife Soft Grip 16-piece cookware set includes the following pieces:
- 4-inch (10.16 cm) mini frying pan
- 7-inch (17.78 cm) & 9.5-inch (24.13 cm) open fry pans
- 1-quart (.95 liters) covered saucepan
- 2-quart (1.89 liters) covered saucepan
- 2.5-quart (2.37 cm) sauté pan with lid
- 5-quart (4.73 liters) stockpot with lid
- 7-inch (17.78) stainless steel steamer
- 4 kitchen utensils
This GreenLife set is substantial, although the saucepans are on the smaller side. I do like the mini frying pan skillet for omelets or other single-serve dishes.
It comes in a wide range of fun colors, from turquoise and lavender to pink and yellow. These non-stick pots make a statement in the kitchen. The pan handles are soft grip Bakelite handles for maximum comfort.
The aluminum-reinforced body is made from recycled materials and features a wobble-free base for even heat distribution and effortless cooking. The white-colored interior is rivetless to prevent food buildup.
Although you can put this Greenlife cookware set in the dishwasher, it will last longer if you hand wash your pans. Just use warm water and mild soap with a non-abrasive sponge.
It’s also essential to use these on low or medium heat settings. The non-stick properties can begin to break down at high heat, causing food to stick.
One of the biggest customer complaints regarding this set was the handle getting burned. One way to avoid this is to make sure the base of the pan completely covers the diameter of the burner.
This overwhelmingly happened on gas stoves, so that’s something to consider. Also, if you have an induction stove? You’re out of luck. This set is only for gas and electric stoves.
Pros
- Thermolon coating (PTFE-free)
- Lightweight
- Wide range of color options
- Dishwasher safe
- Stay-cool Bakelite handles
- Affordable, good value
Cons
- Smaller saucepans
- Only oven-safe to 350°F (177°C)
- Not highly durable
- Not induction-compatible
Want to shop around? You can buy this GreenLife Soft Grip cookware set directly from the manufacturer.
GreenLife Soft Grip Diamond Ceramic Nonstick 16-Piece Cookware Set: Best for Electric Stovetop Cooking
Very similar to the other soft grip set, GreenLife Diamond Ceramic set includes 16 pieces in a bundle of bright colors. The set includes the following:
- 4-inch (10.16 cm) mini frypan
- 7-inch (17.78 cm) & 9.5-inch (24.13 cm) frying pans
- 1-quart (.95 liters) covered saucepan
- 2-quart (1.89 liters) covered saucepan
- 2.5-quart (2.37 cm) sauté pan with lid
- 5-quart (4.73 liters) stockpot with lid
- 7-inch (17.78) stainless steel steamer
- 4 kitchen utensils
The main difference between this set and the soft grip set is the addition of diamond dust to the ceramic non-stick coating. This is for added durability and scratch resistance.
The Diamond Ceramic set also features an aluminum body with a ceramic non-stick coating. The rivetless soft grip handles are comfortable, and the glass lids keep in heat and moisture.
Like their counterparts, these pots and pans are not safe for induction stoves. They’re compatible with gas and electric stoves, and they’re safe for oven use up to 250°F (177°C). With such a low maximum oven temperature, most people would only use these pots and pans on the stovetop.
Although this set is technically dishwasher safe, GreenLife does recommend hand washing your pans. Cooking at lower temperatures is also a must. Higher temperatures are notorious for damaging this cookware.
This Soft Grip Pro set is as affordable as the GreenLife set without diamonds. Their performance does not seem to differ much, and they’re both affordable sets.
The bottom line? These two sets are practically identical, so you’ll enjoy the same benefits as the other Soft Grip set.
Pros
- Diamond-reinforced ceramic non-stick coating
- Range of bright color options
- Bakelite stay-cool handles
- Affordable, good value
- Easy to clean
- Wobble-free base
Cons
- Not induction-compatible
- Only oven-safe to 350°F (177°C)
- Smaller saucepans
Shopping around for the best price / availability? Check this pots and pans set out directly with the manufacturer:
GreenLife Classic Pro Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Pots and Pans Set: Best for Oven Use
This GreenLife Classic Pro Ceramic Non-stick Cookware Set is sturdier than the soft grip collection. It comes in a light or dark gray and includes the following 12 pieces:
- 7-inch (17.78 cm) & 9.5-inch (24.13 cm) frying pans
- 1-quart (.95 liters) covered saucepan
- 2-quart (1.89 liters) covered saucepan
- 2.2-quart (2.08 cm) sauté pan with lid
- 5-quart (4.73 liters) stockpot with lid
- 2 kitchen utensils
This GreenLife Classic Pro set features hard-anodized aluminum construction with the Thermolon non-stick ceramic coating. The hard-anodized aluminum provides extra durability and scratch-resistance versus plain aluminum. GreenLife claims that this set can handle metal utensils, but I’d be hesitant to test that claim.
For me? The main advantage this set has over the others is oven use. While the other sets can only go to 350°F (177°C), these pans are oven-safe for temps up to 600°F (315°C), making them great for stovetop-to-oven cooking.
As far as longevity, I didn’t notice much difference between the Classic Pro and the Soft Grip collections. They both will last for a while but need replacing after a couple of years. That’s just the reality for ceramic nonstick cookware.
These pans will cost a little more than the other GreenLife collections, but if you want cookware that can handle oven use as well as stovetop use? The Classic Pro is your set.
Pros
- Hard-anodized aluminum core
- Non-stick ceramic coating (PTFE-free)
- Oven safe to 600°F (315°C)
- Stainless steel handles
- Dishwasher safe
- Metal utensil safe (GreenLife claims)
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy
- Not as many color choices
- More expensive
Looking for the best price? Then check out this set directly with the manufacturer to compare prices:
GreenLife Mini Square Grill Pan and Mini Frying Pan Set: Best for Single Servings
I don’t often describe cookware as cute, but the term fits in this case. These mini pans each have a diameter of 5 inches (12.7 cm) and are perfect for single servings and small eats.
From grilled sandwiches to fried eggs, this small set gives big results. It has an aluminum body with the signature Thermolon ceramic layer. The bright turquoise color looks cheery in the kitchen, and the stay-cool handles are convenient for stovetop use.
This set is technically oven-safe to 350°F (177°C), but you won’t use it much at that temperature in the oven. Be sure to use low or medium heat on the stovetop, too, to preserve the ceramic cooking surface.
As with the other GreenLife sets, this mini frying pan skillet set is dishwasher-safe. But it’s better to hand wash your mini pans.
Pros
- Ceramic non-stick coating (PTFE-free)
- Great for single servings
- Stay-cool Bakelite handles
- Dishwasher safe
- Good value, affordable
Cons
- Only oven safe to 350°F (177°C)
- Small capacity
- Not induction-compatible
Feel like shopping around? Take a look at this two-pan set on the manufacturer’s site:
Best Alternative: GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard-Anodized Ceramic Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set
GreenPan is owned by the same parent company as GreenLife and offers a similar product line. This Valencia Pro cookware set is made of hard-anodized aluminum with a ceramic nonstick cooking surface. While it only comes in gray, it does include 11 pieces:
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) open frying pan
- 9.5-inch (24.13 cm) open frying pan
- 11-inch (27.94 cm) open frying pan
- 2-quart (1.89 liters) covered saucepan
- 3-quart (2.84 liters) covered saucepan
- 3-quart (2.84 liters) sauté pan with lid
- 5-quart (4.73 liters) stockpot with lid
The glass lids allow you to monitor food while cooking. It’s oven-safe up to 600°F (315°C) and safe for all cooktops, including induction. The stainless steel handles stay cool on the stovetop and offer a comfortable grip.
This GreenPan set will offer versatility and top-notch performance, but it will come at an extra cost. Expect to spend quite a bit more for this GreenPan set than the GreenLife cookware sets.
Pros
- Ceramic non-stick coating (PTFE-free)
- Hard-anodized aluminum construction
- Stainless steel handles stay cool
- Induction-compatible
- Safe for oven up to 600°F (315°C)
Cons
- Expensive
- Only comes in gray
GreenPan also offers its cookware sets directly from their website. Check out this set (and alternatives) directly on their site:
FAQs
Are GreenLife Pans Teflon Free?
Yes. GreenLife use a teflon-free non-stick coating called Thermolon.
Are GreenLife Pans Safe and healthy?
Yes. Greenlife uses a healthy, ceramic non-stick coating which is safe to use. They are also eco-conscious and, at least claim, to be better for the environment than other cookware.
GreenLife Ceramic Cookware Review: My Recommendation
Which GreenLife cookware set is right for you? I’d go with the classic GreenLife Soft Grip 16-piece set. If you’re willing to follow the care instructions and replace the set after a few years, then you should get the best bang for your buck.
If you need something longer-lasting and are willing to spend for it., the GreenPan Valencia Pro set has rave reviews and will offer more durability. But it won’t have all the cute color choices.
Whichever you choose, however, you can be assured that these pots and pans can help make healthy cooking a reality for your home.
