This article compares GreenPan vs GreenLife pans.
I’ve found that healthy cooking is easier with non-stick cookware. But I also don’t want to negate the benefits of a nutritious meal by cooking it in a non-stick pan that’s full of toxic or questionable chemicals.
GreenPan and GreenLife are two cookware brands that aim to make healthy and safe cooking possible with ceramic non-stick cookware.
Contents
At a Glance
My top choice? The GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard-Anodized Cookware Set. It has durable construction, solid performance, and allows you to cook food on the stove or in the oven.
However, it’s quite a bit pricier vs GreenLife. Plus, there are some features that you may not need, like induction compatibility. In those cases, the extra features may not justify the additional cost.
In the end, it all comes down to your cooking needs and personal preferences.
So the question is, which ceramic non-stick cookware set is the better choice for your kitchen? Read on to find out more.
GreenPan vs GreenLife Overview
What is GreenPan?
GreenPan was established in 2007 with a focus on environmentally-conscious manufacturing and healthy non-stick options. They introduced the Thermolon coating, a proprietary ceramic coating with non-stick properties.
GreenPan is a Belgian company which still designs all of its cookware in Belgium. However, they outsource the manufacturing of all GreenPan cookware items to China.
What is GreenLife?
The GreenLife cookware brand is a sister company to GreenPan and is owned by the same parent company. Like GreenPan, GreenLife cookware sets are manufactured in China.
Both brands purport to offer a healthier alternative to a Teflon non-stick surface while employing a fresher, more contemporary look.
Things to Consider Before Buying Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware
Ceramic non-stick cookware offers, in theory, the best of all worlds: healthy, safe and easy to use cookware.
Yet this isn’t always the case. Questions to ask are:
Is the Cookware actually Teflon-free? I look for PTFE-free since it is the active ingredient of Teflon. (See more in the FAQ below.) Not all ceramic cookware is Teflon-free. Both Greenlife and GreenPan are Teflon-Free. For more Teflon-free pans, check out my guide to the best non-stick non-Teflon pan.
Is it durable? Some ceramic cookware scratches easily or loses its non-stick properties.
How oven-safe is it? Different cookware will have different oven-safe temperatures. At an absolute minimum, I like my cookware to be oven-safe to at least 250°F (177°C), but even that is a little low.
For more things to consider, read the reviews and FAQs below.
GreenPan vs GreenLife Cookware Sets: Product Reviews
GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 16 Piece
If you like cookware that pops, look no further. GreenLife soft grip pots and pans come in 9 bright color choices. This 16-piece set comes with the following:
- 4-inch (10.16 cm) mini frying pan
- 7-inch (17.78 cm) & 9.5-inch (24.13 cm) frying pans
- 1-quart (.95 liters) 2-quart (1.89 liters) saucepans with lids
- 5 quart (4.73 liters) stockpot with lid
- 2.5-quart (2.37 liters) sauté pan with lid
- 7-inch (17.78 cm) stainless steel steamer
- 4 nylon utensils
I would like the saucepans to be a little larger, but the pieces included in this set are practical and more than cover the basics. I like the mini egg frying pan for small omelets and single-servings.
This GreenLife cookware set features a body of recycled aluminum and a sand-based nonstick coating.
GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard-Anodized Induction-Safe Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 11 Piece
This GreenPan cookware set Includes the following 11 pieces:
- 8′-inch (20.32 cm) 9.5-inch (24.13 cm), & 11-inch (27.94 cm) fry pans
- 2-quart (1.89 liters) saucepan with lid
- 3-quart (2.84 liters) saucepans with lid
- 3-quart (2.84 liters) skillet with lid
- 5-quart (4.73 liters) casserole with lid
I like the larger saucepans and the included pieces, even though this set is somewhat smaller than the GreenLife set.
These pots and pans feature hard-anodized aluminum construction, which makes this cookware durable and scratch-resistant. It’s coated with GreenPan’s signature Thermolon ceramic coating.
GreenLife vs GreenPan Cookware Sets: Feature Comparison
Materials & Construction
The GreenLife cookware set has a body of recycled aluminum, whereas the Greenpan cookware has a core of hard-anodized aluminum.
Both the GreenPan and GreenLife cookware sets offer precise temperature control and fast and even heating.
Nonetheless, the hard-anodized aluminum of the GreenPan cookware provides extra strength and scratch resistance. For this reason, I’d say the GreenPan set has the advantage over GreenLife.
Non-stick Coating
Both GreenPan and GreenLife cookware feature a ceramic non-stick coating. But there are some important differences between the two.
GreenLife cookware features a ceramic, sand-based non-stick coating free of lead, cadmium, PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE (the main ingredient in Teflon).
GreenPan’s diamond-reinforced Thermolon coating is also free of toxic chemicals. But it also provides even heat distribution and extra durability.
In fact, GreenPan advertised its Thermolon ceramic nonstick coating is safe for metal utensils, although I would still recommend silicone or wooden cooking tools.
When it comes to this category, I say GreenPan’s Thermolon nonstick coating wins by a small margin.
Dishwasher-safe & Cleaning
Both cookware brands advertise their sets as dishwasher-safe. However, GreenPan and GreenLife both recommend washing your ceramic cookware by hand. And for good reason.
Handwashing your ceramic pans with mild soap and a soft cloth or soft sponge will be safer for the ceramic nonstick coating. For some messes, a simple wipe will suffice.
One small difference, though, is the rivets. The GreenLife Soft Grip pots and pans are rivetless, which many customers liked.
Rivets can trap food particles around the edges, which can grow and breed bacteria if not cleaned. The GreenPan set does have rivets, although their Thermolon non-stick coating covers them.
Still, that small difference gives GreenLife a very slight edge in this category.
Oven-Safe Temperatures
Both GreenPan and GreenLife cookware are oven-safe, but their maximum temperatures are significantly different.
The GreenLife cookware set is only oven-safe up to 350°F (177°C), which makes these pots and pans unpractical for oven use with everyday cooking.
On the other hand, the GreenPan cookware set can handle high temperatures, with a maximum temp of 600°F (315°C). This makes these pots and pans ideal for stove-to-oven dishes.
If you want to use your non-stick ceramic cookware in the oven, go with the GreenPan Valencia Pro set.
Stovetop Versatility
Both sets work on electric, gas, halogen, and ceramic cooktops. The GreenLife ceramic cookware does not work on induction stovetops, however. The GreenPan set features Magneto induction technology, so these pans work on induction cooktops.
If you need induction-compatible cookware, you’ll want to go with the GreenPan cookware set.
Handles & Lids
GreenLife cookware features soft-grip bakelite handles that stay completely cool while cooking. These handles are rivetless to make them easier to clean.
The heat-resistant soft-grip handles allow for more color choices, but they are only oven-safe for temperatures up to 250°F (177°C).
GreenPan, however, features double-riveted stainless steel handles. These handles offer heat resistance on the stovetop, but they can handle oven temperatures up to 600°F (315°C).
As far as lids, both sets feature durable glass lids. The GreenPan lids are oven-safe up to 425°F (218°C), while the GreenLife lids won’t go above 350°F (177°C).
Even though the handles and lids of the GreenLife set are eye-catching,I give the advantage to the GreenPan cookware set. The Valencia Pro glass lids and stainless handles are more versatile, and usability takes precedence over color options.
Design
Speaking of colors, the GreenLife cookware set comes in a plenteous nine color choices. Anywhere from turquoise to lavender to yellow, you can have it.
If you like bright, cheery colors in the kitchen, you’ll like the range of colors GreenLife offers.
While GreenPan does have some collections that offer a pop of color, this particular Valencia Pro set is monochromatic, with a gray exterior and interior.
When it comes to attractive design, GreenLife pots and pans get the upper hand.
Cost
While GreenLife and GreenPan cookware sets have a lot in common, their cost is quite a different story. Expect to pay significantly more for GreenPan cookware than for GreenLife pans.
Are there alternatives?
GOTHAM STEEL Pro Hard-Anodized Ceramic & Titanium Non-stick Pots and Pans 13 Piece
GOTHAM STEEL is another cookware company that has made a name in ceramic cookware. This non-stick cookware set includes: 3 skillets, 2 covered saucepans, a 3-quart (2.84 liters) chef’s pan and sauté pan, and a 6-quart (5.68 liters) covered stockpot.
The copper-colored Titanium-reinforced ceramic provides an attractive appearance, and it’s also PTFE-free.
This classic Pro cookware is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C). It is not safe for induction cooktops, however. The hard-anodized aluminum construction makes this set of heavy cookware durable.
The stainless steel handles offer heat resistance while cooking on the stove, and the see-through glass lids are great for monitoring food.
This set is more affordable than the GreenPan pots and pans, but it is not as good a value as the GreenLife set.
FAQs and Ceramic Cookware Guide
What is non-stick ceramic cookware?
In the past, non-stick cooking surfaces were manufactured with PFOA and other nasty chemicals. Once those were discovered to be harmful, companies no longer used them.
However, Teflon still contains PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), which can be lethal to birds and give flu-like symptoms to humans when overheated. Furthermore, the research is still relatively short-term, so many people wish to avoid it.
Ceramic cookware came about as a response to the increasing wish to avoid chemicals like PTFE. Ceramic coatings have natural nonstick properties.
Manufacturers coat cookware in a silica (sand) based gel. The coating is then cured through a firing process. The result is a naturally non-stick coating that is non-reactive and safe for use.
Are ceramic cookware sets any good?
Ceramic cookware sets are great because they have even heat distribution and are non-stick. They don’t react with acidic foods, either, so they’re safe for tomato or lemon-based dishes.
The major drawback to ceramic cookware is its lifespan. These nonstick pots and pans will need replacing after a while. They’re not lifetime cookware pieces. However, there are some ways to help prolong the life of ceramic non-stick pans.
First, avoid using metal utensils. Even though some ceramic pans are advertised as scratch-resistant, metal utensils can easily damage ceramic pots. Silicone or wooden utensils are the way to go.
Secondly, it’s better if you can hang your nonstick cookware set or store it in a single layer. Stacking this cookware can damage the nonstick coating. If you must stack, try to use felt pads or other protective layers between pans.
Next, it’s important to only use low or medium heat when cooking with these pans. Most of these pans have an aluminum construction. High heat can warp the aluminum layer and damage the ceramic coating.
Lastly, it’s absolutely necessary to properly clean your ceramic cookware sets. More information about cleaning is below.
How do I clean non-stick ceramic cookware?
To extend the life of your ceramic pots and pans, it’s important to clean them properly.
Never stick a hot pan under cold water. That’s a great way to cause thermal shock, which will warp and ruin the pan. Always let the cookware cool down completely before cleaning.
Next, it’s far better to wash these pans by hand. The dishwasher can be harsh on cookware, and the risk of damaging the pan is much higher in the dishwasher.
Even if some brands advertise their pans as dishwasher-safe, it’s better to handwash, if possible. Make sure to use mild soap and a soft sponge or cloth.
Lastly, for stubborn stains and sticky foods, let the pan soak. Baking soda and vinegar are both household cleaning products that can help lift stains and make your cookware shine like new.
GreenPan vs GreenLife: The Winner Is…
In the battle of Greenpan vs Greenlife, we have a winner, but also a strong runner up.
If you want the best healthy cookware? I’d go with the GreenPan Valencia Pro set. It’s higher quality cookware, and you can use it in the oven and on an induction stove. Plus, the larger saucepans and skillets allow you to cook more food in a single cookware piece.
If you’re on a tight budget, however, the GreenLife cookware set is a reasonably-priced alternative that still offers you the benefits of healthy cooking.
Other Cookware Sets
If you like the look of GreenPan, check out my other GreenPan Reviews here. Alternatively check out my GreenLife Cookware Roundup here. If you already enjoy using GreenLife, you might be interested in the GreenLife Rice Cooker, which was my favorite non-toxic rice cooker.
If you would like more brand choice, then have a read of my Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware roundup. Or, if you just fancy a pan, my ceramic non-stick pan guide is for you.
