Today, we’re comparing two brands in a quest to find the best healthy, safe non-stick cookware: Scanpan vs. Greenpan.
In the past, home cooks had to choose between safe cookware and non-stick pans. Today, you don’t have to choose.
I like a ceramic non-stick coating because it’s natural, safe, and still has excellent food release. I can make fried eggs easily and without worry.
But which brand performs the best? Scanpan or Greenpan?
At a Glance
Both cookware brands advertise their non-stick coatings as better, safer, and healthier alternatives to Teflon. But which one is better?
I like the Greenpan Valencia Pro set for those who want affordable, non-toxic cookware that looks great in the kitchen. But others may prefer the Danish craftsmanship and durability of the Scanpan CTX set.
Which healthy non-stick cookware is right for you? Keep reading to learn more.
All About Greenpan and Scanpan Cookware
Greenpan Cookware
Greenpan is a Belgian brand that began when Jan Helskens and Wim de Veirman started the search for a safer, healthier alternative to Teflon.
Together, the two friends founded the Cookware Company (Greenpan’s parent company) in 2007. They were the first cookware manufacturers to use a ceramic non-stick coating.
They named their proprietary coating Thermolon. As opposed to traditional non-stick coatings, which use plastic, this ceramic coating was sand-based.
Thermolon revolutionized the non-stick cookware industry. Since then, several brands have introduced their own healthier coatings using ceramic-like material. I previously reviewed some of my favorite Greenpan non-stick pans.
Greenpan’s reputation for sustainable practices makes the brand popular among environmentally-conscious home cooks.
Scanpan Cookware
The Scanpan Cookware brand has been manufacturing kitchen products in Denmark since 1956, when a Danish entrepreneur invented the ‘squeeze-cast’ method for the manufacturing process.
Scanpan products use a non-stick coating they dub, ‘Stratanium,’ which consists of 5 layers of hard particles and wave-like layers that interlock to provide durability and food release.
The company places an emphasis on sustainability and environment-friendly practices. All Scanpan products come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturer defects.
Greenpan vs. Scanpan
Greenpan and Scanpan have a lot of similarities. Both cookware manufacturers emphasize healthy cooking and sustainable manufacturing practices. Greenpan products and Scanpan products feature non-stick frying pans using recycled aluminum.
Their main differences boil down to the non-stick coating and the country of manufacturing. While Greenpan strictly uses a ceramic non-stick coating, Scanpan products do have PTFE (i.e., Teflon).
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is a synthetic polymer used in traditional non-stick coatings. PTFE can break down at extremely high temperatures (above 500°F/260°C), and the resulting fumes can be toxic to humans and lethal to birds.
PTFE has been shown to be perfectly safe at normal cooking temperatures, but many people are understandably wary of having it in their cookware.
Scanpan vs Greenpan Product Reviews
GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard-Anodized Ceramic Non-stick 11 Piece Cookware Pots and Pans Set
This Greenpan Valencia Pro 11-Piece Cookware Set topped the list of my favorite Greenpan sets, and it’s not hard to see why. It comes with the following pieces:
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) frying pan
- 9.5-inch (24.13 cm) frying pan
- 11-inch (27.94 cm) frying pan
- 2-quart (1.89 liters) covered saucepan
- 3-quart (2.84 liters) covered saucepan
- 3-quart (2.84 liters) covered deep skillet
- 5-quart (4.73 liters) covered casserole
This set features hard-anodized aluminum and a diamond-reinforced Thermolon coating, making it more durable and scratch-resistant than other lines. These non-stick pans are versatile, effective, and easy to clean.
See how the Valencia Pro frying pan held up in the test kitchen:
Scanpan CTX 10 Piece Cookware Set
This Scanpan CTX 10-Piece Cookware Set was my top pick for Scanpan sets. It comes with the following pieces:
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) frying pan
- 10.25-inch (26.04 cm) frying pan
- 2-quart (1.89 liters) covered saucepan
- 2.5-quart (2.37 liters) covered saucepan
- 2.75-quart (2.60 liters) covered saucepan
- 7.5-quart (7.10 liters) covered Dutch oven
The Scanpan CTX set is fully clad, featuring 5 layers of recycled pressure-cast aluminum with thick stainless steel bases and a titanium-infused non-stick layer on the cooking surface.
Watch the manufacturer video to see the highlights of this set:
Greenpan vs. Scanpan: A Comparison
Non-stick Coating
Greenpan’s non-stick surface features a diamond-reinforced Thermolon. This ceramic coating is free of PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. Greenpan claims this ceramic coating is so tough, it’s even safe for metal utensils.
Customers had quite mixed reviews about their Greenpan Valencia set. Several loved the non-stick capabilities of these pans. However, many people also had problems with chips, scratches, and rapid wear.
The rate of this non-stick coating’s degradation seems fast, with some buyers having issues after just 6 months. And they all agreed that once the unique coating wears off, there’s no reviving the pans.
In contrast, Scanpan CTX’s cooking surface features Stratanium. This proprietary non-stick coating consists of five wave-like layers of hard particles interlocked together.
Stratanium does contain Teflon (PTFE), which might turn away some customers. However, buyers were pleased with the non-stick properties of their Scanpan CTX set. They said the pans had easy food release, and the non-stick coating seemed to hold up over time better than the Greenpan.
These brands have different coatings with their own advantages and disadvantages, so there is no clear winner here. It comes down to personal preference.
Winner: Draw
Heat Distribution, Retention
A non-stick coating isn’t much use if the pan won’t cook food thoroughly and evenly. So even heat distribution is super important.
Scanpan’s perfectly flat, thick base and stainless steel exterior lead to even heat distribution and superb heat retention. Greenpan’s Valencia Pro also distributes heat evenly but works best at a low to medium heat setting.
There isn’t a significant difference in the heating performance of these two pans, but Scanpan’s construction and ability to withstand higher heat means I give these pans a slight edge.
Winner: Scanpan
Construction
Greenpan’s set features hard-anodized aluminum construction. Hard-anodized aluminum is scratch-resistant and has greater durability than plain aluminum. Additionally, Greenpan uses recycled aluminum to produce pans.
Scanpan, by contrast, uses 5-ply squeeze-cast recycled aluminum to make its pans. This process involves melting, molding, and curing aluminum under pressure to make the pan more durable. This squeeze cast aluminum is surrounded by a thick stainless steel layer.
Although hard-anodized aluminum has a good reputation in terms of performance and heat resistance, Scanpan’s construction has more actual heat resistance. Buyers were able to sear meat and brown foods effectively. This is primarily due to the construction.
Greenpan users found a low maximum heat tolerance and had more problems with scratching. So in terms of construction, Scanpan is the winner.
Winner: Scanpan
Country of Origin
While Greenpan headquarters are in Belgium, the company manufactures its products in China. On the other hand, Scanpan non-stick products are manufactured in Denmark.
While Danish manufacturing doesn’t automatically guarantee Scanpan is better, those wishing to avoid products manufactured in China might be drawn to the brand.
Winner: Scanpan
Durability
Scanpan makes super heat-resistant pans that last for a long time. In particular, their stainless steel models like CTX have more longevity due to the extra layers and heat-resistant capabilities. If you treat these pans properly, they should last for years.
That is not the case with Greenpan. In fact, durability was one of the most common complaints regarding Greenpan frying pans.
Many customers had issues with scratches, chips, and a reduction in cooking consistency over time. This was true even for those who only washed them by hand and avoided metal utensils.
You’ll have to baby these Greenpan pans. Even then, you’ll likely have to replace them after a few years.
Winner: Scanpan
Stovetop Compatibility
Both the Scanpan and Greenpan cookware sets are safe for an induction cooker. Users experienced the same level of cookware effectiveness with their induction stoves. Both sets are also compatible with electric, halogen, ceramic, and gas stoves.
Winner: Draw
Oven Safety
The Scanpan CTX set is oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C). That will cover almost any normal cooking needs. Greenpan’s Valencia set is broiler- and oven-safe up to 600°F (315°C). The glass lids are oven-safe up to 425°F (218°C).
Winner: Greenpan
Ease of Cleaning
Greenpan advertises the Valencia Pro set as dishwasher-safe. However, users had bad experiences with using the dishwasher. The best bet is to wash your pan with soapy warm water and a soft sponge.
Scanpan CTX set is also dishwasher-safe, but buyers seemed to have more success with this claim. Scanpan is easier to clean, most likely due to the Teflon in their non-stick coating.
In both cases, it’s important to let the cookware cool before cleaning. It’s also important to store the pans carefully to avoid scratching.
Winner: Scanpan
Handles and Lids
Greenpan’s Valencia Pro cookware features stainless steel handles and tempered glass lids. Each stainless steel handle is ergonomic and heat-resistant, so you can use it safely on the stovetop. The glass lids are oven-safe up to 425°F (218°C).
Likewise, Scanpan CTX cookware also features dual-riveted stainless steel handles. But the stainless steel lids feature a small glass section, allowing you to monitor food while cooking. Their lids are also interchangeable with any cookware piece of the same diameter.
Users of both brands were mostly pleased with the handles and lids. A few said the handles got hot, and others had defective lids upon receipt. This was the case for both brands.
Winner: Draw
Design
Scanpan’s CTX comes in a matte brushed stainless steel finish with a large part of the lid also being stainless steel. Greenpan’s Valencia Pro offers a gray exterior and light gray interior.
In general, Greenpan is known for their colorful designs. While this Greenpan set only comes in one color choice, it still has the same attractive design. For this category, Greenpan comes out on top.
Winner: Greenpan
Price
Neither the Greenpan Valencia or the Scanpan CTX set is a budget purchase. Expect to pay more for these pans than your average box store Teflon set.
But between the two? Scanpan is significantly more expensive than the Greenpan set. Scanpan’s stainless steel exterior, Danish manufacturing, and durability are likely factors.
If you want healthy non-stick cookware that won’t break the bank? Greenpan is your best choice.
Winner: Greenpan
Budget Alternatives
Scanpan Classic 8-Piece Cookware Set
This Scanpan Classic set has similar pieces to the CTX set, minus one covered saucepan. It has a black finish, Bakelite handles, and the same Stratanium non-stick coating.
User reviews were glowing for this set. They liked the cooking performance, food release, and versatility. This set is not compatible with induction cooking, however. And customers also said this set is not dishwasher-safe, regardless of what Scanpan says. Stick to hand washing.
This Classic set is way more affordable than the CTX set. If you don’t use induction but need an affordable alternative, this Classic set is great.
GreenPan Lima Hard-Anodized Ceramic Non-stick 12-Piece Cookware Set
Greenpan’s Lima set is another popular collection. Although it has 12 “pieces,” four of those include utensils and a steamer basket. This set also features hard-anodized aluminum construction and a Thermolon ceramic coating.
It has a riveted, contoured stainless steel handle and a tempered glass lid. This set is oven-safe up to 600°F (315°C), just like the Valencia Pro. It is completely free of PTFE.
The main difference? The Lima set is not induction-compatible or dishwasher-safe. (But let’s be honest, the Valencia Pro isn’t practically dishwasher-safe, either.) It’s also quite a bit more affordable, so it’s a good bargain pick.
Last Word: Scanpan vs. Greenpan Cookware
Both Scanpan and Greenpan make quality non-stick pans, so you can’t go wrong with either brand.
If you want something more affordable and completely free of Teflon? Go with Greenpan Valencia Pro. These pans may not last a lifetime, but they do live up to the “healthy” label.
If you aren’t worried about Teflon but are willing to pay for long-lasting cookware? Go with Scanpan CTX. They produce sturdy and durable cookware, even if it’s pricier.
