Have you ever seen those stunning white cookware? I’m pretty sure you also got caught up in the hype of the pristine white cookware where they made demos of slicing freshly cooked sunny side up eggs right off the pan. Though it seemed too good to be true, I just couldn’t help but give them a try. That was already a decade ago when I first got introduced to GreenPan. Since then, I’ve come to trust the brand so much so that I’ve been using Greenpan pots and pans for the past decade or so.
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- Best Overall GreenPan Cookware Set: Venice Pro Ceramic Cookware Set
- Best Versatile GreenPan Cookware Set: Padova Ceramic Cookware Set
The company was one of the brands that brought the downfall of Teflon coated pans. In the advent of developing non-toxic cookware, they were dedicated to create an exclusive line of ceramic cookware. With more than a decade of manufacturing ceramic cookware, they came up with multiple cookware sets to cater to the different needs of a cook. To get a better idea of these cookware sets, here are my Greenpan cookware reviews with an all-around guide to give you a better understanding of one of the world’s safest ceramic coated cookware.
Greenpan: The Story Behind One of the Most Favored Ceramic Cookware
When we’ve decided to shift to organic food for a healthier lifestyle, we don’t often think about where we are putting our food in and don’t bother knowing it is at all safe, especially the cookware that we use. Believing that cooking in a nonstick pan is beneficial because our food doesn’t stick to the pan and burn, we ended up preferring the use of nonstick cookware.
Non-stick kitchenware also offered quick cooking with convenience making most of us think that it is an overall healthy way of cooking. However, as more research came out proving that when our pans are overheated, they produce dangerous PFAS toxins which are considered to be highly carcinogenic and neurotoxic. With such a shocking discovery, Jan Helkins and Wim de Veirman were quick to find a solution, ceramic. GreenPan is the brainchild of Helkins and de Veirman. They devoted their time and efforts to look for a way to create safer materials to use in making cookware and came up with the best solution to date, ceramic. But, How safe is ceramic cookware?
Greenpan is a Belgian brand that quickly planted its roots in major parts of the world in mass-producing safe ceramic cookware. They founded a great nonstick material called Thermolon that proved to be both safe and efficient. And, they did not stop there. With ceramic being so versatile and easy to work with, the company started designing fabulous looking cookware which gave birth to designer cookware sets. Greenpan had set the trend in manufacturing cookware, making it the pioneer brand for both safe and stunning cookware.
Greenpan: The Green Pan for Greener Life
There is no other brand that took the world by storm faster than Greenpan. The brand launched the first-ever ceramic coated cookware in 2007 and immediately started a hype for better and safer cookware.
The Thermolon Surface
The brand became popular with its patented ceramic surface called Thermolon. Since 2007, the brand has been developing and upgrading the safe nonstick surface and had come up with its 5th generation Thermolon. The surface comes from a sand derivative using silicon dioxide as its primary ceramic material. Many have debated about the safety of silica to be used in making cookware because reports have shown that silica is actually a carcinogen. Doubts have been cleared after it was made known that there are two types of silica – crystalline and non-crystalline.
- Crystalline silica is what’s inside the small pack found in the box of every newly purchased pair of shoes. It preserves the quality of our shoes because it functions to absorb moisture in the air. It is also found in paint, rubber, and plastic. This form of silica is a known carcinogen.
- Non-crystalline silica, or amorphous silica, is the one that is considered as the safe form of silica since it can also be found in the human body. It is used in making cosmetics like foundation, powder, lotions, etc. Amorphous silica is also added in nutritional supplements as an aid to calcium in strengthening our bones.
Greenware Production
Greenpan is proud to announce that manufacturing ceramic cookware actually produces 60% less carbon dioxide or CO2 emissions. Most nonstick surfaces are made of purely synthetic materials thus, producing tons of greenhouse gases (especially CO2) as a by-product. The curing phase of typical nonstick coatings with or without the use of PFAS components still produces large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenpan Cookware Reviews
Since its inception, the brand has been producing multiple ceramic cookware sets. And as years pass by the quality of the line they produce just exceeds its predecessor, thus making it extremely hard to decide on which line you’re going to get. Let me give you a hand and take a look at the top 8 Greenpan reviews that are considered to be the leading cookware sets by our favorite ceramic cookware manufacturers.
GreenPan Lima Non-Stick Cookware Set
Known as the Kitchen Staple, this cookware set is named after the Peruvian capital, Lima City.
Set pieces:
The Lima line has the following cookware pieces:
- 2qt covered saucepan
- 5qt covered casserole
- 8" open frypan
- 9.5" open frypan
- 3qt covered skillet
- stainless steel multi steamer insert
- bamboo solid turner
- bamboo slotted turner
- bamboo fork
Metal Base Used:
This GreenPan cookware set uses a hard-anodized aluminum as its metal base. Aluminum is very lightweight allowing you to effectively handle any of the pots or pans when cooking. The metal base promotes quick and even heating as well.
Design Features:
The Lima line has medium to large-sized pots and pans, making this an excellent cookware fit for an average household. It is designed to supplement all the necessary cooking needs of a home kitchen since it has all the basic equipment and tools required for home cooking like the multi-purpose casserole pot that can also serve as a stock pot. Since most home-cooked meals are cooked with a frying pan, you can whip up different meals at the same time with two of them at your disposal.
The Lima line design is very minimalistic since it focuses more on functionality. The pots and pans all have stainless steel handles curved outwards to give your hands and fingers more room. Surprisingly, though the handles are made of metal, they do not heat up at all. All the handles have double rivets to keep them intact, even with heavy usage.
Special Attributes:
In addition to our cooking equipment, the set also has wooden cooking utensils. Though ceramic surfaces are relatively scratch-resistant, it is still highly recommended to use wooden tools or silicone tools for cooking. This will help keep the surface’s coating last longer.
There is also a multi-steamer insert that you can use to steam veggies, dumplings and other food. This is very convenient because it can also double as a colander or filter in cases where you need to separate the liquid from your solid ingredients.
PROS
CONS
Overall:
Every home kitchen needs a cookware set under 200 that can serve you well. This basic kitchen cooking set is ideal because you are guaranteed to be able to use all of them in any of your home recipes.
GreenPan Valencia Pro Cookware Set
The cookware created after the beautiful city of Valencia in Spain, this cookware is designed specifically to adjust to all types of stovetops and heating methods.
Set pieces:
The Valencia Line comes with the following pieces:
- 2qt covered saucepan
- 3qt covered saucepan
- 5qt covered casserole
- 8" open frypan
- 9.5" open frypan
- 11” open frypan
- 3qt covered skillet
Metal Base Used:
The Valencia line has a hard-anodized aluminum base. Hard anodized aluminum has high conductivity and superb heat retention, making this one of the ideal materials to use in making cookware. In addition to the anodized aluminum shell, it comes with a magnetized bottom plate called Magneto, which not only makes this cookware set best suited for glass top stoves but also compatible with any heat source (e.g. induction, stovetop, open fire, etc.).
Design Features:
The cookware set looks absolutely stunning with a dark gray interior lining. Like the Lima line, Valencia also features a minimalistic design. The interior surface is smoothed out with a fine sheen polish. This surface requires little seasoning to help retain the nonstick properties of the cookware.
The handles of the cookware are made of a single stainless steel lug attached with double rivets. This allows you to have a firm hold on your pots and pans especially when they’re filled to the brim.
Special Attributes:
The Magneto base is magnetized, making this ideal for cooking over an induction stovetop. Plus, the bottom plate serves as the backbone for each pot and pan in this cooking set. Although ceramics can handle extreme temperature changes, the aluminum layer still tends to warp or deform when overexposed to high temperatures. Fortunately, the Magneto base lets the cookware retain its shape by regulating and immediately dispersing the heat throughout the cookware to prevent it from overheating.
PROS
CONS
Overall:
The main feature of the Valencia line is the Magneto bottom plate. This unique feature makes the Valencia cookware line very versatile since it is compatible with all types of stove tops. It’s actually one of my favorite GreenPan cookware sets under $300. It stunningly adds character to your kitchen.
GreenPan Paris Pro Cookware Set
Named after one of the most beautiful cities in the world, GreenPan’s Paris line is the offspring of class and convenience.
Set pieces:
The stunning Paris collection has the following:
- 2qt covered saucepan
- 3qt covered saucepan
- 5.5qt covered casserole
- 8" open frypan
- 11" griddle
- 9.5" open frypan
- Stainless steel steamer
- 11" saute pan with helper handle
- 3qt covered skillet
Metal Base Used:
Featuring a hard-anodized aluminum metal base, you are guaranteed a cookware set that is light on the hands and very easy to control. Paris isn’t only known for its great cuisine, but also for creating its own standards for great cookware. GreenPan has created a line that matches the high Parisian standards naming it after the city itself thus coming up with this cookware set. The Paris cookware set is designed to both look absolutely fabulous but still deliver convenience and superb control as any Parisian cookware should.
The lightweight material allows you to have a superb grip and even handle with just one-hand. This makes it easier for you to have better movement around the kitchen as you cook.
Design Features:
To add to the stunning mystery of the Paris line, the cookware features a beautiful light gray matte finish in the interior surface. This makes it easier for the pan to release food. This cookware that allows you to perform marathon no-grease no-water cooking.
The design feature also comes with flat stainless steel lids that add to the convenience of this stylish cookware while being able to use your cookware for baking that reaches temperatures of up to 600℉ even with the lid on.
On the plus side, you can also enjoy the cookware that comes with a stunning design and crafty handles that are tough and are double bolted onto each pot or pan. It is ideal for those with large hand sizes and heavy grips. The handles are very tough and are double bolted onto the pans.
Special Attributes:
Convenience is the primary attribute to the Paris line since the set is lightweight for superb comfort in cooking and better movement across your kitchen with slightly elevated handles, you can have better movement across your kitchen allowing you to prepare various meals and ingredients at the same time.
In addition to cooking convenience, you can also expect to have cleaning convenience as well. This is among the few dishwasher safe cookware by GreenPan. However, I still highly recommend that you hand wash the Paris cookware set for sustained durability.
PROS
CONS
Overall:
For a modern looking and lightweight cooking set, the Paris line really sticks up to its name. I loved using this cookware because it provides easy control that allows you to multitask around the kitchen. The pans themselves are very nonstick even on the first go without seasoning.
GreenPan Chatham Cookware Set
Getting its name from the bustling town of Chatham, this line is made for flawless function.
Set pieces:
The Chatham set has the following pieces:
- 1qt covered saucepan
- 2qt covered saucepan
- 5qt covered casserole
- 8" open frypan
- 9" open frypan
- 3qt covered skillet
Metal Base Used:
This is among the basic sets by GreenPan using a hard-anodized aluminum metal base; the base has a ceramic lining that provides equal heat distribution making sure that the pan heats up all the way to the rim. Despite exposure to high heat, the ceramic lining and the metal does not break, chip, or crack because of how the anodized aluminum disperses the heat throughout the entire pan with ease thus, reducing the chances of damaging the cookware.
Design Features:
The set includes all basic cookware intended for a small to medium-sized family. The pots and pans are flawless right off the packaging and are ready for immediate use since the set pieces are pre-seasoned allowing you to cook food immediately off the package. However, with such light seasoning, it is better to re-season the fry pans after a month of usage.
The Chatham line is manufactured with flat bottoms which is also great for equal heat distribution and prevents the appearance of hotspots and burn areas. Chatham works best for glazing your and making quick-bake recipes.
The handles are contoured outwards to fit the curves of your hands for a firm grip without you needing a stopper. The handles are also extended to a raised angle for better reach and better balance.
Special Attributes:
The Chatham is a cookware designed primarily for the gas stove and other types stovetops. Unlike other GreenPan cookware sets that are tempered to withstand high heat, this cookware set heats up to as high as 500℉ while the glass lids have a maximum tolerance for temperatures reaching up to 428℉.
Although you can bake with this cookware, you can only keep it in the oven for up to an hour at a maximum temperature of 400℉. This is to ensure that the glass won’t break and to prevent the cookware from warping which could cause the ceramic coating to crack.
PROS
CONS
Overall:
Not everyone is keen on using bakeware sets when it comes to baking. However, this is one of the best cookware sets for electric coil stoves. From baking to basic recipes, the Chatham line is designed specifically for small families who don't have an oven to begin with and love to cook quick and easy recipes.
GreenPan Focus Cookware Set
One of the first stunning white ceramic cookware sets produced by GreenPan, the Focus Ceramic Line is a pioneer line that both sports function and design. As one of the first ceramic cookware lines, it was indeed the focus of many home cooks.
Set pieces:
- 8″ frying pan
- 10″ frying pan with lid
- 1-quart conical frying pan with lid
- 2-quart saucepan with lid
- 5-quart casserole with lid
- stainless steel steamer insert
Metal Base Used:
This is among the first pans that were produced in colorful designs. The metal base used for the Focus collection is an aluminum hard sheet since the Focus line uses a full ceramic surface coating to seal the aluminum core. The fully coated aluminum becomes a superconductor of heat, making the full ceramic cookware an excellent set for quick-cooking like frying eggs, searing fish or bacon, and more.
Design Features:
The bright pastel color choices make it a functional decoration for your home kitchen. The cookware set features a white ceramic interior surface with a light-colored exterior coating. The colors available are light blue, burgundy, or black. The color choices are stunning, but they aren’t just for show.
With ceramics surrounding the entire pan, the porous material heats the pan quickly while the aluminum core maintains even heating throughout the cookware, regulates the rise in temperature, and retains the proper temperature in cooking your food.
The collection is paired with low-rising glass lids. However, the lids do not have air vents causing moisture to build up and seep at the side of the pots and pans. This may not be a major concern, but it tends to clatter especially when you leave your soup or stew to simmer. You may use a different lid or remove it before liquid would overflow during cooking.
The handles are made of Bakelite that offers superb grip and heat protection. They remain cool to the touch and are very comfortable to hold.
Special Attributes:
One lovable aspect of the focus line is that is it the perfect cookware used for baking as well. Don’t be too alarmed about using a colorful pan set in the oven because it is totally safe to put it inside the oven. This collection has a maximum temperature of up to 600℉.
PROS
CONS
Overall:
This is one of the reasons why GreenPan started a Green Revolution. Not only does the cookware do such a wonderful job at cooking meals, but it also does it in style. This is definitely a great set to own.
GreenPan Padova Cookware Set
The Padova Cookware set is a full-ceramic cookware set that is designed with class and elegance and dubbed to be the Bloggers’ Favorite Ceramic Cookware
Set Pieces:
The Padova collection has the following pieces:
- 8" Frypan
- 11" frypan
- 2qt saucepan with lid
- 3qt saucepan with lid
- 8qt stockpot with lid
- 2.6qt skillet with lid
Metal Base Used:
This ceramic set is the stylish version of GreenPan’s ceramic cookware. It has a simple yet elegant structure and features a light hard-anodized aluminum layer that’s thoroughly coated in ceramic. The Padova features a thinner layer of ceramic exterior coating. This is to get the best out of the aluminum and the ceramic together.
The hard-anodized aluminum is lightweight and acts as the heat conductor throughout the entire pan which allows a shorter preheating time. The Padova set perfect for slow-cooked meals due to its ceramic coating which can withstand constant heat and pressure over long hours.
Design Features:
Unlike most of the full ceramic cookware which uses bakelite, the Padova uses a stainless steel lug which is double bolted into the cookware. The stainless steel handle’s length extended to provide comfort for those who have large hand sizes. The handles are pretty thin but they have a contour underneath to give a better and more comfortable grip.
The set comes with glass lids that let you monitor the food you are cooking while keeping the hot air in place. The glass lids don’t come with any air vents to release some of the hot air which may make boiling soup or stock sputter so just make sure to remove the lid or slightly tilt the lid for a small space at the edge.
The Padova set has a thin ceramic fine finish giving your pan a creamy-looking polish which is automatically nonstick but it is still recommended to season the pots and pans to protect the nonstick layer, making it last longer. It adds character and design to your kitchen.
Special Attributes:
The Padova collection is by far the most oven-safe among the fully coated ceramic cooking sets. The complete ceramic surface layer serves as a regulator of the heat that prevents the aluminum core from warping. The stainless steel is also oven safe for up to 600℉ which is higher compared to other bakelite material.
PROS
CONS
Overall:
The Padova Line is really a stunning collection. The ergonomic design provides more function than face value. I prefer this over any of the other fully ceramic coated sets in our list.
GreenPan Rio Ceramic Cookware Set
When you hear the word ‘Rio’, you know you can immediately associate it to something fun and quirky and that’s exactly what the Rio ceramic line is all about. This is the latest production of full ceramic coated cookware that is taking the market by storm.
Set Pieces:
The Rio set has the following pieces:
- 8″ frying pan
- 9.5″ frying pan
- 9.5″ saucepan with lid
- 1-quart saucepan with lid
- 2-quart saucepan with lid
- 3-quart saucepan with lid
- 5-quart casserole with lid
Metal Base Used:
Brighten up your kitchen with this ceramic-coated cookware with a heavy gauge aluminum core. This set is an upgraded version of the Focus line using the latest cutting edge 5th generation Thermolon ceramic layer. The difference here is that the Rio line uses a heavy gauge aluminum sheet which is thinner, more compact and lighter overall. Compared to an aluminum sheet, this material has better conductivity and heat retention because it is denser which results in better performing cookware and allows your food to stay warm over a longer time period.
Design Features:
The Rio line has a thicker ceramic layer compared to both the Focus and Padova cookware sets to make it twice as resistant against scratching, chipping, and breaking. The interior is layered in a creamy white matte finish, and the exterior layer offers three color choices: turquoise, burgundy, and black.
The handles use a buffed up Bakelite material that keeps them cool to the touch. The ergonomic design of each has a curved contour that is great for all hand sizes. Each handle also has a matte finish that makes each non-slippery even when wet.
Special Attributes:
The Rio line is one of the top-performing cookware sets on my list. It may also be considered a premium line that offers superb quality heating, hotspot prevention, and heat retention.
As great a collection this is, the Rio line is not oven safe. You can only use it in the microwave to heat your food and give a gentle roast or in the oven with a maximum temperature of 350℉. This is due to the heavy gauge aluminum core. Since it is significantly thinner than aluminum sheets, it tends to shrink and expand in extreme heat settings. Putting the cookware in the oven or broiler in hotter temperatures may result in permanently damaging them.
PROS
CONS
Overall:
This is the best stovetop full-ceramic cookware set. It is so great that you can cook food with it over an open fire. I love that it is very light and easy to handle. Unfortunately, I cannot bake with it but still, I cannot discount the fact that this cookware set has the superb cooking performance.
GreenPan Venice Pro Cookware Set
Named after the floating historical city of Venice, this ceramic cookware line is one of the new technologies developed by GreenPan.
Set Pieces:
The Venice Set comes with the following pieces:
- 8” open frypan
- 10” open frypan
- 3qt covered skillet
- 5qt covered casserole with 2 spouts and straining lid
- 2qt covered saucepan
- 3qt covered saucepan.
Metal Base Used:
GreenPan is now incorporating the use of stainless steel since it is a safer metal base compared to aluminum. In this regard, Venice Pro is among the first collection lines that use stainless steel due to its multiple benefits. Here are some of them:
- Higher rust and corrosion resistance
- amazing conductivity
- impressive heat retention
On the downside, stainless steel is significantly heavier than aluminum and tends to have hotspots due to uneven heating. However, this flaw is compensated by the ability of the ceramic material to regulate the heat that cooks the food. Rest assured that you would still enjoy cooking with this set.
Design Features:
The full metal cookware has this eye-catching appeal that makes a kitchen look very professional due to its plain stainless steel exterior layer and the creamy gray colored ceramic surface layer.
The casserole pot comes with two spouts and a straining lid while the rest of the pots come with a lid. Although none of the lids have an air vent, they are made with tempered glass and are oven safe for up to 450℉. The rest of the cookware is safe up to 600℉.
Special Attributes:
This is one of the few stainless steel sets that is considered very versatile when it comes to cooking and heating methods. It is compatible with all types of heat sources including the induction range. Stainless steel is a metal that is non-toxic and non-reactive, so even if it is exposed to high heat, it doesn’t emit fumes and it barely warps or gets disfigured.
Although stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, it has poor resistance to burn stains. Don’t worry though, with GreenPan’s Evershine Technology, a special protective layer prevents the metal from getting heat discoloration. Whether you cook it in a broiler, in an oven, over an open fire, the Venice Pro cookware set will remain as beautiful and as pristine as when you got it.
PROS
CONS
Overall:
This is a premium line by GreenPan. It has supreme quality, easy to use when cooking and is ideally compatible with different types of heat source. Honestly, as one of the best cookware sets for induction cooktops, I find it quite expensive.
Comparison of The Best GreenPan Cookware Sets
Let’s take a closer look at the different cookware sets I have on my list. Here is a comparison of 8 of the top contenders we have.
Cookware Set | No. of pcs | Metal Base Used | Handle Type | Max Temperature | Current Price | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 | Hard anodized aluminum | Stainless steel | Oven safe 600⁰F Glass lid up to 420⁰F | |||
11 | Hard anodized aluminum | Stainless steel | Oven safe 600⁰F Glass lid up to 420⁰F | |||
14 | Hard anodized aluminum | Stainless steel | Oven safe cookware and lid 600⁰F | |||
11 | Hard anodized aluminum | Stainless steel | Oven safe up to 500⁰F Glass lid up to 428⁰F | |||
10 | Aluminum hard sheet | Bakelite | Oven safe cookware up to 600⁰F and lid up to 420⁰F | |||
10 | Hard anodized aluminum | Stainless steel | Oven safe up to 600⁰F and lid up to 420⁰F | |||
12 | Heavy gauge aluminum | Bakelite | Oven safe cookware up to 350⁰F | |||
12 | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Oven safe up to 600⁰F and lid up to 420⁰F |
The Final Verdict
GreenPan offers top-quality ceramic collections that are hard to beat. Their affordable and safe solution for healthier cooking makes them one of the most preferred cookware brands on the planet.
I recommend choosing Venice Pro Ceramic Cookware Set since Its stainless steel outer core provides ultimate heating, durability and excellent performance. It’s also compatible with all types of cooktops giving you the versatility you need to cook a variety of recipes on any heat source. It’s a little pricey but it’s definitely worth it.
For a more affordable choice, I highly suggest the Padova Ceramic Cookware Set. It is has a stunning design and great cooking performance despite being on the lower end of the GreenPan cookware hierarchy.
I hope my GreenPan cookware reviews served their purpose and helped you choose the right ceramic collection for your needs. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment and I'll be happy to answer them for you.