The 4 Best GreenPan Sets Tested and Reviewed 2022 - Organic Authority

2022-09-09 23:24:52 By : Mr. Zhishan Yao

GreenPan's non-toxic, nonstick pans perform better than a traditional nonstick, and they're better for your health and the environment.

We use non-toxic cookware exclusively, and we've narrowed down our favorite brands. GreenPan is a winner—but which set should you choose? We reviewed them all—here's what we recommend.

When it comes to non-toxic cookware, GreenPan has long been one of our all-time faves (it's featured in one of our most read guides on the site, The Best Non-Toxic Cookware Brands, Tested). The non-toxic nonstick line is an industry leader in sustainable nonstick and has been ever since it pioneered its proprietary Thermolon coating. Unlike other nonstick pans made with PTFEs, Thermolon is derived from sand, making these pans totally safe to produce and use. (Plus, they're gorgeous!)

But with so many different lines to choose from, it can be tough to zero in on just which is the right one for you. Luckily, we've done the dirty work for you, testing the various lines until we discovered our favorites. Here are our top GreenPan set picks, tested by Laura Klein, our EIC and a trained chef. No matter what you're looking for in sustainable nonstick, you're sure to find the perfect match.

Wondering which GreenPan line is best? We like them all—but these four are our favorites.

GreenPan is an industry pioneer in the world of non-toxic nonstick thanks to their invention of Thermolon, a non-toxic nonstick coating that the brand launched in 2007. Thermolon was the very first ceramic nonstick coating without any plastic, PFOA, or PFAS — and that's a very good thing for those who are concerned with their health and that of the environment. (To learn more about why these chemicals are so worrisome, check out our timeline of the dirty history of traditional nonstick.)

Standing in stark opposition to these coatings, Thermolon takes advantage of time-tested traditions of cooking in ceramic. Compounded with modern, state-of-the-art technology, their product is a non-toxic cookware that's far more environmentally friendly to produce than the toxic alternatives.

Thanks to GreenPan's initiatives and staunch commitment to sustainable values, not only does Thermolon generate 60% fewer CO2 emissions than traditional nonstick during its curing process, but GreenPan's factories — all of which it owns, and thus controls — run on 30 percent solar energy. How's that for truly green cookware?

GreenPan has transparent sustainability standards and has put effort into creating an environmentally friendly production process.

GreenPan produces several different lines of cookware, and while all are eco-conscious and non-toxic, there are clear differences and best-uses between the collections. Our EIC Laura Klein tested the different collections, and these are our top picks.

GreenPan's Sear Smart 10 piece set is great for searing veg and meat.

If you're in the market for top-of-the-line quality, GreenPan's SearSmart line is a no-brainer. Made with a textured surface, which contributes to better browning (thus the name!) this line offers GreenPan's most advanced technology yet: Thermolon Diamond Advanced. The result is high-performing and extremely durable cookware built to last… and the proof is in the pudding! Klein uses the pans in her ultra durable SearSmart Collection five to seven times a week, and unlike many other nonstick pans, she asserts that it never loses its slickness.

"I’ve tried A LOT of other nontoxic non-stick lines, and most start to lose their slickness in as little as three months," says Klein. "I then end up recycling them in six, and have to buy another set, which I don’t like. It's a waste of time and money and has a heavier impact on the environment producing more waste."

Klein particularly likes using her SearSmart for searing veg and consciously raised meat, as it can withstand slightly higher temperatures than some of the other collections.

Like GreenPan's other collections, SearSmart comes complete with tempered glass lids that allow you to watch supper coming together. And if you're cooking for a crowd, SearSmart also boasts 40% more cooking space than GreenPan's other frying pans.

GreenPan makes non-toxic, nonstick pans that are durable—and they come in many colors!

If you spend as much time matching your counters to your cabinets as some do picking out their wedding dress, The Reserve Collection is for you. This gorgeous collection is kitted out with gold-tone handles and is even available in a range of different colors, be it black, taupe, or twilight. (Klein prefers the minimalist black.)

Of course, this set isn't all show and no substance. This line boasts an extra-tough hard anodized construction, making it strong enough to stand the test of time—and stuck-on cheese. It's what makes the set another of Klein's favorites in her home kitchen, where she turns to these pans for more delicate tasks, like cooking eggs or fish. 

The Venice Pro set has a sleek, professional look. With the right care, this set will last a lifetime.

Design-minded but prefer subtlety? That's where the Venice line encounters its sweet spot. The beautiful juxtaposition of matte black handles and interior set against the stainless steel exterior of these pans are ideal for everyday use. The three-ply stainless construction is treated with proprietary Evershine Technology to ensure it resists discoloration over time. The Venice Pro Noir 13pc Set offers an assortment of pots to pans in various sizes plus all of the glass lids you need for effortless cooking — and effortless chic.

The Valencia Pro set from GreenPan offers the most bang for your buck.

Valencia Pro is GreenPan's best-selling set for good reason: Crafted from hard anodized aluminum, it's strong, resilient, and scratch-resistant. It's a pan you'll find yourself reaching for every day.

The Valencia line also offers the best value of all the sets, with the Valencia Pro 16-piece set retailing for $579.99. If you don't need quite so many pieces, the Valencia Pro 11pc might be the perfect option, at $499.99 for a varied assortment of fry pans and pots to suit your every culinary whim. Or for those in smaller quarters, they also offer Valencia Pro 3pk Frypan Set, with an assortment of sizes of frying pans perfect for omelets, fried eggs, fish, and more for $219.99.

Whichever non-toxic cookware option you choose will be a much safer and healthier option than any conventional non-stick pan. To learn more about why conventional non-stick is bad for your health, read our breakdown, The Reason PTFE Nonstick Pans Aren’t Safe: It Has Something to Do With Loose Regulations and Our Drinking Water.

Have you tried any of GreenPan's cookware sets? Comment below to let us know which ones, and your honest review!

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Emily Monaco is a food and culture writer based in Paris. 

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