GreenPan's nontoxic sets can be used from stovetop to oven—they're super versatile in the kitchen.

Our reviewers found that unlike brands using toxic nonstick, GreenPan has designed a non-toxic, ceramic product that's far more durable than the rest.

Back before non-toxic and eco-conscious cookware buzzwords were everywhere from Williams Sonoma to Target, GreenPan was already on the front lines of green kitchenware innovation. An industry leader in durable, sustainable nonstick, GreenPan's ceramic cookware is non-toxic and made to last.

Cookware made with traditional nonstick (PTFE, or Teflon), or even poor quality ceramic nonstick, wears out easily and ends up in the landfill after losing its non-stick ability. To disrupt this wasteful cycle, GreenPan has invested heavily in research and design to craft a non-toxic, ceramic product that's far more durable than the rest. What's more, GreenPan owns every step of its manufacturing process, adopting environmentally friendlier processes without the red tape of a fragmented supply chain. But does it work? We made sure to test thoroughly—read on to discover the results.

Our reviewers found that unlike brands using toxic nonstick, GreenPan has designed a non-toxic, ceramic product that's far more durable than the rest.

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

We can definitely get behind the eco mentality of these pans… but do they stand up under fire? According to Organic Authority founder and editor-in-chief, Laura Klein, the answer is a resounding yes! GreenPan stands the test of time, unlike many other ceramic nonstick pans which have a tragically short lifespan and end up in a landfill. For over a year, Klein has been using the pans in her GreenPan SearSmart Collection almost daily and has seen zero degradation of their slick surfaces.

"My mother lives with me and insists on using metal utensils on all the pans," says Klein, who notes that the pans remain scratch-free.

With a two-year warranty on all coatings, GreenPan is basically guaranteed to pass Klein’s “mom test” with flying colors.

"I’ve tried A LOT of other non-toxic nonstick lines, and most start to lose their slickness in as little as three months," says Klein. "I end up recycling them and have to buy another set, which I don’t like. It's wasteful in every way, and has a heavier impact on the environment.”

We love that the GreenPan sets come with clear glass lids.

The most advanced collections currently offered by the brand are Valencia Pro, Venice Pro/Noir, Reserve, and SearSmart. If you are concerned about pan weight, none of these lines are particularly heavy, and are easy to maneuver around the kitchen. Each of these lines also comes with clear, glass lids so you can see what you are cooking while using a lid.

The Reserve Collection by GreenPan is a kitchen staple.

The Reserve Collection is a favorite that Klein prefers for delicate tasks like making omelets or fish. It's a kitchen stalwart thanks to its durability and overall design. "I chose the black," says Klein. "I like the minimalist look and they don’t take up a lot of space in your cupboards." 

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

Klein relies on SearSmart for searing vegetables and meat (consciously raised meats only, of course!).

"The rough texture is great for searing, and can withstand higher heat which most nonstick cookware cannot."

GreenPan's sauce pots are great for making creamy oatmeal.

GreenPan's nontoxic, nonstick cookware can go from stove top to oven.

When considering which line to buy, we recommend these upper-level collections to reap the full benefits of GreenPan. These collections with the newest, most innovative coatings are more durable and less likely to scratch or wear over time.

Thermolon is an effective ceramic nonstick coating—and it's not toxic.

GreenPan is committed to environmental stewardship and product safety.

"Green is our name," says GreenPan rep Madison Oakley. "We're constantly working to live up to our name."

Back in 2007, GreenPan introduced Thermolon: the original healthy ceramic nonstick alternative to traditional nonstick and the very first without any plastic, PFOA, or PFAS. Here at OA, we've delved into the dangers of these “forever chemicals” before (check out our timeline of the ugly history of traditional nonstick to find out more), but the TL;DR version is that almost all traditional nonstick pans get their slipperiness from PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) coatings.

First introduced commercially as Teflon in 1949, PTFE is relatively stable... to a point. Once it reaches temperatures of 500 degrees or more, PTFE begins to decompose and emit toxic chemicals that can lead to flu-like symptoms.

While the FDA states that the PFAS chemicals in question won’t migrate to our food via nonstick cookware, there is a far more concerning history of these chemicals being dumped into our waterways and finding its way into our bodies. How these chemicals should be regulated is still very much a work in progress.

GreenPan is different. Its Thermolon coating is made from the same minerals that have been used to make glass and pottery for centuries, producing no toxic fumes while conducting heat better than traditional nonstick. The result? These pans take less energy to produce, and you use less energy to achieve the same results with your fried eggs and pancakes at home.

Instead of plastic, the raw materials of Thermolon are derived from sand. Using a proprietary Sol-Gel procedure, this sand derivative is turned into a solution and sprayed directly onto the pan, which is then cured using a process requiring 60 percent fewer CO2 emissions than traditional nonstick.

Oakley notes that SearSmart's durability stems from the efforts of GreenPan's 15-member research and design team, which works tirelessly to push innovations further.

"We’ve created seven generations of Thermolon, each a culmination of years of study and experience," she explains. "We hold over 150 patents for technological advancements designed to make cooking easier and better for everyone. And we know for a fact our technology makes our pans better. We have a dedicated in-house testing lab, in addition to our third party testing lab, that compares our innovations with other products on the market."

GreenPan products are built to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Their nonstick coating is more durable than normal nonstick pans.

Ceramic cookware can be used much like traditional nonstick. That means it's our go-to for omelets and pancakes that release with ease.

GreenPan is one of the only ceramic nonstick cookware we've found that can transition easily from stovetop to oven, up to 600°F, rendering your seared filet mignon perfectly pink in the middle.

These pans are also safe for use with metal utensils (though they're happier with wood—check out our favorite wooden spoons here), and while it's better to wash them by hand, if you'd rather throw it into the dishwasher after a late night dinner party, they won't suffer the occasional gentle wash cycle. The Reserve and SearSmart pans are built to withstand wear and tear.

GreenPan compliments your regular pan rotation by being the perfect pan for recipes that require low to medium heat (or a bit more heat with the SearSmart line) and quick release. Think sauteed eggplant, gooey grilled cheese, or the perfect gluten-free quesadillas.

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

GreenPan's factory runs on 30 percent solar energy, and all of the company's products are made with recycled aluminum. The company even has its own wastewater treatment plant to ensure they’re being responsible with their water usage.

"We own our factories. We know the DNA of our products," says Oakley. "We make our coating, we make our pans, and we make sure every product lives up to our standards. We don’t have to wait for the industry to change to do something about it—we are the change."

They’re super transparent about their practices, which is why we’re able to give them Organic Authority Approved status. When we requested, GreenPan happily provided a copy of third-party lab tests, proving compliance to California's Prop 65 standards.

In addition to practicing sustainable standards now, the company is always looking for the next step to do better by its consumers and the planet. "We’ve won dozens of awards for our dedication to our workers and the environment," says Oakley, "but we are always working to make healthy products better for everyone."

*Affiliate disclosure: Our team researched far and wide to find safe and clean bakeware options you’ll love using for all kinds of sweets and treats. If you make a purchase after clicking our links, Organic Authority may earn a commission, which goes a long way to support the good work our team does and reduces the number of ads we serve (as well as our Valrhona Chocolate habit).

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

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