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GreenLife Ceramic Cookware Review
Greenlife Ceramic Cookware Review: If you're just now discovering GreenLife, you may be drawn in by the brand's vibrant pans color scheme, toxin-free ethos, and affordable price point. Adding a pop of pastel to your stovetop is accessible without a high price point. Those who know me know I love stainless-clad cookware and nontoxic cookware. Although I have yet to bring the GreenLife Cookware set into my kitchen and officially use them, I have frequently used other reputable products over the years. According to Amazon's Greenlife cookware reviews, these lovelies are a favorite pick on Amazon's best sellers list. Greenlife soft grip ceramic nonstick cookware is a healthy option for all home cooks.
GreenLife cookware sets are offered in several collections, but all are similar in how they're made and their performance. In this bambamscoop blog, I'll walk you through the following on these pots and pans:
- What makes each of GreenLife's cookware sets so distinct?
- How GreenLife compares to other pans
- Drawbacks to keep in mind.
- How GreenLife compares with other nonstick options.
- Some pros and cons of each cookware set
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Comparing GreenLife Cookware Set Collections
The design of all of GreenLife's collections is a budget-conscious option for people who value a nonstick pan without Teflon. Plus, what is there not to love? The cookware brand is considered eco-friendly, health-conscious, and stylish.
There are some differences from one collection to the next that are primarily cosmetic, but there are a few that can impact performance. The chart below provides a quick comparison of GreenLife's cookware collections.
Related: Which is best to buy nonstick or stainless steel cookware
16-PIECE SET INCLUDES:
- 7” Nonstick Frying pan
- 9.5” Nonstick Frying pan
- 1QT Nonstick Saucepan with Lid
- 2QT Nonstick Saucepan with Lid
- 2.5QT Nonstick Sauté Pan with Lid
- 5QT Nonstick Stockpot with Lid
- 4 Kitchen Utensils
- 4” Nonstick Frypan
- 7” Stainless Steel Steamer
Greenlife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, the brand's original model, was introduced as a budget-friendly option to the company's more costly line, Greenpan.
All of GreenLife's other collections are cosmetic upgrades on their base model. Therefore, comprehending the Soft Grip design as a good starting point is helpful. And it will continue to pop up in kitchens everywhere, given the attractive price and color options.
These pans construction includes:
- A pressed aluminum base.
- Powder coating with a colorful pastel ceramic on the exterior.
- White Thermolon ceramic on the cooking surface.
What is Thermolon? Thermolon is a trade name for the company's ceramic, which became the first popular nonstick cookware coating made without using PTFE, also known as Teflon.
The handles boast heat-resistant plastic called Bakelite, as are the knob grips used on the brand's glass lids. And for many, a huge selling point of the Soft Grip set is the availability available in 9 unique colorways. It's one of the few affordable brands on the market that offers many chic color options, likely inspired by Le Creuset.
The 15-PIECE INDUCTION SET INCLUDES:
- 7” Nonstick Frying pan
- 9.5” Nonstick Frying pan
- 1QT Nonstick Saucepan with Lid
- 2QT Nonstick Saucepan with Lid
- 2.5QT Nonstick Sauté Pan with Lid
- 5QT Nonstick Stockpot with Lid
- 7” Stainless Steel Steamer
- 4 Kitchen Utensils
The GreenLife Induction Post Set is identical to the Soft Grip collection, with one crucial difference. Although this cookware is also made from cast aluminum, a stainless steel disc is pressed into the bottom of each pan. But why does this matter to you? The primary and intended benefit is the magnetic property of the steel disc makes this set compatible with induction cooking. Note none of the other collections are induction stove compatible.
The steel adds a secondary benefit to the pan's heat retention. Since aluminum is a great heat conductor, it will significantly fluctuate if you don't have a constant heat source. The stainless steel in these pan sets allows the Green Life pots and pans to retain their temperature nicely, even when the heating element fluctuates OR when cold ingredients are added to the hot pan.
A few cons of this set compared to the base model. Extra material equates to a higher cost for cookware. And the brand only offers it in one color Turquoise, so you don't have the option for different colors like with the other collections.
Related: The Best Sustainable Cookware To Buy
13-PIECE SET INCLUDES:
- 7” & 9.5” Frypans
- 2qt Saucepan with Lid
- 3.8qt Saute pan with lid
- 5qt Stockpot with lid
- 7” stainless steel steamer plate
- Nylon ladle
- Nylon slotted turner
- Two spatulas
GreenLife Soft Grip Pro Pot Set is virtually the same as the original collection, but there are a few essential updates. The shape of the handle for better ergonomics is slightly improved, although it still uses the same Bakelite material as its base model. Frankly, it's a slight difference. For a visual distinction, the color of the cooking surface is black.
Green Life slightly modified the Thermolon used in the pots and pans' nonstick coating. Before the ceramic is sprayed, industrial diamond dust is added to the pan's surface. Diamond dust adds a micro-texture to the cooking surface, which some claim adds incremental benefit to the pan's durability. From what I have read, the inclusion of “diamonds” doesn't significantly impact a nonstick pan's durability.
Again, I have yet to test this specific model, but on the diamond or granite augmented pans I have owned, the impact of a particular additive is minimal.
At the time of this post, the Soft Grip Pro is only available in Turquoise and Black.
ARTISAN 12-PIECE COOKWARE SET
- 7″ Frypan
- 9″ Frypan
- 2.5QT Sauté Pan with Lid
- 2QT Saucepan with Lid
- 5QT Stockpot with Lid
- 4 bamboo utensils
The Artisan collection is also available in GreenLife's signature turquoise, plus two colors you won't find with any other lines. The two colors are Easter eggs, yellow and pink.
Like all other collections, the Artisan pans are made using a lightweight aluminum base. The nonstick coating is also made from Thermol, adding industrial diamond dust.
Something worth mentioning is the finish of the handles and lids is improved on this set. Rather than plastic, this set has elegant stainless steel handles plus loop grips for the lids.
Greenlife Pot and Pan Construction
GreenLife, a ceramic cookware review, employs an aluminum pan base on all of its cookware collections. Aluminum has several benefits worth mentioning. First, it's cheap and easy to press into suitable shapes, and these materials and manufacturing savings can then be passed on to the customer for the affordable price of the pans.
, aluminum is also known as an exceptional heat conductor. In heat conduction, it's second only to copper cookware; you can get it for a fraction of the cost. Therefore, the GreenLife pans heat up quickly and are responsive to constant fluctuations in temperature.
The primary con of an aluminum base is that it needs to retain heat more effectively. If the temperature on your stovetop fluctuates wildly, then so will the cooking surface of the pan. And when you add cold ingredients to a hot pan, the temperature will drop a bit before it heats up again.
Green Life Induction Capable Cookware
Another con of aluminum is that it needs to be induction-compatible cooking. The best GreenLife set that will work with an induction stovetop is its Induction Collection, with a magnetic steel disc pressed to the bottom of the pan. It does cost a little more, but it also helps improve the heat retention elements of your set.
Ceramic Nonstick Coating
The nonstick coating GreenLife, a ceramic cookware review that applies to all its collections, is called Thermolon. It is the first commercially available nonstick coating for home cookware that does not contain PTFE.
There are various sound arguments for avoiding PTFE. For example, it emits toxic fumes at high temperatures, sometimes causing a temporary illness called Teflon flu. Even using it at low temperatures, it's unsafe for birds. My daughter accidentally killed our parakeets when she forgot a Teflon pan on the stove. That's when I realized how hazardous and toxic Teflon can be. And there is a ton of evidence that PTFE manufacturing is dangerous for humans and the environment.
In the early 2000s, a group of home chefs sought a safe option to PTFE that was inexpensive, more convenient to use, and cleaner than cast iron or stainless steel. Thermolon answered the call.
The disadvantage of Thermolon and other PTFE-free nonstick coatings is that they are less effective or durable than traditional PTFE-based cookware.
GreenLife and numerous other brands recently added additives such as granite or industrial diamond dust into their ceramic coatings to improve durability. This practice provides more of a marketing benefit than any actual performance improvement. There is a diamond additive in both the Pro and Artisan Cookware Collections.
Pro Tip: Although nonstick pans may be labeled as dishwasher safe, it is best to hand wash them for longevity.
Durability Of Cookware Set
The pans don't require special seasoning (although it may help extend the pan's life) or maintenance. As a rule, the fact is that nonstick pans don't stand up to much abuse.
Starting with realistic expectations is essential regardless of which set you to buy. For this category of cookware, including other similar brands, it's not likely that your ceramic nonstick pan will maintain its functionality and work well for over 2 years.
It is easy to scratch and ruin a nonstick pan if you properly care for it; the pans only last for a while. For more extended longevity, follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer closely. Even though it is not recommended, it can't hurt to season your pans. It would help to get familiar with the most common mistakes you make before you start cooking.
Lower durability is a tradeoff many people are inclined to make because of the attractive price point, ensuring that the materials are safe.
Design of Greenlife Cookware Set
The primary difference between one GreenLife cookware set and another is the design. Some features to consider when buying pots and pans include handle material and shape, color choices for the cook surface and pan exterior, and the lids' handle style. Every other design element for the cookware line is very similar.
Are Green Life Pots And Pans Oven Safe
One design decision that impacts performance is the handle's material. Other than the GreenLife Artisan, all the other collection uses a Bakelite material to construct the handles. Bakelite is a temperature-resistant plastic resin that begins to break down at 350 F. If you overheat the pan, the handles may smoke or melt in the oven or when exposed to an open flame.
If you are like me and use your pans in the oven, then stainless steel cookware is a much better option. Some stainless steel pans are rated oven-safe temperatures up to 600 F. The reality is that, in most cases, a Pyrex glass dish, ceramic casserole, or half-sheet cookie pan is best suited for oven cooking. You can buy a cast iron skillet, which is excellent for the oven or outdoor grill, for under $20.
It is a nice feature; these pans are oven-safe. Maybe. Will you ever use them that way? For most people, it's debatable. When comparing the different GreenLife collections, I rate the ability to use them in the oven as a minor decision-making factor.
Competitors: Greenlife Ceramic Cookware Review
GreenLife is one of the most colorful options among budget-oriented ceramic nonstick cookware, but it isn't the only option. If you want some color and are keen to invest more money, try GreenLife's sister brand, the GreenPan. You'll be pleasantly surprised that they offer several materials, design upgrades, and the same bright color palette.
GreenLife offers modern and fun designs in bright colors and is affordable. Though, it fails in durability.
GreenLife's claims of healthy nonstick cookware are valid. This claim is true, but only if you follow the manufacturer's use and maintenance guidelines will you experience a healthy cooking experience.
Sadly, it doesn't matter how well you care for your GreenLife cookware; the nonstick coating will ultimately wear down and lose effectiveness.
GreenLife Alternatives
Remember that ceramic nonstick coating will not last as long as other nonstick, so you will eventually replace it often. And when you have to buy new pans, you will wonder if you saved money or positively impacted the environment.
Consider brands like MadeIn or Sardel for high-quality nonstick and stainless steel cookware. If you have to have ceramic nonstick cookware, consider going with GreenPan Cookware. It's made similarly to GreenLife but with more durable materials while designed for advanced cooking. Shop on Amazon at the GreenPan Store.
Or, if the bright color options don't match your kitchen style, then T-fal and Tramontina, these two brands, offer comparable collections.
While writing my Greenlife ceramic cookware review, I discovered the brand has a ton of recipes.
FAQ - Questions and Answers: Greenlife Ceramic Cookware review
GreenLife is designed in Belgium and manufactured in China.
Only GreenLife’s Induction set is induction compatible. All of the other collections are constructed with aluminum, which is not magnetic, and therefore will not perform on an induction hob.
GreenLife Pro Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 12 Piece Cookware Pots, Pans Set, PFAS-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Oven Safe, Grey.
Per Greenpan, sister of Greenlife, “We always recommend using a little bit of oil or butter when using your GreenPan. It's good to note that Extra Virgin Olive Oil and oil sprays carbonize very quickly when the pan is heated and should be avoided when cooking with ceramic non-stick.
