Greenlife Pans: Worth The Hype?

GreenLife is a popular brand of ceramic non-stick cookware. The brand promises a healthy non-stick cooking experience, with its products being PTFE-, PFOA-, and PFAS-free. The cookware is also colourful, with shades like turquoise, pink, yellow, lavender, blue, black, hibiscus, and elderberry.

Reviews for GreenLife products are mixed. Some customers praise the cookware for its non-stick capabilities, ease of cleaning, quick and even heating, and affordable pricing. However, others have criticised the products for their lack of durability, with some reviews noting that the non-stick coating deteriorates over time with heavy use.

GreenLife pans are affordable and colourful

GreenLife pans are an affordable entry point into non-toxic, ceramic non-stick cookware. The brand offers a range of colourful pans that are lightweight and easy to handle.

The Thermolon ceramic non-stick coating is made from sand and is PTFE-, PFOA- and PFAS-free. The coating is slippery, allowing food to release easily, and initially performs well. However, some reviews note that the coating can degrade after a few months of regular use, with food starting to stick to the pan.

The pans are available in a variety of vibrant colours, including turquoise, pink, yellow, lavender, blue, black, hibiscus and elderberry. The colourful exterior can chip and stain easily, especially on the bottom of the pan.

The Soft Grip collection, named after its plastic handles, features Bakelite handles that provide a secure grip, even when wet. However, the handles are relatively short and can be uncomfortable for those with large hands.

The pans are lightweight and heat up quickly and evenly. They are suitable for electric glass stoves but cannot be used on induction cooktops.

GreenLife pans are a good option for those on a tight budget who require non-stick pans for occasional, low-heat cooking. However, for those who have the budget, investing in longer-lasting non-stick brands is recommended.

They are lightweight and easy to handle

The GreenLife cookware set is lightweight and easy to handle. The set includes a 4-inch mini frying pan, 7-inch and 9.5-inch frying pans, 1 and 2-quart saucepans, a 5-quart stockpot, a 2.5-quart sauté pan, a 7-inch steamer, and four kitchen utensils. The set is constructed from lightweight aluminium with thin walls, making it easy to manoeuvre and reducing strain on your wrist when flipping eggs or transferring the pan from the stove to the oven. The aluminium construction also means the pans heat up quickly and evenly, making them ideal for quick meals like stir-fries or pan-fried fish. The handles are made from Bakelite, a phenolic plastic that is resistant to heat and designed to stay cool while cooking. The handles are also rivet-free, giving you a smooth, uninterrupted surface that is easy to clean. The handles are relatively short, at just under 7 inches long, so if you have large hands, you might find them uncomfortable. The set is dishwasher-safe, but most messes can be wiped away with a paper towel, making cleaning a breeze.

They are non-stick and easy to clean

The GreenLife cookware range is designed to be non-stick and easy to clean. The ceramic non-stick coating is derived from sand and is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. This means that food is easily released from the pan, and messes can be wiped away without much effort. The coating also means that less oil or butter is needed when cooking.

The Soft Grip collection features Bakelite handles, which are designed to stay cool on the stovetop for maximum comfort. The handles are also rivetless, making the interior of the pan smooth and easy to clean. The Soft Grip Diamond collection features a diamond-reinforced Thermolon coating for greater durability.

The GreenLife cookware range is dishwasher-safe, but most messes can be wiped away without the need for dishwashing. The coating is scratch-resistant, but some reviewers have noted that it can chip if not cared for properly.

They are not durable and don't last long

GreenLife pans are not durable and don't last long. The ceramic non-stick coating is notorious for working perfectly initially but losing its non-stick properties within months or, if you're lucky, within a year of regular use. The coating will start to degrade, and you will have to use more butter or oil to prevent food from sticking. The lightweight construction and ceramic coating are not durable, and the pans will need to be replaced often.

The pans are ideal for those on a tight budget who only need non-stick pans for occasional, low-heat cooking. However, if you are looking for a long-term option, there are more durable and longer-lasting non-stick brands available, such as Made In and All-Clad.

The GreenLife pans also have other drawbacks. The handles are relatively short, and if you have large hands, you may find them uncomfortable. The handles can also easily be damaged and are made from Bakelite, a phenolic plastic that can break down over time with repeated exposure to a dishwasher or direct contact with a flame on a gas stove. The colourful exterior of the pan can also chip and stain easily, especially on the bottom.

In terms of performance, the pans heat up quickly and evenly, but they do not retain heat well due to their thin walls. They are not suitable for searing or browning and are not designed for slow, low braising or complex dishes. They are everyday pans for simple meals.

They are not suitable for high-heat cooking

GreenLife pans are not suitable for high-heat cooking. The pans are made of lightweight aluminium, which heats up quickly and evenly but does not retain heat well. This makes the pans unsuitable for high-heat cooking methods such as searing or browning.

The recommended cooking temperature for GreenLife pans is low to medium heat. The pans are designed to cook at high temperatures by themselves, so there is no need to use the highest heat setting on your stove. Cooking on high heat can cause the pan to burn and may also be dangerous due to the short length of the handles.

To avoid burning oils, it is recommended to cook on low to medium heat and use oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or grapeseed oil. Avoid using olive oil, as this has a low smoke point and can burn onto the pan.

If you are using a gas stove, be extra cautious as the flames can cause the bottom of the pan to become discoloured and ugly.

Overall, GreenLife pans are designed for low-heat cooking methods such as boiling, frying, and sautéing. For high-heat cooking, it is recommended to use thicker, more durable cookware made from materials such as clad stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron.

Frequently asked questions