It can be hard to find a quality set of nonstick pots and pans, which is why I was curious to learn more about GreenLife cookware.
After looking at GreenLife cookware reviews, I found that the pots and pans are made with a ceramic nonstick coating. The company claims that this coating offers a healthier alternative to Teflon nonstick coating. If you want to know whether the claims are true, here is a detailed look at this cookware brand.
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Things To Consider Before Buying GreenLife Ceramic Cookware
GreenLife cookware includes a wonderful selection of nonstick pots and pans. What helps set these cookware sets apart is the nonstick coating used.
Nonstick coatings are great as they cut down on the time that I spend cleaning the dishes. Unfortunately, these coatings eventually start to peel. As the material peels, various metals and chemicals may leach into the food.
Some nonstick coatings are also made with harmful chemicals and metals. Lead, cadmium, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and PFAS are often used to create cheap nonstick pots and pans.
If you are similar to me, you do not want to eat food that has been cooked in these chemicals. This is where GreenLife comes to the rescue as their pots and pans use a ceramic nonstick coating made without any chemicals or metals.
While nonstick coating is an important feature, you should also consider the following when choosing a cookware set:
- The types of pots and pans
- The design of the handles
- The number of lids
- The accessories and utensils
- Dishwasher safety
- Oven safety
- Durability
These are the main details to think about when comparing pots and pans. As you check out the rest of the GreenLife cookware reviews, keep these features in mind.
What Is GreenLife Cookware?
As with most ceramic cookware sets, the GreenLife pots and pans are not truly ceramic. They are made from aluminum and feature a ceramic coating on the interior.
The ceramic coating is called thermolon, which is a non-stick coating made from Silicon. The sand-like material is sprayed onto the pot or pan and then cured in the oven. The result is a healthier alternative to other non-stick coatings.
Pros
- Thermolon is a safe, healthy coating that does not contain any lead or cadmium.
- The pots and pans are dishwasher-safe.
- The soft-grip handles are ergonomically designed and stay cool to the touch.
- These cookware sets are available at a reasonable price, providing you with great overall value.
Cons
- It is easy to scrape the ceramic coating when using metal forks or spoons to stir food.
- The aluminum pots and pans may not hold up to years of use, eventually warping or suffering from dents.
- The ceramic coating may crack or start to flake if the pots or pans are dropped, cleaned with abrasive sponges, or stacked.
Features & Benefits of a GreenLife Cookware Set
GreenLife offers a variety of cookware sets and individual pots and pans but they all include the same features. Whether you choose a 12-piece set or a single frying pan, you get the same ceramic nonstick coating and several other useful features.
Chemical-Free Ceramic Nonstick Coating
As mentioned, the main feature of the GreenLife cookware is the ceramic nonstick coating. The Thermolon provides a nice, smooth surface for frying eggs or browning meat without the foods sticking to the GreenLife pan.
TheThermolon material is made from Silicon, which is often used to produce ceramics and porcelain. It is a metallic sand-like substance that is made into a spray and then used to coat the interior of the pots and pans. It is made without metals or chemicals such as PFOA.
PFOA is a man-made chemical that was often used in Teflon. There is a concern that this chemical may increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Due to these concerns, as of 2012, most Teflon manufacturers claim that PFOA is no longer used.
If you do not want to take the risk of exposure to chemicals, ceramic provides a safer option. The only drawback to the ceramic coating is that it is prone to cracking or chipping. With proper care, the coating may last for many years. If a metal utensil scrapes the surface or you drop the cookware, it may crack.
It is also important to store the cookware properly. The pots and pans should not be stacked unless a protective material is placed between them. Stacking is the leading cause of chipping.
Oven-Safe and Dishwasher-Safe Pots and Pans
These pots and pans are oven-safe and dishwasher-safe. While the company claims that the cookware is dishwasher-safe, it is typically a good idea to hand wash the pots and pans. Placing them in the dishwasher increases the risk that they may hit another pot or pan and chip.
The cookware is safe to use in the oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermolon material can reach temperatures even higher than 350 degrees. Without chemicals, the material can reach up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit on the stovetop without emitting any toxic fumes but GreenLife recommends using the cookware on low to medium heat.
Even Heat Distribution and Improved Heat Retention
The GreenLife cookware is made from aluminum and then coated with ceramic. The aluminum material is cheap yet provides superior heat conductivity compared to most other materials. Stainless steel and copper are the two options that offer better conductivity.
With an aluminum base, these pots and pans heat evenly and retain heat. The heat from the stovetop reaches every portion of the pot or pan.
As a side note, GreenLife recommends that you only use these pots and pans on low to medium heat. If you use this cookware on high heat, you increase the risk of chipping the ceramic coating.
While the cookware has good heat distribution and retention, it takes a while for these pots and pans to get hot. The ceramic coating takes longer to heat compared to Teflon and other coatings. Luckily, after the pot or pan gets hot, it stays hot.
There is one disadvantage to choosing aluminum pots and pans. Aluminum is not very durable. If you stack aluminum pans, they may eventually start to warp in the center, causing the pans to wobble on the stovetop.
What Does the GreenLife Cookware Warranty Cover?
As do most cookware sets, GreenLife backs their products with a limited manufacturer’s warranty. However, the warranty does not cover misuse, accidents, or natural wear. It only covers defects in workmanship.
The ceramic coating is built to last a long time. If you treat these pots and pans well, the coating may not start to wear off for many years but there is a chance that it will slowly deteriorate. Remember to avoid stacking the pots and pans to avoid this issue.
Social Proof
GreenLife cookware reviews tend to mention the nonstick coating, which is not a surprise. People are tired of Teflon coatings that peel easily or leach metallic flavors into the food.
Customers mostly agree that the ceramic coating on these pots and pans lasts longer and is easier to clean. However, some customers have complained about the ceramic coating as it may chip easily when stored improperly. But as long as you properly take of your cookware set, it should last you longer.
Watch this video of one user who tried frying eggs on her GreenLife pan:
Alternatives to the GreenLife Pots and Pans
While GreenLife cookware offers several benefits, it is not your only option. Here are three alternatives to consider:
- Vremi Ceramic Nonstick Cookware
- Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Porcelain Enamel Nonstick Cookware
- BulbHead Red Copper Ceramic Nonstick Cookware
The Vremi Ceramic Nonstick Cookware is the closest competitor to GreenLife. Both options feature a nonstick ceramic coating and colorful designs for about the same price. However, the Vremi pots and pans are compatible with induction stovetops due to the induction plate on the bottom. The only drawback is that these pots and pans are not oven-safe.
The Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware also has a nonstick surface but with Teflon instead of ceramic. The exterior features a porcelain enamel, which helps match the style of the GreenLife cookware sets. These pots and pans cost a little more and are less likely to warp or bend. Keep in mind that the Teflon coating may not last as long compared to the ceramic coating.
The BulbHead Ceramic Nonstick Cookware set is copper-infused to help increase heat conductivity and distribution. These pots and pans heat quickly and evenly. They also feature an interior ceramic coating similar to the coating used in the GreenLife and Vremi pots and pans. While these pans heat more quickly compared to the GreenLife pans, the handles do not stay cool to the touch.
Conclusion
When you get tired of dealing with cheap nonstick coatings, GreenLife may offer a better solution. These pots and pans are made with a long-lasting ceramic coating. The coating makes GreenLife cookware easier to clean and eliminates the risk of exposure to chemicals or metals.
GreenLife cookware is also affordable, providing a better value compared to most cookware sets in the same price range.