The short answer, No!
Reviewers on Amazon have warned wear and tear on GreenPan's cookware can build up quickly if you don't clean it with care. Ceramic cookware is prone to chipping and scratching, which is why the brand recommends cooking with silicone utensils over harsh metal spatulas or tongs.
In 2019, a lawsuit was brought against GreenPan claiming false advertising and concluded with no findings of liability by the company. The case was dismissed. What we said about our products is true. Thermolon coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
GreenPan frypans lack harmful chemicals and toxins such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as forever chemicals, as well as PFOA, lead, and cadmium. GreenPan products came onto the culinary scene in 2007, boasting a reimagined and healthier ceramic nonstick coating.
Thermolon™ is GreenPan's ceramic nonstick coating, and is PFAS- and plastic-free. You won't find PTFE, PFOA, lead or cadmium in our coating either. GreenPan's Thermolon™ coating is crafted from sand-derived raw materials, Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), and turned into a sprayable solution.
The short answer, No!
“The most nontoxic cookware that you can buy is stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel; things that don't have a coating on them,” says Alexis Pisciotta, culinary purchasing and events manager and cookware consultant for Food Network.
Be Careful with olive oil
Please remember that olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, butter and oil sprays quickly start to smoke and burn when the pan is hot. This causes carbonization of the pan, which can damage the non-stick layer.
GreenPan frying pans lack harmful chemicals and toxins such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as forever chemicals, as well as PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
Carbonization is Sticky
Here's why. Overheating + oils= carbonization (a.k.a. those little spots that cause your food to stick to the pan). But don't worry! You can use a melamine sponge (e.g. our Restore Sponge) to wipe them away.
It is often the case that the Bakelite handle of the pan has been exposed to extreme heat (if the pan has not been placed on the hob correctly). Exposing the Bakelite handle to such extreme heat will cause the smell and possibly even some burning of the handle.
While both synthetic chemicals are classified as PFAS and share a number of properties, PTFE is broadly considered safe to use. PFOA, on the other hand, has been declared carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.
TL;DR: With about the same lifespan (2-5 years) as other high-quality nonstick cookware, GreenPan uses a “healthy ceramic nonstick” coating (Thermolon) that is PTFE, PFAS, Cadmium, and PFOA free, giving chefs the peace of mind that their nonstick cookware is safe to use.
Is HexClad cookware safe? HexClad describes its nonstick coating as a "Japanese coating infused with diamond dust." The company states that its pans are PFOA-free, though they do contain PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known by the brand name Teflon.
WHERE ARE GREENPAN PRODUCTS MADE? All our products are manufactured in our own factories we own in Italy and in China. Unlike most cookware companies, we own our factory, and we carefully control the process.
Our products are safe, and compliant with with all applicable federal and state safety regulations. We are proud to be able to offer our customers a variety of cookware materials to choose from, including stainless steel and nonstick ceramic.
Introduced in 2007, GreenPan was the first cookware brand to own the “healthy nonstick” cookware category by coating its pans with Thermolon—a healthier, ceramic-based alternative to Teflon.
The best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you value eco-friendliness and quick, even heating, the Scanpan set might be the best choice for you. If you value aesthetics and easy cleaning, the GreenPan set might be a better fit. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these sets.
When it comes to exceptional performance and durability, the All-Clad D3 10 Piece Pots and Pans Cookware Set is our pick for the best overall set. For incredible bang for your buck, the lower-priced Calphalon Classic 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set performs well and is easy to clean.
After pouring out the water and setting the pan on a sturdy surface, you can use a melamine sponge, like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or GreenPan's "restoring sponge," and a bit of water to wipe the food or stuck oil off the warm surface.
In the past, Teflon coating included an ingredient called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA is a type of PFAS that has been linked to kidney and liver problems. The FDA banned the use of PFOA in cookware in 2014. If you have a Teflon pot or pan that was made before 2014, you should get rid of it.
The Bottom Line
Caraway is pricier than GreenPan, but their products have consistently been top performers in our tests and have continued to deliver top-quality performance after years of use. Alternately, GreenPan is more affordable but did become less nonstick over time.
For nearly 100 years, our products have been consistently safe to use and comply with all federal safety regulations established by the Food & Drug Administration.