With all the GreenPan cookware designs in the ceramic nonstick range, you might be overwhelmed with which GreenPan line to get. Here I review the ceramic nonstick designs that are popular right now and compare their features so you can get a better idea of their advantages and disadvantages.
My pick for induction-ready is Valencia Pro (see it here at GreenPan). See the latest price at Amazon.
First up, is a quick overview of the latest GreenPan non stick cookware sets, in order of decreasing retail price (at time of writing). You’ll find more detailed info for each further down.
Comparison chart of GreenPan designs
Reserve | Gold-tone handles Glass lids Drain holes Not for induction $$$ | |
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Valencia Pro | Glass lids Induction ready $$$ | |
 Paris Pro | S/Steel lids Not induction $$$ | |
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Chatham | Glass lids Not induction $$$ | |
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Prime Midnight | Glass lids S/steel steamer Not induction $$ | |
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Lima | Glass lids S/steel steamer Not induction Bamboo utensils $$ | |
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Rio | Glass lids S/steel steamer Bamboo utensils $ |
I have a similar article covering Bialetti designs.
About the GreenPan company
The company owning the brand, GreenPan (also referred to as Green Pan), started in Belgium in 2004. GreenPan is one of several brands marketed by The Cookware Company as you’ll discover in my article covering who makes popular brands and where.
Some consider GreenPan was the pioneer in ceramic nonstick pans. Since starting, the company has expanded the brand worldwide and today GreenPan is well known in the US.
GreenPan offers a limited* lifetime warranty with all designs I have listed.
About GreenPan ceramic cookware
The GreenPan pots and pans have a special ceramic coating — Thermolon — the 7th generation of which is diamond-reinforced and gives the cookware its toughened nonstick surface.
This Thermolon ceramic nonstick cooking surface has NO PFAS or PFOA.
This means it has none of these…
The nonstick is PTFE-free — it is not Teflon. I cover the difference in my article on ceramic vs Teflon nonstick coating.
More info on Thermolon in this video…
The GreenPan That’s best for you
There are a few to choose between, each with advantages or disadvantages, which can make it tricky to pick one without thinking the other one may have been better. So let’s start by comparing the designs that are popular right now.
These all have similar features but one feature they have in common is that they are a ceramic nonstick design that can handle high heat.
I cover the Lima and Rio, which aren’t suited to high heat use, in a section further down.
Reserve Vs Chatham Vs Paris Pro Vs Valencia Pro Vs Prime Midnight
What these have in common:
- Heavy-gauge forged aluminum in the base to ensure excellent heat distribution.
- Hard anodizing, providing an exterior finish with toughness greater than that of stainless steel.
- Thermolon nonstick ceramic coating with the upgraded metal-utensil-safe technology. The nonstick coating is diamond-infused to make the cooking surface extra resistant to scratching as well as heat responsive.
- Lids with U-shaped stainless steel handles designed for secure grip.
- Long stainless steel handles, meaning you get to use the cookware in the oven under higher temperatures than most others.
Quick Overview of Design Similarities
Use in a hot to very hot oven, based on NIST conversions, is safe for all bases up to 600 °F (315 ºC).
All the GreenPan cookware designs listed here are suitable for conventional stovetops, including electric, gas, ceramic, and glass.
So how do these five stack-up otherwise? What sets them apart?
Quick overview of design differences
| Design | Lid | Oven Safe to 600ºF | Pce | Induction Ready | No. of Pots | No. of Pans | Steamer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve (gold-tone) | Glass lids Draining holes | Base only oven safe to 600ºF | 10 pce | Not for induction | 3 pots | 3 pans | No steamer |
| Valencia Pro | Glass lids | Base only oven safe to 600ºF | 11 pce | Induction ready | 4 pots | 3 pans | No steamer |
| Paris Pro | S/steel lids | Base + lid oven safe to 600ºF | 11 pce | Not for induction | 4 pots | 3 pans | No steamer |
| Chatham | Glass lids | Base only oven safe to 600ºF | 10 pce | Not for induction | 3 pots | 3 pans | No steamer |
| Prime Midnight | Glass lids | Base only oven safe to 600ºF | 11 pce | Not for induction | 3 pots | 3 pans | Steamer |
Most have tempered glass lids for monitoring of the food while cooking without lifting the lid and releasing heat and steam.
The Paris Pro design differs with stainless steel lids. The advantage of this is that the whole unit can go in a very hot oven. It can go from stovetop to oven with the lid.
Then there’s the Padova Reserve set featuring a draining lid with its large pot. The feature is a double set of holes designed for easy draining of liquid.
Glass lids are only safe up to 420 ºF (215 ºC). The Paris Pro stands apart in this regard in having stainless steel lids, it is safe as a complete unit in a very hot oven (up to 600 °F).
Only the Valencia Pro is induction ready — I cover other popular induction cookware here.
GreenPan cookware reviews
The following looks at popular GreenPan designs…
Reserve 10-pc GreenPan Cookware Review
What stands out about the GreenPan Reserve set are the stainless steel handles that are finished in antique gold. And then there’s the colors in this range, that offer an option for any kitchen.
GreenPan Reserve
Available at Amazon
The GreenPan Reserve set is best for…
…color choice and style.
It features gold-tone handles and colors that give it that lift with a modern antique appeal.
It has diamond infused Thermolon nonstick on the cooking surface and the exterior is hard anodized. These features make the pots and pans durable and heat responsive.
What to know: They are not induction compatible.
Price and where to buy
This set is mid to high range.
- You can get this from GreenPan itself
- Check out the price at Amazon — See details
Padova vs Reserve
You might be wondering about Reserve vs Padova in the GreenPan range. There’s a difference with Padova sets having brushed stainless steel handles vs the gold-tone of the Reserve. Yet, Padova also has sets with the gold-tone handles but in a lower price range (worth checking out). Apart from these variations, the pots and pans appear similar in shape and design.
Valencia Pro 11-pce Review
This 11-piece gray set offers 4 pans (one with lid) and 3 pots (with lids) in various sizes.
GreenPan Valencia Pro set
Available at Amazon
It can be used on all stovetops including induction cookers. As noted in other Greenpan Valencia reviews, this is the stand out feature of this set and the reason, you pay a little bit more for it.
The Valencia Pro is best for…
…induction cooking.
It features Magneto™ technology to make the product induction-ready. This design incorporates magnetic iron and copper into the base layer.
The lids are tempered glass so, like others, you can view the pot contents while cooking but they are not suitable under very hot heat in the oven.
Where to Buy
You can get this direct from the Greenpan company or from Amazon (see the image above).
Paris Pro 11-piece cookware review
The Paris Pro design is a stylish nonstick set with a modern bluish-gray look!
GreenPan Paris Pro
Available at Amazon
This 11-piece GreenPan Paris Pro is up there in price with the Valencia Pro, with its versatility and visual appeal.
Like the Valencia Pro, the handles are designed to minimize heat transfer.
This set shown has 4 pans (one with lid) and 3 pots with lids. In need of a GreenPan frying pan? There are three to choose from plus a deep sauté pan with lid, which is great because sauté pans offer more versatility.
The GreenPan Paris Pro cookware is best for…
…stovetop to very hot oven use. Not only is the GreenPan pot and pan design good looking, but each complete unit (vessel and lid) is versatile in that the pot or pan can go into a very hot oven, with its lid, because it’s made of stainless steel.
Price
This set is mid to high range but you’re paying for stainless steel lids and convenience of stovetop to hot oven use.
- Check out the price at Amazon — See details
GreenPan Chatham cookware review
The GreenPan Chatham design is better priced than the above two. It has one less pan.
GreenPan Chatham
Available at Amazon
The 10-piece Chatham cookware set has 3 pans (one with lid) and 3 pots (with lids).
The GreenPan Chatham cookware is best for…
…. less mess when pouring and handles contoured for secure grip. The pots and pans all feature drip free rims for easy pouring.
Price and where to buy: Price is comparable mid-range with respect to others here.
- It’s available at Amazon, where you can check the latest price — See details.
- You can get it direct from the GreenPan company
Prime Midnight ceramic nonstick by GreenPan cookware
The GreenPan Prime Midnight design is similarly priced to the Chatham. This cookware set is exclusive to Amazon and features black ceramic coating and exterior.
GreenPan Prime Midnight set
Available at Amazon
The 11-piece cookware set has an assortment of pots (3) and pans (3) much like the Chatham, but it has one more piece – a stainless steel steamer, making this set 11 pieces rather than 10 for a similar price.
The GreenPan Prime Midnight cookware is best for…
… Like the Chatham, the pans have drip free rims for easy pouring. As a plus, the set includes a stainless steel steamer. And, the black color is quite distinct.
Check out the reviews by verified owners at Amazon – See details.
Cons across these nonstick pan designs
While durable, the stainless steel handles can be hot to touch. It’s always best to use pot holders when moving pots and pans from stovetop or oven to bench or sink. The same applies when removing the lids during or immediately after cooking.
Riveted areas can attract buildup of food – take care of cleaning around these. Plus, all nonstick surfaces need care to avoid scratches and wear. For the best ways of lengthening the life of your nonstick cookware, see my article on dealing with your nonstick pan getting scratched.
The classic GreenPan designs
These carry the classic Thermolon ceramic coating.
GreenPan Lima review
The Lima range has the classic Thermolon surface for nonstick cooking. It also has stainless steel handles and is oven safe up to 600°F without lid (with lid up to 420°F).
GreenPan Lima
Available at Amazon
Lima comes in sets that contain pots and pans (with lids, a stainless steel steamer, and utensils. The bluish gray ceramic coating appears to be the classic Thermolon rather than the advanced metal-utensil safe version. Which is probably why it is a lower price that the four listed above.
The addition of bamboo utensils is an upside as is the stainless steel steamer, which is not only great for retaining nutrition in foods but it also reduces the number of cooking elements needed and thus helps save on energy costs.
The handles are riveted, so care is needed in cleaning in these areas where grime can collect. Otherwise, the nonstick surface means easy cleaning.
Lids being clear allow viewing of contents while cooking.
Not for induction cooktops.
Rio nonstick cookware review
As a “starter” cookware set, GreenPan Rio is a good choice.
The GreenPan Rio Cookware Set has both an interior and exterior coating of the classic Thermolon ceramic coating and comes in a choice of three colors: turquoise, black, or red. The ceramic nonstick cooking surface is white.
GreenPan Rio
Available at Amazon
The Rio GreenPan ceramic cookware set is best for…
…smooth glass or ceramic stovetops. Its exterior finish is super smooth for use on these stovetops, but the set can also be used on electric stovetops, and on gas ranges with low flame – the exception is induction cookers.
These GreenPan pots and pans are not recommended for the oven at temperatures higher than 350 ºF given the phenolic (plastic) handles are not suitable for high-heat oven use.
Also, best to keep these away from open flames if using burner cookers to avoid ruining the attractive exterior color and scorching the handles.
On the upside, there are no rivets presenting on the inside, which is a good thing for cleaning and hygiene as food won’t collect in these areas.
It is a great choice at an economical price for families. Get the latest price and real owner views at Amazon — See Details
Caring for GreenPan nonstick cookware
- To be safe, avoid using metal utensils (even with cookware that is rated ‘metal utensil safe’). Better to use only plastic, bamboo, wood, or silicone tools.
- Pay attention to and gently clean the area around the rivets. Use only non-scratch sponges.
- Hand wash for safest maintenance. The nonstick surface makes cleaning simple and so effortless anyway.
- Just running water into them or simply wipe with a paper towel should give these pans a quick clean. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners or this will damage the surface and lessen the life of the product.
- Burning foods may stain the surface. For resistant stains, heating some white vinegar and then cleaning may help.
- Always store with care. Avoid stacking, which may harm the inner nonstick coating during storage. Pan separators can help.
Storing and other care tips
Care is needed when storing nonstick cookware. Try not to stack the pots and pans unless carefully separated using pan protectors, like these felt dish and pan scratch protectors (in the image) that fit all sizes.
Quirky Flower Pan Protectors
Available at Amazon
Avoid cutting food in the pan (always use a good board) and avoid using a knife or fork to stir the food while cooking. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays as these may cause residue to build-up on the surface coating and affect performance.
Overall, using clarified butter or high smoke point oils rather than cooking sprays, mists, or pumps will avoid hot spots on the coating. Oils, like virgin olive oil, can carbonize very rapidly. Best to use only short periods of high heat, as needed for searing or browning.
Care with cooking on a gas range or open burners will help avoid tarnishing the outer finish and harming the phenolic handles.
Bottom line
Unlike earlier nonstick versions, the GreenPan pots and pans are PFOA-free and PTFE-free.
They offer the benefits of GreenPan Thermolon™ ceramic coating and the latest range is advanced in technology for a tougher cooking surface, claiming metal-utensil safe.
Still unsure which set to buy?
Check out my cookware buying guide!
Or, you might like my article on choosing the best nonstick frying pan.
Info sources
- Care and Use Guide for GreenPan cookware
- Greenpan Lifetime Warranty
- Information about PFAS (US environmental protection agency site).
