GreenPan Rio Ceramic Non Stick Cookware Review

CRYSTAL H.  |   |   Updated
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Wanting to know more about GreenPan Rio before you buy? The following covers Rio’s features and some pros and cons to consider to help you with making your choice.

GreenPan Rio Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 16 Piece, Turquoise

The GreenPan Rio pots and pans have a special ceramic coating – Thermolon – that gives the cookware its non stick surface. These ceramic non stick pots and pans have heat-retaining bases and stay-cool handles.

As noted in other GreenPan reviews, all GreenPan designs are manufactured without PFAS, PTFE, or PFOA. My comparison of Teflon and ceramic nonstick cookware explains more about these chemical compounds. 

The GreenPan Rio ceramic cookware set is best for…

Glass or ceramic stovetops as its exterior finish is super smooth to care for these stove tops. But…It can’t be used on glass or ceramic cooktops that are induction types, which need compatible cookware and this design does not have the magnetic base for it to work.

…fast efficient heating, with a heavy gauge aluminum base for even heat distribution. Oils, like virgin olive oil, can carbonize very rapidly. Best to use only short periods of high heat, as needed for searing or browning.

GreenPan Rio ceramic cookware review

GreenPan Rio comes in sets that contain a collection of pot and pan with sizes to cater for the family or a dinner party that are well priced. Clean up is amazingly easy.

Base is heavy gauge aluminum

Heavy gauge aluminum base provides fast and even heat distribution, allowing you to use a lower heat than usual. It does not contain the metal layer needed for use on induction cooktops.

Handles are Bakelite

Handles are ergonomically designed and made of Bakelite (phenolic). Handles are not riveted, and this makes for easier cleaning and better hygiene as food won’t collect in these areas. The handles are sturdy and tight and being phenolic are comfortable to touch.

They are not riveted to the pan –  a positive feature for hygiene and cleaning.

The phenolic (plastic) handles are not suitable for high heat, and not recommended for high-heat oven use (i.e. not above 350 ºF), and best kept away from open flames if using burner cookers.

Exterior finish

Super smooth exterior finish. The pots and pans have a ceramic exterior finish. While the set suits electric and gas stovetops, it’s best to avoid high flame as this could damage the exterior finish.

Clear view lids

Lids are glass. There are lids in the sets that are interchangeable, i.e., fit both the pots and the frypans.

Can this Greenpan go in the oven?

This GreenPan range can go in a moderate oven, say up to 350 ºF, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. These pots and pans shouldn’t go in the oven on high heat.

They are not for oven roasting. For high heat oven cooking, I recommend ovenproof ceramic baking pans and sheets.

Other features and specifications

The GreenPan Rio cookware comes in a variety of colors. The ceramic nonstick interior surface is creamy white. The Thermolon ceramic interior with even cooking surface and allows you to cook at the lower temperatures. Cleaning only takes seconds as food does not stick to the surface.

There is no need for seasoning of the product.

The manufacturer covers defects in material or workmanship in a limited lifetime warranty.

Some sets include a dutch oven or casserole. They’ll have a stainless steel steamer, which offers a green solution by way of savings if used in one-pot cooking.

Pros

  • Rivet free – better cleaning and hygiene
  • PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
  • Excellent heat distribution
  • Well priced
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Surface coating does wear with use over time, like all non stick cookware
  • Exterior can discolor if using open flame or very high heat
  • Not for use in oven heat over 350 ºF

Price

A GreenPan cookware set in the Rio Ceramic Nonstick design is a great choice at an economical price for families.

GreenPan Rio Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 16 Piece, Turquoise
GreenPan Rio
available at Amazon


Care and cleaning of GreenPan Rio

The GreenPan Rio’s ceramic coating is dishwasher safe, but best to avoid putting these in the dishwasher so as not to damage the surface through harsh detergents and spray jets. Clean up is a breeze so handwashing is not a concern.

Like all non-stick cookware, it requires care in handling and cleaning to avoid damaging the non-stick surface.

See also: My full guide to using, caring, and storing nonstick cookware.

The surface coating may wear over time and reduce non-stick performance but pans can continue to be used as normal cookware.

Care is needed when storing the 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.

Pan Protectors for Stacking, Pot and Pan Protectors for Stacking, Pot Dividers Pads, Set of 16

Pan Protectors for Stacking Pots and Pans
available at Amazon

Use utensils designed for non stick cookware and avoid using scourers when cleaning.

Avoid cutting anything in the pan 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. Always cook on the low to medium heat.

Care with cooking on a gas range or open burners will help avoid tarnishing the outer finish and harming the phenolic handles.

FAQs

Bottom line

The GreenPan Rio is a good “starter” cookware set. 

It is optimized to save you time cooking and cleaning. Unlike earlier nonstick versions, the pots and pans are PFOA-free and PTFE-free making them safer for you and the environment.

As mentioned in other GreenPan Rio reviews, the set features Thermolon™ ceramic coating.

The makers claim “Thermolon was the first Ceramic Non-stick coating, introduced on GreenPan cookware. Since its launch in 2007, it is the No. 1 ceramic non-stick coating.” Thermolon conducts heat well and makes for faster heating than the traditional non-stick coating types that aren’t as effective in this area.

The ceramic nonstick surface reduces the need for fats and oils in preparing foods, which is perfect for low-fat diets. Read more in my comprehensive guide to choosing cookware.

Info

  1. The Cookware Company

©ceramiccookwarehub.com original article created: 2018-04-16