If you don’t have time to read the entire article, I’ll tell you right now that I love my Green Pan Lima Cookware Set. Completely non-toxic, a pleasure to use, and priced right. A great choice for any kitchen.
If you’re the cook in your household, you know that there are some dishes that absolutely require a nonstick pan. But not all nonstick pans are created equal. I used to use a cheap frying pan and was constantly dealing with the soaking and scrubbing after half of my pasta sauce or scrambled eggs stuck to the bottom, despite its nonstick claim and copious amounts of oil.
That’s when I decided it was time to write The Original Green Pan review. The Green Pan line has a revolutionary new kind of ceramic nonstick coating. Ever since I started using this fantastic set, I frequently recommend it to my friends and often give it as gifts for weddings or housewarmings. I loved it so much that I bought the entire set. In this review, I’ll be discussing the Green Pan Lima 12 Piece Cookware Set.
The Original Green Pan Product Line
Green Pan is a Belgian company that has designed a new kind of nonstick cookware, using ceramic instead of Teflon for its nonstick cooking surface. The first time I used my Green Pan, it came out so clean I didn’t even have to scrub it; it was almost like I had just pulled it from the cupboard!
As mentioned, conventional nonstick pans use Teflon (PTFE), which requires potential carcinogens in its manufacturing, such as PFOA (not used after 2013) and PFAS. These carcinogens can be released into your home as you cook, which can be unsafe and can make you and your family ill. These types of toxins are also major pollutants to the environment.
When I learned this, I immediately stopped using my Teflon pans and searched for something safer! The Original Green Pan line uses a ceramic coating called Thermolon, which has essentially the same composition as glass or sand.
Benefits of Green Pan’s Thermolon Coating
Thermolon uses safe, all-natural materials in its production, and is PFAS, PFOA, cadmium, and lead-free. If you want to get technical, Thermolon is composed mostly of Silicon Dioxide, the same composition as glass (or sand), and is therefore 100% safe even under high heat.
Traditional nonstick pans (PTFE-coated cookware) can overheat easily, causing the surface to blister or peel, releasing toxic fumes. Green Pan promises heat resistance of the ceramic coating up to 842°F (450°C) and even if the coating were to become damaged, it still remains completely non-toxic.
Thermolon conducts heat so well you can actually cook at lower temperatures and save energy! This also means it heats up quickly and cooks more evenly. I’ve made everything from fish and stir-fries to pancakes and naan, and despite any personal weaknesses in the kitchen, they all came out beautifully.
One of my favorite aspects of the Green Pan is that there is no need to drown your food in oil or butter. The Green Pan’s ceramic surface allows you to use a minimal amount of oil and still get that perfect, crispy fry. I love a fried egg in the morning, and with just a drop of oil, the egg slides freely around the pan; no spatula is needed!
The ceramic coating is also scratch-resistant. It’s heavy-duty, long-lasting, and stays looking freshly purchased. I would still recommend using non-metal utensils (such as a silicone spatula or spoon) to maximize the life of the ceramic surface.
Features
As much as I love the performance of the Thermolon surface, there’s more to any cookware than that. Here are some of my favorite features of the Green Pan Lima 12 Piece Cookware Set.
Green Pans come with durable and oven-safe stainless steel handles. The handle stays cool while you cook, except close to the pan. But the oven-safe feature is what really makes this a premium product. I love not having to break out my heavy cast iron when I want to go from stovetop to oven. Just don’t forget your oven mitt; the handle will be hot after baking in the oven! Especially since they’re oven-rated up to 600°F. Perfect for sticking a steak under the broiler, giving it a nice crispy sear.
Each piece is made from hard-anodized aluminum with a thick, forged base to prevent warping and is suitable for all cooktops except induction. For induction stoves, I recommend the Green Pan Valencia Pro 11-piece Cookware Set.
The pots and skillet all come with durable glass lids that are oven-safe to 425°F and have drip-free rims for easy pouring.
The Green Pan Lima 12 Piece Cookware set includes:
- 2 qt saucepan w/ lid
- 5 qt casserole w/ lid
- 8 in frying pan
- 9 ½ in frying pan
- 2 ¾ qt skillet w/ lid
- Stainless steel steamer
- 3-piece solid bamboo utensil set
Performance
When you pick up any piece of this cookware, you’ll agree it is a cut above the rest. It feels solid and looks sleek and professional-grade. Although this cookware requires no oil for nonstick cooking, you’ll want a small amount of oil or butter for the best results. Even the stickiest of foods come sliding right out, and the edges of the frying pans aren’t at a perfect 90° angle, so your sauces won’t drip over the sides as easily. Every pot and pan provides consistent, even heat with no hotspots.
The handles are stainless steel and comfortable to grip, even for small hands, and the choice of sizes and types of pieces in this set provide the right tool for just about every use in most home kitchens.
Other customer reviews have reported that their Green Pans have minimal signs of wear, even after years, and I fully back up this claim. To help extend longevity, don’t leave your nonstick pan on too high a heat for too long, especially when empty. I also suggest handwashing with soapy water and only using wood or silicone utensils. Many manufacturers claim their nonstick pots and pans are dishwasher safe, but don’t believe them.
Pros
Cons
Alternatives
Of course, as much as I love the Green Pan Lima 12 12-piece cookware set, there are other fine options from other cookware companies in the marketplace that might suit your needs even better. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites.
T-fal Signature Non-Stick Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
This T-fal set is similar to the Green Pan set but with a slightly different collection of pieces, at a lower price. It might make a great starter set for people on a budget.
One downside, this set can’t tolerate the same level of heat. Because of the heat resistance, coated handles this set’s oven rating only goes to 350°F. Here is an overview of this T-fal set versus the featured one:
- Lower price
- Much lower oven rating
- Includes a griddle and a second saucepan.
- No strainer or skillet
If you want non-stick cookware set at a budget price, give this product a try.
Related: Our T-Fal Ceramic Cookware Review. Do We Love It?
Rachael Ray Cucina Non-Stick Cookware Set
The Racheal Ray Cucina Non-Stick Cookware Set is a big seller. This set’s porcelain exterior makes its surface attractive yet tough. This collection also comes at a reasonable price. Here is how this set looks against the Green Pan cookware:
- Porcelain gives improved scratch resistance
- Available in many vibrant colors
- Lower oven rating (400°F)
- Similar collection of pieces
Read our complete Rachael Ray Cucina Cookware review.
Check out this beautiful cookware here.
Circulon Acclaim Hard-Anodized Non-Stick Cookware Set
Although the price is higher, this Circulon cookware comes with 8 pots/pans, not 5. That seems like a bargain to me, if you have the need (and the storage space). Here is a breakdown of the Circulon Acclaim Cookware set compared to the Green Pan set:
- Similar construction to Green Pan
- Comfortable rubberized handles
- Lower oven rating (400°F)
- More pots and pans, but no utensils
Read all about it here.
The Original Green Pan Review Conclusion
The competition for cookware sets in this price range is fierce, so how does the Green Pan Lima 12-Piece Cookware set stack up? All of the brands reviewed in this article are fine products, and each one brings a unique mix of features and pieces. I choose the Green Pan collection specifically because of the high oven rating of 600°F. For me, that was the deciding factor and I’ve been happy with my decision.
Check it out for yourself here.
