Greenpan vs Greenlife – Which Is Better?

Greenpan and Greenlife are two different cookware brands that sell more environmentally responsible products than most of their competitors. Both cookware brands are owned by the same parent company, use the same ceramic coating on certain collections and have similar mission statements regarding personal health and the environment. As such you may be wondering what exactly the difference is between Greenpan vs Greenlife?

 

GreenLife vs. GreenPan Cookware: Which is Right for You?

To put it simply, whether Greenlife cookware or Greenpan cookware is right for you will come down to a couple of simple questions.

Are you looking for a more affordable but decent quality option? 

Then Greenlife cookware is what you are looking for.

Alternatively, are you looking for high-quality cookware that’ll be durable and versatile?

Then one of the many Greenpan cookware sets is undoubtedly what you want.

 

Are GreenPan and GreenLife the same?

Despite being owned by the same parent company, The Cookware Company, these two brands have more differences than similarities. However, since both Greenpan and Greenlife cookware sets are often made in the same factories, with similar materials, there are definitely some crossover points.

 

Greenpan vs Greenlife Comparison

When comparing the similarities and differences of these two companies, a variety of factors should be considered. 

 

 

Durability

In terms of durability, Greenpan cookware sets are easily the better option of the two. Whilst lower end Greenpan cookware sets may use the same ceramic coating as Greenlife cookware, the higher-end lines are more advanced.

The standard ceramic non-stick coating used across all Greenlife cookware sets and the lower end Greenpan ones is derived from sand. This non-stick surface is known as Thermolon and is considered to be better for the environment due to creating less carbon dioxide during production. 

Additionally, this non-stick cookware coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. This means that no toxic fumes will be released if the pan were to be overheated.

However, unlike Greenlife cookware, Greenpan uses higher calibre Thermolon coatings in its more expensive product ranges. These being Thermolon Minerals Pro and Thermolon Diamond Advanced. Both of these options will significantly increase durability when compared to standard Thermolon along with helping to increase the cookware’s lifespan. 

Additionally, certain Greenpan collections being made from stainless steel also increases their durability. This is because unlike with non-stick surfaces, the stainless steel won’t scrape away.

 

Even heating

In terms of even heating, both Greenpan and Greenlife cookware and are roughly on par. This is because the stainless steel and ceramic non-stick cookware are at their cores made from a layer of aluminium. As a result of this, heat distribution is very even across the board.

The difference however is shown in the heat resistance of the two brands. This is because, whilst both brands make oven-safe cookware, they will not be able to handle the same temperatures. 

Most Greenlife cookware sets, along with the cheaper Greenpan cookware will only be able to handle temperatures of around 350°F. However, higher tier Greenpan ranges along with the Greenlife Classic Pro collection can go up to a staggering 600°F, which is even better than the best Calphalon.  

 

Ease of use

In terms of ease of use, Greenlife is likely the better choice. This is because when compared to Greenpan cookware, Greenlife ceramic cookware is much more lightweight. 

Additionally, it comes with glass lids instead of stainless steel which helps you keep an eye on your cooking without disturbing it. The downside of this though is that the glass lids aren’t as heat resistant as stainless steel ones, making them less oven safe.

Additionally, many Greenpan pans will have stainless steel handles rather than plastic ones. This makes them more versatile, but despite their “stay cool” nature should still be handled with caution. 

 

Versatility

In terms of stove compatibility, both cookware set brands have collections that will be compatible with gas and induction stovetops. However, the induction options for both companies are quite limited.

Many Greenpan pots and pans will be larger in capacity and therefore suitable for more complex meals. Additionally, they will include a covered skillet and extra-large casserole pot, unlike Greenlife. 

On the other hand though, whilst Greenlife pots and pans are often smaller, this makes them more convenient for the majority of home cooking. Additionally, unlike Greenpan, the Greenlife pots and pans include an egg pan.

 

Cleanup

The cleaning up process for the two ranges will be somewhat similar. Whilst it is claimed that they are dishwasher safe, it is often safer to handwash non-stick and stainless steel pans by hand to prevent damage.

 

Value

Value within this context is somewhat subjective. This is because whilst there is a disparity in the price of the pans, there is ultimately a reason for it. 

Greenlife pots and pans are the best value for an affordable pricing option as they will be much cheaper than Greenpan. Additionally, if you look after them they will last a decent length of time and if not planning on following advanced recipes, they will serve you just fine.

However, whilst a Greenpan cookware set will be more expensive, it will also be more versatile. Additionally, if looked after it will be much more durable and if looked after will likely exceed the lifespan of Greenlife pans by a significant amount.

 

 

Similarities Between GreenPan and GreenLife

Whilst the differences between Greenpan vs Greenlife are noticeable, they have just as many similarities. 

• Non-stick ranges are coated with Thermolon coatings. However, higher tiers of Greenpan cookware will have better grades of Thermolon coating.
• Compatibility between Greenlife and Green Lids.
• Both ranges are available in aluminium and hard anodised aluminium. Greenpan cookware also comes in stainless steel, however.
• When cleaning these pans, they are technically dishwasher safe. However, like with any non-stick cookware, handwashing with a non-abrasive sponge is recommended.
• Cheaper variants of both sets of cookware are oven-safe up to 350°F. However, higher-grade variants can withstand up to 600°F.

 

Greenlife Cookware Collections

There are five different Greenlife cookware collections available to purchase currently. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, along with an ideal customer in mind.

 

Greenlife Soft Grip 

This standard edition of the Greenlife cookware brand is perhaps the most widely seen variant in home cooking. As such, soft-grip line pots and pans come in a wide variety of colour schemes and themes, making them able to fit in with any kitchen aesthetic. The main feature of these pans however is the soft grip stay-cool handles. These are designed to be comfortable to hold and be somewhat oven-safe due to being coated in high-quality silicone.

 

Greenlife Soft Grip Pro

As the name suggests, this collection is something of an upgraded version of the standard Soft Grip range. The key difference is that the surface of the pan has a diamond-infused coating making it more durable. Realistically, these are an upgrade in every way, except for the choice of colours the Pro pans are available in.

 

Greenlife Soft Grip Induction

These are pretty much identical to the standard Greenlife Soft Grip range. However, the key difference is that these are compatible with induction stoves. This is because of the inclusion of an induction base in the cookware. Additionally though, like with the Pro, the colour options are much more limited.

 

Greenlife Minis

These are two smaller sized pans that are ideal for cooking smaller dishes or meals for one. In this collection, a frying pan and griddle are included.

 

Greenlife Classic Pro

These pans are a significant step above the standard Greenlife cookware ranges. Here the soft-grip handles and variety of colour schemes are swapped out for a sleek and professional pan with stainless steel handles. This makes it far more durable than the other Greenlife options, along with being oven-safe at higher temperatures.

 

 

Greenpan Cookware Collections

As an older and more well-established brand, Greenpan boasts a wider variety of different cookware lines. In fact, Greenpan has nine different collections, nearly double that of Greenlife.

 

Greenpan Valencia Pro

This is one of the higher tier collections in Greenpan’s range, at least as far as non-stick options go. These pans boast a sleek look including stainless steel handles. However, their major selling point is the incredibly durable diamond reinforced coating, along with the induction base.

 

Greenpan Venice Pro

These pans are intended for ease of use with ergonomically designed handles and trimmed edges. Additionally, the evershine coating provides a glossy finish, keeping these pans looking clean and new for a long time to come.

 

Greenpan Venice Pro Noir

This very modern looking collection is one of Greenpan’s more durable options. As the name suggests, the Pro Noir line is a step up from the standard Venice Pro. This is thanks to the durable diamond-infused non-stick surface and black corrosion-resistant handles.

 

Greenpan Smart Shape

These pans are designed to be as space-efficient as possible without compromising on build quality. The Smart Shape pans boast rivetless, heat resistant handles along with a unique space-saving design.

 

Greenpan Levels Hard Anodised

Dubbed the “first space-saving ceramic non-stick cookware set” by Greenpan, this collection has a focus on durability and being cabinet friendly in design. As such it is the ideal cookware choice for smaller kitchens.

 

Greenpan Chatham

This selection is a popular choice amongst many chefs and home cooks alike. The reasons for this include the contoured handles, metal utensil safe surface and a durable body made from hard anodised aluminium.

 

Greenpan Hudson

The Hudson collection combines a retro aesthetic with cutting edge technology. This is shown through the classic style wood finished bakelite handles and the modern non-stick coating.

 

Greenpan Padova

This collection has a more feminine aesthetic thanks to the pastel pink finish and gold-toned handles. However, despite the distinct visual appearance, this cookware set still boasts all the staple Greenpan durability features, from the Thermolon coating to the hard anodised aluminium body.

 

Greenpan Barcelona Evershine

This stainless steel collection is incredibly durable, as per Greenpan’s standards. However, it also boasts an evershine coating that keeps the steel looking vibrant, along with preventing discolouration.

 

 

Greenpan vs Greenlife Cookware Sets – Which Are More Durable?

The answer to this question is somewhat dependent on which collections of Greenlife and Greenpan are being discussed. However, for the most part, Greenpan will be the better choice in terms of durability. This is due to the higher tier of non-stick coating being more widely used in addition to stainless steel handles. Despite this though, the Greenlife Classic Pro collection is comparable in terms of durability to that of its Greenpan equivalents.

 

Final Thoughts

In terms of durability and versatility, Greenpan cookware is undoubtedly the way to go due to their hardier construction and higher tier of material components. These allow you to cook at higher temperatures in most cases and will probably last a bit longer. 

However, in terms of ease of use, Greenlife cookware will be best for most thanks to the lightweight nature of pans, along with their soft-grip handles. Additionally, most of the Greenlife product lines are fundamentally more affordable to the average consumer.

Both sets provide excellent, even heat distribution and should be cleaned in similar fashions. As such, ultimately the decision comes down to budget and how advanced the level of cooking you’ll be doing will be.