GreenPan vs. GreenLife Cookware: What’s the Difference?

GreenPan and GreenLife have similar-sounding names, common missions and are owned by the same parent company. So what’s the difference?

In this comparison of GreenPan vs. GreenLife, I break down how the cookware differs in construction, design, performance, price, and more.

By the end, you’ll know the similarities and differences between these brands and have all the necessary facts to decide which cookware is best for your kitchen.

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Use the links below to navigate the comparison:

• GreenPan vs. GreenLife: Comparison Chart
• Similarities Between GreenPan and GreenLife
• Differences Between GreenPan and GreenLife
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy GreenPan or GreenLife Cookware?

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GreenPan vs. GreenLife: Comparison Chart

Before we take a more detailed look at the major differences between GreenPan and GreenLife, check out the chart below for a quick comparison.

	GreenPan	GreenLife
Ownership	The Cookware Company	The Cookware Company
Mission	To bring healthy cooking within everyone’s reach	Healthy cookware and evolving technologies
Where It’s Made	Made in China	Made in China
Cleaning	Hand Washing Recommended	Hand Washing Recommended
Offerings	Over ten collections	Five collections
Materials and Construction	Aluminum, hard-anodized aluminum, stainless steel	Aluminum and hard-anodized aluminum
Nonstick Coating	Thermolon Minerals Pro and Thermolon Diamond Advanced coatings	Thermolon coating
Design	A mix of traditional and colorful design elements	Colorful pan exteriors and softer grip handles on most offerings
Induction-Compatible	Valencia Pro, SmartShape, Kitchen Stories, and Collections with Stainless Steel exteriors	Only the Induction set
Price	$$$ (view on Amazon)	$$ (view on Amazon)

Similarities Between GreenPan and GreenLife

Although the focus of this article will be on the differences between GreenPan and GreenLife, it’s worthwhile to review some of the brands’ similarities, too.

Similarity 1: Ownership

Both GreenLife and GreenPan are owned by the same corporation, The Cookware Company. This Belgium-based company is a global enterprise with offices and factories all over the world.

GreenLife and GreenPan are just two of The Cookware Company’s major holdings, but all of their brands focus on “innovative cookware” and a modern, socially responsible business model.

Similarity 2: Mission

GreenPan and GreenLife both share environmentally-focused missions.

GreenLife mission states, “GreenLife started with one goal in mind: to bring healthy cooking within everyone’s reach.”

GreenPan doesn’t promote a specific brand mission, but its “Why GreenPan” page mentions, “At GreenPan, we not only pride ourselves in healthy cookware, but in our evolving technologies.”

Both brands are committed to using recycled materials and a natural, ceramic non-stick coating, which they boast is healthier than traditional non-stick.

They also claim that producing their sand-based non-stick coating creates 60% less CO2 emissions than traditional non-stick.

Similarity 3: Where It’s Made

Both GreenLife and GreenPan manufacture their cookware in China, even using shared facilities in some cases.

If you’re looking for cookware made in the USA or just NOT made in China, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Similarity 4: Cleaning

Although GreenPan and GreenLife both label their cookware as dishwasher-safe, the brands recommend hand-washing to preserve the quality and lifespan of their products.

In general, hand-washing your cookware non-stick is always a wise choice, as it prolongs the products’ lifespans and ultimately saves you money.

Differences Between GreenPan and GreenLife

Now that you’re aware of the similarities between GreenPan and Greenlife, it’s time to take a deep dive into the key differences between these brands.

Difference 1: Offerings

One of the most significant differences between GreenPan and GreenLife is the number of options available.

GreenPan offers over ten collections, giving you a lot to choose from, while GreenLife only offers five.

GreenLife’s collections are as follows:

GreenLife Soft Grip (view on Amazon): This colorful collection comes in a wide variety of hues, with new colors and themes coming out regularly. The products in this collection feature ergonomic, soft-grip, stay-cool handles coated in high-quality silicone.

GreenLife Soft Grip Pro (view on Amazon): Although not as colorful as the standard Soft Grip collection, GreenLife’s Soft Grip Pro cookware features a diamond-infused coating and the same ergonomic bakeware handles that make the standard Soft Grip line so appealing.

GreenLife Soft Grip Induction (view on Amazon): The only difference between this collection and the standard Soft Grip series is the inclusion of an induction base to the stovetop cookware. The color options are also significantly more limited than the original Soft Grip collection.

GreenLife Classic Pro (view on Amazon): This collection’s sleek color scheme and focus on durability sets it a step above some of GreenLife’s other collections. It’s the only GreenLife collection with stainless steel handles (without the silicone wrapper). The brand claims to have designed this cookware based on feedback from professional chefs and food experts.

GreenLife Minis (view on Amazon): This collection includes two single-serving-sized products — a pan and a griddle. Their small size allows for quick cooking of food like individual eggs or a small steak.

GreenPan offers several unique collections and, per their mission of evolving their technology, are always introducing new options. Below are GreenPan’s most popular collections:

GreenPan Valencia Pro (view on Amazon): The Valencia Pro collection is one of GreenPan’s higher-tier non-stick options with a diamond-reinforced coating, induction base, and a sleek modern look.

GreenPan Venice Pro (view on Amazon): This collection is easy-to-use and features ergonomic handles, trimmed edges, and an “Evershine” coating to preserve the glossy finish.

GreenPan Venice Pro Noir (view on Amazon): This deluxe version of the Venice Pro collection includes a diamond-infused non-stick coating and corrosion-resistant black handles. The modern-looking Pro Noir collection is one of GreenPan’s more durable options.

GreenPan SmartShape (view on Amazon): The SmartShape collection is made for optimal storage without compromising quality or looks. It features rivet-less, heat-resistant handles and a unique, space-saving design.

GreenPan Levels Hard Anodized (view on Amazon): GreenPan labels this collection the “first space-saving ceramic non-stick cookware set” available, and thanks to the focus on durability and a unique, cabinet-friendly design, it’s perfect for smaller kitchens.

GreenPan Chatham (view on Amazon): With contoured handles, a metal-utensil-safe surface, and durable hard-anodized aluminum bodies, the pieces in GreenPan’s Chatham collection include many of the features that make the brand so popular with home cooks.

GreenPan Hudson (view on Amazon): The Hudson collection is designed around a unique, “retro” look that combines a durable, modern non-stick coating with wood-finished bakelite handles. The result is a vintage aesthetic with the benefits of GreenPan’s cutting-edge technology.

GreenPan Padova (view on Amazon): The Padova collection sports a luxe “feminine” look thanks to its pastel-pink finish and gold-tone handles. Beneath the collection’s soft outward appearance are GreenPan’s standard, durable features in the form of a Thermolon™ coating and armored, hard-anodized bodies.

GreenPan Barcelona Evershine (view on GreenPan.us): This collection’s main feature is the Evershine coating that keeps the steel exterior vibrant and resistant to discoloration.

Difference 2: Base Material and Construction

The base of GreenLife cookware is made from either standard or hard-anodized aluminum, but the latter option is only featured in the GreenLife Classic collection. Hard-anodized aluminum is more durable, corrosion-resistant, and heat conductive than standard aluminum.

GreenPan offers three varieties of cookware: standard aluminum, hard-anodized aluminum, and fully-clad stainless steel.

The stainless steel collections, such as the Venice Pro, feature a beautiful steel exterior that you’d find with premium brands such as All-Clad. Plus, the steel is layered with an aluminum core to conduct heat quickly and evenly.

The bottom line is that GreenLife only offers aluminum and hard-anodized aluminum, and GreenPan offers that plus higher-end collections featuring fully-clad stainless steel.

Regardless of either brand’s material construction options, all of their products are non-stick and ceramic-coated. That being said, the relative quality of the brands’ coatings differs, which we will explore in the next section.

Difference 3: Nonstick Coating

The Cookware Company’s proprietary non-stick coating is called Thermolon. It’s a sand-based, sprayable material that is PFOA and PFAS-free. The company claims that its production process emits less CO2 than traditional coating methods, according to GreenPan and GreenLife.

Both GreenLife and GreenPan use Thermolon coating on their products, but GreenLife doesn’t offer the higher-end variations that GreenPan does.

GreenPan takes Thermolon up a notch with its Minerals Pro and Diamond Advanced versions — both of which are designed to add durability and extend the cookware’s life.

It’s important to note that this type of coating, which is often referred to as “ceramic” non-stick, is not nearly as durable as traditional PTFE-based non-stick coating. 

This type of material is “self-sacrificial,” meaning that it releases tiny particles every time you use it, causing the surface to degrade and become sticky.

Although Thermolon is one of the highest-quality ceramic non-stick coatings, don’t expect the food release capabilities to be the same on year three as they were on year one.

To learn more about the pros and cons of ceramic non-stick coating, check out these guides I recently published:

• What to Know Before Buying “Ceramic” Cookware
• Ceramic Cookware Pros and Cons: 21 Things to Know

Difference 4: Design

The main design focus for GreenLife is its collections’ fun, playful exterior, and variety of colors and finishes. They’re also well-known for their thick and comfortable soft-grip handles.

GreenPan, by contrast, offers limited color options and instead varies its designs in more subtle ways, mainly through differences in the handle shape and variations in the lids.

Generally speaking, GreenLife is the “fun” brand, whereas GreenPan focuses on performance and its modern look.

As a quick summary of GreenLife and GreenPan design elements:

GreenLife’s design includes:

• Gray hard-anodized aluminum bodies
• Turquoise, pink, yellow, blue, red, black, lavender, and gray aluminum bodies
• Soft-grip handles  (the Classic collection features stainless steel)
• Tempered glass lids
• Flat bottoms for cooktop stability

GreenPan’s design includes:

• Black and dark gray hard-anodized bodies
• Black, turquoise, pink, white aluminum bodies
• Stainless steel bodies
• Several unique handles, including stainless steel, gold-plated, wood, and Bakelite
• Tempered glass or stainless steel lids
• Flat bottoms for cooktop stability

Difference 5: Induction-Compatible

GreenLife has fewer induction-compatible options. Its only induction-compatible collection is appropriately named the GreenLife Soft Grip Induction collection.

You also have to purchase the entire 15-piece cookware set — you can’t buy just one induction-compatible pan. The set only comes in turquoise, further constraining your purchasing options.

GreenPan, by comparison, has several induction-compatible collections. These include the Valencia Pro, SmartShape, Kitchen Stories, and all the stainless steel collections.

Any product that includes the Magneto Induction Base (a feature used in both GreenLife and GreenPans induction-safe collections) is compatible with induction cooktops.

Difference 6: Oven-Safe Temperature

GreenPan has made oven safety a priority. The specific temperature rating varies depending on which GreenPan collection you choose (this chart shows the oven-safe temperatures of every GreenPan collection).

The GreenPan Paris and Valencia Pro collections are both oven-safe at temperatures of up to 600°F, and the glass lids are oven-safe up to 425°F.

GreenPan’s Hudson collection is oven-safe up to 320°F, and the glass lids are oven-safe up to 425°F.

The Levels Hard-Anodized collection is oven-safe to 400°F and has lids that are safe at temperatures up to 350°F.

Due to the prevalence of meltable Bakelite handles within GreenLife’s collections, only the GreenLife Classic Pro collection boasts any true measure of oven safety. The cookware in this collection is safe to temperatures of up to 600°F. All other GreenLife collections are limited to temperatures of 350°F or lower.

Difference 7: Price

There is a significant price differential between GreenLife and GreenPan despite their shared corporate parentage.

Essentially, GreenLife is The Cookware Company’s entry-level ceramic non-stick brand, and GreenPan is the professional, higher-tier option.

The cost of any cookware will vary depending on retailer and location, but generally, GreenLife is the budget-friendly choice, and GreenPan is the high-end option.

For a quick comparison, refer to the chart below which shows the currency prices on Amazon of each brand’s most popular cookware:

Bottom Line: Should You Buy GreenPan or GreenLife Cookware?

Now that you are familiar with the differences between GreenLife and GreenPan, you’re ready to make your purchase decision.

But, before I give you my recommendation, let’s quickly summarize the key differences:

Options: GreenLife offers a more limited array of products and collections, whereas GreenPan manufactures several series and product variations.

Materials: GreenLife cookware is produced with standard aluminum or hard-anodized. GreenPan features both of these materials plus stainless steel, giving them a more varied product line.

Non-Stick Coating: Both brands utilize Thermolon™ ceramic non-stick coatings, but GreenPan offers two more durable variations (Minerals Pro and Diamond Advanced).

Design: GreenLife produces cookware in a wide array of colors, while GreenPan offers limited hues, focusing on subtle design differences such as lid and handle variations.

Cooktop Compatibility: GreenLife only has one induction-compatible collection  (Classic Pro), and it must be purchased as a complete 15-piece set. GreenPan produces several induction-friendly collections, which can be purchased as sets or individual pans.

Oven-Safe Temperatures: Most GreenLife cookware is not oven-safe at temperatures above 350 degrees due to the Bakelite handles, while GreenPan’s products are all oven-safe and only vary slightly from collection to collection.

Price: GreenLife is an entry-level, budget-friendly brand, while GreenPan is a more expensive, higher-end option.

As far as quality, durability, and variety are concerned, GreenPan is the clear winner. This brand produces higher-end cookware that can last for years, while GreenLife products won’t offer the same level of cooking experience.

GreenPan’s quality carries a price that matches its reputation. If you can afford it, choose GreenPan.

Ultimately the best cookware will vary from person to person, so keep your own needs and preferences in mind as you shop.

GreenPan and Greenlife are both available on Amazon where you can check the current prices and read dozens of reviews:

• GreenPan on Amazon
• GreenLife on Amazon