The New GreenPan
by Jessica @ 2:31 pm 64 comments »
Oh, the woes of Teflon. Dangerously bad for the environment (and potentially humans), but so much easier to clean than stainless steel. Now, the best of both worlds is up for grabs thanks to the Home Shopping Network.
The first cookware to use Thermolon non-stick coating, the new GreenPan line is ceramic based and doesn’t contain any PTFE - the chemical found in traditional degradable coating, or eco-hazzard chemical PFOA. Designed to be the last cookware you buy, this six-piece set doesn’t wear over time and the super non-stick release works up to a sizzling 850 degrees.
Bonus: Throw anything in, and skip the oil. Because nothing sticks, you’ll be cooking up healthier meals minus the once-necessary butters, fats or oils.
$99.90 for 6-piece set on HSN
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Recently purchased Greenpan from HSN. Just greaT!! Want to buy one for my mom, but they have none. Where else can you buy this line? thanks
I have yet to find another retailer of the GreenPan line. If anyone has another resource for buying the pans please chime in.
I’m pretty sure that HSN is the only retailer of this exclusive line from Todd English and Joy Mangano… the most recent press release on GreenPan says that they’ll be available online this month. Keep your fingers crossed!
Do these work on Induction Hobs? I presume the pans being ceramic-based would mean no, but I am still hoping!
Oooh! I cannot wait for these to be in stock!!!
GreenPan is exclusive to HSN through a partnership between Hong Kong-based GreenPan LTD and HSN. You can read more: http://www.sustainableisgood.com/blog/2007/08/greenpan-eco-fr.html
It seems the interesting part of Greenpan is its new coating. Ive been to the Thermolon web-page( http://www.thermolon.com ) and it really doesn’t contain PTFE!
Most people say ‘Teflon’ when they mean non-stick. Hopefully, it will only be a matter of time before they say ‘Thermolon’.
I purchased an 8 inch Greenpan two weeks ago. All nonsticks work great at first–so I’m waiting to see how it performs over time.
The first release of Greenpan is, understandably, on an inexpensive aluminum base-likely to dent or warp as time passes.
I went to Greenpan’s website, and they’re already developing a really nice line of heavy, multiclad stuff based on what looks like Todd English’s excellent designs. When they go on sale, I will most likely purchase a set as long as my current pan continues to perform so well.
I forgot to mention that Greenpan is a polymer, not a ceramic. I wrote the developer of the material, and according to him it is not a ceramic coating, but strictly an inorganic, nano-composited polymer that contains no PTFE or its harmful cousins.
I believe the word “ceramic” was an unsubstantiated claim given in the HSN presentation.
The greenpan products will be brought via the retailers as well, more choice is to come. Check the major retailers from October - november onwards.
I found a site that has them - http://directfromtv.com/html/green_pans.html
If you do a google search for “Green Pan” you will come up with a bunch of sellers. Whether these are actually in stock is another question.
By the way, for all of you out there with feathered friends, I received an email from Mark Hosgood at Thermolon reassuring me that these are safe for them. However, it is still recommended that you not cook with them in the kitchen because of other dangers.
Unfortunately, I only want the 12″ skillet so I have to wait for it to become available from HSN.
Interesting, joeb, I’m curious to hear if anyone else is having the same frustrations…
I haven’t had the opportunity to test the product myself, but was planning on ordering a set before I read your comment(!).
Would anyone else like to share their real-life-testing of GreenPan? I’d love to know it!
‘Interesting’ is the word to describe ‘joebs’ comments.
I’ve just read Justins’ remarks on Sprig.com where he notes that ‘joeb’ has posted exactly the same post there…
A quick ‘Google’ search also finds joebs post here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/430267 (as ‘joebelt’).
Or here:
http://greatgreengadgets.com/gadgets/2007/08/22/green-alternative-to-teflon-cookware/Here
Here:
http://www.sprig.com/food/greenpan-cookware/
and here:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/08/greenpan_teflon.php
As ‘Justin asks, ”you must hate GreenPans - or maybe a ‘clever and deceptive use of the Internet’ to smear a product?”
Thank you Joeb, just saw the hsn special on GreenPans. Almost ordered a set from them, sounded real good, but I was hesitated with doubt. Glad I decided to check some web-sites. Now I’m glad that I did not make a RUSH decision, especially from all the comments from Joeb. I even checked various comments from different customers from HSN, good thing they list commments. I PAYS to listen to so many comments especially when there are many of them. I might have been that minority. Think I’ll wait for time to lapse before I buy … and to see what happens… kinks, better pans w/ this new coating.
Questions to those who have had problems with food sticking over time with these pans:
Were the pans seasoned as required before use?
Were the pans washed in the dishwasher?
If the pans were washed in the dishwasher, were they re-seasoned after washing?
I noticed on the GreenPan website that re-seasoning was recommended after washing in the dishwasher.
I’ve seen the reviews on HSN, and it seems that people have either had a great experience with these pans, or they’ve had trouble with them sticking or exterior scratching within the first couple of weeks. Just looking for possible explanations….
What about the limited lifetime warranty touted by both Todd and Joy? Can’t you return the pans using that?
You’re really letting your strange hatred of Greenpan take you over JOEB.
When I saw your latest diatribe, I wrote to Greenpan at their website - the warranty is offered by HSN, not Greenpan. Also, they are a Belgian Company. Swallow your pride and take a look, http://www.green-pan.com
They all look very Chinese don’t they….
I checked my set again and I see nowhere that it is made in Jiangmen. Where is it mentioned?
Of course you don’t care where it’s made, that’s why you’ve mentioned ‘China or Chinese’ four times so far.
I also know where you got the info about where Greenpans are made, from here: http://forums.cooking.com/showthread.php?t=1642&page=6
Oh, you forgot to mention that the factory is European owned and managed by Belgians, a mere oversight, I’m sure.
If you read on in the thread, you’ll see what its regulars think of ‘joeb’.
He’s described as ‘poisonous’ and they seem to think he’s a plant from Dupont!
Please note that the comments of JoeB have been removed from this post at his request.
rd
These Greenpans are a Godsend. I bought the entire set off of HSN. The scrambled eggs I cooked literally just slid out of the small skillet onto my plate. For supper, I put 2 large uncooked chicken breasts in the green pot with glass lid, poured a can of spagetti sauce over them, threw in 1/2 onion and 1/2 bell pepper, cooked on low for 2 hours, threw in 1 cup of swirled noodles, cooked for 30 minutes more and the dish was complete (right there in my pot)and delicious. All you have to do with any of these pans to clean them is to put a dab of liquid dishwashing soap in the pan swish with a sponge, rinse and cleanup is done. Your pan will be spotless. No need to even put them in the dishwasher as cleanup takes one minute. I’m thrilled. Anything can be abused and get ruined. Treat these pans right and they will serve you for years to come. You may be able to use metal spatulas, etc. but I use wooden spoons and teflon coated spatulas depending on the dish I’m cooking. Just common sense will these marvelous pans will do.
You all need to know that greenpan ltd from Hong Kong has a group of employees from Shenhan China blanketing the cooking websites and pushing Greenpan. Any time you see this aggressive “plant marketing” you know it is saturation sell quickly before the real reputation develops.
Something stinks, bad
With all the recent reports of lead found in our children’s toys - how do we assure ourselves that there are no harmful substances used in the production of items such as the Green Pan. It seems like a good product - but how can we be sure? Maybe it would be better to stick with the old Stainless Steel.
I think everyone should read the two threads on @Cooking.com. Bob Ballantyne (one of the moderators) has been more than proactive dealing with the fake reviewers and their bogus claims.
http://forums.cooking.com/showthread.php?t=2156
http://forums.cooking.com/showthread.php?t=1642
People, people, get a freaking life, it’s COOKWARE!!!! It’s a new seemingly cooly inexpensive product. If you like it, great, if you don’t, give it to your mother-in-law.
When I first heard of Greenpan, they were out of stock at HSN, so I bought them at the TV webb site. They tried to upgrade me to express, saying that otherwise it would be 6-10 weeks before I got them; however they came very quickly and i have been using them since September. I spend HOURS cooking each day, and I LOVE these pans! There is a learning curve because you really do not have to push these pans to perform. They allow me to do things no other pan does, like perfectly browning cheese toasties, which can go so fast that the cheese doesn’t even melt; you just have to learn to go slow and you dont have to worry that your toasted cheese will only be warm bread! And like the big skillet reheats pizza so beautifully that it is better than when first served…quickly crisped and perfectly browned…a finished product that is VERY difficult to achieve with other pan.
As soon as you know that it can take heat to 850 degrees, you pretty much know that its gonna trump all other skillets. The surprise is that Greenpans seems to finish food perfectly at LOWER heats than other pans require. This effect must be due to the relationship between Greenpan’s unique nonstick finish and the food being cooked.
I really would like to know if these pans work with induction method which I am considering.
As to all the chatter about this product, I have to go with Rico saying that its a seemingly cool and inexpensive product to try out. Plus a materials improvement that makes these pans much healthier than other non sticks. Whats not to like? I heartily recommend these pans.
Thermolon is probably a very good idea, but claims that it is “greener” or safer than Teflon are pure bink and amount to fraud. They obviously undestand just how ignorant the public is and how easily they buy into just about anything.
I purchased a set of the green pans on HSN. I was very impressed with the presentation. I later went to HSN’s site and read some of the feedback remarks. As with everything, some people loved them and some people did not. The people who gave “negative” feedback complained that the pots were great in the beginning and then complained how food sticks to pan even though they did everything company recommended, i.e, seasoning etc., pan easily scratches and did not perform as expected.
I have not received my set which I purchased as HSN’s todays special, but will leave comment when I have used them. I also purchased the green pan roaster.
During the demonstration Joy said that you could only purchase this set on HSN exclusively. However I did find the identical set on http://www.green-pan.com selling for $99.
How about this for a green issue: these will definitely last longer than the cheapo Teflon pans I’ve been buying and tossing after a few months of cooking when the coating wears out. They are fantastic products whether or not their green claims are legitimate. They’re also great because you don’t need huge amounts of oil/butter to cook (if any) and can use a high heat to cook quicker.
As always keep in mind these two threads when reading these new praises for GreenPan:
http://forums.cooking.com/showthread.php?t=2156
http://forums.cooking.com/showthread.php?t=1642
Also read the reviews on HSN to get a full picture.
check Ebay. I found some there.
Thanks to everyone for their research links and comments - really helped me. I ordered a “try me” 8″ skillet through HSN and I really love it. Even cooking, eggs slide out, easy cleaning. I seasoned it before the first use and have not yet tried putting it in the dishwasher. We loved the little pan so much that we ordered more pieces last week when HSN had a new special and we ordered some open stock pieces (most of which were either sold out or back-ordered by 2 AM CT - this is popular stuff). This morning I noticed a very small scratch on the exterior of the 8″ pan. If scratching continues then the exterior of the pan will lose it’s non-stick qualities. Hmmmmm - I can’t really say that this would be the end of the world - after all, these pans as first presented are relatively inexpensive and their ease of use will most likely make up for that. But, I am re-thinking the extra pieces I purchased that are on back order - I may just cancel and wait for a more substantial version to emerge.
I bought these pans (a $69 dollar 4 piece set), and they DID NOT stand up to the claims. I followed the instructions and seasoned them, but while the 12 inch was miracle cooking the 8 inch couldn’t fry an egg without sticking. The side turned brown and would come clean (I’ve had them 3 days, but wanted to cook before the 30 period was done). I contacted HSN and told them I refused to pay shipping back when the pan came no where near being “life time” cookware. I was so disappointed, but if it sounds to good to be true (especially on hsn)… If you want to try HSN has a 30 day ship back, but don’t purchase if you have to pay shipping because even if you send it back you will still be out of something. The company that it’s linked to is ingenious designs and they make alot of cheap junk!!! I think it’s owned by the hanger lady that’s on HSN Joy Magganno (not sure about the last name). I will say HSN has great customer service as long as it’s in the 30 day period.
Another interesting read about the product:
http://www.exisle.net/mb/index.php?showtopic=49547&hl=thermolon
I am very impressed with this cook ware and would like to get some but I am not sure if I still can.
Can you guys help me find some on my area?
I live in Nevada City Ca. 95959
I purchased the 12″ skillet and I am disappointed that the pan did not live up to all the praise on HSN, and by Chef Todd English and Joy Mango. The non-stick lasted on my pan about three weeks and then it started partially sticking. I thought that maybe that I didn’t season it well enough so, I re-seasoned the pan again and the pan still the non-stick didn’t work any better. I thought more oil would help but, this did not work either. Since the 30 day warranty was up, I called HSN. They gave me a phone number to call, but, I was on hold so long, I gave up.
Julie
These pans are great soakers! I returned and exchanged the first set since the pans didn’t want to let go of my food. The second set was no different even though i seasoned it by soaking it in oil. So, I returned it again of course for my money back. I’d rather spend on a new set of teflon pans every year than having to scrub the greenpans after every use. Note that reviews on HSN are mostly either 1-star or 5-stars. What does this say about the Greenpans? I’d like to see Todd cook up and egg over easy style on live tv…
Interesting to read about others’ experience with Greenpan. I ordered twice and had to return twice. Hand washed, gentle use, no metal utensils on a pristine glass cooktop. Had two problems. First coating inside the pan and outside the pan was chipping/flaking around the rim. Very small amounts, no doubt, but within the first 30 days. Additionally, suffered a small but nasty burn from a minute amount of water that had somehow collected inside the handle during washing. When I picked the hot pan up the angle was just right to drip the water onto my wrist. Had no problems with sticking food and was so disappointed after being so excited. Was not thrilled about little flakes of coating getting into my food or perhaps adhering to my cooktop. Contacted Greenpan to let them know so they could work on ironing out what may be manufacturing inconsistencies. Whoa, were they nasty…any problems “had” to be with consumer misuse or abuse. Am looking forward to trying improved version. Will not go with the cheapies again. The concept is great, but the inconsistent product is not green with a percentage of the pans destined for an early trip to the dump.
i have been cooking for some 50 years, and i must say, these are the most wonderful cookwear i have ever purchased. keep up the good work green pan.
I’ve read a few comments on saying how horrible the GreenPan is and some on how good it is. Well I have my own set, the 4 piece set with the 3 qt mini stockpot, the 8 inch skillet and the 12 inch skillet. Let me just say that the smaller pieces are more non-stick than the larger ones. The 12 inch was less non-stick than the 8 inch or the pot. I’m thinking of mostly using the smaller pieces but use the 12 inch for steaming foods. This invention is rather new so don’t worry about it being horrible and stuff, maybe you should wait a few years or so before you buy it.
I own plenty of the GreenPans. My 8 inch frypan stopped being nonstick. Nowhere does it tell me I have to season or reseason the pans. I attempted to reach the company via the 800# given to me by HSN. The first time, I was told it would be a 20 minute wait. The second time, I was referred to their website which I could not access. I wrote to Todd English and am awaiting a reply. I won’t hold my breath.
I think greenpans are complete GARBAGE. The reviews on hsn are even being hidden now, so when you try and read them, the page goes away. I am sick of this garbage, I hope 20/ 20 or Dateline does a complete story on these pans soon and tests them in real labs to find out exactly what these pans are made of, my guess is they are loaded with LEAD.
Why would this “thermalon” coating be needed
to “improve” non-stick? Cast iron is already non-stick …. the benefits of cooking w/cast iron are negated with this “thermalon” coating…. Where did this silly name come from? Thermalon… ???
No self-respecting woman would give up her cast
iron ccokware for this labratory sludge….Cast iron has stood the test of time…. 2500 years or more.
To zie, yeah not everybody like the heaviness of cast iron. The elderly with arthritis and stuff would never use cast iron because of joint pain and stuff. So according to you just because you like cast iron means everybody else will? Yeah nice theory.
And to sheila who said nowhere does the directions say that you have to season it. It actually does tell you that on II. Usage Guide under First Use it says ” The first time you use your non-stick pan, wipe the INTERIOR of the pan with a light coating of cooking oil”. And on II Usage guide 3 at the bottom it says “Before the 1st use, wash the cookware throughly and dry. Heat each pan on low for 30 seconds, remove from heat and put 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in each pand. Rub the oil over the entire surface with a paper towel. This process should be repeated if you use a dishwasher”. Don’t blame the company for your inability to read the directions. And to Art Bell, if they really were loaded with lead, wouldn’t there be mass reports of lead poisoning?
Sad to say this but in my case I’ve learned to ‘err on the side of caution’ until or unless ‘further’ studies, information, and ‘experience’ from those who have bought and used the products over a certain period of time ‘come to light’. I’ve also learned ‘not’ to purchase items like these ‘right off the bat’, as there’s almost always some ‘kinks’ that must be worked out in the process, and I really wouldn’t like to become any company’s guinea pig in the process ‘if by chance’ there is someone that can harm the consumer in the long run. Not trying to creep anyone out here, nor over react, justing telling the truth as I see it (too many ‘after the fact incidents’ occuring in our society today).
P.S. In case you’re wondering, this letter is not a plant, but one from a consumer that has seen enough bad things happen to people, who have wanted nothing but the best for themselves and others too and would rather be ’safe than sorry’ especially when it comes to “our” health and the planet as well.
Problems, problems, and problems. Everytime after I used the GreenPans, I had to remove the urgly black-burning food stinking to the pan - even with the eggs and a lot of oil. I spend more time to clean than to cook. I asked for returning but it was over 30 days. I was sorry for myseft trying to impress to my wife BECAUSE OF the NON STICK feature. BIG BIG…L. HSN should remove these GreenPan things.
Do I need a RMA for return? because those pans keep sticking the food all the time.
Could somebody advice me for RMA return?
Super Thanks,
I was looking for a great set of long-lasting pans and saw the HSN promo. They stick after a few uses even though I properly seasoned and cleaned them. Definitely are not the “last set of cookware” I bought. Fell for the hype. I think I’ll look on cooks illustrated for recommendations, maybe go for the hard adonized stuff.
Utilizing the new non-stick material, Thermalon, GreenPan was touted as the first enviro-friendly, PFOA-free, PTFE-free non-stick cookware. And it earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Yet note that it uses ceramic-based nano non-stick technology, and nanotechnology safety is still open to some debate.
That aside, based solely on the “mixed reviews” of the efficacy of the GreenPan set, you might want to consider: glass, stainless steel, clad or porcelain-coated (enamel) cookware. Whatever you decide, just make sure you rid your kitchen of anything that’s Teflon-based. The polytetrafluoroethelene coating is quite likely a carcinogen. Utilizing Teflon-based cookware kinda defeats the whole purpose of going out of our way to be free of pesticides, etc. by trying to eat organic food.
Bought the 12-inch frying open pan. Does not heat evenly from center to edge. Too shallow for frying chicken.
Bought the 2-quart sauce pan. It has some small chipped places inside. So, the thermolon coating chips a little like enamel.
Cast iron cookware is good; however, it is too heavy for some of us weak people to lift, and extra caution must be used when cooking with such acidic foods as tomatoes and onions. If cast iron is run through a dishwasher, it needs to be reseasoned. Maybe thermolon coating is a remedy for some of these.
I just bought two sets of Greenpans for Christmas and have yet to receive them, but you can get them on ebay for about half the cost of HSN. I just got the 8-pc set for $59 - I think it retails on HSN for around $150.
Caveat emptor when buying anything on EBAY. Sometimes you get what you expect, sometimes you don’t. Where would sellers on EBAY get out-of-the-box, top quality, new GreenPan items just like those sold on HSN? Demonstrator items? Used? Seconds? Who knows how they can sell items for half the going retail prices? The one I bought on EBAY has chips in the coating inside the pot; looks like one used for demonstration or it was just a bad one from the factory.
I have 2 sets of greenpans. They were amazing in the begining. But after about 9 months of daily use they have become stick pans not non stick pans. We’ve treated them well and tried to follow directions. I just think they don’t last very long. When they work they are great. I imagine only handwashing and oiling after every use would make a difference.
I love cooking and, of course, try to do my part for the environment, but this pan was a disappointment. My husband accidentally left a spatula burning on our first one, melting it onto the surface. We blamed the plastic residue for the pan’s poor performance (frittatas and pancakes would stick, despite using more than enough oil). So, we bought a new one, only to discover that food blackened and stuck as before. It works as if it were a regular pan–not non-stick! So, don’t let a good idea and good looks deceive. Greenpan has a ways to go toward developing its technology. Unfortunately, I have added two pans to some landfill, which doesn’t make me feel very good.
I’ve gone back to my 25-year-old, multi-ply, 18-10, made in USA stainless steel cookware, and the old cast iron for cooking the way I did before trying several brands of non-stick.
PFOA has been found while performing autopsies in Polar bears in the Artic. The significance of this is that in order to reach such remote locations on Earth, this compound has been labeled “environmentally persistant” by the FDA and has mandated that makers of the compound take it upon themselves to find a suitable replacement compound. It NEVER breaks down into non-toxic elements! Flourine which is the active ingredient, steals electrons from all kinds of nuerotransmitters in the human body which doesn’t kill you immediately but interferes with all crucial functions and destroys telemors, the things that allow DNA/RNA to repair the body. The blood brain barrier tries to protect the CNS and brain from PFOAs but when the BBB is compromised PFOAs are the suspected catalysts for Alzheimers, Parkinsons and ALS. PFOAs have an affinity for Aluminium which coincedentily has been found as a component of the plack found in the brain of Alzhiemer patients. The key is to find out if Greenpan uses any form of the element Flourine in the manufacture of its product. Flourine can be rendered harmless when “bonded” with other compounds but when the bonds are broken through HEAT on a stovetop or by metabolic processes in the body, flourine becomes deadly.
thanks for all of the comments, especially sy. Just bought a greenpan today at target, I feel like returning it! I want to go back and get the cast iron skillet I went in there for in the first place!
i just heard about GreenPan today and decided to do a little research on the product. I’m not finished with the research. Some of the comments on this site make me wonder. A number of bloggers talk about having to replace Teflon cookware after a years time? I have been using the same Teflon cookware since 1981 and except when my wife decided to cut meat in on of the skillets, have had no problems with the Teflon. I like to experiment with foods and although the end product was not always palatable, I never had problems cleaning up the mess. This is only my second set of teflon cookware since 1975. My first wife, by using to much heat, ruined the first set in 1981.
Bob
ps, except for ceramic and Pyrex, I never used the dishwasher to clean any pots and pans.
I bought a set on a great and trusted recommendation. It sucks. I seasoned as directed. The first eggs were over easy. They turned okay but then I couldn’t get them out of the pan. I have seasoned and re seasoned. They do not improve. Never been in the dishwasher. Washed with warm soapy water. My recommender still likes his and doesn’t understand why mine seem different. Ever heard of quality control? I have reviewed several sites and have concluded that all pans are not the same. The odds of getting the good ones are not good, especially in a multiple pan set. Mine was two pans with lids, both stick. Getting the problem resolved is not likely. I think I’ll just write off my $111.
I purchase these pans and loved them the first month, so I got rid of my old ones, what a mistake. Soon after they started to stick, leaving stains which is almost imposible to take out, noticed scratches and chipping. None of these are considered to be defects, according to the company. These are excluded from the guarantee, Wonder Why? they knew the answer, because these are junk! so sorry, guess these won’t be the last pans you will have to purchase. BEWARE! I read an article that when pans chip they can be dangerous since these particles are being, most probably digested with your food. This article states that a girl died because a piece of porcelain from the cookware ruptured her intestine. So why does the company not put this under the guarantee if they are so sure to make such statements?
I bought the 8 inch non stick fry pan and after a month of use it is now the stick pan. I followed all seasoning directions to the T. I am now sorry I spent a large amount of money on this product. I wish I had my money back.
I just bought the chef’s saute pan. I bought it for one reason only, the steamer insert. I’m going to use it for only steaming and I think it will work fine for that. I wanted a steamer insert that would be large enough for asparagus spears, but didn’t want to buy an asparagus steamer, too expensive! Based on the comments about the exterior paint chipping and flaking, I’ll have to be sure not to put them into the dishwasher - however, they are hard anodized exterior so I’m not expecting them to chip or flake on the exterior, if the interior chips or flakes, since I’m going to use it for steaming, it would go into the water and no problems with it getting into the food.