GreenPan vs Calphalon

Both GreenPan and Calphalon have been in the kitchenware industry for decades, and both offer a wide variety of cookware. They are both well-known for their quality, modern cookware lines made with a rigorous manufacturing process.

GreenPan has Belgian origins, while Calphalon was founded in Ohio, US.

We spent several days testing and researching them and created this detailed comparison so you can decide with confidence. 

Whether you are after a frying pan or an entire set of cookware, both these companies have many options to choose from. 

Read on as we detail each category with expert recommendations for what to buy!

Quick decision: If you don't have time to read the in-depth reviews, here are our top picks for each type of cookware:

GreenPan vs. Calphalon: Product Lineup

With a wide range of cookware lines on the market, Calphalon has something for any kind of chef, whether you're new or experienced, novice or professional. 

They have options available in stainless steel, nonstick, and ceramic material that's easy to clean up after cooking your favorite dish. There are also space-saving options.

For those looking to master the basics, Calphalon Simply and Select by Calphalon product lines offer everything a new chef needs.

These cookware sets are simple enough for a beginner but durable with features that make cooking more accessible.

The advanced chefs will want Calphalon Premier™, Calphalon Signature™, and Calphalon Elite cookware to provide them with professional results they can rely on. 

GreenPan has a much narrower focus, as they are trying to be the leader in the healthy ceramic cookware space.

They only offer ceramic cookware lines ranging from every day to higher mid-range sets. 

The collections are named Chatham, Hudson, Lima, Padova, Paris, Rio, Valencia, Venice, Prime Midnight, Levels, SearSmart, and SmartShape.

While the Levels line features a stackable construction, SmartShape non-stick pans are also designed to save storage space.

Frying Pans

Let's fry up some competition. We'll compare the frying pans from both brands, going head-to-head - picking one winner for each category!

8" Frying Pans

Among the best-selling frying pans in the 8-inch category, this pair from Calphalon is one of its top contenders for durability. 

There are two non-stick layers in the Calphalon Classic nonstick cookware for long-lasting performance and easy cleanup. 

The GreenPan Lima, on the other hand, offers a ceramic coating that always requires proper care for longevity.

For just ten bucks more, this frying pan set from Calphalon is an excellent choice.

12" Frying Pans

In the 12-inch category, it’s a close call between GreenPan Lima and the Calphalon Classic. Both frying pans come with lids and steel handles. 

If durability is your main requirement, we would buy the Calphalon pan.

On the other hand, the Calphalon doas cost about twice as much than the GreenPan Lima, which represents a better value overall in our opinion.

Cookware Sets

GreenPan likely has the widest selection of healthy ceramic cookware sets of all manufacturers. Conversely, Calphalon specializes in durable, high-end nonstick cookware. 

Every Day Cookware Sets

Here, we have pitted the Lima from GreenPan against the Calphalon Classic cookware set. 

Even though the 2-layer coating on the Calphalon still probably has a slight advantage in durability, the Thermolon Minerals surface on the GreenPan stage is also very high quality.

We would buy the Calphalon due to a wider selection of pots included in the set.

High-End Cookware Sets

In the high-end category, we are comparing the GreenPan Valencia Pro - our best overall ceramic recommendation - with the Signature set from Calphalon.

You can’t really go wrong here as we are looking at two top quality sets. As usual, Calphalon probably holds an edge in durability, but we think the GreenPan Valencia set is a better buy with more pans included for a lower price tag.

Stackable Cookware

If you are looking for stackable cookware, you can find it in both the Levels line of GreenPan and the Premier line of Calphalon. 

Although it does come with a much higher tag, the durability of this space-saving set from Calphalon is still not pleasing to many customers. We also experiment with how quickly the coating surface wears off over time. 

In the term of safe buy, we would go for GreenPan in this range.

Calphalon vs GreenPan: Construction, Materials & Coatings

GreenPan Cookware

GreenPan's pots and pans are made from solid anodized aluminum that holds up well over time. The only exception is the Venice Pro line, which is made of stainless steel.

Their diamond-reinforced Thermolon non-stick coating is free of PFOA and PFOS, lead, and cadmium. According to the manufacturer, it is a send-derived coating that doesn't emit toxic fumes, even when heated to high temperatures.

The GreenPan Paris Pro and Valencia Pro lines feature their highest-grade Thermolon Mineral Pro non-stick coating. These ceramic cookware sets are among the healthiest options available.

Calphalon Cookware

Calphalon is known for its diverse selection of pots and pans. 

With an assortment of materials to choose from and various manufacturing techniques that give each piece its unique look, you'll find something just right for your needs!

As long as you take proper care and maintain the product, Calphalon is both non-toxic and safe. 

They also offer multiple layers of coatings in their utensils, where some layers impart non-stick properties while others are designed to enhance durability.

GreenPan vs. Calphalon: Usability

Both GreenPan and Calphalon nonstick sets are made of durable base materials that promise long-lasting performance. 

They are forged from hard-anodized aluminum which means the pieces will not warp or chip off even after extended use.

The pots and pans from both brands are made with superior quality nonstick coatings. This means you get better food separation, which results in less oil needed for cooking and easier cleaning.

The tradeoff is that ceramic coatings require more care and are more sensitive to overheating. In most cases, ceramic surfaces tend to lose their non-stick properties due to this issue.

Induction compatibility

The two brands have a variety of non-stick products available, including those that are induction-ready.

GreenPan makes their Valencia Pro and Venice Pro utensils for induction stoves.

Almost every collection of Calphalon cookware offers induction compatibility, except the Elite, Unison nonstick, and Commercial Hard-anodized lines.

Oven compatibility

The oven-safe range of simpler Calphalon cookware products is up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The durable premium lines can withstand higher temperatures - more than 500F.

Although, in theory, they can be used in the oven, we recommend it for some cookware pieces only, such as Dutch ovens and pots, not frying pans.

Cleaning

Even though manufacturers list their products as dishwasher safe, we recommend hand washing them with soapy water and non-scratch pads. 

This is because both brands have a premium cooking surface that would not do well in the harsh environment of the dishwasher. Ceramic coating and dishwashers are not a good match.

Even though they are both listed capable of withstanding metal utensils, we recommend hand washing with soapy water and non-scratch pads instead.

Warranty

Both GreenPan and Calphalon offer a limited lifetime warranty for their products.

Sizes

GreenPan frying pans are available in 8", 9,5", 10", 11" and 12" sizes.

Calphalon makes frying pans in the sizes of 8", 10", 12", and 13".

Calphalon vs. GreenPan: The Verdict

A good cookware set can be a lifetime investment- the joys of cooking with high-quality pots and pans are unmatched. 

But what about GreenPan vs. Calphalon? The debate is never-ending; both brands have high standards for manufacturing, are among the top cookware companies worldwide, and offer healthier alternatives than most competitors do. 

They also provide various products that will meet your needs no matter what type of cooking you do in your kitchen at home!