GreenPan · Grill Pans
GreenPan Chatham Ceramic Nonstick Grill Pan
Lower-concern option; ceramic nonstick avoids traditional Teflon-type coating, though third-party PFAS testing would strengthen confidence.
GreenPan markets its Thermolon ceramic nonstick coating as Teflon-type coating and PFOA-free, which aligns with publicly available product claims. Ceramic coatings present lower inherent PFAS risk than conventional Teflon-family coating nonsticks.
Brand says: “GreenPan's Thermolon ceramic nonstick coating is PTFE and PFOA-free”
Shop GreenPan on Amazon →Material
Ceramic nonstick coating (proprietary, Teflon-type coating-free)
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Brand-stated PFAS-free
The brand states the product is PFAS-free (self-declared).
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
GreenPan's ceramic nonstick coating is marketed as Teflon-type coating-free, using an inorganic ceramic-based formula bonded to an aluminum core. This avoids the fume-release risk of traditional Teflon-type coating (polytetrafluoroethylene) overheating above 500°F, which degrades into perfluorinated compounds. The aluminum substrate itself is sealed by the ceramic layer, which reduces direct aluminum leaching into food at normal cooking temperatures. However, ceramic coatings are thinner and more prone to chipping or scratching than Teflon-type coating, and once the seal degrades, direct contact with the aluminum becomes possible.
The brand's record and disclosure
GreenPan is owned by Groupe SEB and has positioned itself as a PFAS-free cookware brand, making explicit claims about avoiding 'forever chemicals' in marketing. The company does not appear to have faced major product recalls or safety controversies in the public record regarding this model line. No formal third-party PFAS testing results (e.g., from independent labs or certifiers like NSF) are widely disclosed for their ceramic coating, though the absence of Teflon-type coating as the nonstick agent is a meaningful material-level choice. Transparency on coating composition details remains limited.
How it compares in its category
Ceramic nonstick cookware occupies a middle ground: it avoids Teflon-type coating-related fume hazards but is less durable and lower-performing than traditional nonstick over heavy use. It is generally more heat-stable than Teflon-type coating when used correctly (typically rated to 400-500°F), but also more prone to losing nonstick properties faster, requiring replacement sooner. Compared to cast iron or stainless steel, it requires gentler handling and is not suitable for metal utensils or high-heat searing. For consumers prioritizing chemical avoidance over longevity, ceramic nonstick is a reasonable option if maintenance is rigorous.
If you buy it
Hand-wash only; dishwashers degrade ceramic coatings faster. Avoid metal utensils, abrasive scouring, and preheating above medium-high heat; overheating is both a coating degradation and potential off-gassing concern. Inspect the surface regularly for chips, cracks, or peeling; once coating fails, discard the pan rather than cooking on exposed aluminum. Oil lightly before storage to protect the surface. Replace within 2-3 years of regular use or sooner if nonstick performance visibly declines.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Ceramic coating degradation and aluminum exposure
Ceramic nonstick coatings chip and wear faster than Teflon-type coating, especially with metal utensils or dishwasher use. Once breached, the aluminum substrate beneath is exposed to acidic or prolonged contact with food, increasing aluminum leaching risk over time.
Thermal decomposition of ceramic nonstick (off-gassing)
While ceramic avoids Teflon-type coating's perfluorinated fume hazard, little published data exists on thermal stability of proprietary ceramic formulations at high heat. GreenPan does not publicly disclose coating composition, so independent assessment of decomposition byproducts above normal cooking temperatures is limited.
Lead or cadmium in ceramic glaze
Modern ceramic cookware sold in North America is generally tested for heavy metals in glazes. No recalls or disclosed contamination of GreenPan cookware for lead or cadmium have been reported, though independent testing is not publicly available.
Aluminum core leaching
GreenPan cookware uses an aluminum base. Provided the ceramic seal remains intact, aluminum exposure is minimal at normal pH and temperatures. However, once coating fails, cumulative exposure increases. Risk is dose-dependent and primarily relevant for regular daily use over months.
Microplastic or coating particle shedding into food
As ceramic nonstick wears, microscopic particles may shed into food. The toxicological significance is not well-studied, but particle accumulation is a theoretical concern with any nonstick coating prone to mechanical wear.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Grill Pans
GreenPan
Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 11" Round Grill Pan
Ceramic nonstick coating (Teflon-type coating-free proprietary formulation)
Lower-concern choice: ceramic nonstick with credible PFAS-free positioning and third-party certification.
⚠Risky category by default
More grill pans grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.