Mica · Grill Pans
GreenPan Chatham Ceramic Nonstick Grill Pan
Lower-concern nonstick option; ceramic coating avoids traditional PFAS chemistry, though no third-party verification of the claim.
GreenPan's Thermolon ceramic nonstick explicitly avoids Teflon-type coating and PFOA, the most common nonstick PFAS chemicals. The ceramic approach is a legitimate alternative to Teflon-family coating coatings.
Brand says: “GreenPan products use Thermolon™ ceramic nonstick coating, which is PFOA-free and PTFE-free”
Shop Mica on Amazon →Material
Ceramic nonstick coating (thermolon technology)
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
GreenPan Chatham uses Thermolon, a ceramic-based nonstick coating claimed to be PFAS-free and derived from sand, inorganic minerals, and water. This replaces traditional Teflon-type coating (Teflon) chemistry, eliminating the risk of Teflon-type coating fume release at high heat. The underlying pan material (aluminum or stainless steel core) determines leaching risk; ceramic coatings on aluminum can degrade over time, potentially exposing the substrate below.
The brand's record and disclosure
GreenPan (owned by Mica) has publicly committed to PFAS-free cookware and markets this as a core brand value. The company provides ingredient transparency on its website, though Thermolon formulation details remain proprietary and unverified by independent third parties. No recalls or safety violations specific to this model have been published in CPSC or FDA records.
How it compares in its category
Ceramic nonstick pans sit between traditional Teflon-type coating nonstick (higher fume risk) and stainless steel (no coating hazards but requires more oil). GreenPan is a mid-tier option; higher-end ceramic alternatives like Caraway exist but command premium pricing. Most competitors in this category still use Teflon-type coating, making this a differentiated choice for PFAS-concerned buyers.
If you buy it
Keep temperatures below 500°F to prevent degradation of the ceramic layer; avoid metal utensils and harsh scouring, which accelerate coating wear. Hand wash when possible; dishwasher use may shorten coating life. Inspect the surface annually for visible flaking or discoloration; once coating damage appears, replacement is advisable to prevent aluminum exposure. Allow the pan to cool before washing to prevent thermal shock.
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 leaching
Ceramic nonstick coatings can chip or wear, especially with metal utensil use or high heat. Exposed aluminum beneath may leach small amounts into food, though absorption is limited under normal cooking conditions. GreenPan does not publicly disclose coating durability testing data.
Teflon-type coating fume inhalation risk
Thermolon ceramic coating does not contain Teflon-type coating, eliminating the risk of polymer fume fever from overheating that occurs with traditional nonstick cookware. This is the primary safety advantage of the ceramic formulation.
Lead or cadmium in glaze or coating
No recalls or test results for lead/cadmium contamination in GreenPan Thermolon coatings are publicly available. The ceramic formula claims mineral-based origin, but independent verification of heavy metal absence is not documented.
Coating flaking and microparticle ingestion
Ceramic coatings can flake under heavy use or impact; ingested ceramic particles are generally considered non-toxic but undesirable. Inspect visually before each use and discard the pan if spalling is evident.
Thermal stress and handle durability
No specific failure data is on record for this model. Standard grill pan care (avoiding rapid temperature changes, secure handle attachment) applies; verify handle attachment point integrity seasonally.
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.