When it comes to choosing quality cookware that’s also safe and easy to use, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by options. Nonstick cookware is attractive due to its sleek finish that prevents food from sticking with minimal added cooking fat and are easy to clean. Plus, nonstick pots and pans often come in fun colors and look great in your kitchen.
The Problem with Traditional Nonstick Cookware
However, traditional nonstick cookware often relies on PFAS chemicals to provide that smooth, waterproof finish. PFAS chemicals are a class of man-made compounds also known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down and end up accumulating in our bodies and the environment.
If your PFAS-coated skillet gets chipped by a utensil or even scratched by a scrub brush (they can be delicate), that pan could release thousands of microplastics into your food every time you cook. Not exactly the most appetizing thought. But the good news is that you can avoid bringing PFAS into your kitchen with a little thoughtful shopping.
Why Modern Ceramic Nonstick Cookware is Safer
If you’re looking for a nonstick cookware set that boasts the same slick finish minus the forever chemicals, GreenPan has a new option for you. The Reserve Pro cookware collection uses GreenPan’s most advanced nonstick yet — their Thermolon 9G ceramic nonstick coating that’s blissfully free of PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. According to the brand, this coating boasts remarkable nonstick food release, next-level scratch resistance, and is 10 times longer-lasting than their original Thermolon nonstick.
To see if these claims hold up in the real world, I tested the pots and pans in my home kitchen for this GreenPan Reserve Pro review. Here’s how it went, and what you should know before taking the plunge.
TL;DR
- GreenPan Reserve Pro pans are finished with a Thermolon™ 9G diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating that’s free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
- Hard-anodized aluminum bodies deliver superior durability, scratch resistance, and long-lasting performance
- The cookware is oven- and broiler-safe up to 600°F (up to 392°F for the lids), but not compatible with induction cooktops
- This set is pricier than other nonstick cookware options, but you’re paying for more durable materials and peace of mind (they’re NSF® Certified for safety and performance)
- GreenPan offers a limited lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects, normal nonstick wear over time not included
GreenPan Reserve Pro: What It’s Best Known For
Let’s cut to the chase — the standout takeaway from my Reserve Pro cookware review is the cookware’s ceramic coating. The GreenPan Reserve Pro line instantly distinguishes itself from other nonstick options thanks to its highly durable, PFAS-free, NSF-certified coating.
An NSF badge indicates that the products are free of potentially harmful chemicals known to leach into food. It’s also a good sign for durability: NSF ensures that materials don’t easily corrode or break down with regular wear and tear, and that the design enables easy cleanup (which is key to preventing bacteria from finding a home in your stockpots).
On top of all the technical business, these pans also simply look great. The smooth nonstick coating resists smudges and fingerprints, and the set comes in several attractive color options to match your kitchen aesthetic. The gold handles add a sophisticated, modern touch, and the tempered glass lids are both functional and stylish.
Reserve vs. Reserve Pro: What’s Different?
Before testing my new GreenPan pieces for this Reserve Pro cookware review, one of my biggest questions was: what’s the difference between the regular Reserve line and the Reserve Pro? Well, it turns out that GreenPan has made some notable upgrades to its original Reserve cookware. First, the coating on the Pro cookware is made from harder, more durable materials — and yes, you heard it right, that includes diamonds. This helps the pans last longer and resist scratches from everyday use.
Both lines have slightly domed glass lids, but the Reserve Pro lids have soft, silicone rims that fit more snugly to lock heat and moisture inside. The handles on the Reserve Pro pots and pans are designed so the cookware nests together better, and both are secured by sturdy nonstick-coated rivets.
The Reserve Pro line is oven- and broiler-safe up to 600°F (pans) and 392°F (lids). The Reserve line is also oven-safe up to 600°F (pans), but lids are rated slightly higher, up to 425°F, thanks to the stainless steel rims, rather than silicone. Both are dishwasher-safe, but handwashing is recommended to maximize the life of your cookware.
Both cookware lines come in GreenPan’s modern color palette (cream, oyster, moss, twilight, ocean, glacier, and seaside). The Reserve Pro line emphasizes stackability and reinforced durability, while the original Reserve highlights style and toughness at a slightly more accessible price point.
Criteria Breakdown
When testing the GreenPan Reserve Pro, I assessed the cookware based on six areas that are most important to home cooks:
| Criteria | Rating | Key Factors |
| Health & Safety Standards | 5/5 | NSF® certified, free of PFAS and other toxic compounds |
| Construction and Durability | 4/5 | Duoforged hard-anodized aluminum construction, great scratch-resistance from the non-toxic Thermolon 9G ceramic coating, but lack of induction-compatibility prevents a perfect score |
| Performance & Usability | 4/5 | Excellent heat conduction, 600°F oven- and broiler-safe (excluding lids), riveted handles offer a secure grip and support nesting, dishwasher-safe but hand washing recommended |
| Design & Aesthetics | 5/5 | Stackable, multiple color options, sleek gold-tone ergonomic handles |
| Value & Warranty | 4/5 | Pricing justified by advanced nonstick, NSF® certification, and lifetime warranty (although all nonstick coatings have a limited lifespan) |
| User Experience | 4/5 | Generally positive reviews, requires proper care for optimal performance |
A Closer Look at the Reserve Pro Collection
GreenPan’s Reserve Pro line is sold in a few different sets or as individual pieces. I tested the complete 10-piece set for this GreenPan Reserve Pro review and loved that it functioned as an instant kitchen upgrade, but home chefs can also opt to build a collection piece-by-piece.
Frypans
The GreenPan Reserve Pro frying pans have a nice, large cooking surface and moderately high sides — not enough to prevent the occasional piece of onion from going flying during a stir-fry, but not so low that you can’t toss pasta with confidence.
The eight-inch frypan weighs just under a pound and a half, and I found it to be the perfect size for scrambled or fried eggs. I didn’t need a drop of oil; the eggs moved around the pan and released like a dream. As long as I didn’t let the pan overheat, I could flip and transfer eggs from the skillet without leaving behind a trace of stuck-on whites.
The larger 10-inch frypan is slightly heavier, at just under two pounds. It’s still not too cumbersome to transfer in and out of the oven for a shakshuka or cheesy baked pasta, and it’s a great size for creamy pasta dishes, sauteed veggies, or seared meat. I could easily fit four bone-in chicken thighs without crowding the pan.
As with most nonstick cookware, it’s essential to manage the heat properly to avoid burning. Once these pans heat up, they retain heat very well, and the temperature will continue to rise unless you reduce the flame. In my tests, the frypans demonstrated even heat distribution without hotspots.
Saucepan
Every kitchen needs a great saucepan, and this 2.5-quart pot from the GreenPan Reserve Pro cookware line is ideal. It’s the perfect size for simmering grains, cooking up a creamy oatmeal, or, well, making sauce. It’s lightweight (2.8 pounds with the lid) and has a sturdy handle.
One note is that the handle does get hot, and it’s on the shorter side compared to other saucepans I’ve tested, so keep an oven mitt nearby.
The tight-fitting, silicone-rimmed glass lid is a handy feature that lets you check on your food throughout the cooking process without releasing all the heat and steam inside. The lid handle offers plenty of clearance for your knuckles to grab.
Currently, the Reserve Pro saucepan is only available as part of the 10-piece cookware set.
Sauté Pan
A sauté pan is like a cross between a frypan and a saucepan, giving you the best of both worlds. The GreenPan Reserve Pro sauté pan has a 3.75-quart capacity with a 7.8-inch handle and a domed glass lid.
The high sides make this pan great for browning meats, cooking large batches, and simmering sauces. You can also do some vigorous stirring in this pan without losing everything to your stovetop, making it one of my favorite pieces in my Reserve Pro cookware collection.
The 3.75-quart capacity is a nice size for feeding four or more people — and despite the great capacity, the set’s nesting design means this pot won’t dominate your kitchen storage space.
Currently, the Reserve Pro sauté pan is only available as part of the 10-piece cookware set.
Stockpot
A stockpot is where you’ll boil pasta, simmer stews and soups, and brew your own stock. This 5-quart GreenPan Reserve Pro stockpot has gently curved sides that help keep moisture inside. The convex shape of the pot also makes it easier to stir liquids without letting anything scorch or get stuck in the bottom edges.
The pot has two upward-angled handles that extend 1.7 inches from the sides of the pot. They do get hot on the stove and in the oven, so that generous amount of clearance is necessary for a firm grip with a potholder or oven mitt.
At just over four pounds, this stockpot is significantly lighter than other oven-safe pots of this size, such as cast-iron Dutch ovens. The pot conducts heat quickly and evenly to bring liquids to a quick boil.
Currently, the GreenPan Reserve Pro stockpot is only available as part of the 10-piece cookware set.
Bundle Purchasing Options
The GreenPan Reserve Pro Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set includes an 8-inch frypan, 10-inch frypan, 2.5-quart saucepan with lid, 3.75-quart sauté pan with lid, 5-quart stockpot with lid, silicone solid turner, silicone slotted spoon, and 3 pan protectors. Price: $449.99 at time of publish
Reserve Pro Ceramic Nonstick Frypan Trio includes 8-, 10-, and 12-inch frypans.
Price: $179.99 at time of publish
Reserve Pro Ceramic Nonstick Frypan Duo includes 10- and 12-inch frypans.
Price: $139.99 at time of publish
Colors: Cream, Twilight, Macadamia, Sage, Oyster, Moss, Glacier, Seaside, Ocean, Harvest, and Black
Features Breakdown
I tried a lot of different cooking techniques and recipes while writing this Reserve Pro cookware review, and I fell more in love with its features with every test. The latest line from GreenPan reflects the brand’s commitment to combining non-toxic, consumer-friendly materials with top-tier kitchen performance and aesthetics.
The NSF-certified, PFAS-free coating performs just as well as traditional nonstick pots and pans, but without the toxic chemical exposure. With proper heat management, food simply doesn’t stick, and the cookware is easy to clean and difficult to scratch.
The clear tempered glass lids make it easy to keep an eye on what’s cooking (though they do get a bit steamy), and the 10-piece set is designed to nest or stack neatly together for simple storage.
Despite the coating’s legendary durability, there are still some universal tips that will help keep your pots and pans in use for the years to come. Avoid using metal utensils on the nonstick surface whenever possible (we recommend bamboo or silicone utensils instead). The cookware is also best kept out of the dishwasher for longevity’s sake, but otherwise, these pots and pans are lightweight and very user-friendly; no high-end culinary training necessary.
| Pros | Cons |
| PFAS-free nonstick cooking surface | No induction compatibility |
| Excellent heat distribution | Higher price point |
| Attractive and durable design | Coating will eventually wear out (like all nonstick cookware) |
| Can handle high oven temperatures (600°F) | Hand-wash recommended |
| Comprehensive warranty coverage |
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Though it’s new, the Reserve Pro line has already gained attention from experts and satisfied customers. GreenPan Reserve Pro reviews give the pans an average of over 4.5 stars, consistently pointing to the durable construction, attractive design, and even heat distribution. And of course, the non-toxic, PFAS-free construction is a huge draw for customers who want to limit their exposure to forever chemicals and microplastics.
Any criticisms that do get mentioned in Reserve Pro cookware reviews are typically about the learning curve that comes with switching from one cookware material (like stainless steel or cast iron) to another. Nonstick surfaces of all kinds are more prone to damage from nicks and scratches than non-coated cookware, so it’s important to follow proper care guidelines.
Notable Reviews from GreenPan Reserve Pro Users:
“The nonstick performance is incredible – eggs slide right off without any oil. The handles stay cool and the design is beautiful in my kitchen.” – Verified Purchase Review from Williams Sonoma
“After six months of daily use, the coating still performs like new. Easy cleanup and no sticking issues when I follow the medium heat guidelines.” – Top Reviewer on Amazon
“For home cooks wanting restaurant-quality results without toxic coatings, the Reserve Pro delivers. The heat distribution rivals my commercial pans.” – Culinary Professional on ChefTalk
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s true, this line is pricier than other nonstick cookware. That said, the pots and pans more than justified their higher price point during testing by demonstrating even heat distribution, excellent heat retention, and a scratch-resistant surface.
Practically speaking, the pieces are lightweight but highly durable, and they come with the peace of mind that you’re not exposing yourself or your family to forever chemicals. Plus, the pans are protected by a limited lifetime warranty.
Forever chemicals or forever warranty? We know which one we’re choosing.
Though the diamond-infused ceramic coating on this cookware is more durable than other ceramic surfaces, it’s still best to avoid metal utensils. Regular scraping can break down the ceramic coating and reduce the lifespan of your cookware.
Having diamonds in your cookware coating doesn’t just sound romantic; it’s also highly practical. The incredibly hard material makes for a much more durable surface than standard ceramic nonstick coatings, which can easily chip and scratch. Though the GreenPan Reserve Pro’s coating still won’t last forever, the diamond reinforcement helps it outlast most competitors.
Induction cooktops require a magnetic connection to heat. The aluminum core of the Reserve Pro pots and pans doesn’t contain the required ferromagnetic materials, so the burner simply won’t turn on. To use this cookware, you’ll need to stick to gas and electric cooktops.
This wouldn’t be a complete GreenPan Reserve Pro review without practical tips for use. To keep your GreenPan cookware in tip-top shape for as long as possible, avoid putting it in the dishwasher. The good news is that the slick nonstick coating makes these pots and pans easy to clean by hand with a sponge or soft scrub brush (skip steel wool, scouring pads, and abrasive cleaners).
It’s also important not to overheat the cookware. Keep a close eye on your heat to prevent food from burning, which can discolor the cooking surface. Avoid metal utensils, and if you’re stacking the pieces for storage, use the included pan protectors to prevent dings and scratches.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Price?
After testing this new cookware for my GreenPan Reserve Pro review, trying out various recipes (both on the stove and in the oven), the higher price tag feels fully justified by its versatility, ease of use, and excellent quality of materials. It’s hard to find truly nonstick cookware that’s also non-toxic, not to mention NSF-certified.
And, though these pans require a bit of care with how you use and maintain them, they make up for it with excellent nonstick performance and heat distribution, durability, and the priceless peace of mind that you’re cooking with safe and healthy materials.
