In the spirit of the back-to-school season, I’m here to share an important lesson: we all need to upgrade our pans!

As a grad student currently pursuing a doctorate in Environmental Sciences, this topic is near and dear to me. Many of us are still using cookware loaded with toxins and chemicals – which leach into our food and water systems, affecting our bodies as well as the planet. 

One of the easiest, healthiest choices you can make? Cooking with healthy, sustainable ceramic. I love GreenPan's Valencia Pro 11-Piece Cookware Set – and if you’re looking to make the switch for you or your family, I highly recommend it! 

Why GreenPan Is Better

The elephant in the kitchen – and in the world of nonstick cookware – is PFAS. PFAS is a shorthand for a group of forever chemicals; if you’re unfamiliar, you can read up on them here, but basically they’re toxic to humans even at low levels and stay in your body forever. They exist in lots of commonly-used products, including traditional nonstick pans (*cough* Teflon *cough*). 

There’s no reason to be cooking with forever chemicals, when GreenPan exists! Their Valencia set is free of PFAS, PFOA, cadmium, and lead. Huge cherry on top: they received the Good Housekeeping Sustainable Innovation Award in 2023, for their use of certified recycled aluminum to minimize waste, increase sturdiness, and boost performance.

Here are some of their most impressive features:

• Diamond-reinforced nonstick: These pans are not only healthy, but durable. The ceramic coating won’t be going anywhere!
• Balance Pro bases: No warping here – most people know the frustration of trying to cook on an uneven surface.
• Durable hard anodized bodies: These are extra tough and scratch-resistant, meaning you can even use metal utensils!
• Magneto induction base: No matter what you’re cooking on (induction, gas, electric, halogen, ceramic), you’re getting amazing heat distribution.
• Oven and broiler safe: They can take up to 600˚ of heat, making them super versatile.

On paper, these pans might as well be perfect. Let’s talk about them in practice.

How I Use Them

For most grad students, nothing is harder than fitting in a good, healthy meal. I am the exception! With my Valencia GreenPans by my side, I look forward to cooking dinner every day as a reprieve from my studies.

It also very much helps that these are a breeze to cook on and clean – their ceramic nonstick really works, so you only need the tiniest amount of oil to get beautifully seared meats that slip right out. And afterward, a quick wipe-down will do you, or throw these guys in the dishwasher if you’re feeling particularly lazy.

Plus, when I say these are durable, they are truly heavy-duty. They hold up to scraping from metal utensils, being banged around in cabinets, and experimenting with crazy new recipes when I’m bored. I bought them several months ago and they still look brand-new, so I know I’m going to be cooking healthy for a long time.

Basically, these are a must-have.

Easiest Decision Ever

Ready to start cooking more healthy and sustainably? Go ahead and grab the Valencia Pro 11-Piece Set – 10% off with code: PRIMARY10!