The GreenPan Canterbury and Chatham cookware collections serve two very different cooks: The Canterbury is an affordable, modern line of ceramic non-stick pans designed for easy daily use, while Chatham offers premium, traditionally crafted cookware made from materials like stainless steel and cast iron for long-term durability and performance. GreenPan prioritizes non-toxic convenience and a contemporary aesthetic, whereas Chatham focuses on heirloom quality and classic design.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right cookware for your kitchen and cooking style.
GreenPan Canterbury Cookware
The GreenPan Canterbury collection is one of the brand's most popular lines, known for its healthy, eco-friendly ceramic non-stick coating and minimalist style. It's designed for home cooks who want dependable non-stick performance for everyday meals, easy cleanup, and the peace of mind that comes with cooking on a PFAS-free surface.
- What it is: A collection of contemporary ceramic non-stick fry pans, saucepans, and skillets for daily cooking.
- Key features: Signature Thermolon™ ceramic non-stick coating free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, compatible with gas, electric, and induction stovetops, sleek, minimalist design.
- Price: Ranges from approximately $50 for a small saucepan to $150 for larger skillets.
- Style: Modern and simple, available in neutral tones like black and gray that fit well in contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: An aluminum core for fast and even heating with a durable, non-toxic ceramic non-stick coating.
- Pros: Affordable and accessible. Provides excellent non-stick performance for easy cooking and cleanup. Free from toxic chemicals often found in traditional non-stick. Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Cons: The ceramic coating is less durable than stainless steel or cast iron over the very long term. It can chip or lose its non-stick properties if metal utensils are used or it's cleaned with abrasive materials.
The Canterbury collection is a smart choice for the everyday home cook who values convenience, easy maintenance, and healthy materials in stylish, budget-friendly cookware.
Shop this product: greenpan.us
Chatham Traditional Cookware
Chatham represents a more traditional approach to cookware, focusing on premium materials and craftsmanship built to last a lifetime. This British brand is known for its high-performance stainless steel and cast iron pieces that excel in heat retention and distribution, making them a favorite among serious home cooks and culinary professionals who prefer classic cooking surfaces.
- What it is: A premium line of durable, high-performance cookware made from traditional materials like stainless steel and cast iron.
- Key features: Heavy-duty, multi-ply construction for superior heat control, designed for longevity and demanding culinary techniques like searing and slow cooking.
- Price: A premium investment, with prices typically ranging from $100 to over $300 per piece.
- Style: Timeless and professional, featuring polished metal or classic enameled finishes that evoke a rustic or high-end kitchen aesthetic.
- Materials/Construction: High-grade stainless steel with layered bases or robust cast iron for exceptional heat retention and durability.
- Pros: Extremely durable and built to last for generations. Incredible heat distribution and retention for professional-level results. Resistant to scratching, warping, and staining. Develops a natural patina (cast iron) over time.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive. Heavier and more difficult to handle than non-stick alternatives. Requires more skill to cook with to prevent sticking and proper maintenance to maintain its surface.
Chatham cookware is ideal for passionate cooks who see their kitchen tools as a long-term investment and prioritize performance and durability over non-stick convenience.
Shop this product: chatham.co.uk
GreenPan Canterbury vs. Chatham Comparison
Materials & Construction
The fundamental difference lies in their materials. GreenPan Canterbury uses an aluminum core coated with a non-toxic ceramic non-stick layer. This makeup is excellent for fast, even heating and easy food release. However, this coating is the cookware's weakest point, it requires care (no metal utensils, no abrasive scouring) to maintain its performance over years of use.
Chatham builds its cookware from solid, long-lasting materials like multi-ply stainless steel and cast iron. These materials are nearly indestructible and provide unparalleled heat control for searing, browning, and simmering. They don’t offer non-stick convenience out of the box but are far more durable and can handle high heat and metal utensils without issue.
Style & Aesthetic
GreenPan Canterbury cookware is modern, minimalist, and sleek. Its clean lines and neutral color palette are designed to complement contemporary kitchen decor. The aesthetic prioritizes simplicity and function, feeling light and approachable.
Chatham cookware has a professional, timeless, and substantial look. The polished stainless steel or rich enameled cast iron pieces feel classic and durable, fitting perfectly in both traditional farmhouse kitchens and high-end industrial spaces. Its visual weight implies performance and longevity.
Price & Value
GreenPan Canterbury is the more accessible option, with individual pieces typically costing between $50 and $150. Its value comes from providing healthy, non-stick convenience at a very reasonable price point, though it may need replacing sooner than high-end alternatives.
Chatham is a premium investment, starting around $100 and climbing past $300 for some items. Its value is in its permanence. This is cookware you buy once and use for decades, making it a better long-term financial choice for those who cook seriously and frequently, despite the higher upfront cost.
Sustainability & Ethics
Both brands take sustainability seriously, but they approach it from different angles. GreenPan’s mission is centered on its materials, specifically offering a non-toxic alternative to traditional plastic-based non-sticks and using recycled materials in manufacturing. Their focus is on cleaner initial production and safer cooking surfaces.
Chatham's sustainability is rooted in durability. By creating products that can last for generations, the company reduces the need for replacements and lowers consumer waste. Their use of recycled materials and responsible manufacturing adds to their eco-conscious profile, but the core idea is longevity.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cookware collections are excellent, but they are built for entirely different priorities and cooks.
Choose the GreenPan Canterbury if:
- You prioritize effortless non-stick cooking for daily meals like eggs and fish.
- You want a cookware option that is explicitly free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
- You're shopping on a tighter budget and need reliable performance without a huge initial investment.
- You love a sleek, modern aesthetic in your kitchen and prefer lightweight pans.
Choose the Chatham cookware if:
- You're a serious home cook who demands professional-level heat control and performance.
- You see your cookware as a lifetime investment and want something durable enough to pass down.
- You primarily use techniques like searing, deglazing, and slow cooking that benefit from cast iron or stainless steel.
- You prefer a classic, heavy-duty aesthetic and don't mind the extra weight or maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between GreenPan Canterbury and Chatham?
The biggest difference is the material and cooking surface. GreenPan Canterbury is aluminum cookware with a ceramic non-stick coating designed for convenience and healthy cooking. Chatham is made of durable materials like stainless steel or cast iron, designed for high-performance and lifetime durability.
Which is better for a beginner cook?
GreenPan Canterbury is almost always the better choice for a beginner. Its non-stick surface is very forgiving, making it easy to cook delicate foods without sticking and simplifying cleanup. This helps build confidence in the kitchen.
Is Chatham cookware worth the extra money?
For passionate cooks who value performance and longevity, yes. The superior heat control allows for better searing and more even cooking, and the durability means it won't need to be replaced. For a casual cook, the added benefit may not justify the significant price difference.
Is Chatham cookware non-stick?
No, traditional stainless steel and cast iron cookware pieces from a brand like Chatham are not non-stick. With proper heating and the use of oil, you can prevent most sticking on stainless steel, while cast iron cookware can develop a naturally non-stick "seasoning" over time with proper care.
Which cookware lasts longer?
Without a doubt, Chatham cookware will last longer. Stainless steel and cast iron are incredibly durable materials that can withstand decades of heavy use. A ceramic non-stick coating like the one on GreenPan's line will eventually wear out, typically within a few years of regular use.
How do I care for GreenPan's ceramic coating?
To preserve the non-stick coating, avoid using metal utensils, abrasive sponges, or harsh detergents. It's best to hand-wash with a soft sponge and cook over low to medium heat, never using high-heat cooking sprays.
Can Chatham cookware go in the oven?
Yes, most high-quality stainless steel and cast iron cookware, like that offered by Chatham, is oven-safe to high temperatures. This makes it much more versatile for recipes that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven. Always check the manufacturer's specific temperature ratings for any given piece.
Are both brands free of chemicals like PFOA?
Yes. GreenPan built its brand around being free from PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium. Chatham’s materials of stainless steel and pure cast iron are also naturally free of these chemicals, as they do not use plastic-based coatings.
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