The frying pan. It’s the most-used, most-loved, and often most-frustrating tool in any kitchen. We all dream of a pan that delivers a perfect, golden-brown sear, releases delicate foods without a fight, and lasts for years. But the path to finding that « one perfect pan » is confusing. Do you choose the timeless, professional-grade workhorse or the modern, easy-clean convenience?
You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’ve brought three champions into the Luxandkitchen test kitchen to settle the debate.
Welcome to the ultimate frying pan face-off. In one corner, representing generations of French culinary tradition, we have the De Buyer Lyonnaise Carbon Steel pan. In the other corner, representing healthy, modern convenience, we have two ceramic contenders: the vibrant GreenLife Soft Grip and the stylish GreenChef Diamond.
Which one will earn its place in your kitchen for years to come? Let’s find out.
The Contenders: A clash of philosophies
- The Professional Workhorse: De Buyer Mineral B Lyonnaise
This isn’t just a pan; it’s an heirloom. Made from 99% iron, carbon steel is the choice of professional chefs worldwide for its incredible heat retention and searing capabilities. It requires « seasoning » (a process of creating a natural non-stick layer), but it promises a lifetime of high performance. - The Everyday Easy Choice: GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Non-Stick
GreenLife represents ease and accessibility. Its colorful design and Thermolon™ ceramic non-stick surface are free from toxic chemicals like PFAS. It’s designed for the home cook who wants flawless non-stick performance and effortless cleanup right out of the box. - The Stylish Upgrade: GreenChef Diamond Ceramic Non-Stick
From the same family as GreenLife, GreenChef elevates the ceramic experience. Featuring a diamond-infused non-stick coating for extra durability and a more premium stainless steel handle, it targets the cook who wants modern convenience with a touch of professional elegance.
Head-to-Head: The ultimate comparison
1. Searing & Heat Performance
For achieving that deep, crusty, restaurant-quality sear on a steak or scallops, there is no contest. The De Buyer Carbon Steel pan is the undisputed champion. It absorbs and retains heat like a beast, creating an intensely hot surface that guarantees perfect Maillard reactions.
The GreenChef and GreenLife ceramic pans conduct heat well and can achieve a decent sear, but they don’t hold that intense, radiating heat in the same way. They are better suited for medium-heat cooking.
Winner for High-Heat Searing: De Buyer Lyonnaise
2. Non-Stick Performance & Ease of use
This is where the tables turn completely. Right out of the box, the GreenLife and GreenChef pans are phenomenally non-stick. Eggs slide off with almost no oil, and cleanup is a simple wipe-down. They are incredibly beginner-friendly and require no special preparation.
The De Buyer pan, on the other hand, requires work. You must « season » it before first use and maintain that seasoning over time. If not properly cared for, it can rust, and food will stick. It’s a relationship, not a fling.
Winner for Convenience: GreenLife & GreenChef (Tie)
3. Durability & Longevity
A De Buyer Carbon Steel pan, when properly cared for, will outlive you. It is a true « buy it for life » investment that only gets better with age as the seasoning develops. It is virtually indestructible.
All non-stick coatings, including advanced ceramics, have a limited lifespan. While the GreenChef Diamond coating is designed for enhanced durability, it will eventually wear down over several years of use. The GreenLife pan is similar. They are excellent for their lifespan, but they are not forever pans.
Winner for Longevity: De Buyer Lyonnaise
The Verdict: Which Frying Pan is your soulmate?
There is no single winner here—only the best choice for you and your cooking style.
Best for the passionate home chef: De Buyer Lyonnaise Carbon Steel
- ICONIQUE : La poêle à frire CARBONE PLUS De Buyer est fabriquée en tôle d’acier, ce qui en fait un choix idéal pour la s…
- CUISSON MAÎTRISÉE : Fabriquée à partir d’une tôle d’acier blanche épaisse, la poêle à frire CARBONE PLUS De Buyer offre …
- DIMENSIONS : Le diamètre extérieur de cette poêle à frire CARBONE PLUS De Buyer est de 30 cm, sa surface intérieure util…
- TOUS FEUX : Les ustensiles de la gamme CARBONE PLUS De Buyer nécessite un culottage dès la première utilisation. Elle es…
If you are a serious cook who loves the process, gets immense satisfaction from a perfect sear, and sees your tools as a long-term investment, the De Buyer is your soulmate. You aren’t afraid of a little maintenance (seasoning) because you know the reward is a pan that performs like no other and will last a lifetime.
Best for everyday ease & beginners: GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic
- Notre revêtement antiadhésif en céramique, sain et facile à nettoyer, est dérivé du sable et exempt de PFAS pour une cui…
- La poignée en bakélite Soft Grip est conçue pour rester froide sur la plaque de cuisson, pour un confort maximal
- Contient de l’aluminium recyclé et est renforcé par une base anti-balancement pour une solidité accrue et un chauffage h…
- Passe au lave-vaisselle, mais la plupart des salissures s’enlèvent d’elles-mêmes
If your priorities are cooking delicate foods like eggs and fish, effortless cleanup, and healthy, non-toxic cooking right away, the GreenLife is for you. It’s the perfect, budget-friendly pan for daily meals, busy families, and anyone who values convenience above all else.
Best for the stylish & health-conscious cook: GreenChef Diamond Ceramic
- Notre revêtement antiadhésif en céramique, sain et facile à nettoyer, est dérivé du sable et exempt de PFAS pour une cui…
- Ce revêtement antiadhésif en céramique, renforcé par des diamants, est incroyablement durable
- Le corps en acier inoxydable résistant chauffe plus rapidement que le cuivre pour des résultats ultra-rapides
- Les poignées rivetées en acier inoxydable, élégantes et durables, offrent une prise sûre pour faciliter le transfert et …
If you love the ease of ceramic non-stick but want a more durable, premium feel, the GreenChef is your perfect match. Its diamond-infused coating and stainless steel handle give it an edge in both performance and aesthetics, making it a beautiful and highly functional centerpiece for a modern kitchen.
FAQ: Your Frying Pan questions answered
Q1: What is « seasoning » a carbon steel pan?
A: Seasoning is the process of bonding a thin layer of oil to the surface of the carbon steel through heat. This creates a natural, durable, and non-stick surface. It’s a simple process that involves heating the pan with a very thin coat of high-smoke-point oil.
Q2: Are ceramic non-stick pans truly safe?
A: Yes, high-quality ceramic non-stick pans like GreenLife and GreenChef are free from harmful chemicals like PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium. They are considered one of the safest and healthiest options for non-stick cooking.
Q3: Can I use metal utensils on these pans?
A: You should never use metal utensils on any non-stick pan, including ceramic, as it will scratch and damage the coating. For the De Buyer carbon steel pan, once it’s well-seasoned, you can use metal utensils without worry.
Q4: Are all three pans compatible with induction hobs?
A: Yes! The De Buyer (being iron-based), the GreenLife, and the GreenChef pans are all compatible with all types of hobs, including induction, making them versatile for any kitchen.
Continue your Kitchen upgrade:
Finding the perfect pan is a huge step, but a truly well-equipped kitchen works in harmony. Explore our other expert showdowns to complete your culinary arsenal:
- For Effortless Meals: See which appliance won our ultimate Pressure Cooker Showdown and master one-pot cooking.
- Dine in Perfect Style: Discover the Best Cutlery Set to complement your delicious creations.