![]() For the eco-concerned family and friends on your holiday shopping list (you included), there are more options to help green up the kitchen. Maybe you've seen cookware on the market labeled as eco-friendly and wondered if it lives up to the promises. We wondered too and recently put three major brands with nonstick finishes through a series of kitchen tests. No matter the brand, this cookware has several common characteristics: -All are constructed with more earth-friendly materials and are produced using energy- and materials-conserving methods. --They are PTOE and POFA free, meaning there is a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions when the nonstick surface is applied in production, and there is no chance of toxic fumes in cooking. Bottom line: We were happy with the testing results. All three brands performed very well and evenly in cooking, without any hot spots. The nonstick surfaces required no cooking spray, oil, or butter, even with foods prone to sticking, such as eggs. Only one of the brands is suitable for an induction cooktop, but they all work on other stovetop surfaces, including ceramic. That said, you should expect an adjustmet period for getting used to cooking with these pans. --Because the pans heat faster, we found that you need to use low to medium-high heat settings and pay close attention while cooking. Don't use high heat with any of these pans or your food is likely to burn, and you may also damage the pan itself over time. --The pans also need to be treated like other nonstick cookware: use plastic or wooden tools, no sharp knives or utensils that can scratch such as metal whisks or pancake turners. If you stack cookware for storage, place a paper towel between each pan to avoid scratches. --As indicated below, each brand offers slightly different features, qualities, and benefits you will want to consider before deciding which is right for you or your gift recipient. If weight is an issue, EarthPan is the lightest in weight followed by GreenPan brand. Heftier Cuisinart Green Gourmet feels, lifts, and performs more like conventional high-end cookware.  Cuisinart Green Gourmet
--constructed of hard anodized metal with an aluminum alloy core --ceramic nonstick surface is petroleum-free --riveted, stay-cool handle is made of 70% recycled stainless steel --oven and broiler safe up to 500 degrees F.; the handle gets hot, so use a mitt --environmentally friendly packaging uses 100% recycled material and soy ink --induction friendly --hand wash --suggested retail for 12-pc. set $249; 10-inch skillet $50. Available at www.amazon.com  EarthPan Hard Anodized Cookware by Meyer
--hard anodized metal construction --patented nonstick SandFlow surface is a natural sand-based material and covers both inside and outside of pan --dual-riveted handle --stovetop and oven safe to 600 degrees F. --hand wash --not induction friendly --10-pc. set suggested retail $200; 12-inch skillet $45. Available at www.amazon.com  Todd English Collection with Thermolon by GreenPan
--constructed of hard-anodized metal with a patented polymer hybrid nonstick interior (Thermalon) --stovetop and oven safe to 850 degrees F. --riveted handle --not induction friendly --dishwasher safe --suggested retail $175 for 8-inch stockpot w/lid, 12-inch braiser w/lid, and 9-1/2-inch frypan; 1-1/2-qt. covered saucepan $30. Available at www.hsn.com
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