Revolutionary cookware in stores this summer

Typically "hype" surrounding product releases is just that -- hype. Manufacturers and their marketing wings are good at getting people all riled up to buy something that's seen as THE NEXT HOT THING YOU MUST HAVE OR YOU'LL DIE!

Well, the Home Shopping Network stumbled upon such a hot thing when it started selling the GreenPan, endorsed by Chef Todd English. The new non-stick cookware is sans the chemicals that go into standard non-stick that's been around since the 1960s when DuPont came up with Teflon.

This weekend a new collection is being introduced on HSN, it will go to retail over the summer and comes in black, white and burgundy

The cookware will be at Linens n Things this summer.

So, what are we talking about?

GreenPan cookware with Thermolon non-stick coating is the first environmentally-friendly, PTFE-free non-stick cookware available since the introduction of non-stick technology in 1960. Utilizing a ceramic-based nano non-stick technology (doesn't that sound fancy?), GreenPan cooks without scratching or overheating, and the cookware is “green” for the environment.

What are PTFE and PFOA?
Despite modifications and improvements to non-stick technology over the last several decades, the essential element in traditional non-stick technology, polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), has remained the same since it was created in 1938 -- until today.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic chemical used to manufacture PTFE. In January of 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiated the PFOA Stewardship Program, in which eight major manufacturers voluntarily agreed to reductions by 2010, and complete elimination of PFOA by 2015. The EPA stated that PFOA has been found in the environment and that studies indicated effects of concern.

Thermolon is the first patented, ceramic-based nano non-stick coating that performs at high temperatures without deterioration. It is PTFE-free, and uses no PFOA in manufacturing, making GreenPan cookware environmentally-friendly. When folks like the sustainableisgood Web site and Good Housekeeping both endorse something, chances are it's worth a look:

• High heat resistance: pots/pans are oven safe/stovetop safe to 850º Fahrenheit, and tempered glass lids are oven safe to 420 º Fahrenheit.
  
• Scratch and abrasion resistance: no more worrying over flaking, peeling or off flavors in your foods.
  
• Superior non-stick release: surface does not breakdown or wear over time, and is healthier because you don’t need added butter, fat or oils!
  
• Even heat conductivity: throughout the surface and up the walls for even browning.
  
• Heat-resistant, stainless steel handles: for convenient handling.
  
• Dishwasher safe: easy to clean.