Kitchen Notes

Is GreenPan Apex worth it? Here’s what the extra S$40 buys

The S$119.90 GreenPan Essence wok already makes a good case for itself. It’s light enough to lift easily when serving, has a smooth, rivet-free interior for quick wipe-downs, and works on induction. The S$159.90 GreenPan Apex wok gives you ceramic nonstick and induction compatibility too, with a clad stainless-steel body and a cooking surface designed for searing. So what does the extra S$40 get you?The Apex upgrade is in two places: the raised steel pattern you can see inside the wok and the three layers of metal that make up the body.The first difference is inside the panLook closely at the Apex surface and you’ll see a raised steel pattern. GreenPan designed it for searing and paired it with a ceramic nonstick coating and an additional layer to aid release. GreenPan calls this combination Thermobond™.That’s the appeal of hybrid cookware. You get a surface designed with browning in mind, with ceramic nonstick to help when you lift food and clean up. If you’ve been eyeing stainless steel but keep coming back to ceramic for the release, this is the feature worth looking at first.The second difference is underneath itEssence uses a lightweight aluminium body and a phenolic handle. Apex uses fully clad three-ply stainless steel and a riveted stainless-steel handle. Fully clad means the aluminium core runs through the body between layers of stainless steel, including up the sides. That construction is a large part of what you’re paying for with Apex.GreenPan Apex vs Essence at a glance 28 cm open wok comparison at HeyHommies Singapore Feature Apex Essence Listed price S$159.90 S$119.90 Pan body Fully clad three-ply stainless steel with an aluminium core Lightweight aluminium Cooking surface Raised stainless-steel pattern with ceramic nonstick Ceramic nonstick with a rivet-free interior Handle Riveted stainless steel Phenolic Gas and induction Yes Yes Prices may change. Check the Apex 28 cm wok. Check the Essence 28 cm open wok.GreenPan Apex or Essence: Which one is worth buying?Choose Essence if you want a wok that’s easy to handle from stove to sink. Its lightweight aluminium body makes sense if you often lift the wok to plate dinner or wash it by hand. The handle is designed for a comfortable grip, and the rivet-free interior gives you a smooth surface to wipe down. At S$119.90, it’s the one we’d point you to if you want ceramic nonstick, induction compatibility and a lighter pan you’ll happily pull out several times a week.Explore GreenPan EssenceChoose Apex if you’re buying for the build and the cooking surface. The extra S$40 gets you fully clad three-ply stainless steel, a riveted steel handle and GreenPan’s Thermobond™ surface. That last detail is the reason to upgrade if you want a pan designed for searing and still want the release of ceramic nonstick. The raised steel pattern is visible in the product close-up, so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.Explore GreenPan ApexTo help preserve the Apex coating, hand wash it and use silicone, wood or nylon utensils.Still deciding? Browse all GreenPan cookware at HeyHommies Singapore.