What is granite cookware made of?
Granite cookware got its name because of its visual similarity to natural stone. The base of granite cookware can be made of cast aluminum, stainless steel, or carbon steel. Originally the inner core was made of cast iron and those cookware pieces were heavier than modern granite cookware. Today, most granite cookware has cast aluminum core for excellent thermal conductivity and a stainless-steel layer for induction stovetop compatibility. A smooth, granite-like coating is derived from minerals and simplifies the process of food release and cleaning.
Many people have difficulty telling the difference between granite cookware, Graniteware, and Granitestone cookware.
Graniteware is a brand whose cookware and bakeware use carbon steel as the base metal and a dark porcelain enamel finish. The speckled porcelain surface resembles granite stone.
Granitestone is a brand and cookware company owned by Emson. Their mission is to make affordable nonstick cookware and bakeware. Some of their pans and pots have a granite-like coating.
Granite Coated Cookware Pros
- Durability: Granite-coated cookware is known for its strength and durability. The cast aluminum or stainless steel construction ensures sturdiness and prevents deformation. A mineral particle coating is more resistant to corrosion and scratches than most non-stick coatings.
- Heat Distribution: Granite cookware with an aluminum core heats quickly and evenly. The mineral non-stick coating is suitable for cooking methods that require higher temperatures, such as stir-frying and sautéing. However, keep in mind that when using non-stick cookware, you should not exceed medium heat.
- Non-Stick Surface: The granite-like coating is non-porous and non-stick, which reduces grease consumption and saves the time and effort required to clean the pan.
- Inertness: Since the granite coating is inert, it does not interact with the dish prepared in the pan. The taste and smell of your food will not change, even if you prepare acidic or strong-smelling foods. In addition, the pan does not release harmful fumes when heated, as is the case with conventional Teflon cookware.
- Aesthetics appearance: Granite cookware has a stylish and modern look. The smooth, speckled cooking surface adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
Cons
- Hand washing is recommended: Although some manufacturers claim that their granite cookware is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is always the best method for cleaning nonstick cookware. But cleaning granite cookware is an easy task.
- Higher purchase price: Granite cookware is generally more expensive than anodized aluminum and stainless-steel cookware.
Granite vs. Ceramic Cookware
Granite and ceramic-coated cookware are two popular alternatives to traditional nonstick cookware. Both types of coatings are believed to be safer in contact with food compared to traditional Teflon non-stick coatings.
Durability: In general, granite cookware is more resistant to wear and damage than ceramic-coated ones. It is also more resistant to high temperatures, making it more suitable for various cooking methods, including those that require higher temperatures.
Appearance: Granite cookware looks attractive, but there aren’t many varieties. On the other hand, ceramic-coated cookware comes in a wide range of colors, so you can choose the color you like best.
Non-stick properties: Both types of cookware have non-stick properties, but the granite non-stick coating has a longer lifespan. Cheaper examples of ceramic cookware have fewer layers in the coating and can lose their non-stick properties with frequent use, exposing the metal base.
Is granite cookware dishwasher safe?
According to the instructions, some granite cookware is suitable for the dishwasher at low temperatures. However, it is always better to wash nonstick cookware by hand instead of putting it in the dishwasher. Machine washing shortens the life of the non-stick coating. The same rule applies to granite cookware.
Always allow the pan to cool before washing. Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to wash. Rinse the pan with warm water and let it dry.
Are granite pans oven-safe?
Most granite pans come with wood grain Bakelite handles. Bakelite handles fit comfortably in the hand and stay pleasantly cool. These handles also have an attractive look that goes beautifully with the interior of the granite cookware. Unfortunately, Bakelite handles are oven-safe up to 302 °F (170°C). For pans with handles made of other materials, check the instruction manual to find out what maximum temperature the pan can withstand.
Is granite cookware induction compatible?
It depends on the base. Granite cookware with cast iron or carbon steel bases is suitable for induction. Cookware with a magnetically conductive stainless steel base is also suitable for induction. Granite cookware with aluminum construction is not suitable for use on induction stovetops unless it has an added layer of stainless steel. When purchasing granite cookware, look for a symbol indicating that the cookware is suitable for induction or read the description carefully to find the answer.
Granite Cookware Safety
The mineral-based cooking surface of granite cookware does not contain toxic chemicals such as PFOA, PFAS, PTFE, cadmium, or lead. The mineral coating is inert and does not react to food, regardless of acidity. Granite cookware is safe to use if it comes from reputable manufacturers.
Granite Cookware Brands
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If you want to buy granite cookware, look for a pan or cookware set with a cast aluminum base. The aluminum heats up quickly and conducts heat evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked meals and shorter cooking times.
Look for a reputable brand to ensure the coating is free of any suspicious ingredients. The most popular granite-coated cookware brands today include Kitchen Academy, CAROTE, MICHELANGELO, and Ballarini Parma.
Related Products:
Kitchen Academy Induction Cookware Set (Aluminum core for fast and even heating. Bakelite handles for comfortable grip and insulating properties. Not suitable for oven temperatures above 350°F).
Granitestone 26-piece Pot and Pan Set (Stainless steel handles can withstand oven temperatures up to 500°F).
Bakken-Swiss 15-piece Granite Nonstick Cookware Set (Induction compatible for versatility. Stackable, with removable plastic handles for easy storage).
