The Pros and Cons of Modern Graniteware Roasters

What Is Graniteware Cookware Made Of?

Graniteware is a type of enamelware and it is also a brand name.

Graniteware is a widely-used term in the enamelware collectors’ community to refer to the enamelware items made from the 1870s until the end of World War II. The older graniteware pieces were made of tin or iron. They had more layers of glass coating and were heavier compared to modern kitchen items. Graniteware kitchenware gained popularity fast because of the convenience of the glass surface combined with the strength of the metal. The glossy porcelain surface was easier to maintain than heavy rust-prone cast iron pieces.

Graniteware kitchenware has nothing to do with granite except for its similarity in appearance. Today graniteware kitchen items are made with a steel core and glass coating. Porcelain enamel is fused with metal at 2,000 F creating a non-porous, inert, and naturally non-stick glass surface. The graniteware items made today are thinner in construction and more lightweight than Grandma’s used to be. 

Is the Graniteware Safe for Cooking?

Modern Graniteware is made of thin carbon steel covered with a layer of porcelain enamel. The glass coating is inert and free of harmful chemicals. It will not interact with any type of food or change the taste or color of your meals. If the porcelain coating is not damaged, Graniteware cookware is safe for cooking and storing any type of food including acidic foods. If there is a chip on the outside of the cookware, it will not affect the item’s safety or cooking ability, but if the coating is chipped off on the inside, you must stop using it for food preparation and storage.

What Can You Cook in a Graniteware Roaster

Today’s GraniteWare roasters are thinner and less sturdy compared to older models. Some cheaper models are thin and flimsy and may have sharp edges which are not finished safely. But most of those roasters are still good enough to cook your Thanksgiving turkey to perfection or for baking your own “artisan” bread. These pans are perfect for handling large meals and can be used for any type of food you can roast in an oven.

Advantages:

• The inner carbon steel core distributes heat evenly and quickly.
• The dark porcelain surface absorbs heat quickly, lowering cooking times.
• The products are lightweight and much easier to handle than comparable cast-iron items.
• You can cook meals in the oven without any mess.
• The smooth glass surface allows for easy cleaning.
• The food comes out tender and delicious.
• Affordable prices make this cookware a good choice for budget-minded customers.

Disadvantages: 

• This cookware cannot be used on glass surfaced stoves, as they can crack the cooktop.
• Modern graniteware is too thin to hold heat well.
• Thin-layered graniteware is prone to chipping, especially if dropped.
• Despite the manufacturer’s claim that the surface is non-stick, many users experience sticking issues. I often have burned food stuck to the bottom and sides of my granite roaster. However, the burnt residue will come off easily if you leave the pan in the sink to soak it with soapy water.
• Some buyers find today’s graniteware kitchenware too ordinary and unattractive. 

Cleaning and Care

The impervious surface makes this cookware easy to clean. Most graniteware roasters are dishwasher safe, per the manufacturer’s claims, but they also clean up easily by hand, using soap and water.

To remove the burnt juices, fill the pan with warm soapy water and let it sit for a few hours.

Make sure you are using gloves whilst washing to prevent cutting your fingers on sharp edges.

Do not heat the roaster while empty.

Do not drop the roaster on hard surfaces to avoid chipping.

Store the cookware by turning the lid upside down and placing it on top of the roaster. When you store smaller roasters inside a larger one, place a dish towel between the lids and the pan to prevent chipping.

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Related product: Granite Ware Enamel on Steel 21 in. Covered Rectangular Roaster

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