Granite Stone Pan: Sizing Up

Granitestone pans are a popular choice for those seeking a durable and versatile kitchen utensil. The pans are constructed from aluminum, coated with three layers of food-grade granite, and feature a high-grade natural mineral non-stick layer. This design ensures even heat distribution, prevents warping, and provides superior durability compared to other non-stick pans. The Granitestone pan is also dishwasher-safe, oven-safe up to 500°F, and suitable for most hobs, except induction.

Granitestone pans are available in a range of sizes, including 8-inch, 10-inch, 11-inch, and 12-inch options, catering to various cooking needs. The pans are marketed as ultra-nonstick, scratch-resistant, and PFOA-free, making them a healthier alternative to traditional non-coated or coated cookware, which may release harmful toxins.

The Granitestone pan is an ideal choice for home cooks who want a versatile, durable, and efficient pan that can be used for stovetop and oven cooking. With its superior heat conduction and non-stick properties, the Granitestone pan is a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and low-maintenance kitchen utensil.

Granite Stone Pan Sizes

Granite stone pans are available in a variety of sizes, including 8-inch, 10-inch, 11-inch, and 12-inch. The 10-inch pan is the most popular and commonly available option. It is marketed as a versatile pan that can be used for a range of cooking tasks, from frying eggs to sautéing vegetables and cooking steaks. The 14-inch pan is also available, which is considered a "family-sized" pan, ideal for cooking large meals, hosting parties, and restaurants.

The Granite Stone pan is designed with a focus on durability and performance. It is constructed with a combination of an aluminum core and layers of granite, which provides even heat conduction, retention, and distribution. This prevents warping and ensures superior cooking results. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free, making it a healthier option compared to traditional non-stick pans.

The Granite Stone pan is also dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is not compatible with induction cooktops due to its lack of iron-based construction. An induction disc can be purchased separately to address this limitation.

The Granite Stone pan's handle is made of stainless steel and features a "stay-cool" design, ensuring it remains cool to the touch during cooking. The pan's overall lightweight construction makes it easy to handle and manoeuvre, contributing to its popularity among home cooks.

Granite stone pans are known for their versatility, durability, and efficiency. They are marketed as a safe and healthy cookware option, free from harmful toxins, and suitable for a variety of cooking tasks.

Granite Stone Pan Pros and Cons

Granite stone pans are made from an aluminum core coated with a mineral-based surface. They are non-porous, durable, and easy to clean. They are also lightweight, have even heat distribution, and are suitable for all stovetops. Granite stone pans are also lead-free and do not contain PFOA.

However, granite stone pans are more expensive than other types of cookware and can chip more easily. They are not considered safe for oven use and are not suitable for the dishwasher. You also need to use plastic or wooden utensils with granite stone pans.

Pros

• Healthy and non-toxic
• Lightweight
• Durable
• Easy to clean
• Even heat distribution
• Suitable for all stovetops
• Lead-free
• Do not contain PFOA

Cons

• More expensive than other types of cookware
• Can chip more easily
• Not considered safe for oven use
• Not suitable for the dishwasher
• Need to use plastic or wooden utensils

Granite Stone Pan Care and Maintenance

Granite stone pans come in a variety of sizes, including 8, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, and 14 inches. Here is a guide on how to care for and maintain your granite stone pan:

Before First Use

Before using your granite stone pan for the first time, make sure to clean it. Wash the pan with warm soapy water and wipe it with a dry paper towel to remove any dust or debris from the manufacturing and delivery process.

Utensils

Only use wooden, silicone, plastic, or nylon utensils with your granite stone pan. Metal utensils can have rough or sharp edges that can scratch or damage the pan's surface.

Cooking

Each time you cook with your granite stone pan, coat the internal surface with a small amount of oil or butter. This will prevent food from sticking and help extend the life of the pan's coating. Avoid using cooking sprays, as they can cause build-up and contain ingredients that are too abrasive for the pan's nonstick surface. It is also recommended to use extra virgin olive oil instead of virgin olive oil, as it can withstand higher temperatures without leaving a carbonized coating on the surface.

When cooking with your granite stone pan, always use low to medium heat. Most ceramic-coated nonstick cookware cannot withstand high heat for extended periods. Preheat your pan on the lowest temperature setting and wait a minute for the oil to heat up before adding food. Ceramics efficiently distribute heat, allowing food to cook more quickly and evenly. Using high heat can cause food to stick to the pan and discolour or damage the surface.

Cleaning

Allow your granite stone pan to cool completely before cleaning. Never submerge a hot pan in cold water, as extreme temperature changes can damage the nonstick coating. Hand wash your pan with a soft sponge or dishcloth and warm soapy water. Avoid using steel wool, nylon scrubbing pads, or other abrasive cleaning tools. After each use, thoroughly wipe the pan inside and out to remove any residue and prevent grease buildup and discolouration. Before storing, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it completely.

For intensive cleaning or to remove burnt food, soak the pan in boiling water for 30 minutes before cleaning. For stubborn stains, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the affected areas, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a plastic dish brush. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a clean towel.

Storage

Before storing your granite stone pan, ensure that it is clean. Store ceramic cookware separately from other cookware, especially other granite stone pans, as direct contact can cause damage to the coating. To prevent scratching, place a paper napkin between stacked pans or use soft, spongy pan covers.

Granite Stone Pan Health and Safety

Granite stone pans are safe to use, just like any other Teflon-coated cookware. Granite stone pans do not heat up to the smoking point, use only wooden spatulas, do not heat an empty pan, and have a non-stick coating. The surface is mineral-based, so it does not produce any toxic fumes even when used in the oven. Granite stone pans are also dishwasher-safe, scratch-resistant, and cadmium, PFOA, PFTA, and lead-free.

However, it is important to note that granite stone cookware is not made of stone. It is usually aluminium coated with non-stick coatings that are similar to those found in Teflon. Therefore, granite frying pans are not always safe, and even when they are, they are less sustainable than other eco-friendly cookware and non-toxic bakeware.

To ensure safety when using a granite stone pan, it is recommended to:

• Heat the cookware to a maximum of medium-high heat to preserve the non-stick coating.
• Use some oil when cooking on medium-high heat to prevent food from sticking.
• Use wooden spatulas instead of metal spatulas to preserve the non-stick coating.
• If your granite stone cookware has a porcelain coating, use wooden utensils instead of metal to protect the coating.

Granite Stone Pan Alternatives

Granite Stone Pans are a decent, affordable option for those looking for a non-stick pan. However, there are several alternatives available that offer similar or better features. Here are four Granite Stone Pan alternatives with a detailed description of each:

• Carote 10-inch Frying Pan: This pan is similar to the Granite Stone pan as it is non-stick and easy to clean. It also has PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), which is the same material used in Teflon. The Carote pan is more affordable but lacks versatility as it doesn't come with a lid and has a lower maximum oven temperature of 350°F (175°C). Some users have reported that the non-stick properties wear off quickly, and the pan can get damaged, which is a common issue with non-stick cookware.
• Michelangelo 10-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan: The Michelangelo pan is also PTFE-free and nearly as non-stick as Teflon. It has a slightly more durable coating but is susceptible to scratching and peeling if used with metal utensils. It is induction compatible and oven-safe up to 232°C (450°F). The Michelangelo pan has a see-through lid and is similarly priced to the Granite Stone pan.
• Mitbak 10-Inch Non-Stick Frying Pan with Lid: The Mitbak pan is another PTFE-free option, featuring a removable handle for easy storage. It is induction compatible but has been reported to warp after use. The pan is susceptible to scratching, so it is recommended to avoid using metal utensils. The Mitbak pan is similarly priced to the Granite Stone pan.
• GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Cookware: This is a good alternative if you're looking for a bargain. The GreenLife pan comes in seven color options and features a soft grip Bakelite handle. The white pan bottom adds contrast, making it easier to see your food while cooking in a dim kitchen. It is oven-safe up to 350°F (176°C) and is dishwasher-safe for added convenience.

Frequently asked questions