Do you want to replace your other cookware with granite cookware and have many questions in your mind? Like, is granite cookware safe? How should its safety be maintained? What material is it made of, and is it safe for all stoves?
I had many such questions when buying granite cookware for the first time, and I wondered if you could believe that no one was there to tell me whether I should buy it. Anyway, I know enough about it and will tell you whether it is safe or not and if colored granite cookware is safe.
Contents
What Is Granite Cookware?
Granite cookware is an enamel product with a carbon steel core but is plated externally with porcelain enamel. There’s no actual granite in it; hence, it’s called granite as it resembles granite stone.
The enamel coating is then baked at around 1,200 degrees Celsius to give it a rigid surface lasting several years. Initially, granite cookware used a cast iron base, which made it highly weighty. Currently, there are steel and aluminum cores, making the cookware lighter and easier to manipulate.
Is Granite Cookware Non-Stick?
Granite is a stone formed from the minerals like feldspar and quartz. Although it is widely used in ornaments and implements, granite cookware is not made using this material.
Granite cookware is made from stainless steel or aluminum with a non-stick coating. It makes the cookware easy to clean and prevents food from sticking to the cookware surface.
There are different types of granite cookware, such as those made completely of stone cookware and those coated with radioactive Teflon non-stick.
Pros & Cons of Granite Cookware
Pros of Granite Cookware
Cooks Quickly
Cooking food with the help of granite utensils takes less time than cooking food with ordinary cookware. It has a core, which can be in the form of aluminum or carbon steel, that has the ability to heat at a very high rate. They help you to make your food preparation time shorter.
Looks Great
The collection of granite cookware is quite attractive. It has genuine granite polish, which makes your kitchen look more beautiful.
Rust-resistant
Another advantage of granite cookware is that it can easily resist the formation of rust on its surface. However, if purchased well, a good quality frying pan should last many years without rusting.
Lightweight
Nevertheless, granite materials are light in weight, nonporous, and very easy to handle despite being a good conductor of heat. This provides convenience and minimizes the risk of scratching delicate surfaces like glass-top stoves.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning granite cookware is easy. Its surface is generally smooth, so it does not stick much, and nothing sticks to it, so it is easy to clean.
Cons of Granite Cookware
Use Only Non-Metal Utensils
I recommend using wooden or plastic utensils when handling granite cookware. Another disadvantage is that metallic utensils tend to scratch the coating, which might even cancel out the warranty on some of the brands.
Gentle Coating
The enamel or glass coating on the granite cookware can get damaged if the cookware is dropped or handled roughly in some ways. It reduces versatility in a kitchen if you handle it roughly.
Doesn’t Hold Heat Well
The one drawback remains that granite cookware heats up quickly, but the heat is not retained for long because the core is usually thin. When you remove a pan from the fire, it cools and must be placed again to heat.
How Can I Find The Right & Safe Cookware?
Materials
First, think about the cookware’s material. You should avoid granite cookware with PFOA or PTFE at all times. Many of these materials are toxic to your health, particularly when burnt.
Instead, find a cookware set without these chemicals. This way, you can cook safely and be positive about what you use in the kitchen.
Compatibility
After this, it’s essential to determine if the granite cookware you plan to buy is suitable for the cooking modes. For example, if you have a glass cooktop or a conduction stove, ensure the cookware is on those two surfaces.
Also, before buying, read whether using the product in the oven is safe. This way, you’ll be confident in your cookware and will not have issues as it works with your appliances.
Handle Style
Another feature of the body design is the handle. Select the granite cookware whose handles will have a good grip on your hands.
Pots and pans with handles that are too small or the other way around are usually challenging to handle while cooking. They also have to have comfortable handles to ensure that your period in the kitchen is as effortless and fun as possible.
Warranty Coverage
Also, we should focus on manufacturers offering a good product warranty. A warranty, in general, is an agreement made by the manufacturer to guarantee that the product will last for some time.
And if a brand offers a good warranty, they must be confident in the quality of their cookware. It provides comfort by offering assistance or alternative products if something goes wrong.
Is Colored Granite Cookware Safe?
Most colored granite cookware sets are safe for regular use on the stove.
Material Composition—Granite cookware comprises a base coated with aluminum, an outer surface, and an interior resembling granite. This finish is constructed from ceramic materials, and the unit does not contain other dangerous chemical substances such as PFOA or PFAS.
Non-Toxic—When intact, granite cookware is food-safe and does not leach any compounds or heavy metals into the food, irrespective of the cooked food.
Proper Handling—Do not use metal utensils because they can scratch the non-stick surface of your pan. I use ones made from silicone, wood, or plastic material, so I recommend them.
Heat Resistance—The granite cookware used today in the market heats food at very high temperatures without introducing any hazardous chemicals to the food. As the manufacturing company advises, it is still advisable not to overheat and always cook within the recommended temperature.
Durability—Granite is known for its nonstick properties, strength, and ability to heat food evenly.
How to Clean Granite Pans & Pots
- First, remove all the parts of your cookware; ensure every part is washable separately.
- If possible, put your granite cookware in the dishwasher.
- Clean it with your hands if you can’t put it in the dishwasher.
- Fill a basin with hot, soapy water to soften initial deposits, making it easier to clean off stuck food.
- Carefully wash the cookware using a coated soft scrub pad, sponge, or cloth. Do not be too rough with it, as this may cause scratching on the surface of the utensils.
- Ensure you rinse the cookware with warm water and immediately dry it using a dish towel to lessen the possibility of rust.
How to Clean a Burnt Granite Pan
If your granite cookware turns out to be burnt or stained, do not despair! You can clean it easily. First, pour cold water and baking soda into the burnt pan, put it on the stove, and let it simmer for one minute. Wash the pan after simmering in order with a sponge or cloth and rinsing it properly.
Get a little baking soda and mix it with water. Then, apply this paste to the stains & scrub using a sponge or cloth. I use this method; my cookware looks as good as new again.
Final Thought
Do you want your granite cookware for baking, cooking, or both? So, the cookware should also be suitable for those uses.
If you wish to use new granite cookware daily, select the one with a lifetime guarantee.
If something goes wrong, you can return it for repairs or replacement.