Here’s our breakdown of the granite cookware pros and cons including if they’re safe to use and comparison between granite and marble cookware.
Choosing the right cookware is just like choosing the best weapon when going to a battle. You need to have a cookware set that can take that battle every day and get out triumphant and scratch-free. And one of the options you can consider for usage is granite cookware.
Granite cookware is not made from a natural stone much like its name. It is actually made of a core that’s made of either pure stainless steel or carbon steel and then coated with porcelain enamel.
This coating gives it a non-stick and smooth finish, which is responsible for making the cookware safe from dangerous chemicals and their reactions with food. The cookware got its name due to its appearance that’s stone-like and its fantastic durability.
With the information you have at hand, can you now decide if granite cookware is ideal for you? Of course not! You need to explore all its advantages and disadvantages to be able to come to a well-informed decision.
Granite Cookware Pros
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Granite cookware showcases several benefits you can make the most of, giving you more reasons to choose this cookware, including the following:
Flexible – Granite cookware can easily be combined with other elements during the manufacturing process like aluminum alloy.
Safe & Healthy – This cookware is safe and healthy, which is vital when choosing something that can touch your food. With many pans becoming more dubious because of their chemical composition, granite cookware is a safe option, free from harmful chemicals like Cadmium, APEO, PFOA, PFOS, PTFE, and lead.
This non-toxic cookware remains inert in the kitchen and won’t react with acidic foods. And another thing that makes it healthy is the option of using less butter and oil when cooking.
Excellent Heat Distribution & Retention – Granite cookware showcases even heat distribution, made possible through either an aluminum or carbon steel core partnered with the porcelain coating.
This combination allows seamless and fast cooking because, despite the metal core not retaining heat for long, the coating supports the core to keep the heat even. And its wide and thick bottom even contributes to better conduction and even heat distribution.
Lightweight – Granite cookware is lightweight in its construction, which means that using this won’t take too much effort. Since it’s not heavy, you can take it camping or outdoor picnic. And it also offers an ergonomic cooking experience, where wrist problems will not be an issue.
Rust-free – This cookware can save you a lot of trouble in cleaning and can even last longer compared to other cookware because it is rust-free.
Easy-to-clean Surface – This granite cookware has a surface with a smooth finish that makes it a lot easier to clean. You only need a few drops of dish cleaning liquid and then wash the entire cookware with warm water.
This is best done every after you cook a meal. And if something sticks on it, you just have to soak the pan and wait for a few minutes before wiping it using a soft sponge.
Reasonable Non-stick Capability – Granite cookware is a non-porous and non-stick pan, which takes out the messy sticky problems when cooking. So if you use this type of cookware, instead of cleaning and brushing a pan, you get to spend time on more important things.
Food and stains simply glide through the surface of the pan as long as you add the right among of seasonings or fats. They are not as non-stick when compared to Teflon pans.
Pretty Aesthetics – With its glossy and smooth surface, granite cookware looks elegant and pleasing to the eye, especially because of its symmetry. When you hang this pan on your kitchen cabinets, it will look attractive and can even serve as functional decor.
Granite Cookware Cons
With all of these advantages, there are also drawbacks that you need to know about and be wary of. These are the flaws that you need to accept if you choose granite cookware.
Not Safe for Oven Usage – Don’t use your granite cookware in the oven for safety reasons. This limits how you can make the most out of the granite pots and pans.
Make sure to check the instructions and manual of the pan you bought to be sure of what you can expect when it comes to oven usage because some granite cookware can be an exception (Depending on the manufacturers).
Tendency to Chip and Crack – The surface of your granite cookware has the tendency to chip and crack with regular use (particularly the enamel coating) and can easily be damaged by extremely high temperatures and sharp utensils. Chipped and cracked granite cookware needs to be thrown away.
Limited Use of Utensils – You are only allowed to use wooden or plastic utensils when using your granite cookware because metal ones can damage the surface.
Some Brands Not Compatible with Dishwasher – While some may easily be placed in the dishwasher, there are granite cookware brands that are not compatible. See our drawer dishwasher guide here.
Is It Safe To Use Granite Cookware?
Granite cookware is safe to use because it is free from harmful chemicals, including cadmium, PFOA, PTFE, and lead to name a few. This means that the pots and pans won’t exude dangerous fumes when exposed to heat. You also won’t need to worry about rust getting in your food.
Which Is Better Granite Or Marble Cookware?
Another option you can have besides granite cookware is marble cookware. In deciding which is better, here are their similarities and differences:
|
Granite Cookware |
Marble Cookware |
|
Offers non-stick features |
|
| Safer and more hygienic choice | |
| More durable and lasts longer | |
| Does not unnecessarily chip or crack | |
| Better aesthetics with many pretty options | |
| More economical and affordable | |
Both granite and marble cookware are excellent options to consider and deciding which one is better will fall on what factor you prioritize in your choice.
If you want some aesthetically pleasing, durable, and lasts longer then you can go for granite cookware. But if you want an affordable and safer option then marble cookware is better in those departments.
What Is The Healthiest Cookware To Use?
The good thing about granite cookware is that it does not react to acidic food and is free from harmful chemicals as stated above because of its enamel coating. If you’re searching for the healthiest cookware to use, granite cookware is only one of the many options to consider.
Aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and cast iron cookware are all good options but there is a problem with chemical leaching, where aluminum, copper, nickel and chromium, and iron respectively can be mixed in the food you’re cooking. While a small amount is not a problem, ingesting a huge amount of these chemicals can cause health problems.
Ceramic cookware is one of the best options to consider, especially since it is non-toxic and made from natural non-stick materials. Bear in mind though that it can come with a big price tag.
Visit our guide to the types of cooktops for more about kitchen cooking needs.