It’s Xmas Eve and the whole family is around to celebrate a special Thanksgiving. Everyone is happy to be back together after a long year.
The guys are seated around the fireplace and are chattering over a few bottles of beer but the true excitement lies behind those kitchen doors. All the wives are busy preparing the special Thanksgiving rice.
Grandma is everywhere as usual pretending to chaperon the affairs even though we all know that everything will be just fine if she agrees to go rest in her room upstairs. The smell of fried rice and peppered sauce excites the kids who increase their chatter upstairs.
Everything is working out just fine until it comes to the point where the wives will have to decide on which plates to serve dinner with. It’s a difficult one. Grandma, Eva, and Amy are insisting on Granite plates but Meg, Joan, and Harriet think stainless plates will be better.
let’s help Grandma solve this issue of Granite cookware VS stainless steel. let’s dive in to find out which is better for cooking.
WHAT IS GRANITE COOKWARE MADE OF?
Granite cookwares are made of various types of materials like vitreous enamel, Polytetrafluoroethylene, carbon steels, or aluminum core.
Granite cookware usually comes with a smooth granite coating which gives these kitchen items a more grandiose look than other types of cookware that do not have the ‘granite’ label.
Let’s remember that the name cookware is usually associated with items that are used for kitchen purposes. These items can be pots, pans, plates, cups, bowls, kettles, or even spoons.
GRANITE COOKWARE VS STAINLESS STEEL
| GRANITE COOKWARE | STAINLESS STEEL |
| Contains nonstick properties | Does not contain nonstick properties |
| Durable | More durable |
| Low heat conductivity | High heat conductivity |
| Maintenance is a bit difficult | Maintenance is easy |
| Cost-effective | Cost effective |
| Designs are unique and beautiful | Designs are regular and similar |
| Can survive some heat survives | Survives all heat surfaces |
| It is better to wash with hands | Dishwasher friendly |
IS GRANITE COOKWARE GOOD?
There are multiple reasons why granite cookware surpasses other uncoated cookware but one major reason why granite cookware is good is its inability to rust.
The tendency to rust when it comes to granite cookware is nearly impossible. Other uncoated kitchenware might begin to rust from overuse and age but granite cookware will remain a sweet smooth surface for years to come.
GRANITE COOKWARE SET
Grandma must have preferred granite plates for Christmas Eve Thanksgiving because of their beautifully marbled patterns and the exquisite feeling that came with eating from these plates.
Granite cookware sets are beautiful to behold especially if they are arranged in sets of plates, bowls, and cups.
The cookware set can come in various sets, sets of only bowls with covers like the Jio granite cookware set of 5 bowls with lids in different sizes, Carote nonstick granite cookware made up of a set of pots and pans, Dessini 21-piece cookware and granite stone diamond cookware comprising of bake pans, trays, pots, and frying pans.
BEST GRANITE COOKWARE
Below are the best granite cookware for your everyday cooking;
WAXONWARE’S STONETEC GRANITE COOKWARE
Have you seen granite cookware that can be used on all cooking surfaces? Yes, that’s Waxonware.
The cookware has multiple layers of ultra-nonstick granite coating with an electromagnetic bottom that aids even heat distribution.
With its opulent granite finish, each item elevates the look of your kitchen while offering unmatched durability.
Cooking and cleaning up are made simple by the nonstick coating’s effortless food release and easy cleanup capabilities. These pots and pans are also easy to maintain thanks to their dishwasher-safe design.
Because safety is the top priority, this set is 100% PFOA and PTFE-free to guarantee that no dangerous chemicals seep into your meals.
Your cookware’s quality and safety are something you can rely on, whether you’re searing, sautéing, or simmering.
Our durable Pots and Pans set have stay-cool handles allowing you to easily maneuver your induction cookware without burning your hands
Just like other granite cookware in this category, waxonware’s stonetec products are the perfect choice for both amateur cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
MICHELANGELO COOKWARE SET
Usually unique in their well-marbled beautiful patterns, Michaelangelo’s range of cookware is made with extra nonstick and anti-scratch coatings which not only enhance durability but give their products that grandiose vibe that granite products are known for.
They are also dishwasher-safe with heat-resistant features that can withstand varying temperatures. They have been proven to be free from Green, Cadmium, Lead, PFOA, and PTFE.
MICHELANGELO STOCK POT WITH LID
This 5-quart stock pot is made from non-toxic materials, ensuring that your meals are cooked healthily, without any harmful chemicals leaching into your food. It’s the perfect choice for healthy and responsible cooking.
With its nonstick surface, our cooking pot allows you to cook your favorite dishes with ease, without worrying about food sticking to the bottom.
Cleaning up afterward is a breeze, saving you precious time and effort in the kitchen.
It is made with superior-quality materials; this soup pot is designed to withstand years of frequent use. Its sturdy aluminum body distributes heat evenly and quickly, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time.
Whether you have a gas, electric, induction, or glass cooktop, this stock pot is designed to work seamlessly on all types of stovetops.
CAROTE POTS AND PANS
Talk of variety and resilience. Carote granite cookware can be used on several heat surfaces like gas stovetops and electric stovetops.
Just like the rest, they have nonstick features and are produced with quartz, a material known to be non-stick to the core.
They do not contain PTFE or PFOA and are considered safe and healthy to use.
CAROTE GRANITE POTS AND PANS SET
The CAROTE Pots and Pans Set is a high-quality addition to your kitchenware that will improve your cooking.
This 10-piece nonstick cookware set with an attractive white granite finish is the pinnacle of design and utility, expertly crafted with attention to detail.
This set’s meticulous engineering ensures that every component performs exceptionally well on all cooktops, including induction, giving you versatility for all your culinary efforts.
The set comes with saucepans and frying pans, providing a wide variety of basic cookware items to easily handle any recipe.
CAROTE stands out for its sophisticated nonstick technology, which ensures seamless food release and simple cleanup, making meal preparation and cleanup a breeze.
Furthermore, you can feel secure in the knowledge that our cookware prioritizes your health and safety without sacrificing performance or quality because it does not contain PFOS and PFOA.
These oven-safe pots and pans, which are made of sturdy materials and can survive frequent usage up to 350°F, increase the variety of culinary techniques you can employ.
While cooking, the ergonomic handles offer a pleasant grip and maximum control because they remain cold to the touch.
With the CAROTE Pots and Pans Set, you can transform your kitchen and enjoy the ideal fusion of design, dependability, and functionality.
SENSARTE COOKWARE SET
The flat Sensarte pan is beautiful and makes me want to fry sunshine omelets each time I look at it. That’s how appealing Sensarte pans look.
This cookware is suitable for all cooking surfaces with a magnetic base that helps in even heat distribution. The cookware comes with a safe heat-resistant handle and can withstand oven temperatures up to 300°F.
It is PFOA-free and considered safe for cooking.
SENSARTE SAUTE PAN 12-INCH, NON-TOXIC DEEP FRYING PAN SKILLET WITH LID
The SENSARTE 12-inch Saute Pan is your go-to solution for healthy and versatile cooking
With its well-considered design and high-quality construction, this saute pan takes cooking to a whole new level.
With its non-toxic ceramic coating, this pan gives you peace of mind and encourages healthier cooking habits by guaranteeing that your meals are prepared without dangerous chemicals like PFOA and PFAS.
The 12-inch size is perfect for family gatherings or hosting guests because it offers enough room to cook large servings.
This multipurpose pan with deep frying capability makes it simple to fry, sauté, sear, and simmer food. A tempered glass lid adds taste and moisture retention, and the stay-cool handle makes handling the pan safe and comfortable even when it’s hot.
With its versatility and ease of use, this saute pan may be used in gas, electric, or ceramic stoves in addition to induction cooktops, fulfilling the needs of contemporary kitchens.
The SENSARTE Saute Pan is an indispensable asset to any kitchen, offering exceptional performance and longevity whether you’re cooking a weeknight stir-fry or a gourmet meal.
KOCH SYSTEME GRANITE COOKWARE SET
This brand of cookware reminds me of the word, ‘sleek’. Their beautiful-colored marbled pans are one of the best pans to fry with.
Additional features include non-stick coating, beautiful tempered glass lids with vent if u want to cover your pan while heating your food, and heat resistant and anti-scratch features.
These class of products are durable, heat distribution is even and they are both PFOA and PTFE-free.
READ ALSO: CAN I USE LE CREUSET PAN ON INDUCTION HOB?
GRANITE COOKWARE PROS AND CONS
Assuming I was in that kitchen with Grandma and the wives on Christmas Eve, the problem of which cookware to serve dinner with would have been resolved quickly with a simple technique I have tagged ‘cookware pros and cons’.
Before you select a particular cookware to use, the first thing to look out for is usually the features of the cookware in question. This way, you become fully aware of whatever hazards or benefits that could come as a result of your choice.
For a minute you might think, “Is this an exaggeration”? Well, it is not an exaggeration. Going ahead to choose cookware simply because you are drawn to a design or color is not enough. So, before you go on to choose granite cookware, here are some things you should know.
Type: There are different types of granite cookware out there. Some of which are not safe to cook with. Be sure you are well grounded on the particular type of granite cookware you want. We have enamel granite cookware and other modern types of granite cookware.
Durability: Can you abide by the rules associated with catering for granite cookware? If your answer is a confident yes, then you will have no issues with durability. If well-maintained, granite cookware can last you a long time.
The granite cookware is made of strong materials like quartz which is anti-scratch and heat resistant. This means that you can cook confidently at a medium temperature with granite cookware and stand no risk of scratch or breakage.
Cost: Well, cost-effectiveness can never be over-emphasized. Although granite cookware is usually pricy. They are worth the value they are being sold for.
If you are looking to give your kitchen a grandiose demeanor, going for granite cookware won’t be a problem as long as your debit card does not cry red at the end of the day. What I’m saying is this, granite cookware is expensive but if you can afford them, then go for them!
Convenience: A granite pan is not the same thing as a non-stick pan. Granite pans indeed have some non-stick components but they are not usually 100 percent nonstick.
This means that your food can stand the risk of burning at the bottom or the edges while still on fire. How about when you are done cooking? It may not be as easy to wash off burnt food particles as you think.
Risk of cratering: Cratering is a dent that comes in the form of deep hollows or patches on a surface. This can occur when granite cookware wares exposed to too much heat.
Safety: Cutting directly on the surface can increase the chances of scratch and cratering. The use of metal spoons on granite cookware is not advisable, it is better to use rubber spoons or plastic spoons.
Maintenance: Harsh and sudden temperature changes can damage your granite cookware. Let’s say you are rushing off to work and you just finished preparing food with your granite pot, take a few minutes to allow your pot to cool off a bit before throwing it into the cold sink.
Moreover, it is better to use low to medium temperature settings when cooking so that your granite cookware does not crack in time.
Lastly do not scrap the pots in a bid to remove stubborn particles, soak in water for some time to allow food particles to dissolve before going ahead to wash gently with a soft towel, foam, or mild sponge. Wash with warm water and soap and ensure to dry up after washing.
If you are willing to take these extra maintenance measures, then your granite cookware will last you for several years.
GRANITE COOKWARE DISADVANTAGES
Don’t be discouraged to know that there are a few disadvantages associated with the use of granite cookware.
Let’s delve in. I was told by a concerned friend that most nannies are mean to children and as such, I should be careful about whom I expose my kids to. Should this dissuade me from using the services of nannies? Well, it depends on my disposition and what I finally decide to do at the end of the day right?
Like I said earlier, not all granite cookware is nonstick and this is a major disadvantage especially when it becomes a bit tedious to remove stubborn food particles from your pot while washing.
Secondly, one can’t guarantee that granite cookware will survive an oven or a dishwasher so I won’t advise you to try it out to confirm. The result might be disastrous for your cookware.
A lot has been said about the safety of PTFE and since it is a major material used for granite cookware, there are a lot of controversies surrounding the safety of granite cookware, health-wise.
Granite cookware is weighty and might not be as easy to lift as you might think. Since the container itself is heavy, additional content like food, water, or other liquids can make it even heavier and can cause strains on the muscles if lifted frequently.
Because of cost, most households might not be able to afford the granite cookware. It will require intentional saving up for one to be able to afford these products.
Remember I talked about temperatures ideal for granite cookware? Since, it’s better to cook in low to medium temperatures, foods that require extremely high temperatures may not be suitable for granite cookware. You may have to substitute from time to time, depending on the dish you are trying to prepare.
GRANITE COOKWARE HEALTH HAZARDS
PTFE is a coating with a non-stick feature usually used for the production of granite cookware. This coating can release toxic chemicals and the harmful effects of PTFE include, polymer fume fever or even cancer.
Because of these controversies regarding the presence of PTFE which is a harmful chemical in cookware, many health facilitators will advise against the use of granite. According to them, how can you eat healthy when the cookware you are using isn’t supposedly healthy?
But, let’s also remember that times have evolved and most manufacturers no longer use harmful coatings for their granite cookware.
These said, some safe granite cookware brands include but are not limited to the following, Michaelangelo’s brand of beautifully coated cookware, Waxonware’s Stonetec cookware, sensarte, Kochysystem, Carote, and Masterpan.
GRANITE VS ALUMINIUM COOKWARE
| GRANITE COOKWARE | ALUMINIUM COOKWARE |
| Good conductor of heat | Good conductor of heat |
| The raw material is diverse | The raw material is aluminum |
| Raw material is diverse | Price |
| Weighty | Lightweight |
| Less versatile | More versatile |
| To be handled with care | Easy to clean and maintain |
| Ecofriendly | Ecofriendly |
IS CAROTE GRANITE COOKWARE SAFE?
Carote granite cookware is one of the safest granite cookware to have in your kitchen and here are two major reasons why.
1. They are produced with harmless nonstick materials that do not pose any health threats. It’s been verified that they are free from toxic chemicals like PTFE and PFOA.
2. They have heat-resistant features and are gas stove top and electric stove top safe.
IS GRANITE BETTER THAN STAINLESS FOR COOKING
Granite is better than stainless in some aspects whereas stainless is also better than granite in some aspects.
Weight: Although granite cookware is usually heavy due to its multiple coatings, stainless cookware is lightweight and easy to live even when filled with food.
Heat Resistance: Stainless cookware is highly heat resistant and can withstand varying temperatures like oven, grill, or even roast. Granite cookware on the other hand is also heat resistant but may not endure severe temperatures as the stainless would.
Cost: Granite cookware is not as affordable as stainless cookware. While most households will have at least 3 to 4 items made of stainless, very few households will have at least one granite pot because of cost.
Nonstick: Most granite cookware has extra nonstick coating but we can’t say that for stainless cookware. You might need some extra layering of butter or oil before frying with a stainless pan unless you want to get scrambled eggs when you had hoped for omelets.
Versatility: The granite cookware can be used on varying surfaces, like gas stove top and electric stove top, but the stainless cookware can be used on all surfaces.
Aesthetics: Stainless cookware has a uniform plain silver appearance as opposed to the well-marbled granite cookware with beautiful colors and varying patterns. Hence, granite cookware is more appealing to the eyes than stainless cookware.
Eco-friendliness: When heated, stainless cookware does not emit toxic fumes. Also, granite cookware that has been verified to be free from PFOA, PTFE, lead, green, or cadmium is eco-friendly and does not exude toxic fumes when heated.
WHAT IS THE HEALTHIEST COOKWARE TO USE?
Glass and stainless cookware top the chart of healthiest cookware because of the absence of coating in them. Have you ever considered the materials that these coatings used for cookware are made from? Most of these materials contain some amounts of toxic substances which are harmful when exposed to them.
The healthiest cookware to use is that cookware that does not contain toxic substances that might pose a health threat later on.
Examples of such cookware include lead and cadmium-free kitchenware, granite cookware that is free from PTFE and PFOA, and glass and stainless cookware.
WHAT MATERIAL IS BETTER FOR COOKWARE?
The non-stick material amongst many other things is the best material for any cookware. This reduces the chances of cratering, popping, scratching, swelling, or any other damage that overheating can cause cookware.
Apart from damages, cooking is easier with non-stick cookware. While other cookware will struggle with giving you exactly what you want, the non-stick will deliver exactly what you ordered, without any hassles.
Let’s say, you are trying to prepare noodles. Noodles are sweeter when they are smooth and less gummy. You can achieve this easily with a nonstick pot or pan and have your noodles delivered effortlessly onto your plate and eventually, your belly.
But what of a scenario where the noodle absorbs lots of water and becomes too gummy and butchered, apart from becoming a nightmare, it will take me extra effort to be able to wash my pot because of stubborn noodle strands that might get stuck in the pot.
DOES GRANITE COOKWARE CAUSE CANCER?
Granite cookware does not provide cancer, because it does not contain any Teflon coating that can emit toxic fumes which when inhaled can lead to serious health damage.
Since granite coatings are usually made from porcelain, they are considered safe and are not direct pointers to cancer.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COOKING IN GRANITE?
Taste: it is assumed that foods cooked in granite cookware are tastier than foods prepared using other types of kitchenware.
Even Heat Distribution: Have you ever boiled food and realized that the heat of the fire was just in a particular spot? That’s because there was no even distribution of heat.
Cooking in granite cookware is satisfying because of the even distribution of heat made possible by their magnetic bottoms.
Non-Stick Properties: The non-stick properties incorporated in granite cookware make cooking and after-cooking an enjoyable experience.
You won’t have to be scared of food burning during cooking or stubborn particles during washing.
Durability: They are strong and durable. Situations like a leaking pot in the middle of cooking due to rust is practically impossible with granite cookware.
IS GRANITE COOKWARE BETTER THAN CERAMICS
Granite cookware is better than ceramics in so many aspects. Let’s say you were in the middle of cooking and a minor accident occurred that led to you dropping the pan you were holding.
Now, if that pan happened to be a granite pan, it would land with a thud on the floor but what if the pan in question is ceramic? We all know what will happen right? An unwelcome shatter that would have you stooping over and picking up pieces of your favorite pan in tears.
Most times, we grow too attached to our cookware to the point where seeing them scratch or break could be very heartbreaking.
Thus, if you are looking at getting a cookware set that will not stand the risk of breaking easily due to its fragile nature, you might just have to lay aside the ceramic cookware and make do with granite cookware.
IS GRANITE COOKWARE SAFE TO COOK IN?
Granite cookware is safe to cook in. Why did I say this? As long as the porcelain coating is not damaged you do not stand at any risk.
Modern granite ware does not contain harmful chemicals that will pose any health threats. Moreover, they are suitable for different types of surfaces ranging from gas stove tops to electric stove tops.
However, it is not advisable to expose your granite cookware to severe temperatures like firewood or oven grill.
IS GRANITE WARE TOXIC?
Although there are controversies that abound on the toxicity of granite wares, it is still important to restate that research has shown that granite wares are safe.
ARE GRANITE PANS GOOD OR BAD FOR YOU?
Granite pans are good as long as they do not contain Teflon coating, PTFE, or PFOA. Granite nonstick pans are one of the best cookware because of their multiple layered durable coating and non-stick features.
IS GRANITE COOKWARE DISHWASHER SAFE?
Not all granite cookware is dishwasher safe but most granite cookware can survive a dishwasher although it is usually better to wash with hands if you want your granite cookware to last longer in good shape.
READ ALSO: GRANITE VS CERAMIC COOKING