Granite cookware continues to gain popularity in kitchens all over the world. There are many advantages associated with this type of cookware that make it truly worth acquiring. One thing we know about granite cookware is the non-stick feature.
This type of cookware features a carbon steel core coupled with a porcelain enamel coating. It looks like stone, making it unique compared to cookware made with other materials.
We applaud you if you are thinking of getting granite cookware for your kitchen. However, before you do that, you have to be familiar with granite cookware’s advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we talk about the most important aspects of granite cookware. We will provide a list of all granite cookware pros and cons and some additional information to help you become completely familiar with the cookware before you make a choice.
Granite Cookware Overview
Before we can discuss granite cookware pros and cons, we have to understand what it is. Granite cookware, also called graniteware, is simply certain enamelware. The fact that it is called granite cookware does not mean that it is made using granite. This is a name that refers mostly to its appearance and not the material used to make it.
The first use of granite cookware is in the 1700s after the invention of the process of fusing a metal base with a glass coating at very high-temperature levels, around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. During that period, it was used to give cast iron a smooth texture and its popularity continued spreading over the years.
Currently, the porcelain enamel or glass coating is used on aluminum alloys, stainless steel, or carbon steel. The surface will become glossy and non-porous. The modern cookware, compared to the older graniteware, is thinner and lighter.
Granite Cookware Pros and Cons
In this section, we will take an in-depth look at granite cookware advantages and disadvantages. Let’s start with the pros.
Pros
The first thing you need to know is that granite cookware is free of PFOA, which is perfluorooctanoic acid. This is a chemical that is found in most cookware that has a nonstick surface. Fortunately, graniteware is not among them.
As explained above, granite cookware is made using a single stone layer, which allows it to handle high heat levels exceptionally well. It can withstand up to 500 degrees, while a normal dish will require a maximum of 300 degrees to prepare.
There are certain types of cookware that have metallic components that are not safe for children. Luckily, graniteware is completely safe for everyone in the family. Of all granite cookware pros and cons, this might be the most important.
The success of the food you are preparing depends greatly on the tools you have. Granite cookware features a nonstick coating that does not have any chemicals and is very effective. Food will not stick to the surface and you will not need to use much oil to make that possible.
When cooking, one thing you need is the heat to be distributed properly and evenly to every section of the cookware. Fortunately, granite cookware is a perfect heat conductor. There are additional coating layers that help to distribute the heat evenly to all parts of the cookware, which means that the food will cook evenly.
Cooking acidic foods in certain cookware results in certain chemical reactions that might present a health issue for you and your family. But that is not something you have to worry about with granite cookware because no reaction will occur regardless of the type of food you are preparing.
One major problem that most cookware made of metal has is the formation of rust. Rust, however, is not a problem when it comes to granite cookware. You will be safe from any issues related to rust and you will not have a hard time cleaning the cookware. Additionally, the cookware has a layer that gives it that shiny look and that will remain like that for a long time.
Cleaning granite cookware is very easy thanks to the nonstick efficient nonstick layer on it. You do not need much effort to restore the original glory of the cookware. No stains or scratches will form on granite cookware.
Finally, you can use granite cookware on any type of cooker or cooktop. It does not have any compatibility issues.
Cons
Just like with everything else, there are granite cookware pros and cons and we can check out some of these cons here.
The first thing we have to mention regarding stone cookware pros and cons is that it features an enamel coating, which can chip off and these smaller pieces might get in your food. You have to be cautious.
To avoid the chipping of the coating, you will need to avoid the use of metallic utensils. You will have to choose silicone or wooden utensils.
Because of the manufacturing process of this cookware, there are limitations in the design variations. Therefore, there aren’t many choices when it comes to appearance. They almost all look the same.
Granite cookware is hard and if you use a glass cooktop. It might not be a good thing. There are chances that this type of cookware will easily crack or scratch your glass cooktop.
This type of cookware is made with a couple of layers. As a result, it becomes heavier compared to other types of cookware. It is not a good thing.
You cannot use granite cookware in an oven, which is sad considering that many foods are prepared in an oven.
Older granite cookware was thicker and would retain heat perfectly. Unfortunately, that is not the case since modern ones feature thin cores and heat retention becomes poor.
Conclusion
There are many stone cookware pros and cons. However, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. As you consider granite cookware advantages and disadvantages, consider if they relate to you in any way first.
If you are looking for a safer nonstick coating that allows you to reduce the amount of oil you use to prepare a meal, reduce the effort you need to clean, and still keep your family completely safe, then you should go for this cookware today.
Also, read: 5 Best Granite Cookware Sets
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