Granite Cookware: How Safe Is It? And 9 Best Sets
The right cookware can make all the difference when it comes to cooking. It can impact the way your food tastes, feels, and appears. Granite cookware has become increasingly popular among chefs and cooks thanks to its beautiful appearance, nonstick surface, and good durability.
With granite cookware, you can cook some of the most delicious meals at higher temperatures without scratching or damaging your cookware surface. Granite cookware is also non-toxic, easy to use, and clean.
Whether you're looking for new cookware for your kitchen or just want to replace your old cookware set with granite-made pots and pans, our granite cookware reviews in this article will help you decide.
Related Read: Keen on whipping up a storm in the kitchen, but with less waste? Check out our guides to some of the best zero-waste cookbooks or going plastic-free in the kitchen.
What is granite cookware made of?
So, what exactly is the granite cookware made of? Granite right? Well, not quite.
You won't find cookware that's made entirely from granite. Granite cookware includes nonstick ceramic stoneware, enamel-coated cast iron, aluminum, and glass ceramic.
It is typically called “granite” because it has a blotchy appearance and high heat conductivity.
Related Read: Is cast iron sustainable?
What are the benefits of using granite cookware?
For various reasons, many people want to swap their steel pots and pans with nonstick granite options. Here are some benefits of using granite cookware:
No rusty cookware
One of the most significant benefits of using granite cookware is that it does not rust or easily scratch. Some manufacturers make it without chemicals or toxins, which means it is safe and can last longer without tarnishing.
To keep them durable for longer, avoid leaving them soaked in water for a long time. You also want to clean them properly to prevent substances that could damage them.
Lightweight
Another advantage of the granite cookware is that it is lightweight. So, if you’re thinking of packing some durable yet lightweight cookware for a trip, granite cookware is one great option.
Inert coating
Granite cookware has an inert porcelain coating, ensuring your pots and pans do not react to acidic foods.
Nonstick surface
Granite cookware has a smooth, non-stick surface that ensures food does not stick to your pot or pan while cooking. Also, the surface will not react with your food or change its taste.
The nonstick property also makes it easy to clean. You can put them in a dishwasher or wash them without food sticking to them. Also, burnt food will easily come off without scrubbing. You can also look out for brands that offer ultra non-stick, whereas sometimes, marketing hype, others have gone the extra distance to use technology that results in surfaces that almost nothing sticks to.
No toxins
Most granite cookware is made with natural, non-toxic materials. Scientists have found that PFOA, PFOS, lead, and other toxins in other cookware can cause health issues. Thankfully, you won’t have to worry about this, as most granite cookware is free of toxins, making it safe for you and your family.
Great conductors
Aluminum or carbon steels are great conductors, so you can cook your meals faster. You can heat and cool them. You can also use them on all or most stovetops.
Affordability
If you want cookware that will last for longer without replacement, then granite cookware is what you need! They are one of the most affordable types of cookware as you won’t be spending on expensive repairs or replacements.
Is granite cookware safe/eco-friendly?
You can consider your granite cookware safe and eco-friendly if it doesn't contain harmful chemicals like PFOA, cadmium, or lead.
PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, is a coating used in some cookware. Unfortunately, it does not break down into the environment; scientists have linked PFOA to many health issues.
PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene, a human-made hydrocarbon-based polymer, is considered a safer option under low temperatures. However, toxic fumes can emerge under high temperatures above 400℉, which are equally as unsafe as PFOA.
When shopping for granite cookware, look for healthier coatings. For example, brands make non-stick ceramic coatings from clay/sand that are not potentially toxic.
Ten Best Granite Cookware For Your Kitchen
Whether you’re looking to get new cookware or simply want to replace yours, here’s our list of some of the best granite cookware you can shop for today:
Quick links to the ten granite cookware sets we've reviewed:
1. CAROTE Nonstick Granite Cookware Sets
If you’re looking for the perfect cookware for preparing delicious meals, consider this non-stick granite cookware set.
The cookware set is from Classic Granite, is PFOS- and PFOA-free, and EUROFIN-certified. Like many of the brands we have featured, it has a stylish granite pattern.
This cookware quickly and consistently heats thanks to its sleek and expanded bottom design. Its magnetic conductive stainless steel base also makes it compatible with induction cooktops.
This nonstick granite cookware is also easy to clean, reducing water usage and CO2 emissions.
2. Henckels Everlift 10-pc Non-stick Pot and Pan Set
Made with aluminum, this durable nonstick pot and pan set includes two fry pans, two saucepans with lids, one sauté pan with a lid, and a Dutch oven with a lid. Its aluminum body ensures durability and helps ensure uniform heating.
Thanks to its granite coating, your pots and pans are scratch-resistant and compatible with metal utensils.
This set also has an innovative ergonomic handle that provides a comfortable grip. It also has a red and green light sensor that indicates when the pan is cool enough to clean or cook.
This 10-piece set is also dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. The Henckels brand is under the parent company from Germany, Zwilling J.A. Henckels.
3. Granitestone Pro Pots and Pans Set
With this set from Granitestone, your cooking process can become seamless. The pots and pans have a durable, non-porous, and scratch-resistant hard-anodized aluminum outer.
Thanks to its ceramic and titanium coating, you can easily move food around your pans and pots without sticking. You also don’t have to worry about toxic fumes because the coating is free of PFOS, PFOA, lead, cadmium, and other toxins. This set is compatible with spatulas, spoons, whisks, and metal utensils.
The set has stainless steel handles that are cool to the touch while cooking. The ergonomically designed handles also give you a comfortable grip. It is oven-safe up to 500℉ and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
4. Ozeri All-In-One Stone Sauce Pan
If you’re considering replacing your old rusty pans with new ones, you may want to consider this all-in-one saucepan from Ozeri.
Thanks to its ceramic coating, you can use this saucepan daily for many years without trouble. You also don’t have to worry about toxins in your food, lungs, or environment, as it is free of APEO, GenX, PFBS, PFOS, and other harmful chemicals.
This saucepan performs excellently in terms of non-stick performance. You can cook without worrying about food sticking to your pan.
Under the pan is an aluminum core that retains heat and resists scratches. The silicone-coated handle gives you a comfortable grip while cooking. Also, the pan comes with tempered glass lids and a heat-resistant knob.
5. WaxonWare Granite Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan
If you do a lot of meal prepping, frying, or sautéing, you will agree that a frying pan with good durability and functionality is everything. You don’t have to search too far, as this fry pan from WaxonWare is a fine mix of both.
Starting from its ceramic coating, this frying pan comes with non-toxic, high-quality materials that ensure your food doesn’t stick to your pan.
The coating is also free of harmful toxins like PTFE, lead, and PFOA.
As mentioned earlier, durability is one thing that stands out with this fry pan. Thanks to its aluminum core, it is scratch-resistant, so you can use it for years without worry. The aluminum core doesn’t just ensure durability but also helps with even heat distribution while cooking.
Whether you’re trying to stir fry on a gas, electric, or induction, this fry pan has you covered. They are equally oven-safe and dishwasher-safe.
6. KOCH SYSTEME CS CSK Nonstick Cookware Set
This one is to consider if you’re considering getting a larger, high-quality, nonstick cookware set. With this 16-piece cookware, you can satisfy all culinary needs during family and friends gatherings. This cookware set comes with two frying pans, two saucepans, one stockpot, and five kitchen utensils with holes that allow you to hang them on your wall easily.
Its nonstick surface makes cleaning super easy, and its Whitford coating ensures that food doesn’t stick to the pots. This cookware set is also PFOA-free, APEO-free, and PFOS-free, so your meals will be safe.
Its ergonomically designed wooden handles give you a firm and comfortable grip while cooking on a stove. Unlike the metal ones, these handles stay cool, making cooking comfortable. The pots and pans have tempered glass lids that are shatter-resistant even at high temperatures. Thanks to the vent holes in the glass lids, you won’t need to worry about overheating while you cook.
You can also cook with these pots and pans using gas, induction stoves, ceramic, electric, and practically all kinds of stovetops.
7. MICHELANGELO Granite Cookware Set
Made from high-quality aluminum, this cookware set is designed to be a functional addition to your kitchen. Thanks to its three layers of protection, it is durable and can be used for many years without worry.
This cookware set has two fry pans, two saucepans, one stock pot, and a steamer.
The stone-derived coating on the inside and out ensures your food doesn’t stick to the pot, making it easy to clean. It is also scratch-resistant, which means no peeling, flaking, or chipping.
The coating material is PFOA-free, PTFE-free, and lead-free, making it safe for you and your loved ones.
Thanks to its aluminum core, heat is distributed evenly with good temperature control. This cookware set is oven-safe for up to 400℉ and also dishwasher-safe. However, the brand recommends hand washing.
8. M MELENTA Granite Pots and Pans Set
The M MELENTA Granite Pots and Pans Set is a notable option for anyone seeking a comprehensive, dependable cookware set.
For those who prefer nonstick cookware, this collection of pots and pans has a granite coating that promises easy cleaning, less oil use, and no harmful chemicals like PFOA, PTFE, lead, or cadmium.
The 11-piece set includes items of various sizes and bakelite handles for safe and comfortable handling. The heavy-duty die-cast aluminum ensures quick and even heating, with compatibility across all stove types.
9. ESLITE LIFE Non-stick Cookware Sets
There are many things to love about this 12-piece cookware set from Estlite Life. First, it has a nonstick SGS-approved granite coating that is 100% toxins-free. The set includes a frying pan, sauté pan, saucepan, stock pots with lids, a wooden spatula, and a silicone ladle.
Thanks to its granite coating, you don’t have to worry about sticky food, making your cooking experience a breeze. The aluminum technology, cast iron, and magnetized flat bottoms make this set transfer and distribute heat evenly, saving you time and energy. You can also use them on gas, electric, ceramic, and induction stovetops for any kitchen or cooktop.
What to consider before buying granite stone cookware?
If you’re out purchasing granite cookware, you want to look out for more than the price. Here are a few factors you should consider when purchasing granite cookware:
1. Durability
One major factor to consider when shopping for new cookware is durability. How durable is the cookware? You want cookware that will last for a long time and not after only a few uses. Good granite cookware should resist increased temperatures, scratches, and other damage.
2. Safe to use
When looking for the best granite cookware for your kitchen, ensure it is free of toxins like PFOA. You also want to go for granite pots and pans with a flat bottom to prevent food from sticking out from underneath. The handles should also be made from materials that don’t melt or burn under high temperatures.
3. Heat distribution
How well does your granite cookware distribute heat? This is one major factor to consider. Good granite cookware distributes heat evenly. You want to look out for pots and fry pans that ensure your food is well cooked on all sides of the pan’s wide surface.
4. Non-stick performance
Non-stick pots and pans are versatile thanks to their non-sticky surface that is easy to clean. However, your non-stick cookware may be prone to scratches and damage, especially from metal utensils.
5. Easy to clean
When buying a new pair of cookware, you also want to consider how easy it is to clean. Some granite cookware is dishwasher-safe, while others only require soap and water to clean them.
6. Induction compatibility
When choosing the best granite cookware for your kitchen, consider its induction compatibility. If you use an induction stovetop, you will need a pot or a pan that goes with it. When choosing, you want to check if your cookware is compatible with induction cookers and other kinds of stovetops.
7. Versatility
When considering which granite cookware will fit into your kitchen, also consider its versatility. The best granite cookware should be adequate for different cooking techniques and oven-safe at high temperatures.
Downsides to using granite cookware
Granite cookware can make an excellent choice for your kitchen. However, there are some downsides you may want to consider before buying granite cookware:
1. Metal utensils can damage them
Metal utensils are not very compatible with most granite cookware. Consistently using metal utensils on your cookware can cause chipping over time. Instead of metal utensils, it is best to use plastic, wooden or bamboo utensils.
2. The nonstick coating may not last forever
Sadly, the nonstick coating on granite cookware isn’t one to last forever. Consistent exposure to high temperatures can wear off the nonstick coating, and you may find ceramic chips in your food.
3. Damages glass cooktops
Granite cookware can break glass cooktops much more easily than any other type of cookware. Because granite cookware is durable and sturdy, it can easily break a glass cooktop if dropped hard enough while cooking. If you have a glass cooktop, you must be extra careful if you choose to use granite cookware.
4. Cheap manufacturing process
Most granite pans and pots undergo cheap manufacturing, making them prone to cracking and chipping from extreme conditions. With continuous use, they can drop in quality, reducing their lifespan. Like anything, they'll last longer if you go for quality brands.
Granite cookware vs. stainless steel cookware
Stainless steel cookware is a popular choice in many kitchens worldwide. Let’s compare the granite cookware side by side with the stainless steel cookware:
- Durability: Stainless steel comprises steel alloy or other heat conductor metals. It is very durable, but it requires careful maintenance to prevent scratches. On the other hand, most granite cookware is scratch-resistant. It is also very durable and does not peel off easily. However, it is not compatible with metal utensils. In general, both types of cookware require good maintenance.
- Cooking methods: Granite-made cookware is more compatible with methods like grilling and is best for cooking delicate food like pancakes and eggs. This is because of their nonstick surface. On the other hand, stainless steel works best with cooking methods that require high temperatures and quick heat conduction.
- Ease of use: Granite cookware is better for ease of use as it conducts heat. Its nonstick coating also prevents food from sticking to your pot or pan. On the other hand, stainless steel cookware heats up very quickly, and food is likely to burn or stick to your pot.
Both granite and stainless steel cookware have pros and cons and work well with different cooking methods. However, granite cookware has multiple benefits. Food doesn't stick to the pot, making it easy to clean and use. Additionally, it can withstand high heat and works well with ovens and grills.
Final thoughts
For good reasons, granite cookware stands out and is valued among chefs and cooks. Let's pay attention to the aesthetic aspect, too - with its unique and stylish appearance, granite cookware adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen decor. It represents a solid combination of durability, functionality, and style.
While there may be a slightly higher investment upfront, the long-term benefits of performance and longevity are undeniable. It's important, however, to care for these products appropriately, ensuring you don't use metal utensils that could potentially damage the surface. These steps will ensure that your cookware remains a trusted culinary partner for years. Granite cookware should top your list if you're after cooking equipment that serves up excellent performance while making a statement.
You can go through our list of some of the best granite cookware above to shop for the best option for your kitchen.
Jen’s a passionate environmentalist and sustainability expert. With a science degree from Babcock University Jen loves applying her research skills to craft editorial that connects with our global changemaker and readership audiences centered around topics including zero waste, sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity.
Elsewhere Jen’s interests include the role that future technology and data have in helping us solve some of the planet’s biggest challenges.
