Finding quality, healthy non-stick cookware can be a challenge. Pans either quit working after just a few uses, or they cost an arm and a leg without much promise.
Carote aims to solve this problem by manufacturing granite stone cookware. This cookware has a granite non-stick cooking surface that is supposed to be durable, healthy, and effective. But does it live up to the hype?
In this Carote cookware review, you’ll find features, pros, and cons of Carote pans, as well as alternatives.
Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in.
Contents
What is Carote?
Carote is a professional cookware and kitchenware brand that began in 1992. Carote’s main product line consists of granite stone cookware. This shouldn’t be confused with Granite Stone Pans, which is another brand offering similar cookware.
The term “stone cookware” can be misleading. Typically, stone cookware is not actually made of stone or granite. Most stone cookware is actually aluminum with a non-stick coating.
The name comes from the coating, which often contains granite particles or natural stone material. Sometimes the coating is not infused with rock or granite but simply has a stone look.
These added particles provide additional durability and scratch resistance versus traditional Teflon non-stick coatings. Carote cookware has a die-cast aluminum core covered with five layers of a granite non-stick coating.
Carote is a U.S.-based brand that manufactures its products mainly in China and Vietnam. The brand has a worldwide presence, selling cookware in over 30 countries.
Carote Non-Stick Frying Pan: Overview
The Carote non-stick pan has a diameter of 8 inches (20.3 cm), but several sizes are available. You can choose between the classic granite finish or a Swiss sleek white granite finish. Both look attractive, although the classic might not show as much staining over time.
This durable pan offers excellent food release, abrasion resistance, and even heating. Customers rave about how nothing sticks to this pan. But it does have a couple of limitations, like being hand-wash only.
Watch to see the Carote frying pan in action:
Carote Frying Pan Features
Die-Cast Aluminum Construction
Die-casting is the process in which aluminum is melted and poured into a mold under high pressure. This process prevents the pan from losing shape.
Die-cast aluminum is typically thicker than forged aluminum, resulting in a more durable pan that can heat evenly.
The Carote frying pan is constructed with die-cast 4mm thick aluminum. It heats evenly and thoroughly, resulting in better cooking performance.
Buyers loved the even heat distribution of their Carote pan. They didn’t have problems with hot spots and were pleased with the performance of their Carote cookware.
Eco-Friendly Granite Coating
Carote granite cookware is made from recyclable material, and the company claims this material reduces 70% of harmful cooking fume & greenhouse gases emission while cooking.
The eco-friendly granite coating is made by Swiss company ILAG. It has three layers of non-stick that are reinforced with ceramic. The coating undergoes testing for abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and non-stick properties. This coating is one reason I found Carote to be one of the best ceramic frying pans.
Customers found this set to be sturdy, durable, and have excellent scratch resistance. They did caution against metal cooking tools, but they were pleased with the granite stone material coating.
Non-stick Interior Surface
Customers absolutely love the quality of this pan’s non-stick surface. They’ve been able to cook eggs, caramel sauce, pancakes, fish, and everything else sticky without problems. Several assert that the pan wipes clean with a paper towel.
Non-Toxic Materials
Carote cookware claims to be non-toxic. It’s PFOS, PFOA-free, and contains no lead or cadmium. But it does contain PTFE. So what do all those acronyms mean?
PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) & PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) are harmful chemicals that are “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” according to a study done by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is completely safe at normal cooking temperatures but can release toxic fumes when overheated above 500°F (260°C). If your pan contains PTFE, avoid overheating it by using low to medium heat settings and never heating the pan empty.
If you wish to avoid PTFE, visit my list of non-stick pans without Teflon to find the best option for you. Many of these pans have ceramic coatings that easily release food, although they may not have the level of stick resistance of Teflon.
The bottom line? Carote cookware complies with a host of agency testing requirements and food-grade safety inspections. You can read more about those here. Carote pans are safe for normal, everyday use, just make sure not to overheat them.
Attractive Design
Granite cookware has a beautiful speckled finish that resembles stone material. Combine that with the wood look of the handle, and you have an attractive pan that will look (and cook) great!
Lightweight
The Carote pan is lightweight, only weighing 1.4 pounds. For those who want something easy to lift, this skillet is it.
Comfortable Handle
Carote’s skillet features a Bakelite handle with an ergonomic design to give you a comfortable grip. The handle also stays cool on the stove.
Induction Compatible
The Carote Non-stick Frying Pan has a stainless steel plate attached to the base that makes it compatible with induction stovetops. It’s also compatible with ceramic, electric, gas, and halogen stoves.
Oven Safety
Unfortunately, the Carote non-stick pan is not oven-safe. Carote claims the oven can damage the handle.
Low-Maintenance
While the Carote non-stick pan requires a little care, it pays off considerably.
First, avoid metal utensils. Carote recommends using plastic, rubber, or wood utensils to prolong the life of the pan. Metal can scratch the non-stick surface.
Second, use a little oil or butter when cooking. A little goes a long way, so don’t worry if you’re on a low-fat diet.
Several customers recommended seasoning the pan by washing and drying the pan, heating oil over low heat for 3 minutes, then wiping clean. The website says the Carote pan does not require seasoning, but the instruction manual recommends it.
I would err on the side of caution and season the pan. It takes 3 minutes and pays off considerably in the long run.
Thirdly, use low or medium heat and add food before heating. High heat can ruin the non-stick properties of the pan.
Super Easy Clean-Up
It’s easy to clean the Carote Non-stick Pan. Simply wipe clean with a soft sponge and warm soapy water. Don’t use steel wool or nylon scrubbing pads, but stick to non-abrasive cloths and gentle cleaners.
This pan is not dishwasher-safe, as a dishwasher can damage or break down the coating. But honestly, this pan is super easy to clean, so who needs a dishwasher?
Affordable
This Carote Non-stick Frying Pan is inexpensive and comparable to most Teflon pans in price.
Warranty
Carote offers a 12-month warranty on all of their fry pans. The only downside is that some customers did have issues with getting a timely reply.
My personal opinion? I think 12 months is a reasonable warranty timeframe for non-stick cookware. Those companies that offer a “lifetime” warranty for nonstick pans usually have other issues and don’t back it up because non-stick cookware is not designed to last a lifetime.
Other Carote Cookware Options
Carote 6-Piece Cookware Set
Would you rather have an entire cookware set over just one pan? No problem. Carote’s 6-Piece cookware set has you covered. It comes with the following: 8-inch (20.3 cm) skillet, 10-inch (25.4 cm) skillet, 4.3-quart (4.1 liters) covered casserole, and 1.5-quart (1.4 liters) covered saucepan.
This Carote cookware set has the same aluminum core and granite coating as the pan. These pans are sturdy but lightweight. They’re induction-compatible, as well. They release food easily and heat evenly. But just like the pan, this Carote cookware set is hand-wash only.
Carote Covered Deep Frying Pan
This Carote Deep Frying Pan has a diameter of 10 inches (25.4 cm) and holds up to 3 quarts (2.84 liters). The high walls are great for holding several portions of rice, chicken breasts, or enough vegetables to feed a family.
The lid is glass, and the Bakelite handles have an ergonomic design for a comfortable grip. They are designed to stay cool on the stove. A few buyers had problems with the handles staining after a while. Fortunately, that won’t affect the performance of the pan.
This deep frying pan features the same construction and coating as other Carote cookware. It’s compatible with all stovetops but not oven-safe. If you need a deeper pan, this is a good alternative.
Alternatives to Carote Pans
Copper Kitchen Frying Pan with Lid
The Copper Kitchen Frying Pan has a diameter of 10 inches (25.4 cm) and a tempered glass lid. This pan features a red non-stick coating that resembles natural stone material. It’s PFOA-free and Teflon-free.
It has an aluminum construction and a stainless steel induction plate that makes it compatible with every type of stove.
This is similar to the Carote pan in terms of specifications, except this pan is PTFE-free and includes a lid. However, it doesn’t seem to offer quite the cooking performance of the Carote.
Michaelangelo 2-Piece Frying Pan Set
Don’t have the kitchen space for an entire set? No worries. This Michaelangelo granite set includes just two frying pans, a 9.5-inch (24.13 cm) and an 11-inch (27.94 cm) pan. These frying pans have an aluminum core and a granite non-stick coating that resembles natural stone material.
The pans are PFOS & PFOA-free. They may contain PTFE, as the manufacturer is unclear on the matter. They’re compatible with an induction stove, as well as other cooktops. The pans heat quickly and evenly and don’t require much oil.
These Michaelangelo skillets are slightly more expensive than Carote, but I can’t say they’re more durable or offer better quality. Between the two, I’d go with Carote.
Carote Pan: Final Thoughts
If you want a beautiful, durable, quality non-stick pan that’s affordable? The Carote pan can handle almost all of your daily cooking needs. I would recommend it.
But if you want something oven-safe or Teflon-free, a Carote frying pan isn’t for you.
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