I enjoy using a variety of cookware materials for different cooking tasks, but it’s difficult to replace the affordability, food release, and easy cleaning of non-stick cookware.
But the quality of non-stick cookware is not always consistent. It can vary widely among brands and even product lines. On top of that, some people have health concerns when it comes to cooking with a non-stick coating.
I found the Granite Stone Blue Cookware Set to be a good budget buy for those starting out. It’s not durable cookware, but it does have good non-stick properties.
But there are other options that may provide better value while filling your cooking needs.
Is Granite Stone Blue Cookware right for you? Keep reading to find out more.
Contents
What to Look for in a Non-Stick Cookware Set
Core Material
Non-stick pots and pans come made in all sorts of cookware materials, though the most common is an aluminum body. There are a couple of reasons for aluminum’s popularity.
First, aluminum is an expensive material, making the cookware highly affordable.
Second, aluminum is lightweight and heats quickly.
Lastly, aluminum is a highly reactive metal, which means it needs a coating to prevent contact with food. A non-stick coating makes natural sense.
But be aware that aluminum also has its drawbacks. Aluminum is not as heat-resistant, so you’ll want to avoid high temperatures on the stovetop. It’s also tough to get even heat distribution with an aluminum pan.
You can also find other non-stick pans with stainless steel, hard-anodized aluminum, cast iron, or carbon steel construction. These materials are not as prevalent as plain aluminum.
Non-stick Coatings
Labeling a pan as “non-stick” is like labeling a pan “healthy.” It can mean almost anything. So it’s important to know what types of non-stick pans are out there.
Teflon
Most non-stick cookware has a coating that includes PTFE (a.k.a. Teflon). Although there is no evidence that PTFE is harmful as normal cooking temperatures, it does release fumes at high heat (above 500°F/260°C) that can be toxic to humans and lethal to birds.
Ceramic
In response to an increasing aversion to Teflon, manufacturers began making ceramic non-stick cookware. This cookware features a non-stick surface made from silicon, (i.e., ceramic). This is supposed to be healthier and more natural.
But ceramic coatings are generally not as durable and lose their food release sooner than Teflon. Be aware, however, that some ceramic non-stick pots still include Teflon for easy food release.
Generally, if a manufacturer does not specifically advertise a pan as “PTFE-free,” you can assume it contains at least some trace amounts of PTFE in the non-stick coating.
You’ll also see products labeled as PFOA-free. PFOA is a toxic chemical that has been banned from the manufacturing process for several years, so PFOA-free means nothing. All new cookware is PFOA-free.
Reinforced Coatings
There are increasing numbers of product lines that have reinforced coatings. You’ll see diamond, titanium, and granite cookware. Manufacturers use particles in their coatings to “reinforce” them.
Although these reinforcements might add some scratch resistance and extra durability, they don’t make a pan indestructible.
The general advantages and disadvantages of non-stick cookware still apply, even with a label like, “granite cookware.”
Oven Safety
A lot of non-stick cookware is oven-safe, but it can’t handle high temperatures. Several sets have a maximum temperature of 350°F (177°C), which severely limits their use.
If you want to use your non-stick cookware for stovetop-to-oven dishes, look for pans that can handle temperatures up to 400°F (204°C) or higher.
Granite Stone Blue Overview
Granite Stone Blue 20-Piece Complete Non-stick Cookware Set
You may recognize Granite Stone cookware from television infomercials. This brand is owned by the Emson Corporation, the seller of all the “As Seen on TV” products. Like all Emson brands, GraniteStone is manufactured in China.
Its stated mission is to create high-quality cookware at an affordable price.
This 20-Piece set includes the following:
- 8-inch (20.32 cm) frying pan
- 10.5-inch (26.67 cm) frying pan with lid
- 9.5-inch (24.13 cm) square pan
- 1.5-quart (1.42 liters) & 2.5-quart (2.37 liters) saucepans with lids
- 5-quart (4.73 liters) pot with lid
- 9.5-inch (24.13 cm) deep pan with lid
- steamer & fryer basket
- muffin tray, square bake pan, cookie sheet, round bake pan, loaf pan
Granite Stone Cookware Features
Construction
GraniteStone Blue Non-stick Cookware features aluminum construction and an aluminum base. This lightweight design makes for easy tossing and fast cooking. But the aluminum is thin and appears unanodized, and that comes with its own set of issues.
Some users reported problems with the aluminum pans warping and/or denting. Aluminum is excellent if you want to cook food quickly, but lower-quality aluminum is not the best if you want a highly durable pan.
It’s a little disappointing that Granite Stone has taken this approach, given their focus on how tough and durable their non-stick is. Yet it is consistent with the budget cost of this cookware.
To help prevent your aluminum cookware from warping, avoid high heat on the stove. You should also never heat an empty non-stick pan. Add oil or butter before turning on the heat.
Finally, let the pan cool completely before cleaning. Thermal shock will warp an aluminum pan.
The good news? Aluminum is very responsive to heat changes, so it should cool down quickly.
Non-Stick Quality
The GraniteStone Blue non-stick surface has three layers of coating for ultimate release. These non-stick layers are reinforced with diamonds for extra food release, durability, and heat conductivity.
The GraniteStone coating is derived from minerals and is lead-, cadmium-, and PFOA-free. These non-stick pots and pans do not require seasoning.
Furthermore, GraniteStone claims no oil or butter is needed, which makes it ideal for healthy cooking.
Like other non-stick pans, this Granite Stone cookware does contain PTFE (i.e., Teflon). This adds to its excellent non-stick properties, but it might turn off some people who think they’re getting PTFE-free cookware.
Granite Stone also claims that because this pan is infused with diamonds, this coating is scratch-proof and able to withstand metal utensils, spatulas, whisks, and even electric beaters.
If you’re skeptical, you’re not alone.
Several users complained of scratched pots and pans after using metal utensils. Even some who said they only used wooden or plastic tools still had problems with scratching.
Although the Granite Stone Blue cookware’s non-stick properties definitely pass muster, this cookware isn’t scratch-proof. Expect to either pamper or replace these pots and pans.
Stovetop Compatibility
This GraniteStone Cookware set is compatible with gas, electric, halogen, and ceramic cooktops. It is not suitable for induction cooktops.
Oven Safety
GraniteStone claims this cookware is oven-safe for temperatures up to 500°F (260°C). User reviews confirmed that these pans can handle oven heat. Some complained of warping at higher heat, but most were pleased with the performance.
Stainless Steel Handles
The GraniteStone Blue collection features stay-cool handles that are Y-shaped and ergonomically designed for both right and left-handers. The stainless steel handles are dual riveted for extra sturdiness.
However, the handles were one of the biggest customer complaints. User reviews consistently decried the poor quality and uncomfortable grip, saying they dug into the hand.
And that’s not all. Others complained that the metal handles got extremely hot while cooking. They recommended using an oven mitt when handling these pans.
Glass Lids
Several of the pieces included in this Granite Stone Blue cookware line have tempered glass lids. One of the frying pans has a lid, which can be great for one-pot meals. The saucepans and deep pans also include glass lids.
GraniteStone claims these lids are oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C). This is a bold claim since most lids cannot handle that high heat. However, customers didn’t contradict the claim. In fact, several confirmed that the lids are oven-safe.
But they did complain about ill-fitting lids. Multiple users had issues with the lids not sitting flush on the pans. This problem was consistent across the round and square pots, as well. A few people had issues with shattering lids, to boot.
Ease of Cleaning
This set of Granite Stone Cookware is dishwasher-safe, according to the manufacturer. The reviews were mixed regarding this claim.
Several customers confirmed that their granite cookware was dishwasher-safe. They loved how easy their pans were to clean. A couple of users even said they just wiped the pan clean with a paper towel after each use.
Others told a different story. They said the pans started sticking and flaking after going in the dishwasher. They also claimed the included instruction manual warned against putting these pots in the dishwasher.
So the big question is, is this Granitestone Cookware set dishwasher-safe?
Occasional use of the dishwasher is likely to be OK, but regular hand washing will help your cookware last longer. Several happy customers specifically mentioned that they only hand-washed their pans.
Maintenance and Care
Several customers emphasized the importance of proper care. Avoid non-stick sprays, as they can break down the non-stick surface layers and damage the pan. Use wooden or plastic cooking utensils instead of metal utensils.
While cooking on the stove, stick to low or medium heat. High heat can warp granite cookware, and several customers had this problem.
As already mentioned, hand washing is best. Always let the GraniteStone pan cool down completely before cleaning.
If you have the storage space, store these non-stick pans in a single layer to avoid scratches or dents from contact with other cookware pieces.
In the end, though, there is no magic bullet. Non-stick pans will eventually break down. Even the best quality pans will need replacements in a few years.
That’s simply the reality of buying non-stick cookware.
Value for Money
This Granite Stone Blue Non-stick Cookware Set is very affordable. Honestly? That’s one of its biggest draws.
You can get this comprehensive set of cookware and bakeware for less than the cost of one pan from a high-end brand.
Obviously, you won’t get the quality of those high-end brands, either. But if you are just starting out and need cookware at a budget-friendly price point, this should fit the bill.
Other Granitestone Blue Cookware
Granite Stone Blue 10-Piece Pots and Pans Set
As a scaled-down version of the 20-Piece set, this collection includes two frying pans, two saucepans, a stockpot, and a steamer insert.
It has all the same features as the larger cookware set. It features three layers of non-stick, stainless steel stay-cool handles, and it’s oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C).
This Granite Stone set also has a similar user experience as the larger set. They said these pots and pans had an effective non-stick surface and were easy to clean.
Some people had issues with scratching, while others had problems with the handles getting extremely hot.
Granite Stone Blue Non-stick Frying Pan, 14 Inches
For those who don’t want or need an entire set, Granite Stone Blue does offer this frying pan.
The diameter is 14 inches (36 cm), making this an XL family-sized non-stick pan. It comes with a glass lid and stay-cool handles. It’s dishwasher-safe and oven-safe to 500°F (260°C).
User reviews were mostly positive, with two common complaints. Several customers said this pan had hot spots and did not have even heat distribution. People also had issues with warping.
What Are the Alternatives?
GraniteStone Diamond 20-Piece Cookware and Bakeware Set
This GraniteStone Diamond cookware set is basically the same as the Blue collection but in black. It comes with the same pieces as the GraniteStone Blue collection, and it has the same features.
It’s dishwasher-safe, safe for temperatures up to 500°F (260°C), has metal handles, and three layers of diamond-reinforced non-stick.
This set had more positive reviews, but the customer comments were quite similar. They liked the non-stick food release, even without butter or oil. These pans were easy to clean, but they weren’t durable. They also had problems with dented or warped pans.
Overall, the difference between this GraniteStone Diamond set and the GraniteStone Blue cookware set comes down to aesthetics.
See my Granite Stone Pan review for more information.
Blue Diamond Non-stick Cookware Set, 14 Pieces
Blue Diamond is another infomercial brand distributed by the Cookware Company, the same company that distributes GreenLife and GreenPan cookware. Read my in-depth review of the Blue Diamond Pan.
This Blue Diamond non-stick cookware set features a ceramic non-stick coating infused with diamonds. It does contain PTFE, but it has excellent food release. It’s dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 600°F (315°C). It has a wobble-free aluminum base.
Customers were pleased with this cookware set. They liked the ease of cleaning and the non-stick properties.
Even though the handles had a comfortable grip, several users complained that they got very hot while cooking. Be sure to use a potholder when handling these pans.
As far as affordability, this set provides a lot of value. It’s one of the more affordable non-stick cookware sets.
Blue Diamond 12-Inch Ceramic Non-stick Frying Pan
Blue Diamond also offers this 12-inch (30 cm) ceramic non-stick frying pan. It comes with a glass lid and has the same features as the 14-piece set.
Blue Diamond claims the coating lasts ten times longer than traditional coatings, but I can’t find evidence to confirm or deny that claim.
Customers were happy with the cooking performance of this pan. They also like the size and the ease of cleaning. But several did say that once the non-stick started to wear even a tiny amount, food stuck horribly to the pan.
Still, at the price point, this pan will get you a lot of value.
Watch an example of the TV informercial for the Blue Diamond pan:
Gotham Steel Aqua Blue 20-Piece Pots & Pans Set
Gotham Steel is another Emson brand known for its infomercial presence. This 20-piece cookware set is comprehensive and also includes bakeware pieces.
The aqua blue color is bright and cheery, and it comes with the same pieces as the GraniteStone cookware set.
It features an aluminum core and base, and it has a triple layer of titanium-infused ceramic non-stick for safe cooking.
These pans are dishwasher-safe and can handle temperatures up to 500°F (260°C). As far as stovetop use, you can cook with these pans on any cooktop except induction.
Users liked how easy it was to cook with these pans. They said the pans were easy to clean and actually dishwasher-safe. Several people did complain about the finish coming off after a few uses, however.
See my guide for more Gotham Steel cookware
Granite Stone Blue Non-stick Cookware: Last Thoughts
When it comes to Granite Stone Cookware, is the GraniteStone Blue 20-Piece Cookware Set worth it?
Yes, but only because it is normally a low-cost cookware set. It’s easy to get quickly, and it’s affordable, making it good value for money.
It certainly won’t last forever, and in the longer term it could be worth considering a higher quality cookware set–hard anodized aluminum sets normally last longer.
