I want an easy, healthy life. I need cookware that is not going to poison my family. But I also want to be able to chuck it in the dishwasher when I’ve finished. It’s all about balance, right?
It would be nice to be able to use metal utensils occasionally in a nonstick pan without worrying it will scratch. Just because.
And of course, I don’t want to pay through the nose, either upfront, or in the long term when I have to throw a rubbish pan away.
This granite stone pan review will test if I’ve found a nice-looking product that ticks all these boxes. It’s not a lot to ask, after all. Right?
Contents
Things to Consider Before Buying a Non-Stick Stone Frying Pan
Modern PTFE (the active ingredient in Teflon) nonstick cookware isn’t nearly as toxic as it used to be. But if you want to be safe, it still has limitations.
The thing is, nonstick is so useful. It’s so easy to clean and cook with. You don’t need to season it or care for it in any special way. It’s the best choice if you want low-maintenance cookware.
What would be ideal is a material that doesn’t need special care. It should wipe clean and remain non-stick naturally. And it absolutely should 100% not leach anything nasty into my family’s food!
In theory, stone should solve this – right? A polished stone surface should be slippery, and it doesn’t have any special chemicals in it, so it should be inert. No weird metallic taste in the tomato sauce.
In fact, humans have used stone tools in cooking since, uuhhmm, well, the Stone Age. It sounds like a winner, so far. But as always, the proof is in the pudding. We’ll dig in a little deeper to get a closer look.
Granite Rock Pan or Granite Stone Pan?
If you see an article labeled Granite Rock Pan Review or a review referring to the Granite Rock pan, beware it may be out of date. Granite Stone Pans, who used to be known as Granite Rock Pans, offer a solution with the clue in the name.
Granite Stone sounds like a tough, strong and durable surface. The manufacturer claims it is scratch and warp resistant.
They also say that it is induction compatible, oven safe (to 260°C (500°F)) and non stick. That’s a tall order.
Of course, it is non-toxic, Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), cadmium and lead-free. PFOA is a chemical that has some safety concerns in the past, but isn’t used in modern cookware.
Granite Stone Pans
There are several Granite Stone Frying pans one the market–I’ve reviewed the 10 inch pan with a lid. This is because I like having lids, and 10 inches is a decent size for a frying pan. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner for a family of four.
But there are other options if you prefer. For example, there’s a full Granite Stone cookware set or a 14 inch pan. The set includes a fry pan, skillet with lid, stainless steel steamer rack, square shallow pan, deep square casserole pan, frying basket, steamer insert, cookie sheet, and assorted baking pans.
Pros (10 inch frying pan):
- See-through lid
- Allegedly non-toxic nonstick
- Oven safe to 260°C (500°F) and induction compatible
- Scratch resistant surface
Cons (10 inch pan):
- Likely to have PTFE (Teflon)
- Manufacturer isn’t clear around PTFE (Teflon)
- Appears to become more sticky over time
- Oil needed (unlike advertisement claims)
- Lid doesn’t always fit well on pan
The pan with the lid isn’t always available, here’s the version without a lid.
If you like this frying pan and want to shop around, you can also find it on Bed Bath and Beyond without a lid:
The Granite Stone Pan: Features
Let’s take a look at some of the claims that the manufacturer has made around this technology:
The Lid
I love nonstick pans that come with a see-through lid, like this one. It’s such a great way of containing the mess and makes the pan versatile. Making a rice-based dish that requires simmering, melting cheese on top of a one-pan meal, and letting flavors come together are some of my favorite uses for a lidded pan.
In this case, the lid doesn’t always fit flush with the pan which can increase spatter. The vent hole should help keep the spatter down, though.
Some customers report the stainless steel handle on the lid can get hot–something to bear in mind when using this pan! Have a pot holder or dish towel nearby.
Non-Stick
This pan has a great look but the nonstick surface is disappointing. First, it’s not actually that long-lasting and there are reports of it becoming sticky after long-term use. *Sigh*
What disappoints me the most, though, is that I feel this pan has been “oversold”. The product page claims you don’t need oil to cook with it. This simply isn’t true; if you are frying eggs, for example, you do need oil. That’s fine, but why exaggerate? Tell it like it is.
Granite Stone / Granite Rock Pan safety
The other aspect that is oversold is the “non-toxicity”. Saying it is free of PFOA, lead, and cadmium doesn’t say much. Those labels should be assumed in this day and age. For instance, PFOA was banned in the manufacturing of cookware several years ago.
They don’t mention PTFE (the active ingredient in Teflon), so I assume the pan has it. Most of the time, when a pan is PTFE-free, the company will advertise it as such. I don’t think PTFE is toxic, but you do need to use it correctly, and there are still concerns about it.
So, yes, Granite Stone pans are probably safe, but not quite as much as the product page implies.
Versatility
It’s great to see this pan is induction compatible. Many nonstick pans made with an aluminum body, aren’t. Other pans are technically induction-compatible, only to find that customer reviews complain about their performance with induction stoves.
Of course, if you don’t have an induction stove – what do you care? If you were buying highly-priced long-lasting cookware, then you might want to future-proof it. Frankly, I don’t think that’s the case here.
It’s also nice to see that it’s ovenproof to 260°C (500°F). This is more than enough for most uses and lets you easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
Durability and Scratch Resistance
This pan does appear to be more durable than most nonstick pans. It is harder to scratch, and that’s great news. This might be because of the mineral-infused granite coating. This extra-thick coating is supposedly designed to resist scratches.
I wouldn’t suggest using metal on it though; this will increase wear and tear. I suggest wooden or heat-resistant silicone cooking tools. If you are careful with normal nonstick it can last a good few years – expect this pan to last longer. As long as you take care!
In the end, scratch-resistant isn’t scratch-proof.
Healthy Cooking
The manufacturer claims to make healthy cooking easier because it requires less butter and oil. I suppose this is true in a way, but most nonstick pans only need a small amount of oil or butter. Plus, cooking at low temperatures with something like extra virgin olive oil isn’t unhealthy.
Still, if you want to reduce the amount of fat in your diet, the Granite Stone pan could help.
How Does It Compare? Granite Stone Pan Alternatives
Carote 10-inch Frying Pan
Like the Granite Stone pan, this Carote frying pan is nonstick and easy to clean up. Also, like Granite Stone, it has PTFE. Again, this isn’t made very clear in the description. People will likely believe they are getting something different. Read more in my complete Carote Pan review.
The Carote pan is more affordable than the Granite Stone pan, but it’s not quite as versatile. It doesn’t come with a lid and is only safe in the oven up to 350°F (175°C) – too low for many uses. (Note: The low max oven temperature is due to the handle. The cooking surface can handle a slightly higher heat on the stovetop.)
After researching user reports, I’m not sure about the durability of this pan. It seems that the nonstick properties wear off quickly and the pan can get damaged. This phenomenon is common to non-stick cookware, in general. You should be prepared to replace it after the nonstick properties begin to wane.
The only reason to get this instead of the Granite Stone is if you are on a strict budget. Don’t expect it to last long.
Pros:
- More affordable than the Granite Stone pan
- Nice cool-touch handle
Cons:
- Only oven safe to 175°C (350°F)
- Advertised as PFOA Free which is meaningless (everything is PFOA free)
- Not PTFE Free
- Not induction compatible
- Wooden handle cracks and burns easily
- Quickly becomes non sticky
Michelangelo 10-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan
This Michelangelo 10-inch nonstick frying pan feels similar to the pan by Granite Stone.
The Michelangelo pan does have a coating, though, and if you use metal utensils it will scratch or peel. I suggest treating this pan with the same caution you would any non-stick pan. Use wooden or heat-resistant plastic tools.
I do dislike the “dishwasher safe – hand washing recommended” description. Either it is or isn’t dishwasher safe. But… in my experience, you can put pans like this in the dishwasher. Just be careful it doesn’t touch other pans.
So it’s not perfect. It won’t last forever, but you are getting a genuinely PTFE-free, non-toxic granite rock pan.
Pros:
- PTFE-Free
- Similar price to Granite Stone
- Induction compatible
- Beautiful look
- Oven safe to 232°C (450°F)
- Nice see through lid
- Light
- Nonstick properties remain even after heavy use
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Handles on pan and lid get hot when cooking
- “Hand wash recommended” – why if it is dishwasher safe?
- Slightly raised center
- Not as nonstick as Teflon
- Keep to wood or silicone utensils or it will scratch / peel
Mitbak 10-Inch Non-Stick Frying Pan with Lid
This Mitbak 10-inch pan is also PTFE-free (a.k.a. Teflon-free), unlike Granite Stone pans. After all, most people looking for granite rock pans are looking for PTFE-free!
The Mitbak pan has a removable handle which I suppose is a “feature”. It lets you store the pan more easily without the bulky handle in the way. That is nice, but it feels to me like something that could break, or get in the way, in the end. Indeed there are some reports of the button not working anymore. Honestly? It seems to me to be more of a gimmick than a feature.
It’s advertised as scratch-resistant. As I mentioned previously, scratch resistant is not the same thing as scratch-proof. I would use caution and avoid metal utensils with this pan. Also be sure to store it in a single layer, preferably not touching other pans. Contact with objects in a drawer can easily scratch pans.
It may become safe for the oven if you remove the handle – it’s not clear. I wouldn’t risk it. It’s best to stick to the stovetop.
This is a pretty decent pan that doesn’t need to be oversold. I would consider buying it.
Pros:
- PTFE Free
- Similar price to Granite Stone
- Induction compatible
- Dishwasher safe
- Removable handle
- See-through lid
Cons:
- Not oven safe
- Removable handle is a bit gimmicky
- Susceptible to scratching – avoid any metal contact
- Reports of the pan warping after use
FAQs
Should You Season Granite Rock Pans or Granite Stone Pans?
As mentioned previously, the Granite Rock frying pan is no more–everything was rebranded under the name Granite Stone. I do not recommend seasoning your Granite Stone pan. Seasoning is great for materials like cast iron or carbon steel, but with non-stick it can create a layer of dirt on the surface that actually reduces the non-stick properties. In a nutshell, seasoning can be counterproductive.
When It Comes to Granite vs Ceramic Cookware, What’s the Difference?
Normally there is no real difference between ceramic cookware and granite cookware except the appearance. Granite fry pans appear to have a more stony look, but ceramic cookware is often available in more color choices than Granite Stone pans.
Other than that, it really depends on the brand. Most stone and ceramic pots and pans have the same fundamental materials (aluminum body, non-stick coating.) The one exception is pure ceramic cookware such as Xtrema.
Granite Stone Pan Reviews: Should I Buy It?
To be honest, if I take a step back, what I like the least about this pan is the marketing. It is a pretty decent pan. It looks nice and is more durable than standard nonstick.
It works well, it has a nice lid and is easy to clean. What’s not to like?
Yes, it uses PTFE, but that’s quite common in many pans. I do think, though, that people looking for granite rock pans are expecting them to be Teflon-free.
I guess I was hoping for a little more. The advertising around it makes me “distrust” the manufacturer. Because of this, I wouldn’t buy it. In terms of recommendation, I would say – read my whole review carefully and make up your own mind. If it ticks all the boxes for you, then it could be good value.
If you like this pan, you can also find it on Bed Bath and Beyond without a lid:
My Preference: The Best Granite Cookware
What I do like is the Michelangelo pan. It’s not perfect and won’t last forever, but it is PTFE-free and I don’t think it’s oversold.
Michelangelo makes good cookware – I like the brand. I’d be happy to get one of their pans. But if you are looking for a pan that will last forever? You’ll need to think of a different material. The reality is that non-stick cookware just won’t last beyond a few years, at the most. If you’re looking for “forever cookware,” there are better materials. Cast iron pans, in particular, can last lifetimes.
If you’re happy with a non-stick stone pan that is non-toxic but will only last a good few years, then consider the Michelangelo 10-inch frying pan. It’s one of the best granite rock pans you will find.
Other Choices
My feeling is that people interested in Granite Stone like the idea of a Teflon-free pan. If that’s you, check out my guide to the best non-stick pans without Teflon for more information.
Alternative many, though not all, ceramic pans don’t have Teflon. Check out my ceramic nonstick frying pan roundup for more information.
If you are dead-set on stone cookware then check out my best stone cookware guide.
