Granite Cookware VS Ceramic Cookware – What’s Best For You?
If you are searching for the best cookware set with nonstick interior that can take the place of your Teflon-coated pans, then you have probably be aware of granite cookware and ceramic cookware. But how to know that which one is best when it comes to performance and non-toxicity?
Though produced with different substances, granite and ceramic cookware are nearly equal in performance, safety, and endurance. A good quality Ceramic cookware will not hold an edge over granite concerning color variations and heat retention.
If you want to know that the granite or ceramic cookware can replace your existing Teflon nonstick cookware, then the answer is yes.
Excellent quality granite cookware and ceramic cookware can prevent food from sticking and are also safer to use.
Table Of Content:
Granite Cookware VS Ceramic Cookware
What is Granite Cookware:
Granite cookware is among many kinds of enamelware. It usually consists of a carbon steel core with porcelain enamel coating.
Features:
- Despite its name, the granite cookware will not feature any granite.
- Instead, they consist of a glass-coated stainless steel core.
- The glass is made by fusing porcelain enamel at rather substantial temperatures to make it a nonstick surface.
- The cookware closely resembles granite in its look because the surface is black with gray or white spots all over the surface.
Advantages of Granite Cookware:
Though modern graniteware is no longer as durable as our ancestors used to have, it still has many advantages.
- Unlike cast iron, such cookware will not rust.
- The commonly used ceramic enamel is sterile. It means that you may safely cook acidic ingredients without affecting the taste and odor of the dish.
- The granite cookware of this modern world does not contain harmful chemicals that can endanger your health.
- The carbon steel or aluminum core quickly heats up to decrease your cooking time.
- Granite cookware is lightweight as compared to cast iron.
- Its glossy and smooth surface makes cleaning a breeze.
Disadvantages of Granite Cookware:
Like any product, granite cookware also has some drawbacks.
- It is not suitable for glass stovetops as it can destroy or break the glass.
- Unlike previous versions that may have thicker layers, modern granite cookware is very thin. That causes poor heat retention.
- Granite cookware is fragile and needs to be handled carefully to prevent any damage to the enamel coating. Wooden and plastic utensils are better to use while cooking.
- Although many manufacturers claim their granite cookware is nonstick. However, many buyers still find that their food sticks to the cooking surface.
What is Ceramic Cookware:
Ceramic Cookware became popular in the 1960s as the best non-toxic nonstick cookware alternative to Teflon coated pots. Unfortunately, according to the FDA, glaze, and kiln are being used in traditional ceramic cookware. However, modern ceramic cookware is made according to FDA guidelines and no longer contains Lead. So, therefore, it is safe for everyday cooking.
Features:
Ceramic cookware is a generic name for clay-based pots and pans. There are two types of ceramic cookware.
- The first one has a ceramic coating, and an aluminum core again coated with ceramic.
- The second one is 100% ceramic or a mixture of clay and water baked in a kiln and covered with glaze. Most sets in the marketplace are only ceramic-coated instead of being 100% ceramic.
Advantages of Ceramic Cookware:
Now, we will discuss the advantages of using ceramic cookware.
- You’ll find ceramic cookware free of harmful chemicals including PTFE and PFOA.
- The nonstick coating makes such cookware super simple to wash.
- You can reduce the amount of oil when cooking because the food does not stick.
- This can be a great partner for those who want to pursue a healthful lifestyle.
- Ceramic-coated cookware is lightweight as compared to cast iron.
- It’s non-reactive so that it won’t affect the taste or smell of your meal.
- It comes in various colors and designs.
- Ceramic cookware saves your time while cooking because it quickly gets heat up.
- You may get a well-cooked meal because of its exceptional heat conduction.
Disadvantages of Ceramic Cookware:
Besides many and useful advantages, ceramic cookware has some disadvantages too.
- Ceramic-coating is not metal utensil safe as it can damage the coating.
- Such cookware can be likely to chip.
- This cookware is not suitable for high temperatures.
- Ceramic cookware looses its nonstick a lot quicker and sooner than traditional nonstick.
- Ceramic cookware may warp if exposed to high temperatures, so you need to use the cookware as per manufacturer’s instructions.
- Ceramic coated cookware is cheaper than stainless steel cookware but expensive than traditional Teflon nonstick cookware.
- Not dishwasher safe
- Except Caraway, many other ceramic cookware brands are not oven-safe.
Which one is safe, Granite or Ceramic cookware?
One of the reasons why people choose ceramic or granite cookware would be safety. Traditional nonstick pans usually comprise Teflon, a dangerous substance that often causes flu-like symptoms in humans. Breathing fumes from Teflon may also be fatal to pets.
Unfortunately, a few of these chemicals found in Teflon may likewise be utilized more economically in ceramic or granite cookware, too.
Before purchasing, make sure that the pans and pots you’re buying are free from the following:
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a polymer similar to plastic, will leach chemicals when heated.
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a compound associated with ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.
- Lead can leech into your food and cause food poisoning.
Is old aged ceramic cookware still safe to use?
Specifically, ceramic cookware created before or throughout the 1960s might be toxic to your health and fitness. Throughout this period, ceramic pots and pans consist of lead-based glaze. The glaze usually penetrates the food, especially when heated.
The Food and Drug Administration has since defined regulations for nonstick coatings. For security, look for the sets that do not contain PTFE and PFOA. PFOA phased out of production in 2015, and that means you do not have to face any trouble while purchasing a new set.
While using, if the inner coat becomes scraped, then stop using your ceramic or granite cookware straight away.
Once the nonstick coated cooking surface was compromised, harmful compounds may subsequently leach into the food if they exist at all.
What's the difference in cooking procedures of both Granite and Ceramic cookware?
- Granite pots and pans can bake, roast, saute, or any other cooking functionality. Such cookware spreads heat evenly to reduce burning. Acidic foods would not react with graniteware. That usually means that you can make various dishes without worrying about the affected safety and flavor.
- Ceramic cookware can hold an advantage over granite when it has to do with heat retention. Ceramic cookware can keep the food warm for a long time, making it a perfect choice for entertainment.
- At the same time, ceramic pans are heavier. Therefore, it is going to be much more challenging to move ceramic dishes.
- Both granite and ceramic cookware demand the usage of wooden or plastic cooking utensils.
- Using metal on ceramic or granite surfaces may scratch the nonstick surface and makes your pots and pans almost unusable.
How can we distinguish between Granite and Ceramic cookware in terms of cleaning & durability?
Following are the main differences between granite and ceramic cookware in terms of cleaning and durability.
- Both ceramic and granite cookware are super simple to wash.
- Nevertheless, granite cookware is significantly more dishwasher-friendly as compared to ceramic. Many manufacturers say that their ceramic cookware is dishwasher safe, but we do not recommend this.
- When your beautiful ceramic pot starts to peel off the glaze, you will find it difficult to restore. Although granite cookware may have anti-rust properties, they will still show signs of rust after some time.
- To counteract that, you need to store your cookware in a warm place with airflow.
- Cleaning the surface with a few drops of oil from time to time can also help prevent rust.
- Ceramic cookware does not need this treatment.
- Even if the ceramic pot contains a metal core, its rare to find any rust.
- It is almost impossible to break granite cookware.
- On the other hand, if dropped, the ceramic may break, crack, or chip. If you are clumsy in the kitchen, you can choose granite instead of ceramic.
Conclusion:
Granite and ceramic both are excellent choices in regards to cookware. Therefore, the decision may largely depend on personal preference. To enjoy the benefits, buy a high-quality set that does not contain harmful chemicals. In this way, you can prepare delicious meals that you and your family will enjoy for a long time in the future.