A stone coated frying pan is a modern option for kitchen utensils. If for some reason you are not satisfied with Teflon or ceramics, then it is quite reasonable to purchase this option for cookware, as it is environmentally friendly, safe, durable and reliable. And the ergonomics of this product are very impressive. Of course, the cost of a stone-coated frying pan is quite high. But most housewives still prefer this product. To understand the essence of the choice, it is worth understanding the specifics of the frying pan and finding out all the pros and cons.
The resulting vitamins and valuable elements are preserved even during frying.
Properties of stone frying pans
Stone frying pans differ from classic frying pans in their special coating. It is believed that it will not be scratched or deformed. In addition, the mineral stone surface is evenly heated, which helps preserve vitamins and nutrients in the food. Food does not stick to this coating.
Outwardly, it is an ordinary frying pan, but it is not covered with the usual black coating, but with a special mixture of marble or granite chips. It is applied to a metal workpiece by casting or stamping. Depending on the type of pan, the stone layer can be thicker or thinner.
Advantages and disadvantages of stone-coated frying pans
Compared to models with a classic non-stick coating, stone frying pans have the following advantages:
- All surfaces of the dishes that come into contact with food are environmentally friendly. They do not emit toxic substances during frying.
- Stone frying pans withstand mechanical stress well. They have maximum strength and durability, do not scratch or deform during use.
- Food does not stick to such a surface when frying. This helps reduce the calorie content of the dish and save oil.
- The majority of models are suitable for all hobs.
- They are not fussy about care and can withstand washing in the dishwasher very well.
- Due to uniform heating, food cooks faster.
Thanks to the mentioned advantages, stone frying pans are highly valued, which is why they are much more expensive than analogues with a different coating. This is a significant drawback, since not every housewife will be able to treat herself to such a gift.
In addition, the high popularity of stone ware has led to the fact that unscrupulous sellers began to present cheap fakes, passing them off as originals. To buy an original product, follow the markings on the label and the characteristics of the model, and make a purchase only in a familiar store or official brand department.
Some tips for using a stone frying pan
First Use : Once all original packaging has been removed, it is highly recommended that you wash the pan in hot, soapy water and then allow it to dry before using it for the first time.
Cooking : A stone frying pan cooks food evenly, it is recommended to start on low and gradually increase the temperature to avoid burning the food.
Accessories : Consider using wooden spoons for turning food, even if a stone pan is stable, it won't be scratched by a ceramic knife, for example.
Caring for a stone frying pan : Thanks to the non-stick coating, the frying pan does not leave any food residue stuck to the bottom. It is easy to clean. Hand cleaning with special dish soap and hot water will remove any remaining grease from the surface.
The stone frying pan functions even in the long term. To ensure stability, lightly oil the pan and place in the oven at 200°C before first use. After this, you can use it for the first time. Do this every 3-6 months to prevent oxidation. For cooking that requires placing your pan in the oven, limit heat to a maximum of 220°C.
Types of stone-coated frying pans
You can buy a really high-quality model after you first familiarize yourself with the types of stone frying pans. The main performance characteristics of the product depend on the quality of the coating.
Coating made of polymer and stone chips
Such models are the most affordable, but they look no worse than other varieties. To form the coating, a special composition of polymer and stone chips from marble or granite is used. This coating is considered wear-resistant and durable, but requires careful handling.
Stone ceramic coating
Stoneware may consist of feldspar, kaolin, fireclay or quartz. Such a surface is particularly durable and hard, does not wear out for a long time, is environmentally friendly and fireproof. It is more suitable for stewing than for frying, as it loses its non-stick properties over time.
Soapstone coating
The most expensive models. They are characterized by maximum durability and wear resistance. The natural coating material is also called soapstone. Withstands the highest possible temperatures and even releases vitamin D when fried.
Why is a frying pan with a marble coating better than Teflon?
Despite the fact that marble coating can be classified as Teflon, it has a number of advantages. This coating contains stone marble inclusions, which give it excellent properties:
- – thanks to marble chips, the coating has unusual reliability and resistance to wear and scratches;
- – is safe for health and the environment;
- – the material reacts calmly to high temperatures;
- – the dishes heat up quickly;
- – heat is distributed evenly over the coating.
At the same time, frying pans with Teflon and marble coatings cost approximately the same.
Criterias of choice
To ensure that stone-coated cookware lasts a long time and that food does not burn during frying, when choosing, pay attention to its quality characteristics.
Product weight and wall thickness
The mass of the container and the thickness of its walls are closely interrelated. The thicker they are, the more the frying pan weighs. The thickest walls ensure uniform, high-quality heating of food during cooking. As a result, the products do not burn and retain maximum beneficial properties.
The optimal model would be a frying pan with a wall thickness of 3.5 mm and a bottom of 6 mm.
Features of internal and external coating
This characteristic primarily affects the cost of the product. The better the quality of the coating, the higher the price. A model with a soapstone coating is better.
The outer walls can be covered with enamel, ceramics or the same stone. Its presence, as well as quality characteristics, do not affect the performance properties of the frying pan if its walls are thick enough.
Handle modification
Handles can be solid or removable. In the second option, the dishes can be used not only for frying, but also for baking in the oven and beautifully serving.
Handles can be made from:
- plastic that does not deform under high temperatures;
- wood with a special coating;
- metal with rubber inserts;
- silicone.
All modifications do not heat up and fit compactly in the hand. Silicone and plastic handles are slightly lighter in weight than iron and wood.
Size
Choose the diameter of the frying pan based on the amount of food you plan to cook. For example, for one person a size of 18–20 cm will be enough, for two – up to 24 cm, for three or more family members – from 26 cm.
Consider what kind of dish you plan to cook in the container. For example, to fry pancakes you need a small-diameter frying pan with low walls, but for stewing dishes, a large-volume product with high walls is suitable.
Is a lid needed?
Please note when purchasing whether the cover is included. If not, buy more, because without a lid you will not be able to fully use the pan for frying and stewing.
Lids can be made of glass or metal. Both modifications must have a hole for steam to escape; otherwise, it all depends on your preferences. Glass looks aesthetically pleasing and allows you to monitor the process, while metal is more durable and less fragile.
Marking
In the range of stone frying pans you can find modifications with various non-stick coatings. The most popular of them are TEFLON INFINITI, ILAG and GRAND STONE.
TEFLON INFINITI coating is similar to standard Teflon coating, but is developed specifically for stone products. Such devices withstand mechanical impacts well from non-sharp objects.
ILAG can be manufactured in two variations:
- three-layer GRANITEC with mineral particles;
- two-layer ceramic.
GRAND STONE has the best performance characteristics due to granite reinforcement.
The best manufacturers
Since the presence of counterfeits of expensive products is one of the pitfalls, it is advisable to focus on well-known brands when purchasing. Manufacturers who have been producing non-stick cookware for a long time carefully monitor the quality of their products. The best firms include:
- Stoneline. German models have different sizes and shapes, but they are united by high performance characteristics.
- Fissman. The Danish company uses only environmentally friendly materials and produces products with interesting designs.
- Fissler. Classic models from the German manufacturer are distinguished by their reliability and durability.
- Gipfel. A company from Germany offers universal frying pans for different types of stoves and ovens.
- Noryoku. The Japanese company claims that their stone cookware can be used without problems for 20 years.
- Art Granite. A brand from Italy produces small frying pans with seven-layer stone coating at an affordable price.
- Bergner. Marble dishes from an Austrian company are distinguished by their particularly hard coating.
- Kukmara. The Russian company creates frying pans based on the latest German technologies.
In addition to these companies, other manufacturers have also proven themselves well. Among the domestic brands that monitor the quality are Neva Metal Tableware, Mechta Granit, and Skova. Before purchasing, it is advisable to read the documents that provide information about the base material and type of spraying. And it is recommended to purchase the products themselves in stores with a good reputation.
The range of stone frying pans presented in stores is quite wide. It allows you to choose the most suitable model for home cooking. If you wish, you can have a set of such utensils in your kitchen. In this case, the culinary process turns into a pleasant activity that does not require much time.
Art Granite
Bergner
Fissman
Gipfel
Kukmara
Stoneline
Manufacturers rating
The quality of a stone frying pan depends not only on its characteristics, but also on the popularity of the manufacturer. The best products are considered to be models made in Russia and Germany.
Stoneline
Stoneline is a German company. Produces products with fine structure stone coating. Due to this, the pans have a pleasant aesthetic appearance. Suitable for frying and stewing dishes. Minus - non-stick properties last for 3-6 months. During this time, the coating gradually wears off and food begins to stick.
Fissman
The production of this brand is located in Denmark. In the product line you can find models of various colors with different modifications of handles (removable and cast). Aluminum is used as a base, which significantly reduces the weight of products. The coating is made of marble chips, thanks to which the pans have a pleasant aesthetic appearance. They are reliable and wear-resistant. Most models are dishwasher safe. In Fissman frying pans you can cook a lot of different dishes on any cooking surface.
Fissler
Massive German brand frying pans are designed for stewing dishes. Thanks to the high walls (from 5 cm), the liquid does not splash out, which facilitates the process of preparing dishes with gravy. The appearance of such products is particularly elegant due to the original colors: red, black and white. Please note that Fissler pans are very heavy.
Gipfel
German frying pans with stone coating for various purposes. The line includes products with both high walls - for stewing, and thin ones - for frying pancakes. All models are equipped with molded handles and are suitable for various stoves and dishwashers.
Noryoku
Products of the Japanese brand are covered with granite chips. Almost all models have high walls, so they are more suitable for stewing and even boiling food.
Art Granite
Italian stone frying pans are highly wear-resistant and durable. Thanks to the multi-level coating of 7 layers, you can use metal spatulas when frying. The line includes pans for pancakes and grilling, as well as a stewpan. All models are suitable for various hobs and even ovens, thanks to removable handles. Art Granit dishes are dishwasher safe.
Bergner
The products are covered with marble chips in 3 layers. Equipped with a removable belkite wood handle. Square-shaped models are not recognized by induction hobs. The body also has special recesses for sauce.
Kukmara
Russian-made frying pans are particularly durable and wear-resistant. The aluminum base is covered with 5 layers of marble chips, reinforced with ceramics. Food does not stick to the surface even after prolonged use. The line includes models with molded or removable handles. The height of the walls reaches 5–6 cm, which allows you not only to fry, but also to stew various dishes.
Advantages and disadvantages
Stone frying pans are not cheap. But this minus is covered by many pluses. They relate to the convenience of cooking and the quality of the prepared dish. Other advantages of the product include the following properties:
- food preparation time is reduced;
- The stone coating of the frying pan allows you to cook without oil;
- The utensil has a long service life;
- the surface of the product is heated evenly;
- when heated, the entire coating will not emit harmful substances;
- When frying, food does not burn to the walls and bottom;
- beneficial substances are retained in the finished dish;
- Caring for dishes is simple, you only need a sponge and detergent;
- The products have a comfortable shape and beautiful design.
The surface of the frying pan is resistant to mechanical stress. The durable mineral coating, consisting of four to seven layers, is difficult to scratch or deform. Thanks to this property, food can be mixed not with a silicone, but with an ordinary metal spatula.
A high-quality product meets all the stated advantages. However, there are fakes on the kitchenware market. The disadvantages also include the possibility of damage to the coating due to a very strong impact or fall.
Stoneware can be washed in the dishwasher.
Stone coating allows you to cook without oil
Stone-coated cookware heats up evenly
Features of use
Before purchasing, pay attention to the compatibility of the frying pan with the hob, since in very rare cases certain models are not recognized by induction cookers. Basically, most of the range of stone devices are suitable for:
- gas;
- electrical;
- glass-ceramic;
- induction cookers.
To ensure that the frying pan lasts a long time, carry out preparatory measures before using it for the first time. For this:
- Clean the surface with a soft sponge and dishwashing liquid.
- Rinse the product with cold water.
- Dry and grease the surface with a small amount of vegetable oil or fat.
In the future, follow the basic operating rules:
- Wash the pan after each use, using only gentle products and soft sponges;
- do not keep the frying pan on the fire without food;
- do not allow temperature changes: do not put frozen foods on a hot frying pan and vice versa;
- Use silicone, wooden or plastic spatulas when cooking.
In general, the operating rules are quite simple, so it is very easy to ensure the maximum service life of the product.
Which marble-coated frying pan should you choose?
When choosing a product with a marble coating, it is worth highlighting for yourself the characteristics that you want to see in your frying pan. You need to pay attention to the size, configuration, handle (removable or non-removable), thickness of the product, price.
If the choice comes down to budget, then the best option is Mallony MP-20 or MAYER & BOCH MB-25620. If a large working area is important, then NEVA METAL TABLEWARE Karelia 2328 and Bollire VENEZIA BR-1010 would be ideal. For those who value stylish design and excellent quality, Nadoba Mineralica 728416 is more suitable.
The main thing when choosing the right frying pan is to rely on your feelings and read as many reviews as possible about the best models. Having assessed all the advantages and disadvantages of the models, making a choice will be much easier.
Care and storage
The components that make up the stone coating can be damaged if the utensils are not properly maintained or stored. As a result, the pan will lose its non-stick properties. To prevent this:
- use only gentle detergents and soft sponges for washing;
- do not use abrasive substances, hard brushes, or metal sponges to scrub off grease;
- wash the pan only after it has cooled completely;
- use warm water for washing;
- If you want to extend the life of the product, give preference to hand washing rather than machine washing.
Store the pans hanging, and if it is not possible to hang the device, put the items in a stack, placing a soft towel under each one.
Service life of pans
The service life of a non-stick coating depends on many factors. This time is influenced by: the quality of the coating material used, the production method, and how the consumer handles the dishes. Mid-priced products can last up to 7 years if you provide them with proper use and care. If the rules for processing stone products recommended by the manufacturer are violated, this period may be reduced to 3–4 years. More expensive models can last longer.
Stone-coated frying pans are valued for their unique non-stick properties, aesthetic appearance and extreme durability. These pans are a pleasure to use, and maintenance is easy. In the variety of stone-coated products you can find models of different purposes, costs and wear resistance.
What is a non-stick stone coating frying pan
You shouldn’t take the phrase “natural stone frying pan” literally. There are frying pans made from a single piece of mineral that are sold, but more on them later. But more often, under this name, stores offer a metal frying pan with a stone coating. A polymer with non-stick properties - polytetrafluoroethylene, more familiar to our ears as Tefal - is applied layer by layer to a metal blank. And inclusions of minerals have been added to this composition for strength, which also create that very “stone” pattern on the surface.
It makes sense to purchase this cookware option as it is environmentally friendly, safe, durable and reliable.
