Is Granite Cookware Safe? Unveiling the Truth

Are you worried potential about cooking healthily? Of course, none of us want a frying pan full of chemicals. Granite cookware has gained popularity for its claim of being non-toxic, safe, and easy to cook and clean. However, there’s a lot of misinformation circulating about it.

indeed, granite stone cookware isn’t always made of actual stone. More often than not, it’s just aluminum coated with non-stick materials that aren’t much different from the ones found in Teflon.

This raises concerns about the safety of granite frying pans. Even when they are considered safe, they are generally less environmentally friendly than other sustainable cookware and non-toxic bakeware options.

If you’re set on having speckled pots and pans, some granite cookware choices are deemed safe and keep harmful chemicals away from your cooking.

At Sustainable Jungle, all our recommendations undergo independent research, and we verify claims with the brands. To minimize waste, we only test products when necessary. Because it’s a complex issue, let’s we explore about it.

Is Granite Cookware Safe For Cooking

Granite cookware excels in low and medium-heat cooking scenarios. Its thick and broad base ensures uniform heat distribution and conduction, providing precise control over the cooking process.

Thanks to its mineral outer surface, granite cookware is resistant to rust, setting it apart from other cookware types. Versatile in use, it’s compatible with various stovetops such as gas, electric, glass, and induction.

Notably, granite cookware is free from lead, ensuring that no harmful toxins are released into your food during the cooking process.

What Is Granite Cookware and what is made of?

The phrase ‘granite cookware’ refers to any cookware that has a core made of carbon steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, and is coated with high-quality and very durable non-stick finishes. This term covers a wide range of cooking tools, such as pots, pans, grills, and bakeware, regardless of their specific shapes and designs.

includes this type of metal

1. Enamel-coated cast iron
2. Glass-ceramic composite “stoneware”
3. Nonstick ceramic stoneware
4. Aluminum with a PFOA/PTFE “granite” coating
5. Porcelain (kaolinite clay over aluminum)
6. 100% stoneware (100% clay)
7. Glass-ceramic (Pyrex)

The name “granite” is given to this cookware because of its speckled appearance, which, along with its excellent heat conductivity and consistent cooking, has made it increasingly popular.

Interestingly, this enamel cooking material originated in Germany during the 1700s. German innovators discovered that by fusing metal and glass at a high temperature of 2000°F, they could create a durable enamel coating for pots and pans.

Now, you might wonder about the difference between stoneware and graniteware. Honestly, not much. Sometimes, a layer of stone or glass is fused onto the pot or pan surface, turning it into “granite stoneware” or just “granite.” However, a pot labeled as granite may not have much stone in its composition.

Labeling cookware as “stoneware” or “granite” is a clever marketing strategy (also known as greenwashing) to make it sound natural and durable, divert attention from potential toxic coatings, and create an impression of being old-fashioned and toxin-free.

When shopping for granite cookware, you may encounter terms like PFOA and PTFE. Finding PFOA-free granite cookware is straightforward, but PTFE-free options can be more challenging. These acronyms matter because they relate to potentially harmful substances, and understanding them is crucial when evaluating the quality of granite stone cookware.

PFOA Granite Coating

Part of the PFAS chemical family, PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, is a harmful substance linked to various health problems and does not break down in the environment.
It’s known as the “poison found in everyone,” even unborn babies. Due to its serious health risks, this “forever chemical” is now banned in the US and is no longer used in the production of kitchenware.

PTFE Granite Coating

While PFOA-free cookware is becoming more common, it doesn’t automatically mean your frying pan is in the non-toxic category.
Instead of PFOA, other “GenX” PFAS-family chemical coatings, especially in granite stone cookware, are often used.
The most common substitute is PTFE, polytetrafluoroethylene, or Teflon® (since they switched from PFOA to PTFE in 2013).
PTFE is a man-made hydrocarbon-based polymer, considered safe at low temperatures but releases toxins and dangerous fumes beyond 400°F, which can cause flu-like symptoms in humans and be lethal to birds.

At 536°F, serious trouble arises. The colorless and odorless toxic particles and acidic gases released can harm humans and are fatal to birds. Bird owners should avoid using PTFE pots and pans. Because it’s just a coating, using metal utensils can scratch granite cookware, potentially allowing chemicals and toxic substances underneath (usually toxic aluminum) to leach into food.

Moreover, PTFE breaks down into PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are harmful to both humans and the environment. Being PFOA-free is a minimum requirement. To ensure cookware is truly toxin-free, it’s essential to look for PFAS-free and PTFE-free options. However, without knowing the replacements for PFAS, it’s challenging to confirm that a pan is entirely free of toxins.

Is granite cookware safe? Or is it like Teflon?

In many cases, granite stone cookware is similar to Teflon, but not always. Due to general misleading marketing, it’s crucial to scrutinize each brand and item individually to identify those with healthier coatings.

Granite stoneware and non-stick coatings are often used interchangeably. Essentially, there are two types of coatings: safe ceramic and PTFE non-stick coatings.

But are non-stick ceramic coatings healthy?

Unlike PTFE, nonstick ceramic coatings are derived from sand or clay, making them a genuine type of stoneware. They don’t contain potentially toxic fluorinated compounds like PTFE nonstick cookware.

However, any cooking pan with a coating, whether a small saucepan or a large Dutch oven, demands careful cooking and maintenance. Even with proper care, they typically have a relatively short lifespan of about three years, making them less sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions For Is Granite Cookware Safe

Is granite cookware chemical-free?

Yes, granite cookware is often considered chemical-free. Many people appreciate granite cookware not only for its attractive appearance that complements various kitchen decors but also for its quality being free from harmful chemicals such as PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.

Which is better granite or non-stick cookware?

Both granite cookware and non-stick cookware have distinct advantages catering to various cooking needs. Granite cookware stands out for its stylish appearance, durability, and versatility, whereas non-stick cookware excels in effortless food release and the ability to use minimal oil.

Which cookware is best?

Copper is considered the best heat conductor among materials used for making cookware. It heats up quickly and evenly, and once removed from the heat source, it cools down rapidly, providing maximum control over the application of heat during cooking.