Stone-coated frying pan: how to choose, review

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.

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.

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.

How to choose a good stone frying pan

A real frying pan made from stone chips is heavy and has thick walls and a bottom. By the way, the thicker the bottom, the more evenly the heat is distributed, the tastier the cooked food turns out, and the longer the frying pan will last. The thickness varies between 4-7 mm. A suitable thickness for the bottom of a stone frying pan is at least 6 mm, and the walls - over 3.5 mm.

Pay attention to the diameter of the cookware. This affects the amount of food you can cook at one time. For one person, a diameter of 24 centimeters is enough; for a small family of two or three people you will need a frying pan with a diameter of 26 centimeters. And for more people, purchase a model with a size of 28 centimeters.

A diameter of 24-28 centimeters is chosen for stewing and frying vegetables, meat, fish and other products. Sizes smaller than 24 centimeters are suitable for making pancakes and pancakes, as well as scrambled eggs. By the way, for pancakes it is better to choose products with low sides. Then you can easily turn the dough over during frying.

The most convenient and functional models are those with removable handles. This dish can be placed in the oven. The handle should be heat-resistant and comfortable. For solid stone products, choose copper alloy handles. For an aluminum frying pan with stone chips, choose rubberized handles that do not heat up and do not slip out of your hands.

For pans that you will use for constant cooking, a lid is a must. Don't forget about the lid. It should fit well with the dishes, be securely fastened and have a valve or hole for steam to escape out. Choose transparent lids that can be moved during cooking.

Unfortunately, today you can find many fakes. Thus, some unscrupulous manufacturers mix titanium with polymers, which only superficially imitates a stone coating. Others paint ceramics to match the color of the stone. This coating turns out to be harmful and less durable.

Therefore, buy dishes only in branded stores. In this case, it is advisable to choose a solid coating, and not in the form of crumbs, or purchase products made from solid stone. The best stone-coated frying pans include Stoneline, Fissman, Gipfel, Fissler, Noryoku and Art Granit. The best Russian manufacturers are Kukmara and SCOVO.

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.

What are the best stone frying pans?

The market is filled with offers of stone frying pans. But to avoid disappointment with your purchase, it is better to pay attention to proven brands in this area.

Tvs

The Italian brand has created convenient frying pans with non-stick ceramic coating. The models have ergonomic handles with silicone inserts. The highlight is the pleasant color of the pans and laconic design.

TVS brand pans are very popular.

Stoneline

Buyers note the vaunted German quality of these pans. The brand has a wide range of models, from a small pancake maker to a spacious wok.

Fissman

Universal frying pans from the Danish manufacturer are marked “PFOAfree” on all products, which confirms the safety of the materials used for human health and the environment. The model range includes very bold and interesting designs.

For many years, FISSMAN has been creating cookware that is strong, durable and safe.

Fissler

German manufacturers do not pursue unique design solutions, but one hundred percent guarantee quality, durability and convenience in their products. Most often, this brand ends up in the kitchens of professionals.

Gipfel

The protective coating of frying pans from the German brand Gipfel uses marble chips. The removable handle makes this model indispensable for use in the oven. Suitable for all types of cooking surfaces.

Gipfel frying pans have proven themselves well.

Noryoku

Handmade granite frying pan from Japan. The manufacturer guarantees the service life of its creation for more than 20 years. The shape of the cookware is universal and allows it to be used for both frying and stewing foods.

Art Granite

Italian frying pan TimA Art Granit with a seven-layer non-stick coating made of stone chips. To the advantages that are characteristic of stone-coated dishes, this model adds one more - an affordable price. The downside is the small diameter.

The “TimA” frying pan from the ART GRANIT series is a worthy choice.

Bergner

The Austrian brand uses marble coating in its frying pans. Durability, reliability and damage resistance are guaranteed.

Kukmara

The Russian brand uses cast aluminum bodies with additional grooves on the bottom as the basis for cookware. Non-stick coating with mineral chips is developed based on German technologies.

A good cast thick-walled frying pan with a non-stick coating.

NEVA METAL TABLEWARE

Domestic frying pan with high-quality marble coating. It is deep and wide, which allows you to cook a huge range of dishes in it. Users note ease of use.

Dream "Granite"

Inexpensive Russian-made pancake pan. The universal size of 22 cm and high-quality coating allow you to enjoy the process of preparing pancakes quickly and without the use of oil.

The “Dream” cast thick-walled aluminum frying pan will become an indispensable tool and reliable assistant in your kitchen.

Purchasing a frying pan made of stone or coated with natural stone is the best assistant for cooking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The main thing is to approach the purchase carefully and not trust little-known companies without quality certificates.

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:

1. Clean the surface with a soft sponge and dishwashing liquid.
2. Rinse the product with cold water.
3. 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.

How to care for a stone frying pan

Caring for a stone frying pan is quite simple. When cooking, use soft silicone or wooden spatulas and spoons. In addition, do not use hard brushes. These pans can be washed in the dishwasher using liquid, non-abrasive detergent. However, it is better to wash such dishes by hand, then they will last longer.

Products should not be exposed to sudden temperature changes. Do not place cold dishes over high heat or place a hot container in cold water. Otherwise, cracks and other defects may occur. Do not cut in a frying pan and wash the products only after they are completely dry.

Before the first use, an all-stone frying pan should be greased with vegetable oil and carefully calcined, heating over low heat. Stone frying pans will complement and highlight the interior of the kitchen. They will make the design more luxurious and sophisticated.

Such dishes look especially organic with a stone sink and countertop. How to care for a stone countertop, read the link https://vsepodomu.ru/uborka/kak-ukhazhivat-za-stoleshnitsej-iz-iskusstvennogo-kamnya/.

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.

Nuances of operation and care

Unlike conventional cookware with a non-stick coating, a stone frying pan does not have strict restrictions and care rules. However, there are a number of recommendations that it is advisable to follow to extend shelf life and maintain an aesthetic appearance. These include:

• before washing a dirty frying pan, it should be allowed to cool to room temperature;
• Hot dishes should not be placed on a cold stand, and cooled ones should not be placed on a fire;
• When cleaning, do not use metal brushes or rough abrasives;
• the oily surface is degreased using liquid detergents;
• For washing, ordinary foam sponges and washcloths, and cloth napkins are suitable;
• empty utensils should not be heated over a fire for too long, as this will damage the coating;
• when cooking, you can use metal utensils, but it is better to use wooden or silicone ones;
• The most gentle way to clean a frying pan is to wash it by hand under running water.

With proper use, cookware can be used for up to 4 years, and some stone-coated frying pans can be used for up to 7 years.