Pans with a stone coating are especially popular among the endless variety of kitchen utensils. They are characterized by a high level of environmental friendliness and excellent quality. Before choosing, study the varieties of similar dishes, compare the advantages and disadvantages, and also determine for yourself the best manufacturer. Let’s consider how to choose a frying pan with a stone coating correctly and not fall for a fake.
Properties
Stone pans differ from classic pans with a special coating. It is believed that it does not scratch or deform. In addition, the surface of the mineral stone is heated evenly, which contributes to the preservation of vitamins and useful substances in the products. Food does not stick to such a 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 the metal workpiece by casting or stamping. According to the type of pan, the stone layer can be thicker or thinner.
Advantages and disadvantages
Compared to models with a classic non-stick coating, stone pans have the following advantages:
- All surfaces of dishes that come into contact with food are environmentally safe. They do not emit toxic substances during frying.
- Stone pans withstand mechanical action well. They have maximum strength and durability, do not scratch or deform during use.
- Products do not stick to such a surface when frying. This helps to reduce the calorie content of the dish and save oil.
- The main mass of models is suitable for all cooking surfaces.
- They are not picky about care, they withstand washing in the dishwasher perfectly.
- Due to uniform heating, dishes are prepared faster.
Thanks to the mentioned advantages, stone pans are highly valued, which is why they cost much more than analogues with other coatings. This is a significant drawback, since not every hostess will be able to pamper herself with such a gift.
In addition, the high popularity of stoneware 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, as well as make a purchase only in a familiar store or an official brand department.
Varieties of pans with a stone coating
You can buy a really high-quality model after you first get acquainted with the types of stone pans. The main operational characteristics of the product depend on the quality of the coating.
- Coating made of polymer and stone chips. Similar models are the most affordable, but they look no worse than other varieties. A special composition of polymer and stone chips of marble or granite is used to form the coating. Such a coating is considered wear-resistant and durable, but requires careful treatment.
- Stone ceramic coating. Stone ceramics can consist of feldspar, kaolin, fireclay or quartz. Such a surface has special strength and hardness, 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.
- Talc chlorite coating. The most expensive models. They are characterized by maximum durability and wear resistance. The natural coating material is also called soapstone. It withstands the highest possible temperatures and even releases vitamin D during frying.
Selection criteria
In order for stone-coated cookware to last a long time and food not to burn during frying, pay attention to the quality characteristics when choosing.
Product weight and wall thickness
The mass of the container and the thickness of its walls are closely related. The thicker they are, the more the pan weighs. The maximally thick walls ensure uniform, high-quality heating of dishes. As a result, products do not burn and retain a maximum of useful properties.
The optimal model will 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 coverage, 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 operational properties of the pan, if its walls are thick enough.
Modification of handles
Handles can be integral 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 them on the table. Handles can be made of:
- plastic that does not deform under the influence of high temperatures;
- trees with a special coating;
- metal with rubber inserts;
- silicone
All modifications do not heat up and lie compactly in the hand. Silicone and plastic handles are slightly lighter in weight than iron and wooden ones.
Size
Choose the diameter of the pan based on the amount of food you plan to cook. For example, 18-20 cm will be enough for one person, up to 24 cm for two, and from 26 cm for three or more family members.
Take into account what kind of dish is planned to be cooked in the container. For example, for frying pancakes, you need a small-diameter pan with low walls, and for stewing dishes, a large-volume product with high walls is suitable.
Do you need a cover?
Pay attention when buying whether the cover is included in the set. If you don’t have it, buy it, because without a lid you won’t be able to fully use the frying pan for frying and stewing.
Lids can be made of glass or metal. Both modifications must have a hole for steam release, 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 assortment of stone pans, you can find modifications with different non-stick coatings. The most popular of them are TEFLON INFINITI, ILAG and GRAND STONE.
The TEFLON INFINITI coating is similar to the standard Teflon coating, but is developed specifically for stone products. Such devices are well resistant to mechanical actions by non-sharp objects.
ILAG can be produced in two variations:
- three-layer GRANITEC with mineral particles;
- two-layer ceramic.
GRAND STONE has the best operational characteristics due to granite reinforcement.
Rating of manufacturers
The quality of a stone pan depends not only on its characteristics, but also on the popularity of the manufacturer. The best products are considered to be:
- Stoneline is a German company. Produces products with stone dusting of a fine structure. Due to this, the pans have a pleasant aesthetic appearance. Suitable for frying and stewing dishes. Minus – non-stick properties are preserved for 3-6 months. During this time, the coating gradually wears off and food begins to stick.
- The production of this brand is in Denmark. In the product line, you can find models of different colors with different modifications of handles (removable and cast). Aluminum is used as a basis, 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 durable. Most models are dishwasher safe. In Fissman pans, you can cook a lot of different dishes on any burner.
- Massive pans of the German brand are designed for stewing dishes. Thanks to the high walls (from 5 cm), the liquid does not splash out, which facilitates the process of cooking 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.
- German pans with a stone coating for various purposes. The line includes both products with high walls – for stewing, and thin ones – for frying pancakes. All models are equipped with molded handles, suitable for various stoves and washing in dishwashers.
- 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 pans are characterized by high wear resistance and durability. Thanks to the multi-level coating of 7 layers, you can use metal spatulas when frying. The line includes pans for pancakes and grills, as well as a casserole. All models are suitable for different cooking surfaces and even the oven, thanks to removable handles. Art Granit dishes can be washed in the dishwasher.
- The products are covered with marble crumb in 3 layers. They are equipped with a removable wooden handle. Square-shaped models are not recognized by induction cooking surfaces. The body also has special recesses for sauce.
Features of use
Before buying, pay attention to the compatibility of the pan with the cooking surface, because in very rare cases, individual models are not recognized by induction hobs. Basically, most of the range of stone devices are suitable for:
- gas;
- electrical;
- glass-ceramic;
- induction plates.
In order for the pan to last a long time, carry out preparatory measures before the first use. 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 rules of operation:
- wash the pan after each use, using only mild detergents and soft sponges;
- do not keep the pan on the fire without food;
- do not allow temperature changes:
- do not put frozen products on a hot pan and vice versa;
- use silicone, wooden or plastic spatulas when cooking.
In general, the rules of operation are quite simple, so it is very easy to ensure the maximum service life of the product.
What dishes can be cooked in a pan with a stone coating
In this matter, your possibilities are limitless. You can cook fried and stewed dishes, create sauces and side dishes. At the same time, you can not add oil for frying, it is enough to grease the surface with it before the first use.
Models equipped with a removable handle can be put in the oven, so you can, in addition to everything, prepare casseroles, pastries and other dishes.
Care and storage
The components that make up the stone coating can be damaged if the dishes are not properly cared for or stored. As a result, the pan will lose its non-stick properties. To prevent this:
- use only mild detergents and soft sponges for washing;
- do not use abrasive substances, hard brushes, or metal sponges to remove grease;
- wash the pan only after it has completely cooled;
- use warm water for washing;
- if you want to extend the life of the product, prefer hand washing instead of machine washing.
Store the pans in a suspended form, and if it is not possible to hang the device – stack the products, placing a soft towel under each one.
Service life of pans
The service life of the 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 behaves with the dishes. Products of the average price category can last up to 7 years if you provide them with proper operation and care. In case of violation of the rules for processing stone products recommended by the manufacturer, this term can be reduced to 3-4 years. More expensive models can last longer.
Frying pans with a stone coating are valued for their unique non-stick properties, aesthetic appearance and special durability. Using such pans is a pleasure, besides, maintenance does not pose great difficulties. In the variety of products with a stone coating, you can find models of different purposes, cost and wear resistance.