Features of stone coated cookware

Frying pans with a stone coating appeared on the showcases of utility departments not so long ago, but immediately became popular with Russian housewives and even supplanted some cast iron and Teflon options. The non-stick qualities of stone-coated pans were immediately appreciated, but this is not the only advantage of such pans.

Stone-coated pans are reliable, durable and durable containers that, despite their high price, are only gaining popularity. The housewives are attracted by the interesting design of the dishes, their environmental friendliness and safety. The stone is resistant to falls, scratches do not form on it for a long time, the material does not deform and has non-stick properties.

The body of such a frying pan is made of aluminum coated with granite or marble stone dusting. This is the most requested option. A more expensive specimen is made with a layer of stoneware, it is heavy and is more often used for stewing than for frying, but it is considered more resistant and durable. All-stone soapstone pans are even more durable.

For those who cannot decide to buy utensils with a stone coating, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the main advantages of such a frying pan.

• The coating includes only natural raw materials, so that when heated, the material does not generate toxic components that could harm the human body.
• These dishes are very durable, they are resistant to cracks, deformation, and easily endure harsh operating conditions.
• The stone frying pan can be used for healthy cooking as oil is not required to cook. These dishes contain less fat, cholesterol and carcinogens.
• The even distribution of heat helps to preserve vitamins and other elements that benefit a person in food.
• The dishes heat up quickly, which means that the dishes are cooked much faster.
• These are versatile pans that fit any type of stove. Plus, they are easy to clean. For example, most are dishwasher safe.
• The aesthetic appearance improves the emotional mood of the hostess, which undoubtedly affects the quality and taste of the dishes being prepared.

Before buying a stone coated pan, it is important to study the disadvantages of this product... So, the main disadvantage is the high price, although it is due to excellent performance. And also the disadvantages include heavy weight: this complicates the cooking process.

When going to the store for stone-coated dishes, pay attention to certain criteria.

• The weight. A quality stone skillet is always heavy and has thick sides. The greater the mass, the more evenly the dish will distribute heat, and the less likely it is that the dish will burn. Choose specimens with a bottom thickness of at least 6 mm and a side thickness of 3.5 mm or more.

• Variety. The highest quality pan is considered to be a soapstone container, but this is a very expensive product, completely consisting of stone. A more affordable alternative is a stoneware specimen. The cheapest option is cast aluminum alloy. The quality of roasting in such a bowl does not suffer, but it will last less than other options.

• Pens. Give preference to copper alloy handles: they are safe as they do not react with the coating and do not affect the quality of the food. Copper handles are common in soapstone versions. Aluminum specimens are usually offered with rubberized handles. This is very convenient, since such holders do not slip out of your hands and do not heat up. Removable handles are recommended.

• The size. The most popular are samples with a diameter of 20, 22, 24, 28 cm. When choosing a size, start from the number of family members. And also keep in mind the dishes that you most often intend to cook in this pan. For example, if these are pancakes, then choose small, compact specimens, but if households prefer filled pancakes, then buy a pancake maker with a wider circumference. If the dishes are needed for the preparation of semi-liquid dishes, then pay attention to the high saucepan.

• Lid. Experienced housewives recommend choosing glass lids, as through them you can clearly see how the dish is being prepared. If the house already has lids of a suitable diameter, then there is no point in overpaying for this accessory if it comes with a frying pan. In this case, it is better to choose a separate skillet without a lid.

The cookware manufacturer is also of great importance. Products with a stone coating are produced by both foreign firms and domestic manufacturers, and in terms of quality, such specimens are in no way inferior to each other. Based on customer reviews, you can make a rating of the most popular manufacturers, which have both pros and cons.

• Stoneline. The company produces versatile utensils that are perfect for frying, stewing, and making sauces. These are very aesthetic pans, as the stone dusting has a fine structure. However, according to the observations of housewives, after six months of use, the dishes lose their non-stick properties, and the products begin to burn.

• Fissman. In this case, housewives like the color variety of products. Among the pans of different colors, you can pick up a copy that fits perfectly into a particular kitchen interior. Stone chips - marble. The body is made of aluminum, so these are not too heavy products. Among the advantages is the equipment with removable handles.

• Fissler. This manufacturer offers models with high sides that allow you to cook semi-liquid dishes, broths, stews, sauces. The height of the walls is from 5 cm. The dishes themselves have a very nice design, including a noble matte finish in black, white or red. Among the minuses, there is a lot of weight.

• Gipfel. This manufacturer produces aluminum pans with high sides: from 5 cm. The range includes a crepe maker designed for specific purposes. These dishes are dishwasher safe. Of the shortcomings, they are called non-removable handles, which sometimes cause inconvenience during cooking.

When using stone pans, do not use iron spatulas and forks, use only wooden appliances. This will maximize the life of the cookware. Most items are dishwasher safe, but it is still recommended to give preference to a manual wash: this will make the pan more durable.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature. For example, do not reheat food from the refrigerator directly on the stove, wait until the dish in the pan reaches room temperature, and only then put it on gas. It is even easier to transfer the serving to a separate container. And also do not put a hot pot under cold water: a sharp change in temperature threatens the formation of cracks and other damage.

For the pros and cons of stone-coated cookware, see the video below.