So you like the look of granite cookware and you’re looking for a nonstick alternative that can replace your Teflon-coated pots and pans?
Or maybe thinking of picking up an attractive set as a gift?
While they are a durable and healthy cookware option they require proper care to last long and may not be the best choice for every kitchen.
Keep reading and you will get the details about the best models on the market today and find some useful tips that should help you choose.
What Is Granite Cookware?
Granite cookware is one of the many types of enamelware. It typically consists of a carbon steel core which is coated with porcelain enamel. Despite its name, it doesn’t contain any granite and is only named as such because of its similarity in appearance.
This enamel is fused at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit to give it a tough exterior.
In the past, granite cookware had a cast iron base, which made the pieces prohibitively heavy. Nowadays, the steel and aluminum cores make for more lightweight and manageable pieces.
The Granite Pots and Pans Reviewed in the Article
We have tested and compared a variety of complete cookware sets, individual fry pans and sets of pans from multiple brands to give a good overview on the available granite options.
*We select and review all products independently, based on our opinion and customer feedback. Some links on this page are affiliate links and if you make a purchase we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more info on our disclaimer page.
Best overall   | Granitestone Pro 13-Piece Set - Base material: hard-anodized aluminum | Our Rating 9.1
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Best for big families   | Granitestone 20-Piece Set - Base material: stoneware w. stainless steel | Our Rating 8.9
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Best stackable   | Granitestone Stackmaster 15-Piece Set - Base material: anodized aluminum | Our Rating 9.0
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Stylish   | Bialetti Granito Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set - Base material: hard anodized aluminum | Our Rating 9.1
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Best high-end   | Ballarini Parma Aluminum Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set - Base material: cold-forged aluminum | Our Rating 9.3
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Best budget   | Granitestone Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set - Base material: hard anodized aluminum | Our Rating 8.4
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Best granite pan   | Ozeri Stone Earth Nonstick Frying Pan - Base: aluminum w. magnetized plate | Our Rating 9.1
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#8   | T-fal Endura Granite Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set - Base material: forged aluminum | Our Rating 8.8
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#9   | Sky Light Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set - Base material: aluminum w. steel plate | Our Rating 8.6
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#10   | Koch Systeme Nonstick Ceramic Pan - Base: aluminum w. magnetized plate | Our Rating 9.0
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Best overall  |
Granitestone Pro 13-Piece Set - Base material: hard-anodized aluminum |
Our Rating 9.1
|
Best for big families  |
Granitestone 20-Piece Set - Base material: stoneware w. stainless steel |
Our Rating 8.9
|
Best stackable  |
Granitestone Stackmaster 15-Piece Set - Base material: anodized aluminum |
Our Rating 9.0
|
Stylish  |
Bialetti Granito Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set - Base material: hard anodized aluminum |
Our Rating 9.1
|
Best high-end  |
Ballarini Parma Aluminum Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set - Base material: cold-forged aluminum |
Our Rating 9.3
|
Best budget  |
Granitestone Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set - Base material: hard anodized aluminum |
Our Rating 8.4
|
Best granite pan  |
Ozeri Stone Earth Nonstick Frying Pan - Base: aluminum w. magnetized plate |
Our Rating 9.1
|
#8  |
T-fal Endura Granite Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set - Base material: forged aluminum |
Our Rating 8.8
|
#9  |
Sky Light Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set - Base material: aluminum w. steel plate |
Our Rating 8.6
|
#10  |
Koch Systeme Nonstick Ceramic Pan - Base: aluminum w. magnetized plate |
Our Rating 9.0
|
Granitestone Pro 13-Piece Set
Design:
Though these pots and pans are uniformly black in color (except for the handles and glass lids), they have a more straight-edged appearance than the pieces in Granitestone's Stackmaster set.
The handles are silver and medium-length, with tapered Y-shaped handles that are easy to grip. Loop handles can be found on all of the lids, and the saute pan offers a loop handle on one side and a long handle on the other.
Materials:
The hard-anodized aluminum construction gives these pieces durability and superb heat retention. Like many of Granitestone's offerings, they're also equipped with a titanium-reinforced nonstick coating, so it's possible to use less oil and butter when cooking. All of the pieces are wear-resistant, and the coating is hardy enough to stand up to metal utensils—even electric beaters.
The handles, by contrast, are made of stainless steel. They stay cool to the touch as long as they're on the stovetop, but if they're transferred to the oven, pot holders are a must.
Usability:
The Granitestone Pro set is compatible with electric, gas, and glass cooktops, but it's not induction-ready. However, all of the pieces (including the lids) can withstand oven temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the pieces suitable for a broad array of tempting dishes, from breakfast pancakes to Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
It's worth noting that the coating is PFOA-free, so it's safe to use the pans at high temperatures. Since the finish is also more durable than most of the competition, it's capable of putting a good strong sear on steaks, pork chops, and chicken breasts. In fact, there's very little that these pans can't do.
Because the tempered glass lids form a tight seal, more nutrients get locked in during cooking. That's great news for steamed vegetables and braised dishes. It also means that the food will cook more efficiently. When it comes to saucepans and stock pots, we're particularly fond of glass lids, as they allow us to keep a close watch on the ingredients.
Cleaning:
This set is dishwasher safe, which comes in handy during busy evenings. We would still recommend washing the pieces by hand whenever possible, as this helps to maintain the integrity of the nonstick coating. While the material is certainly more durable than most, cleaning them by hand gives us more control over the process.
The set contains:
Pros
Cons
Granitestone 20-Piece Set
Design:
This is one of the most eclectic sets on our list, including a muffin tin and a deep fryer in addition to the usual saucepans and stock pots. The majority of the pieces are black in color, with silver handles and glass lids. While most of them feature a traditional appearance, there's a square frying pan included in the set.
Materials:
The 20-piece set offers a stoneware construction with stainless steel handles. The triple-ply nonstick coating is reinforced with diamonds, making it one of the most durable options on the current market. It also minimizes the need for butter or oil—even for the muffin and loaf pans.
Granitestone's coating is PFOA- and PFOS-free, and contains no lead or cadmium. Families may rest assured that these pieces will cook their food safely and efficiently, with no unwanted side effects.
Usability:
The diamond-hard coating means that these pieces can be used in tandem with metal utensils, whisks, and electric beaters. That comes in especially handy when the stock pot or larger saucepans are used to make side dishes like whipped potatoes.
The pieces are oven safe up to 500 degrees, even the glass lids. Unfortunately, they're not induction compatible, but they can be used on gas and electric stovetops.
This set contains so many pieces, it would be hard for us to list a dish that it was incapable of making. While nonstick surfaces still aren't ideal for pan sauces, this coating is durable enough for us to recommend giving it a shot anyway. Diners who would prefer to eat lighter, meanwhile, can get away without using any oil in their dishes at all.
The stainless steel handles provide a sturdy, efficient grip, and they remain cool when used on the stovetop. We should also point out that they're ergonomically designed to appeal to lefties and righties alike. The material is oven safe and distributes heat evenly and rapidly, making for a fully rounded and reliable cooking experience.
Cleaning:
These pieces are dishwasher safe, and we would recommend taking advantage of this perk whenever possible. The nonstick surfaces can withstand plenty of punishment, so no matter what else is in the dishwasher, the pieces are bound to survive unscathed. However, depending on what ingredients were used, they're also fairly easy to wash by hand.
The set contains:
Pros
Cons
Granitestone Stackmaster 15-Piece Set
Design:
The pots and pans in this set come with gently rounded edges and high sides—with the exception of the larger frying pan, which has a lower profile than the rest. The exteriors and nonstick surfaces are black in color, giving the set a uniform appearance. The tempered glass lids, saucepans, steamer insert, and stock pot are outfitted with loop handles, while the riveted handles on the frying pan have a Y-shape.
Materials:
Granitestone uses an anodized aluminum construction for this set. The triple-ply material is finished with a nonstick coating, and all of the pots and pans are induction compatible. The cool-touch handles won't get too hot during cooking, which reduces the risk of accidental burns. In addition, the nonstick coating is PFOA-free.
Usability:
This set's claim to fame is its stackable nature. It's possible to nestle the pots and pans together so they won't take up too much space in the cabinet, which makes them particularly appealing to buyers with smaller kitchens. Since the set contains no fewer than 15 pieces (including the recipe book), this is no mean feat.
As we mentioned, the pans are induction-ready, but they can also be used on gas and electric ranges. While the nonstick coating isn't suitable for making pan sauces and gravies, it's ideal for egg dishes and casseroles. In fact, the larger saucepans can even be used to bake cakes and other desserts.
The pieces are oven safe, and the included recipe book offers many suggestions for tantalizing dishes. The nonstick finish is warp- and scratch-resistant, too, which is a nice touch. Even though the coating is PFOA-free, it can be unpleasant when bits of it flake off into the food. With this set, there's no need to worry about that.
We think the steamer basket and deep fry basket make excellent additions to this set. They help to boost the versatility of the other pieces, particularly the stock pot and larger saucepan. What's more, while the Granitestone Stackmaster 15-Piece Set isn't exactly cheap, it offers excellent value for the price.
Cleaning:
Nonstick surfaces are notoriously easy to clean, and the pieces in this set are prime examples. The pieces are dishwasher safe, but the pots and pans can often be cleaned with just a few swipes of a wet dish cloth. For the glass lids, baskets, and crisper tray, meanwhile, the dishwasher comes in handy.
The set contains:
Pros
Cons
Bialetti Granito Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set
Design:
The pieces in this set are gray in color, with broad heatproof handles that are easy to grip. The saucepans and Dutch oven are outfitted with glass lids, all of which have arched handles with the same black heatproof coating. All of the pieces are thick-walled, heavy, and sturdy.
Materials:
A 3-layer granite and aluminum construction with PFOA-free nonstick interior distinguishes the Bialetti Granito set. The nonstick surface is hardly enough to stand up to metal utensils, but we would recommend being as gentle as possible to avoid gouges. Fortunately, such force is usually not necessary.
This cookware is suitable for gas and glass oven ranges, but it's not induction-ready. The riveted handles are coated with oven-safe silicone for easy gripping. All four of the saucepans are equipped with tight-fitting glass lids.
Usability:
These pans are oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit—not an overly generous temperature, but sufficient for most simple baking applications. Because of the heatproof silicone handles, the pans can be easily transferred from the stovetop to the oven. If you're looking for a nonstick cookware set that's ideal for casseroles.
It should be noted that the pans need to be washed by hand—the dishwasher could damage the nonstick finish. But the good news: they clean up easily and quickly with just a few swipes of a nonabrasive sponge.
We think the handles on the sauté pans are the set's best features—they're broad at the ends, tapering as they approach the body of the pan. The high arched handles on the glass lids are just as impressive.
The set contains:
Pros
Cons
Ballarini Parma Aluminum Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set
Design:
Gray in color, these heavy pans are outfitted with non-riveted handles and high, steep sides. The saucepans and Dutch oven come with glass lids, all bearing a tight black handle with a scoop pattern. The handles on the saucepans themselves have a similar design, but a slightly sturdier build.
Materials:
The pans in the Ballarini Parma set are composed of cold-forged aluminum with a titanium nonstick coating. This coating contains a myriad of ceramic particles, making it safe for metal utensils.
The glass lids feature metal rings around the edges for stability and longevity. A silicone coating makes the handles easier to grip, but we think they could be larger.
Usability:
It should be noted that the silicone handles are only heatproof to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. At higher temperatures, the material will melt off. For this reason, we would not recommend putting these pans in the oven.
The handles do have another cool feature. However, they turn red when they're too hot to touch and fading to green when they become cool enough to handle. The durable construction and Thermo-point technology give these pans superb temperature control.
The surface resists overheating, so ingredients are less likely to burn. Cleanup is fairly simple, but we would not recommend putting the Ballarini pans in the dishwasher.
The set contains:
Pros
Cons
Granitestone Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set
Design:
The pans in the Granitestone set are dark charcoal in color, with black nonstick interiors.
The glass lids feature stable metal rings around the edges, while the fry pans and saucepans are equipped with long riveted silver handles.
Looped handles are affixed to the glass lids and either side of the stockpot and steamer basket.
Materials:
An anodized aluminum construction with multilayer nonstick coating distinguishes the Granitestone set. All of the materials used in their composition are PFOA-free. The large steamer insert is composed of stainless steel, along with the handles on the pans and glass lids. The handles are designed to remain cool to the touch during cooking.
The set is not induction-ready, but otherwise can be used on any type of cooking range. It's also oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and suitable for the dishwasher.
Usability:
The fact that it's oven and dishwasher safe gives this set a convenience and versatility that we find appealing, especially for granite cookware.
We're particularly fond of the glass lid for the 10.25-inch fry pan, something that's tough to find in a pan this size. The steamer insert is another nice touch, although we think the holes could be smaller.
The bad news is the aluminum is on the flimsy side, so you should take care when washing and storing these pans.
We would also advise against the use of metal utensils or other sharp objects on the nonstick interiors. Fortunately, these pans are set at a low enough price to forgive their weak points.
The set contains:
Pros
Cons
Ozeri Stone Earth Nonstick Frying Pan
Design:
The exterior of this pan is light gray in color, while the interior boasts a black-and-gray speckled design that makes it easy to spot. A stout black handle is affixed to the pan via three small rivets. The base is flat and even, and the sides have a gentle slope and a generous height.
Materials:
The Ozeri Stone Earth pan utilizes heavy-gauge aluminum in its construction, with an APEO- and PFOA-free stone-derived coating. The magnetized base is induction-ready, so it's suitable for all cooking ranges.
A silicone finish helps to keep the handle cool. The company claims that the nonstick coating is durable enough to withstand plenty of punishment, but we would recommend sticking with silicone or wooden utensils to preserve its integrity.
Usability:
While this is an impressively sturdy pan with a flat bottom that resists warping, it's not oven-safe like some of our other listings.
However, the fact that it's induction-ready gives it a slight edge over the competition. Because of its high sides, it's perfect for hearty egg scrambles or single servings of chicken-fried steak.
The handle allows for a decent grip, but we think it could be a bit longer. On the plus side, the sturdy rivets do an excellent job of keeping it in place. You won't have to worry about a loose or jiggly handle when you're tossing veggies for a stir-fry.
Pros
Cons
T-fal Endura Granite Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
Design:
The T-fal Endura set consists of two heavy flat-bottomed fry pans, both with a speckled charcoal exterior and black nonstick interior. With the speckled pattern, the manufacturers aimed to give the pans the appearance of a starry sky.
The pans feature a broad, flat base and high, gradually sloping sides. The silver handles are angled at the end, providing the pans with good balance and stability.
Materials:
These pans are made of aluminum and finished with PFOA- and PTFE-free ceramic that's heatproof to 570 degrees Fahrenheit. Their interiors are also ceramic, forged to give them a nonstick finish. Riveted stainless steel handles round out the construction.
The T-Fal Endura pans are oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can be transferred from the stovetop to the oven. While they're suitable for most stovetops, the material is not induction-ready. We would also recommend avoiding the use of metal utensils in order to preserve the integrity of the finish.
Usability:
Because of their high-heat capabilities, these pans are exceedingly versatile. The smaller one is suitable for fried eggs and omelets, while the other is large enough to handle sautéed dishes and stir-fries for 3-4 people. The clever construction of the riveted handles makes them easy to manipulate.
While you can certainly use these pans for dishes that need finishing in the oven, they're ideal for stovetop use. The generous sides keep the ingredients from spilling out, even with vigorous stirring and flipping.
These pans are dishwasher safe, meaning that cleanup is a snap. That said, the nonstick finish will usually come clean with just a few swipes of a nonabrasive sponge.
The set contains:
Pros
Cons
Sky Light Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set
Design:
This set consists of two fry pans, two saucepans, one sauté pan, and a stockpot. Every piece except for the two fry pans is outfitted with a glass lid.
The pieces have a black exterior, speckled with white, while the lids feature knob-style silver handles. The smaller pieces are equipped with long silver handles, while the stockpot has one looped handle on either side.
Materials:
The Sky Light pans feature a BPA-free aluminum construction with a nonstick marble-stone finish.
While it's APEO-and PFOA-free, this coating is slightly rough on the exterior. The nonstick coating is scratch-resistant, so it's safe to use metal utensils when cooking.
These pans are oven safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used on any type of cooktop, including induction. Note that the glass lids should not be placed in the oven. All the components are dishwasher safe.
Usability:
We like the versatility that this set offers, particularly as the saucepans and stockpot are generously sized. The fry pans are on the smaller side, but the 9.5-inch model is suitable when preparing meals for one to two people.
It's worth noting that these pans are nonstick both inside and out, which makes cleanup that much simpler. Their wide, flat bottoms give you stability when cooking, and the lightweight aluminum makes them easy to handle.
The riveted handles on the pans are well-designed, but we think the knobs on the glass lids are a bit flimsy. On the plus side, they're small enough to allow you a good view of the ingredients when the lids are in place.
The set contains:
Pros
Cons
Koch Systeme Nonstick Ceramic Pan
Design:
With its bright pink finish and black-and-white mottling, this pan is sure to stand out amongst your other cookware.
The riveted handle is also pink with dark magenta streaks in a broad V-pattern, and is tapered so that it's thicker where it meets the business end of the pan.
This is a fairly shallow pan, with low sloping sides, measuring 10 inches in diameter.
Materials:
Koch advertises an APEO- and PFOE-free aluminum construction for its Systeme pan, with a nonstick interior and "Bakelite" handle for a comfortable grip. The pan can be used on any type of stovetop—electromagnetic, gas, electric, ceramic, or halogen. The nonstick interior is too delicate for metal utensils or abrasive sponges, but it should last for many years with the proper care.
Usability:
Although the Koch Systeme pan is not suitable for either the oven or the dishwasher, it has plenty to recommend it nonetheless. The attractive design is eye-catching, making it a conversation piece as well as a cooking tool.
It's well-proportioned and generously sized, and the nonstick coating is as effective as any we've come across. It's also induction-ready for added versatility.
The tapered handle has an unusual yet effective design, allowing for a decent grip. We've noticed that while it heats evenly, it can take a while for it to achieve the proper temperature, particularly on glass cooktops. Keep this in mind when you're working with a tight schedule.
Pros
Cons
Frequent Asked Questions
How to Choose Granite Cookware?
First and foremost, your granite cookware should be PTFE- and PFOA-free. This allows you to heat the pans to high temperatures without worrying about chemicals leaching into the food.
Second, it helps if the finish is durable enough to withstand the use of metal cooking implements. If it's too soft, you might have to replace the pans within a year or two.
Also, look for pieces that are compatible with your kitchen and the type of cooking that you plan to do. If you have an induction cooktop, you'll need to make sure that the pieces are induction-ready.
Similarly, if you're hoping to use the pans for dishes that need to be finished in the oven, look for granite cookware that's oven safe.
Finally, check out whether the company backs up their product with a warranty. A 12-month warranty is typical, but some manufacturers will offer a lifetime guarantee.
Is Granite Cookware Safe to Use?
Yes, granite cookware is entirely safe. The high-temperature fusion creates a non-porous, entirely inert surface that won't react with your ingredients during cooking. Nevertheless, if the ceramic becomes chipped or otherwise compromised, the cookware should be discarded right away.
Which is Better: Ceramic or Granite Cookware?
In terms of durability and performance, ceramic and granite are directly comparable. They're also equally safe to use, as long as they're in good condition.
Ceramic does offer more variety on the aesthetic level—there are more colors available, for instance—and the heat retention tends to be better. On the other hand, the ceramic coating isn't suitable for metal utensils, nor is it ideal for high-heat cooking applications. In these regards, granite cookware is the preferred choice.
For a detailed comparison, read our granite vs ceramic article.
Is Granite Coating Better than Teflon?
While Teflon has more efficient nonstick properties overall, we think granite is superior. Why? Namely, because granite won't emit any toxic fumes, making it a safer alternative. As long as it receives the proper care, the granite coating should also last longer than Teflon, so it provides better value in the long run.
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