If you don’t have time to read the entire article and just want my recommendation, the Granite Stone Pan is a great choice for a basic, no-frills pan. For a more feature-rich, slightly more expensive option, I’d select the Michelangelo Frying Pan.
Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last 10 years, you’ve probably been subjected to the Granite Stone Pan commercial. In typical infomercial style, they claim that this frying pan can do everything but cure cancer. Eggs slide right out, burnt cheese – no problem, they even smash rocks in the pan without it damaging the non-stick surface! Too good to be true? Let’s find out with a good ol’ Granite Stone Pan Review.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Non-Stick Pan
Non-stick pans are a vital part of any well-equipped kitchen. They allow you to cook delicate items such as eggs or fish while keeping them in one piece without needing oil or butter (and the calories that come with them). Clean up is a breeze. They just make your life easier.
Typically, non-stick pans are coated with either ceramic or Teflon (a seasoned cast iron pan is another option). Both of these materials scratch relatively easily, so metal utensils are off the menu, stick with wood or silicone only. Teflon has fallen out of favor recently because of studies showing that under certain conditions it can transfer toxic chemicals into the food. Because of this, ceramic coated cookware is considered safer and has taken over the market.
Another thing to consider would be the temperature rating. If you plan on popping the pan under the broiler to finish off a dish you’ll want to make sure it can handle the heat.
Although I’ve seen pans range in size from 8 to 14 inches, 10 to 12 inches will usually offer the best compromise for people who want one versatile pan.
Presenting the Granite Stone Pan Review
Now that you’ve learned about the basics of non-stick cookware, let’s take a closer look at the unique features and benefits of the Granite Stone Pan.
Non-Stick Surface
According to the manufacturer, the Granite Stone Pan features a non-toxic, stone-derived coating containing no harmful PFOA. It’s not specifically mentioned whether the pan is PTFE, cadmium, and lead-free, so the jury is still out on that. The coating also contains diamond elements to make it ultra-strong and resistant to scratches. That means you can use this pan with metal utensils and then throw it in the dishwasher after dinner along with everything else.
Aluminum Base
The aluminum base not only helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the Granite Stone Pan, but it also keeps the weight down. The pan looks heavy, and the coating is durable, but the feel is light enough for a child or a person with arthritis to handle easily.
Aluminum is a common material for non-stick pan bases because it’s lightweight and does an excellent job of distributing heat. It’s not as durable as stainless steel bases, though, so you’ll want to take care of it and not bang the pan around too much.
Perfect Size
The Granite Stone Pan comes in 10 and 11-inch sizes, which are both perfect for home cooking. If you cook eggs frequently, I find the 10-inch size is ideal. The 11-inch pan is great for a small family.
The pan is one and a half inches deep, which is an ideal depth to use for frying or making sauces. It can feel a little deep at first when you’re flipping eggs, though, so it might take some practice to perfect that skill.
Oven-Safe
The Granite Stone Pan is oven-safe up to 500°F, which is ideal if you enjoy using your frying pan to finish off a dish in the oven or under the broiler. There aren’t a lot of non-stick pans on the market that are oven-safe past 400°F, so having that extra 100°F with the Granite Stone Pan is a significant advantage.
Dishwasher and Metal Utensil Safe
Probably the most significant benefit of the Granite Stone Pan is that you can toss it in the dishwasher when you’re done using it versus having to hand wash it.
The granite and diamond coating helps to create a thick and durable surface that can withstand some abuse. That’s great news if you’re like me and sometimes need to cut up foods a bit more while they’re in the pan or get a little aggressive with the whisk while making gravy.
Despite the manufacturer’s claims, I never recommend using metal utensils with any non-stick cookware. I think you’re just asking for trouble.
Pros:
- Three layers of ultra-durable non-stick material
- Aluminum base helps to distribute heat evenly
- PFOA free non-stick coating
- Dishwasher and metal utensil safe
- Great price
Cons:
- Still may need some oil or butter for optimal non-stick results
- The aluminum base can react poorly in the dishwasher and discolor and/or cause pitting
- No safety coating on the handle to keep hands from burning
Social Proof
I’ve scoured the internet searching for reviews from real Granite Stone Pan owners to see what the folks who’ve been using this pan consistently for months have to say. I’ve run into a surprising number of positive reviews in the process, and I was happy to see what these real owners had to say. The positive comments focused mainly on value, low price, and durability. On the negative side, it was that the handle was uncomfortable and the pan wasn’t as non-stick as expected.
Alternative Options
There’s plenty of other non-stick pans available. Here are a few of my favorites that may be better suited to your needs. For even more options, please read my Best Ceramic Frying Pan review.
Michelangelo 10” Frying Pan with Lid
The Michelangelo Frying Pan comes with a lid, unlike the Granite Stone Pan. It’s also induction cooktop friendly, which the Granite Stone Pan cannot say. The price is a bit higher but overall, a very nice product. Also available in an 8 and 11-inch version.
Check out the Michelangelo Pan to see if it’s the right option for you!
Features:
- Oven temps of up to 450°F
- Granite-based non-stick coating
- 2-inch depth
- Comes with lid
- PFOA, PTFE, cadmium, and lead-free
10” Stone Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri
The Stone Earth Pan by Ozeri is eco-friendly and mostly toxin-free. The manufacturer claims their pans are PFOA free along with a host of other chemicals, however, it’s not PTFE free. The Stone Earth Pan is roughly the same price as the Granite Stone Pan, but it has some features that outpace the Granite Stone Pan. For instance, the Stone Earth Pan is compatible with induction cooktops.
Go ahead and check out the Stone Earth Pan to see how it compares to similar options.
Features:
- Eco-friendly and toxic-free stone-based coating (not PTFE free)
- Induction cooktop compatible
- Comes in 8, 10, and 12-inch options
- Available in a variety of colors
- Oven temps of up to 446°F
- Silicone coated, heat resistant handle
Caannasweis 11” Non-Stick Stone Skillet Frying Pan
A unique frying pan with a beautiful wooden handle and available in 8, 9 ½, 11, and 12-inch sizes. It works on all cooktops, including induction, and it features a non-stick, stone-coated outer layer over an aluminum core. It’s in the same price range as the Granite Stone Pan. One drawback is it can’t be used in the oven.
Features:
- Wonderful heat distribution
- Hand wash only
- Ergonomic wooden handle
- Lid is available on some sizes
- Not suitable for oven use
Conclusion
The Granite Stone Pan is an excellent choice for an economical, no-frills frying pan. Having a totally dishwasher safe, non-stick pan is almost unheard of, but the Granite Stone Pan solves that problem and even allows you to use metal utensils without scratching the pan’s base.
If this is your first frying pan and looking for something you can use with all of your everyday utensils and equipment, or just hoping to add a little ease into your kitchen routine, then this might be a pan to consider.
However, for more demanding use I feel the Michelangelo Frying Pan is a more feature-rich option. I really loved it and was my personal favorite of the group.
Check out the Granite Stone Pan for yourself!
