Over the past few years, cookware with various non-stick coatings has become very popular. This material is one of the solutions that appeared not so long ago. The products are also simply called marble or granite. Marble is not used completely for such options - we only mean the spraying present in the composition. Teflon is also the basis of such a product as a frying pan with a marble coating.
The kitchen equipment market provides a wide range of high-quality and reliable frying pans.
What is marble coating on a frying pan?
A polished surface that remains absolutely smooth is the main feature of products whose coating is granite. The structure is built on standard cast aluminum pans. There is a double layer of non-stick properties if we are talking about cheap products. This is followed by a layer of marble chips. The frying pan is based on aluminum, because it is characterized by high thermal conductivity.
A marble-coated frying pan is an interesting option for kitchen utensils that is created from durable material with a stone coating.
Marble coating always comes from the top. But there are also more complex options, with the addition of marble chips to each layer. Then durability wins, but the prices of a frying pan with a marble coating also increase, the pros and cons of which will be discussed separately.
The final cost of the product depends on how many non-stick layers there are. Three or five are for the most expensive models, the rest are supplied with only two. The factor affects strength and wear resistance.
The cooking process will be more comfortable and convenient.
Korea and China are the largest producing countries of such frying pans, although they are produced and sold all over the world. Polished marble chips also impart a certain color scheme. The Russian type of products also takes this into account.
Coating features
A frying pan with a granite coating has a smooth, polished surface. The basis is a standard cast aluminum frying pan, which is coated with a double non-stick layer if we are talking about inexpensive options. After this, a coating of marble chips is applied. The product is based on aluminum, as it has excellent thermal conductivity.
In almost all such models, marble coating is applied after the non-stick layer, that is, on top of the product. But there is another, more complex system, in which marble chips are added to each layer. Such options are more durable and have a high price.
The cost of a frying pan depends on the number of non-stick layers applied. Cheap models most often have two layers, while expensive ones have three or five. Not only the cost of the utensil, but also its strength and wear resistance depends on their quantity. Especially if you compare a marble and a Teflon frying pan.
Granite frying pans are now produced all over the world, but the largest supplying countries for this product are Korea and China. The color scheme of these kitchen utensils most often varies from gray, black, brown to sand colors with light speckles, which are based on polished marble chips. Now they are widely popular, as it is believed that such pans have a positive effect on the taste of food and the process of its preparation. In fact, this is a myth and their unusual design in no way affects the quality of food or cooking.
The harm and benefits of marble pans
The main differences from the closest analogues include the structure, known for its heterogeneity. Long service life is ensured by proper care. The degree of wear resistance, including benefits, depends on the total thickness of the coating.
Marble is a natural stone that ideally combines strength, reliability, safety, excellent environmental friendliness and naturalness.
A marble frying pan is practically synonymous with Teflon frying pans. The material cannot be called terribly poisonous, but it is not absolutely harmless either. Designs remain harmless only if the operating rules are followed. First of all, this concerns overheating. It should not be allowed under any circumstances. Otherwise, the product only causes harm.
Manufacturers managed to create a marble non-stick coating for comfortable use when preparing food.
Features of frying pans with marble chips
There are several parameters that you should pay attention to.
- A stable protective film that prevents active interaction with the environment. With long-term use, the products have proven themselves to be the best, their appearance and original qualities are preserved for a long time. The unusual external design is also attractive.
- The resistance to mechanical stress is also greater than that of other similar materials.
- China and Korea are factories that have become suppliers of most of these products.
- Affordable prices, each buyer will choose the appropriate option for current operating conditions.
- Marble frying pans can even be used on induction hobs. The ceramic option is not suitable for this.
- Hive, diamond-shaped and honeycomb surface - various models of such pans are produced. If desired, it is easy to increase the quality of the cooking process, the same area to cover the heating.
- The dishes do not impose strict requirements for washing and care; any family member can handle this without any problems.
Maximum strength and resistance of the coating to external loads. This protects the product from negative mechanical effects.
The specific service life depends on the manufacturer of a particular product.
Which coating is better, ceramic or marble?
If you choose between these two options, marble pans will definitely be the best solution. Ceramics have high prices, because they are presented as an absolutely environmentally friendly product. But we cannot say that there are no fumes at all and that complete safety is guaranteed. Therefore, it is necessary to answer in more detail the question of which frying pan coating is better, ceramic or marble.
It does not take much time to heat the surface, thanks to which you can create the most comfortable and practical conditions for cooking.
The service life of ceramic frying pans is only a few months. Even if you follow all the recommendations regarding care.
Ceramics are often too slippery. Because of this, problems arise when any food needs to be turned over. Even wooden or silicone spatulas do not fix the problem.
The coating heats up quickly and cools down for a long time, which allows you to cook dishes in any mode.
Marble chips have a rough surface that is easy to catch on when turning over.
Pros and cons of marble-coated frying pans
Since marble frying pans appeared not so long ago, buyer interest is at a high level. The cost of such a new product is slightly higher than the usual Teflon or other non-stick frying pans - it starts from 1000 rubles. Naturally, a frying pan with a marble coating has its advantages, which distinguish it from others. There were some downsides too. Let's look at them in more detail.
pros
Innovative frying pans have a number of undeniable advantages:
- increased service life. A frying pan with a marble coating has a longer service life than, for example, a Teflon one. The main condition is compliance with the operating rules. If you do not follow the rules of use and care, this plus of the dishes will not take place, the frying pan will become unusable very quickly;
- resistance to mechanical damage. A definite plus is the ability to stir food in a frying pan using a wooden or plastic spatula. The coating will remain intact even if it is accidentally touched with an iron object. Of course, you cannot exaggerate this advantage of the cookware and try to scratch the bottom of the pan with a screwdriver. However, it will not withstand too much impact. This plus of the dishes is added by the marble chips that are included in the composition;
- Another significant advantage of a frying pan with a marble coating is its functionality. Many buyers complain about the inability to choose good cookware options for an induction cooker. Such products are suitable for all types of home appliances;
- a frying pan interspersed with marble warms up very quickly and takes a long time to cool down. This plus of dishes will allow the food not to cool down for a long time, you will not need to heat a new portion in the microwave or on the stove;
- The coating with marble chips is non-porous. It does not absorb dirt and does not form soot. An additional plus is the ease of washing dishes. There is no need to use aggressive chemicals; a simple foam dishwashing gel is enough;
- safety. Teflon cookware has many disadvantages, the main one of which is safety. Manufacturers of frying pans with marble coating declare that such utensils are completely safe for cooking. For those who care about their health, this is the most important advantage.
Proper Use of Non-Stick Marble Coated Pans
Natural wear and tear of heat-resistant coatings is reduced if you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturers. Some advice is also given by those who have already purchased a frying pan and have been using it for some time.
There are different types of frying pans with this coating so you can choose a model according to the type of hob.
- Regular lubrication with small amounts of oil is one of the main conditions. You need to rub the composition on the surface with a small damp cloth. It absorbs the remaining fat. This increases the service life.
- It is better to leave the use of machines for cleaning products as a last resort. Manual cleaning is much safer for such products.
- Too frequent, long soaking for such dishes is prohibited. Otherwise, the marble layer will gradually collapse.
- It is not recommended to use any sharp objects to get rid of dried food debris. The problem can be easily solved by simply pouring a small amount of warm water diluted with detergent.
- Storage is not one of the purposes of the frying pan. It is better to take ordinary containers for this.
- Compared to ordinary spoons and forks, it is much more effective to use special spatulas. Then the non-stick layer does not suffer.
- When washing pans of this type, you should avoid using hard brushes.
- It is better not to place a marble frying pan on a hill when close contact with other utensils is allowed. Manufacturers and users advise setting aside a separate place for this.
- 250 degrees is the maximum temperature that must be maintained when using stone cookware.
Dishes with marble coating are easy to wash, which ensures the ability to maintain quality and safety.
How long does a frying pan with a marble coating last?
The service life of a product primarily depends on compliance with the rules of its use. Although manufacturers claim that you do not need to use oil for cooking, this statement is not always true. A small amount of vegetable or animal fat will be needed.
The average service life is three years. This is an excellent indicator compared to marble coating competitors, which last much less.
Selection of quality marble tableware
You should study the negative and positive properties of each product before proceeding to purchase. Frying pans are no exception to this rule. Price is considered the main negative factor regarding this product. There are also cheaper options, but their quality also decreases. If the cost is higher than average, the buyer can be sure that what he sees is not a fake. Including for products from a country such as Russia.
The use of modern technologies in terms of food processing allows us to preserve as much as possible all the taste properties of the dish.
The packaging and label deserve special inspection. Italy or Germany are words that are often added at the bottom so that the buyer definitely does not abandon his decision. These are just names and have nothing to do with the manufacturer. In this case, few people are alarmed by low prices, because new companies can do this to attract more consumers.
The material has undergone special testing, which ensures complete safety and reliability when used as a means for preparing dishes.
A certificate is required for every frying pan that has a granite coating. For this reason, to purchase goods, it is recommended to contact store employees with a certain specialization. It is unlikely that you can find official certified products on the market. Even if it is possible, the risk of running into fakes remains too high.
The product is light in weight, so it does not create any inconvenience when used in the kitchen.
There are also some nuances regarding the appearance of such products. There are a large number of options on the market, with different parameters.
- Wall thickness.
- Size.
- Price.
- Color design.
Colors and sizes have no effect on cooking. The cost has already been mentioned above. The thickness of the layer is a decision made by the buyers themselves; for many, this factor remains a real mystery.
A stone-coated product has a long service life with proper care.
6 millimeters of bottom, 3.5 millimeters of walls is considered the best option for most cases. Failure occurs faster with thinner walls. It is better to choose thicker products, but the indicator affects the price and changes it upward.
How to choose a good frying pan with “natural” material?
The selection criteria are almost the same as for non-stick frying pans. What should you pay attention to?
Manufacturer. Well-known brands with a good reputation have modern technologies and practical experience to produce durable, safe and environmentally friendly cookware.
Bottom thickness. This indicator affects the quality and speed of the prepared dish. The more massive the bottom (within reason), the faster and tastier (juicier) the product is prepared. If your budget allows, then it is better to choose cast dishes with a massive bottom (from 4.5 mm).
Read also: Titanium coated frying pan - all the pros and cons
Coating. Each manufacturer uses its own technical capabilities and developments. In this case, the “stone” frying pan may have different degrees of wear resistance of the non-stick material. Therefore, when choosing, you need to carefully read the instructions and ask the seller in detail about all the features of the selected model. As practice shows, the temperature range for using products with such a coating is quite high: from +180 to +260 degrees.
How to care?
It is not recommended to use a dishwasher - the non-stick layer is destroyed faster. Clean and wash using gel detergents and soft sponges. Do not use sharp objects to stir or turn the product, do not cut the surface with a knife. Protect from thermal shocks, as they negatively affect the service life of the non-stick material. Do not overheat the product.
Service life of frying pans made of marble chips
The answer to this question depends on what type of frying pan you purchased. Proper care and high initial quality increase the indicator. Products last only a few months if you take care of them carelessly. If all recommendations are followed, the service life is 2 years.
The degree of wear resistance directly depends on the thickness of the coating.
It is very easy to notice that the frying pan is becoming unusable. Under such conditions, food begins to stick to the surface, and this cannot be corrected by any oil. If this happens, it is better to throw away the frying pan and buy a new one. The main thing is that the product is also durable.
Among the disadvantages is the higher cost of products in comparison with dishes with other types of coating.
Caring for marble-coated pans
Immediately after purchase, the frying pan must be thoroughly washed and dried. But granite surfaces sometimes require additional attention, just like ceramic ones.
It is possible to prepare dishes without adding oil, thanks to which you can obtain the appropriate convenience in terms of preserving the benefits of food.
In addition to the recommendations already written above, it is worth listening to other advice.
- Washing is allowed both by hand and inside dishwashers. But the first processing option is considered more reliable. Including for coatings based on stone.
- Washing involves using cold or hot water equally.
- Immediately after use, do not fill the surface with cold water only. You need to wait a while until the dishes cool down.
- It is forbidden to beat the spatulas or break eggs on the edges of frying pans. Otherwise, the surface suffers due to the appearance of microcracks.
- To turn food, only silicone or wooden or plastic spatulas are suitable. In this case, it is easier to obtain a high-quality result.
- The use of hard metal blades is prohibited.
- When washing, it is better to choose mild detergents. Abrasive varieties only spoil the surface.
After washing the frying pan, you need to wipe it dry and lubricate it with a small amount of warm oil so that the coating does not dry out and retains its practical properties.
Care tips and service life
Caring for marble pans is quite easy. However, like a ceramic surface, granite requires attention. There are several rules that, if followed, will extend the life of kitchen utensils.
After purchasing the product, it must be thoroughly washed and dried. To make the non-stick layer last longer, you need to periodically drip a little oil onto the pan and rub it over the entire surface with a paper towel or napkin. Otherwise, marble coating requires adherence to the following rules:
- Use mild detergents for washing; abrasives damage the surface;
- Do not use hard, steel wool;
- To turn food, use only wooden, plastic or silicone spatulas;
- Do not break the egg on the edge of the frying pan or beat the spatula, as this will lead to the appearance of microcracks;
- After use, do not fill the frying pan with cold water; you must wait until the utensil has cooled down so as not to damage the marble coating;
- Do not leave dishes on a hot stove so that they do not become deformed;
- Use cold or warm water for washing;
- Can be washed either by hand or in the dishwasher.
If you take into account all the recommendations listed, granite utensils will last a long time and will only bring benefits. Otherwise, if cracks and scratches appear, it will become impossible to cook on it, since food will stick to the surface.
No hard sponges
Use only mild detergents
Do not pour hot water into a hot pan
Do not break eggs on dishes
Use only a wooden or plastic spatula
Use warm water for washing
Hand washable and dishwasher safe
The best brands of marble pans
The market offers a large selection of both the models themselves and the companies that produce them. Automated machines are often located in Korea and China, although companies themselves often obtain patents for certain technologies for creating high-quality coatings.
It is not recommended to wash the pan in the dishwasher, as this may damage the condition of the material.
The following manufacturers became the most famous.
- Fissman.
Danish brand. He opened his own online store, with a wide selection of any utensils and accessories. Frying pans with marble coatings are one of the areas of work.
- Stoneline.
A German manufacturer whose quality there is no doubt. Stoneware has become one of the areas the company focuses on the most.
- Fissler.
Another company of German origin. Including, it has established itself as one of the manufacturers of stone utensils at a high level of quality.
It is undesirable to store food in such a frying pan, as this leads to a violation of the quality of the material.
- Noryoku.
A Japanese company that has developed a unique technology for the production of relevant products. The products are highly expensive, but they are based on manual labor, with virtually no automation. But the final quality also remains high; production guarantees the preservation of all parameters.
- Art Granite.
Italian name. The company has long been known among a wide range of customers.
- Kukmara.
This company comes from Russia. Creates durable products that are practical and easy to use. The technical properties are absolutely thought out specifically for Russian consumers.
Do not scratch the coating of the frying pan, as damage may cause damage to the non-stick coating.
- SCOVO.
Produces frying pans with marble coating. The appearance in high positions in the rankings is associated with high wear protection and the quality of finished products.
- Gevura.
The company has appeared on the market recently, but is already gaining the attention of consumers.
Features of stone pavement - myths and reality
Today, various sources write and talk a lot about the quality and environmental friendliness of cookware with stone (granite, marble) coating. It is stated that it is based on microparticles of stone chips, which provide the product with increased wear resistance, good thermal conductivity and excellent non-stick properties. But in reality, things are not quite like that.
If we analyze the production of “stone” cookware, we can find out that the marble (granite) material is based on the well-known PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene polymer), which has been successfully used for decades in the production of Teflon cookware. And to create the effect of “marble chips” a special decorative pattern is used.
Stone frying pans are a myth that serves a purely marketing purpose.
Of course, such coatings come in different levels (from entry-level to premium) and are applied to different substrates. As a rule, blanks are made of aluminum, both stamped and cast. The thickness of the bottom is of great importance. A frying pan with a granite or marble coating with a solid bottom and a cast base is always more expensive than a stamped one, but it is, of course, more reliable and practical.
Read also: How to choose a frying pan
There are “stone” products made using the sol-gel process. This technology has appeared recently and has especially shown itself in the creation of ceramic coatings (not very successfully). Currently, this practice is also used in this type of “stone” material, but so far it is extremely rare and without much success.
Advantages of tableware with marble (granite) coating
There are several advantages of “stone” cookware and they all have the same characteristics as products with non-stick material:
- The main advantage of a frying pan with a decorative marble or granite layer is its excellent non-stick qualities - food can practically be cooked without oil.
- The products have an interesting design and are equipped with comfortable and high-quality fittings. For example, ergonomic bakelite handles with soft-touch coating, which completely eliminates slipping and provides additional convenience during operation.
- They are more modern models on the market, therefore they are suitable for all types of hobs (induction, gas, electric, glass-ceramic).
- Easy to clean (clean, wash)
Flaws
A “granite” frying pan requires special treatment. There are a number of rules that must be followed to make the product last longer:
- Do not use (in most cases) metal accessories for stirring or hard brushes during the washing process.
- Not recommended for use in ovens.
- It is necessary to observe the temperature regime recommended by the manufacturer (you must carefully read the instructions).
About additional subtleties
Before purchasing, you can pay attention to other characteristics on which consumer properties depend. First of all, this concerns safety, which comes through the development of reliable designs. Reliable fastening for removable accessories such as handles is important. The saucepan must also meet this requirement.
Stone-coated frying pans retain their basic technical and practical properties better.
Parts subject to melting at high temperatures deserve special attention. Because of this, harmful substances may be released into the surrounding area.
There should be no chips, cracks or other similar damage on the surface. Including if the material is natural.
When operating, you should follow the recommendations from the manufacturer itself.
The cookware is easy to use and has a long service life.
The so-called grill pans deserve special attention. They are often equipped with several operating modes, including:
- steam treatment;
- closet;
- grill.
For steam treatment to work, a certain amount of water must be poured inside. The outlet is covered with small amounts of water. The full-fledged function of the oven allows you to bake food while maintaining all the beneficial qualities. It is important to ensure that you can cook using the gas burner while the frying pan is running.
A gas grill pan is a barbecue in your kitchen.
The grill function involves performing several actions.
- Place a frying pan on the burner in the center. The stone version also works this way.
- A special recess is filled with water.
- Turn on and warm up the dishes for about 5 minutes.
- Install a grid with a display of products.
- Cover the dish with a lid.
Uniform roasting and a beautiful crust are always characteristic of meat heated using devices such as a frying pan.
A gas grill pan will allow you to enjoy the taste of your favorite meat, chicken, fish and vegetables grilled at home.