Carote Nonstick Granite Skillet Stone Frying Pan, 9.5-Inch

You can cook just about anything in a stone frying pan, including a casserole. That’s why this kitchen tool is a must-have. As you browse available models, look for the features that match your cooking style and the types of dishes you plan on preparing.

Start off examining how many people you plan on serving when you cook. Stone frying pans come in a variety of sizes, such as 8, 10 and 12 inches. You’ll even find a model like the Granitestone Nonstick Coated Stone Frying Pan, which comes in extra-large for big families, dinner parties and even restaurant cooking.

Next, determine which surfaces you can use the stone frying pan on. For example, the Caannasweis Nonstick Induction Stone Frying Pan is safe for use on induction, electric, halogen, gas, ceramic and solid fuel cookers. Unfortunately, you cannot use the pan in an oven. Many other stone frying pan models, unlike the Caannasweis, aren’t safe for use on an induction stovetop.

Check the stone frying pan’s overall construction. The Carote Nonstick Granite Skillet Stone Frying Pan is made using a cast aluminum interior with a granite nonstick coating. Not only is it durable, but it’s also non-toxic and free of chemicals like PFOA. This nonstick coating makes it a cinch to plate your dishes. It also means you won’t be spending forever at the sink when it’s time to clean up.

Review the stone frying pan’s handle to make sure it is comfortable to hold. The Ozeri APEO & PFOA-Free Non-Stick Stone Frying Pan has a heat-resistant silicon coated handle that keeps it nice and cool when you cook. The handle is also reinforced to the pan using three solid rivets, so you don’t ever have to worry about it coming loose. Home chefs will especially appreciate the hole at the end of the handle for hanging the pan up when not in use.

Keep an eye out for any special features that the stone frying pan may have to offer. For example, one brand may provide a lid with its pan, while another has a magnetized base for rapid heat transfer. A scratch-resistant nonstick coating and a wear-resistant outer shell are important features that make one pan stand out from another.

• Try to avoid using harsh cleaning tools or metal utensils on these pans, as the coating may get scratched with regular use. Without the coating, you’ll need to grease the pan, or your food will begin to stick.
• You’ll want to season your stone frying pan before you use it for the first time. It’s also good practice to regularly oil the pan as well.
• Some, but not all, stone frying pans are compatible with induction stovetops. If you purchase a model that is compatible, check how quickly it is able to heat up on this type of stovetop, as many reviewers report that the pans are slow to heat up when used on induction tops.
• Check the stone frying pan’s product care guide, as not all models are dishwasher-safe. It’s best to wash the pans by hand using dish soap, warm water and a non-abrasive sponge. Baking soda can be used on stuck-on foods, but you need to avoid abrasive cleaners, as they will wear away the pan’s nonstick coating.
• If the stone frying pan doesn’t come with a lid, you may wish to buy one separately, depending on what you plan on cooking in the pan. If you go this route, you’ll need to factor the cost of the lid into the overall price you’re willing to pay for the pan.
• When you examine the price for a stone frying pan, you need to take size and construction materials into consideration. Price ranges vary greatly, however, you won’t have any trouble finding models that fit within your budget. The Ozeri APEO & PFOA-Free Non-Stick Stone Frying Pan and the Carote Nonstick Granite Skillet Stone Frying Pan are among the more affordable pans. You’ll pay a moderate price for the Caannasweis Nonstick Induction Stone Frying Pan, while the Granitestone Nonstick Coated Stone Frying Pan is able to command the highest price tag.