You deserve the best life has to offer, and so does your kitchen. Nonstick pans offer some of the finest cooking surfaces. In recent years, through research and development, nonstick technologies continue to advance from PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene) to Cast iron, and to ceramic nonstick surfaces.
One of the new nonstick cookware entrants is ceramics which have grown in popularity due to hotly debated safety concerns of PTFE coated nonstick cookware. One of these ceramics is Granitium nonstick pans. The coating is resistant to scratching and can withstand relatively high temperatures.
Ceramic nonstick cookware is made from fire-hardened clay, such as Granitium. Usually, the coating uses another metallic cooking exterior. For example, the J. A. Henckels international 3-piece Capri Granitium nonstick fry pans are made from aluminum coated with Granitium ceramic. We will share everything you want to know about these new nonstick pans creating waves in the cookware industry.
J.A. Henckels International 3-Piece Capri Granitium Nonstick Fry Pans Overview
J.A Henckels International manufactures some of the finest cookware, inspired by the lavish Italian Cuisines. This cookware is one of the most advanced aluminum cookware products on the market. Made from 99.9% pure aluminum with the balance ceramic coating, it adds sophistication and quality to your kitchen.
A thick aluminum construction evenly spreads heat from a stovetops burner, helping in eliminating hot and cold spots. Consequently, you achieve better browning results when preparing your food. The ceramic coating is nonstick without using PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) emitting materials at high heat. As a result, the surface is extremely resistant to scratching, even when using metallic utensils.
What’s more, the ceramic coating is fused onto the aluminum so that it doesn’t peel or blister with time. The cookware can also be washed in dishwashers.
Core Features
- Ceramic Reinforced Nonstick Cooking Surface
When talking about ceramic coated cookware, we refer to metallic cookware, with a layer of ceramic coating. The most commonly used metal is hard-anodized aluminum, due to its exceptional heat distribution. Typically, the coating is from an inorganic mineral, mostly comprised of oxygen and silicone.
Inorganic mineral means the absence of carbon in the formation structure of the mineral. It is this particular use of inorganic minerals that has been a key distinction of ceramic-coated cookware. The materials are free of any chemicals containing PTFE or PFOA. Emission of these toxins at high temperatures has been linked to health issues when inhaled.
But how is sand containing clay applied to the cookware? Well, the process is a simple one, using the Sol-gel process. The inorganic clay is first heated to a gel, that’s then applied onto any metallic structure. There are two methods of applying the solution-gel combinations. It can either be sprayed onto the surface or the item is dipped into the mineral gel.
After the application, the coating is hardened through the application of heat. The curing process adheres the ceramic onto the metallic surface when fired up. Because of the high heat involved in the curing process, this cookware can withstand high-temperature cooking, unlike PTFE-coated nonstick pans.
The pans can be heated to temperatures of up to 4500C without emitting any toxic fumes which means the cookware can be safely used in the same space with your pets, who are often affected by PTFE fumes.
- Cold Forged Aluminum Exterior
By using compression, metals can be shaped into an array of intricate shapes. This manufacturing process, referred to as forging, can be used with metals, aluminum and its alloys and can be forged into various shapes. Ductility, the ability of a material to have its shape changed, can be applied to aluminum when sufficiently heated.
Aluminum does not develop scale when heated, meaning smooth surfaces can be produced. Lastly, aluminum requires low cold-forging temperatures. Most importantly, cold forging is done at room temperature, cutting down on the production time, while retaining the same metallic properties.
For this reason, all the three frying pans in the j.a henckels international 3-piece Capri Granitium nonstick fry pans have excellent heat distribution characteristics. This is one of the reasons why aluminum cookware is popular. They get hot quickly and speed up the cooking process.
This is a great time saver when you want to be in and out of the kitchen quickly. But, it can be a double-edged sword, as food might get burned until you get used to cooking with aluminum cookware.
- Excellent Nonstick Properties
The natural nonstick properties of ceramic coatings rival those of PTFE-coated pans. Their ceramic coating is durable, abrasion-resistant, and does not corrode. However, it is the durability of this coating is often an issue. Manufacturers claim the durability is the same as Teflon, but user experiences differ.
There are those who have great experiences, while some note that within a year or so, the nonstick properties fade. However, this may be due to improper care when using the pans. Also, pans with a triple ceramic layer last longer than one with either 1 or 2 layers. Fortunately, the J.A nonstick pans feature the triple coating, hence impressive longevity.
- Stay-Cool Handles
As mentioned, aluminum cookware gets hot quickly, throughout the surface of the pan. Without “Stay-Cool” handles you may be in for a long day in the kitchen.
This cookware feature elongated stay cool handles for the safe handling of a hot frying pan. At the same time, the ergonomic handles require minimal effort to handle. They fit comfortably in your hands even under prolonged use.
Conclusion
The durable 3 layer ceramic coating on the J.A Henckels frying pan makes them an ideal choice for those of you looking for a long-lasting nonstick pan. These pans can withstand oven temperatures of up to 5000F. with three pan sizes of 8, 10”, and 12 inches. This set has everything you need for preparing fish, salmon, burgers, and eggs. The flared rims do not drip sauces during food transfer, and the V-shaped stay cool handles give them a cool handling option.
