When cooking in the kitchen, the pans used can make as big of an impact on your health as the food you’ve prepared. Recent studies suggest that both Teflon and copper pans contain potentially harmful toxic chemicals that can lead to short and long-term health challenges.
Stone cookware is a safer bet for nonstick cookware that combines ceramic properties and natural stones for a healthy stovetop alternative. The best stone cookware requires less oil for healthier, vitamin dense meals that wipe clean easily after each use…
Unfortunately, many brands claiming to produce healthy stone cookware still hide chemicals behind their pebbled exterior. To help you find stoneware with safe heating capacity and long lifespans, we’re reviewing 10 of the best options out there.
Let’s get started identifying the ideal stone cookware for your needs…
The Best Stone Cookware Review
1. Stoneline 6588 Cookware Set With Glass Lids (Set Of 8), Anthracite
If you’re already sold on stone cookware and ready to invest in a full set to upgrade your kitchen, the Stoneline Cookware 8-piece Set is an affordable and capable option. Consisting of eight well-sized pieces with glass lids, these salt and pepper speckled pans offer considerable performance benefits and retain their use for years to come.
Trademark nonstick coating…
One of the greatest benefits of stone cookware is that it negates the need for grease or excessive oil use without the potentially harmful coatings of ceramic or Teflon products.
This stoneware uses it’s STONELINE trademark nonstick coating with real stone particles for a scratch-proof surface that resists burning and sticking.
Impressive details…
The coating is layered over die-cast aluminum and set in a deep anthracite exterior coating for a streamlined exterior. Ergonomic handles aid in ease of control and allow for safe handling while the glass lids fit comfortably and have been treated to resist high temperatures. Each lid has a small vent to release steam and heat, which helps relieve pot pressure as well.
Oven and dishwasher-safe…
These pans are compatible with all cooktops and include a roaster, a cooking pot, saucepan, stewing pan, and frying pan with three glass lids. Each piece is oven safe up to 350 degrees F and dishwasher safe. The base is well-designed and won’t warp over time due to the effective layering and thickness that offers appropriate magnetization for use with induction.
12-Year guarantee…
Stoneline is a German-based company that has been developing its trademark coating over the last ten years. They stand by their products with a 12-year guarantee. While the nonstick coating may wane over the years, the sturdy composition of the pans enhances its longevity. Overall, this is a reasonably priced set for a few years of excellent use.
PROS
- Compatible with all cooktops.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Eight pieces of cookware.
- PFOA-free.
- 12-Year warranty.
CONS
- Nonstick exterior wanes after about two years.
2. Germany’s Stoneline Xtreme Series 8 Pieces Set Non-Stick Non-Toxic Stone Coating Cookware
If you’ve already experimented with stone cookware and are ready to dive deeper with a more capable set of cookware, Stoneline’s 8-Piece Extreme Series doubles up on duty and design. Combining heavy-duty strength and a scratch-proof surface for ultimate performance, this is a step up from the basic Stoneline 8-Piece Set but still lives a bit to be desired.
European safety standards…
Meeting the highest European safety standards, the Xtreme series is PFOA free, lead-free, and non-toxic. Its nonstick surface keeps nutrient content in the food high, and cooking with low amounts of grease or fat still retains moisture. Each piece is slightly thicker than the standard Stoneline pans, which allows for quicker heating and greater overall heat distribution and retention.
Good variety…
This set includes a frying pan, a sautéing pan, saucepan, pot, roasting pot, and three lids that work to cover all pieces. Cased in die-cast aluminum exteriors, the outer coating is prone to staining, and not quite as resilient as its well-engineered interior. Lids include pouring sieves for simple draining, and they are equipped with a pressure lever for secure attachment.
The problem?
For such a substantial jump in cost from the traditional 8-piece set, we aren’t sold on the overall benefits of the Xtreme series. While they arrive solid and perform like top-of-the-line cookware for the first few years, over time, the quality diminishes.
Specifically, the handle attachments loosen, which makes removing them from heat challenging. The cookware surface itself also loses its nonstick surface in the same period of time. Despite being protected by a warranty, the coverage is limited, and the claims process is lengthy.
PROS
- PFOA free, lead-free, and non-toxic.
- Compatible with all cooking surfaces.
- Even heat distribution.
- Pressure locking lids.
CONS
- Expensive.
- Outside aluminum body stains easily.
- Handles are not attached well.
- 12-Year warranty requires extra work.
3. 10” Stone Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri, with 100% APEO & PFOA-Free Stone-Derived Non-Stick Coating from Germany
Acquiring one piece of stone cookware can add a healthy cooking option to already well-developed kitchen cookware sets. What better pan to integrate healthy stone cookware technology than a 10-inch frying pan.?
Servings for up to four…
Perfect for frying up crisp veggies and proteins without massive amounts of oil to keep the surface slick, this pan can handle servings for up to four people. Ozeri creates its stone made nonstick coating from Germany and then sends parts to China for assembly.
This helps keep prices low and value high…
The coating is APEO and PFOA-free and doesn’t release NMP or NEP while cooking. The lightly speckled sand-colored pan interior boasts exceptionally well-hardened scratch-resistant coating. It’s convenient for cooking with a variety of spatulas and simplifies the cleaning process. The rest of the pan is made from a heavy-gauge aluminum interior anchored by a magnetized bottom which heats quickly on induction stoves. Choose from six distinct color options for cohesive integration into kitchen designs of all sorts.
The best part?
Handles are heat-resistant and attached with three sturdy rivets that secure them to the aluminum pan body. There’s no need to worry about potential rattling or loosening with time; the Ozeri Fry Pan is more sturdy than Stoneline products.
The catch?
Despite all its non-toxic boasting, it still contains PTFE, the same chemical contained in Teflon. PTFE is released only at temperatures over 644 degrees F, which is higher than most frying pans reach. Most frying pans average around 300 degrees F with normal use.
PROS
- Comes in six color combinations.
- Riveted handle provides excellent durability.
- APEO and PFOA free.
- Capable 10-inch size.
- Includes fitted lid.
CONS
- Still contains PTFE.
- Nonstick coating diminishes after several years of use.
4. 8” Stone Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri, with 100% APEO & PFOA-Free Stone-Derived Non-Stick Coating from Germany
Nearly identical in build to the 10-inch pan, this one is slightly smaller and more tailored to cooking omelets or preparing single-serving dishes. The affordability of this pan makes it a coveted choice among small frying pans for a healthier option for nonstick frying.
Medium to low temps are best…
This pan works best for stir-frying, cooking fillets of fish, or eggs. Use at medium to low temperatures helps preserve its integrity and keep up the nonstick exterior without releasing PTFE. Ozeri pans do contain this controversial substance that is also used in Teflon, which is understandably worrying to those looking to upgrade to a safer option beyond Teflon.
However, as we mentioned above, PTFE isn’t released until temperatures reach 644 degrees. These pans are arguably still safer than Teflon pans, which combine multiple harmful chemicals at once to provide a comparable nonstick feel.
All in all, we’re impressed…
Overall, this is a nice option for small servings or small household cooking. As long as you are aware of the potential risks and use the pans within their recommended temperatures, they should perform at a high level for many years to come.
PROS
- Affordable.
- Six color options.
- Top-rated for cooking omelets.
- Includes a fitted lid.
- Excellent handle with three powerful rivets.
CONS
- Includes PTFE.
- Smaller size yields fewer servings.
5. Swiss Diamond Induction Nonstick Fry Pan – 8”
To kick up the quality of the small frying pan, it doesn’t get much more luxe than the 8-inch Swiss Diamond Induction Nonstick Fry Pan. Designed and manufactured in the Swiss Alps for the last twenty years, these aren’t your standard frying pans.
It all starts with the unique design of its diamond enhanced nonstick coating that ensures durable strength and long-term use.
Why invest in diamond enhanced cookware?
They conduct heat more efficiently than copper, and brown as nicely as stainless steel without the mess or nearly as much oil. Thanks to its noticeably thicker edges, this small frying pan holds heat like its cast-iron counterparts with a more lightweight design.
Award-winning design…
Three layers of nonstick diamond coating, plasma, alloy aluminum, and a magnetic base coat, well prepare it for use with gas, electric, and induction cooktops. This award-winning design and a high attention to detail prevents warping or breakdown over time and allows it to be used longer than Ozeri and Stoneline pans. It’s also more efficient in heat and is oven safe up to 500 degrees F.
That’s not all…
Swiss Diamond has a strong commitment to sustainable manufacturing, and its factory is completely powered by hydroelectric power gleaned from the alps. All the furnaces are run off of natural gas.
All this quality does come at a cost, and these pans are noticeably heavier and more expensive than the other cookware tested in this review. Due to its heaviness and thickness, it also takes longer to rise to temperature and isn’t the best fit with induction cooking.
PROS
- Award-winning design.
- Patented diamond nonstick coating.
- Oven safe up to 500 degrees F.
- Sustainable manufacturing.
- Works with all stovetops.
CONS
- Doesn’t include a lid.
- Contains PTFE.
- Expensive.
6. Swiss Diamond Nonstick Fry Pan with Lid – 10.25” (6426C)
If you are going to invest in one excellent pan, a 10-inch frying pan is a perfect size. Large enough to cook up full meals, it provides the highest value. For the same price as a whole set of basic cookware, The Swiss Diamond Nonstick Fry Pan is a specialized pan for those serious about converting to fine stone cookware.
Superb engineering…
Just like its 8-inch counterpart, the 10-inch pan features the Swiss-made patented diamond reinforced nonstick coating. It’s won performance awards for its superb engineering, and uniquely has no interior rivets where the handle meets the pan. This means there’s no place for metal toxicity to seep into the cooking surface.
Aids in energy and gas efficiency…
The 10-inch pan is better equipped for serving full meals and preparing dishes of all sizes. Like all stone cookware, it shines in its ability to produce flavorful dishes without heaps of oil or lubricants to keep food from sticking. The thickness of the pan helps it retain heat well, and aids in energy and gas efficiency.
Like many of the other pans, it still contains PTFE, so it isn’t completely chemical-free, but few nonstick stone cookware options can live up to truly chemical-free experiences.
Lids must be purchased separately, but…
Overall, it performs at a professional level for longer than most stone cookware can hope to achieve. It’s simple to clean and holds its nonstick coating without sacrificing on sturdy construction.
PROS
- Includes a lid.
- Oven safe up to 500 degrees F.
- Patented diamond-reinforced nonstick surface.
- Sustainable manufacturing.
- Works with all stovetops.
CONS
- Top of the line price.
- Heavy.
- Contains PTFE.
7. TECHEF – Infinity Collection/Frying Pan, The New Teflon Stone Coating with Ceramic Particles (PFOA Free) (8”)
the Techef Infinity Collection Fry Pan is a hybrid option of Teflon ceramic and mineral surfaces that’s an affordable option for nonstick cooking. The eight-inch size is just right for small households, but a matching wok, grill pan, and larger fry pan are also available.
Impressive certifications…
Certified safe by the European Food Safety Authority, FDA, and EPA, there’s little room to worry about toxicity with this hybrid fry pan. Equipped with a secure handle fitted with finger rest, it’s comfortable enough to use again and again.
Highest durability…
Produced in Korea for the last 40 years, Techchef is committed to creating innovative technology to create less waste with longer-lasting cookware. The evenly weighted pans offer superb heat distribution, especially with induction stoves. It’s multi-layered for the highest durability using ceramic and stone minerals for the nonstick surface, and aluminum and steel for the base.
An ideal upgrade…
It’s the ideal upgrade for someone moving from a basic Teflon pan to something that will last a bit longer and integrate some benefits of ceramic cooking.
The catch?
As with most things, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. The coating on the pan may look nice, to begin with, but will eventually lose its luster. The nonstick surface loses its edge around one year and never quite lives up to the health benefits of true stone cookware.
Though it may be tempting to buy in on this affordable option, a little more investment can give you more years of dependable cooking.
PROS
- FDA approved.
- Four size options.
- Effective hybrid stone and ceramic nonstick surface.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Pairs nicely with induction stovetops.
- Oven safe up to 350 degrees F.
CONS
- Doesn’t include a lid.
- Nonstick surface doesn’t hold up much beyond one year.
Love Healthier Cooking Options?
If healthy cookware is important to you, we have several other reviews you may be interested in. Check out the Healthiest Cookware Models, the Best Ceramic Cookware Sets, the Healthiest Nonstick Pans, and the Best Stone Frying Pan Brands reviews.
Right, back to stone cookware…
Final Thoughts on the Best Stone Cookware
Stone cookware is one of the safest versions of nonstick coated pans available today. While they may not be completely free of all harmful chemicals, they blend natural stone with new technology to provide effective alternatives for healthier cooking.
Our pick for the best stone cookware is definitely the…
10” Stone Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri
It has the same attention to quality and health as the industry leaders in stone cookware, with a more affordable price tag, and comes with a lid. The 10-inch size is perfect for whipping up a variety of wholesome dishes that are easy to clean after your meal is finished.
We love it, and we think you probably will too.
Here’s to healthier meals and easier cleanups!
