Recommended Cookware for a Granite Stovetop
You will not find a granite stovetop on a conventional stove. However, some old-fashioned, wood-burning stove models have granite stovetops or top plates. Granite is a heat-resistant, natural stone formed under heat and pressure, so heat will not affect the surface. Once the flame gets going in the wood-burning stove, its granite stovetop gets hot enough to cook on. The same cookware suitable for ceramic cooktops are also suitable for granite. Pay special attention to how and when the pots are used on a hot granite cooking surface. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cast Iron
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Cast iron cookware is thick, heavy and keeps the food cooking for several minutes after removing it from the burner. It doesn't matter whether the pots are black cast iron or enamel-coated -- both options work the same. This metal will not chemically react or tarnish the granite's surface.
Although these pots are slow to warm up, they do maintain the heat very well, making them ideal for cooking on a slow-to-warm-up granite cooktop. Use caution when using these heavy pots to prevent the granite from cracking. While granite tolerates temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be damaged by something heavy falling on its surface. Gently lower the pots onto the cooking surface and lift the pot instead of dragging it across the surface. The granite is subject to nicks and scratches. Although they may give the piece a lot of character, most people prefer an unmarred surface.
Crockery
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Stone cookware or pottery also fares well on granite. It maintains its heat well and evenly distributes it throughout the pot without damaging the granite's surface. Unlike the cast iron pots, if this type of pot drops or is banged down on the granite stovetop, it may crack. Using the same, careful handling as with the cast iron pot not only protects the granite but also the pot.
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Glass
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Like granite, glass is a natural material that tolerates high cooking temperatures. Once placed on top of the granite's surface, the glass heats up and maintains its heat, similar to stone cookware or pottery. Glass cookware also helps to preserve the granite's surface. Care must be used when handling these pots since placing a cold glass pot on a hot granite top may cause it to shatter from the drastic temperature difference.
Stainless Steel
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Stainless steel is another type metal pot safe for cooking on a granite cooktop. The metal maintains its integrity under high cooking heats and doesn't melt or transform as an aluminum pot would when using dry, hot heat.
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