Is nitriding cookware safe to use?

What is nitriding or hard nitriding?

Nitriding or hard nitriding is a heat treatment process that diffuses nitrogen into the metal surface to improve its hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength. The nitriding treatment process can be applied to various types of steel and cast iron to improve their surface properties. Nitriding is commonly used to make metal industrial parts on equipment such as engines, valves, and industrial pumps. It is also used in gunsmithing to strengthen the steel components of weapons. 

Overall, nitriding is a valuable case hardening process that can significantly improve the performance and durability of cast iron components in a variety of industrial applications.

How important is it to nitride cookware?

Nitriding is a crucial surface strengthening process for cast iron or carbon steel cookware, fundamentally improving its performance and durability. While traditional cast iron is sturdy, its relatively porous surface makes it prone to sticking and rusting. Nitriding, however, involves infiltrating nitrogen atoms into the cast iron surface at high temperatures, forming an extremely hard and dense composite layer. This treated hard nitriding cast iron achieves a hardness comparable to quenched steel, resulting in a revolutionary advantage.

Its importance is primarily reflected in three aspects: First, it creates exceptional rust and corrosion resistance, remaining unaffected even when exposed to humid environments for extended periods, significantly reducing maintenance difficulties. Second, the treated surface has a denser and smoother microstructure, naturally possessing excellent non-stick properties, making cooking with minimal oil effortless. Finally, this hard surface greatly enhances wear resistance, withstanding scratches from metal spatulas and frequent scrubbing, effectively combating daily wear and extending the cookware's lifespan. Therefore, nitriding is not just "icing on the cake," but rather an evolution of traditional cast iron into a nearly maintenance-free, long-lasting non-stick, and durable modern kitchen tool.

The value of nitriding cookware

First, let’s take a look at nitriding cast iron pans. The nitrided cast iron pan adopts nitriding treatment technology, which makes it have high surface hardness, strong wear resistance, not susceptible to scratches and scratches, is highly rust-proof, and long service life. Under normal use conditions, the iron nitride layer is not easy to fall off and dissolve, and will not affect food, so it is considered a safe and non-toxic cookware. The original design of nitrided cast iron pots is to optimize the use experience of traditional cast iron pots, while its scratch-resistant and wear-resistant properties make cooking more enjoyable. Additionally, it is less sticky than traditional cast iron. But you should still season your cast iron to create a natural nonstick surface. Nitrided cast iron is generally lighter than traditional cast iron, which makes it easier to cook with.

Secondly, nitrided carbon steel pan also has the characteristics of high surface hardness and strong wear resistance and is suitable for a variety of cooking methods, such as frying, stir-frying, roasting, etc. Nitrided carbon steel pans may be lighter than nitrided cast iron pans but are equally capable of withstanding high temperatures and frequent use. Because it is not a coating, it is more durable, less prone to wear and tear, and has a longer service life. Under normal use conditions, nitrided carbon steel cookware will not have harmful effects on food, making it a safe and reliable choice.

Why Choose Sarchi Nitrided Cookware?

– Sarchi nitrided cookware is safe and uncoated, does not contain PFAS, and is made of pure natural materials. It is the first choice for healthy cookware.

– Both sides of Sarchi nitrided cookware are nitrided to form a very hard surface that is wear-resistant, scratch-resistant, highly rust-proof, and has better non-stick performance than ordinary cookware.

Best Nitrided Cookware Recommendations

1. Anti-rust nitriding cast iron skillet

Cast iron cookware is highly sought after because of its thick body, good sealing and heat preservation performance, uniform heating, and the ability to maintain the original taste of food to the greatest extent during cooking. However, due to improper use and maintenance, it is easy to cause rust problems. Sarchi's hard nitriding cast iron cookware uses revolutionary die-casting technology, is considered to be the healthiest and safest cookware available. The nitriding/ hard nitriding cast iron skillet is infused with nitrogen to create a food-safe surface that is harder than ordinary cast iron. It has all the benefits of cast iron, but the surface will not scratch off, will not chip, is rust-resistant, and forms a non-stick surface.

2. 11-inch nitrided carbon steel frying pan

After the nitriding process on the carbon steel pan, a dense protective layer is formed, whether you use a stainless steel shovel or an iron shovel, it will not damage the coating, and cooking hard-shelled foods is also safe. The cooking surface cooks evenly, readily releases food, and cleans easily. Nitrided carbon steel skillet is highly resistant to rust. In addition, it is more non-stick than traditional carbon steel. 

3. Nitrided Carbon Steel Flat Griddle

Made from carbon steel, known for its ability to evenly conduct heat, this griddle is a great option for grilling things like sausages, burgers, veggies, and more. At the same time, developing a mesmerizing non-stick surface with proper seasoning and regular use. An 18 x 8'' cooking surface provides ample space for everything from pancakes to BBQ. Fits most camp stoves, outdoor cooking pits, or even across two burners of your home stove.

4. Deep Carbon Steel Stir Frying Wok

The Sarchi carbon steel wok combines a unique high-low sides design with smooth shape, achieving a balance between wok hardness and beauty. Made of carbon steel, 100% natural, it conducts heat quickly and evenly, preventing hot spots. This Japanese iron wok has absolutely no coating and has undergone a Nitride process, making it stronger and much more rust-resistant compared to iron pans.

With this carbon steel wok, you can easily prepare healthy meals using a variety of traditional cooking techniques such as frying, stewing, boiling, steaming, poaching, and frying.

5. Lightweight Commercial Thin Chinese Wok

Sarchi's premium non-stick 12.8" round bottom Chinese wok is made from carbon steel for durability, even heating, and a thin, lightweight design for easy one-handed stir-frying. The traditional Japanese Uncoated Wok is made of durable carbon steel, which heats evenly, and the 1-2mm slim design makes it easy to stir-fry with one hand, which is perfect for a variety of Asian cooking methods that require more firepower than a standard stainless steel wok. 

As an experienced cookware manufacturer, Sarchi has extensive experience in the production of cast iron and carbon steel pans. At the same time, we have first-class product development, customization, and after-sales service teams. If you are interested in any of our carbon steel and cast iron cookware or would like to discuss a custom order, please feel free to contact us.

Browse our new craft carbon steel pans, or contact us directly!