The 7 Best Unglazed Pots For Cooking
For the longest time, steel, aluminum, and iron pots have dominated the cookware market.
However, the unglazed pots for cooking are making a comeback. These traditional cookwares are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, and we are extremely excited about it.
These pots are incredibly versatile, as they let you cook anything you can think of. Moreover, they bring several unexpected benefits to your dishes because of clay’s unique properties – enhancing flavors and making food taste better.
But what are the best unglazed pots for cooking? The best unglazed pots for cooking vary by use. Look for thick ceramic pots with sturdy designs. Pots with lids or which can be used with stoves, ovens, and over fires are more versatile. Typical choices include standard stovetop pot shapes with/out lids, handis, kadais, and similar shapes.
Presented in this guide are our picks for the best unglazed pots for cooking. Be sure to keep reading as we delve deeper into what makes these pots stand out.
In addition to this, the guide will also take a closer look at some of the things you need to know before purchasing unglazed pots for your kitchen. So, be sure to keep reading!
Advantages of Unglazed Cooking Pots
Unglazed pots and earthenware can be quite intimidating for the untrained eye.
They just have this look about them that exudes elegance as unglazed pots often serve to enhance the space’s overall vibe – doubling as a centerpiece when not in use. This is also the reason why most people assume that they are expensive.
However, nothing could be further from the truth!
Made using natural materials and a time-tested process of production, these unglazed pots have a lot to offer. Both amateur home cooks and professional chefs will attest to the fact that there is more to this cookware than aesthetic.
The truth is that they are simply amazing. This is primarily because these unglazed pots are made from clay – a naturally porous material that elevates the entire cooking experience.
Make sure to take note of this as the pots’ physical characteristics inevitably play a crucial role in understanding why these types of cookware are so great.
Presented here are just some of the benefits that you can expect from getting a set of unglazed pots for your home.
Enhanced Flavors
It is no secret that food cooked using unglazed pots offers superior flavors for your palate compared to similar dishes cooked in modern cookware. This may seem like a strange claim to make, yet the flavors speak for themselves.
The secret can be found in the pots’ low heat conductivity.
Compared to materials like aluminum and steel, the clay used to make these unglazed pots naturally take a longer time to absorb and release heat. This results in the longer cooking time that the pots are known for.
This is also affected by the pot’s use of clay. The natural porosity of this material is what helps heat and moisture circulate evenly and effectively during the cooking process.
As the different ingredients sit in the pot for extended periods, their flavors are allowed to blend and get to know each other better.
As a rule, the longer you let your ingredients simmer, the better the dish will be.
As you may expect, the slow cooking time means the flavors of spices become more pronounced and prominent while the tough pieces of meat are given ample time to tenderize and turn succulent.
Healthier Dishes
It is a little-known fact that these unglazed cooking pots also help make your food healthier.
This is especially useful if you are trying to switch to a healthier diet. The cookware itself guarantees that you can experience a fully nutritious meal every time you use it.
There are two factors at play here. First, the clay from which the pots are made is naturally alkaline. This means that it will inevitably interact with the acidity in certain ingredients and improve their pH balance.
For instance, unglazed pots help bring out the natural sweetness in otherwise acidic ingredients like tomato sauce.
Additionally, the clay used to make these pots also contain trace elements like magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus. Needless to say, these are incredibly healthy and will help make any dish that much more nutritious.
The second factor that helps ensure healthier dishes is the slow-cooking process.
Remember, cooking your food slowly prevents the loss of nutrients that usually occurs when cooking using metal cookware made from steel, aluminum, and iron pots.
Safer Cooking Experience
Using unglazed cooking pots serves as one of the safest ways to keep your food safe. This is because its materials help keep the growth of bacteria at bay.
As stated earlier, clay is a naturally porous material. However, contrary to what you may expect, this makes it an incredibly inhospitable environment for certain kinds of bacteria.
This means that the bacteria that usually grows on food left will be unable to grow and develop at its usual pace. That is why you can just as easily leave your food in the clay pots for several days and it will remain unspoiled.
In addition to this, the clay in these unglazed cooking pots is non-toxic. This means that there is no need to worry about any harmful chemicals leaching into your food.
Unfortunately, the opposite is true for certain metal pots which can leak harmful metals over time.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Unglazed pots are nothing if not versatile.
Aside from serving as an effective tool to cook a wide array of dishes, these pots also serve as the perfect decorative addition to any kitchen. Their unique look helps enhance the space’s overall vibe.
Much of its appeal stems from its use of traditional materials. Clay is easily associated with classic vases and sculptures. So, it is wholly understandable why this otherwise everyday piece of kitchen equipment would be considered a piece of art.
Eco-Friendly Option
Using unglazed pots will always be better for the environment. This is because they are ethically produced and made from biodegradable materials.
After all, the pots themselves are made from that has been shaped and baked. So, when the time comes for you to get rid of them, you can rest easy knowing that they will just as easily go back to the earth.
In addition to this, the heating properties of the unglazed pots make them all the more sustainable.
They are also incredibly energy efficient. For instance, a typical unglazed pot can keep its contents warm for as long as six hours. Incredibly, it can do so by relying on residual heat alone.
7 Best Unglazed Pots for Cooking
Now that we have covered some of the benefits that you can expect from these unglazed cooking pots, it is time that we delve into our top choices. Presented here are our top picks for the best unglazed pots for cooking that you can try:
Rank | Product | Great for... |
---|---|---|
1. | Lotus Blue Ceramic Round Dish | Varied cooking methods |
2. | Craftsman India Earthen Handi | Cooking + serving |
3. | Romertopf Classic Series Clay Pot | Slow-cooking |
4. | VitaClay Slow Cooker Clay Pot | Slow cooker use |
5. | Raphael Rozen Tagine Cooking Pot | Slow-cooking |
6. | Sunrise Kitchen Casserole Clay Pot | Varied cooking methods |
7. | Craftsman India Earthen Kadai | Cooking + serving |
We’ll go into more detail about each below, so keep reading for more about the best unglazed cooking pots on the market.
1. Lotus Blue Ceramic Round Dish
First, we have the 3-Quart Nordic Style Ceramic Casserole from Lotus Blue. If we were to describe the aesthetic of this unglazed cooking pot, then we would have to say that it is the perfect combination of cute and sleek.
This is made incredibly clear with its use of a cartoon design on its white lid to complement the cool aesthetic of the black dish.
As a piece of kitchen equipment, it is incredibly versatile as it can come in handy in various scenarios. It can be used for all kinds of recipes including casserole, soup, and rice. Its 3-quart capacity makes it suitable for serving around three to four people.
It would also please you to know that this pot is compatible with a wide array of cooking platforms. These include everything from an open fire to a gas stove. You can also use it in the oven as well as in the microwave.
2. Craftsman India Earthen Handi
Next, we have the Mud Pot or Earthen Handi from Craftsman India. This item is probably the most traditional option on this list. It draws its influences primarily from some of the most time-honored traditions around.
This unglazed cooking pot is an example of black pot – a traditional pottery technique which entails having the pot kilned twice which gives the pot its distinctively deep black color.
This process creates pots that are known for their strength, durability, and sturdiness. Needless to say, this pot is no exception.
3. Romertopf Classic Series, Large
Next, we the unglazed pot from Römertopf. A product of German ingenuity and design, this pot seeks to bring together the time-tested cooking traditions of old while melding it with the advantages of modern culinary art.
Made from the high-quality clay of Germany, this pot is unlike any other. As you would expect, its unglazed top made has fine pores that help with water absorption.
Once placed in the oven, the water is then released as a gentle layer of steam that guarantees succulent and juicy results every time.
Moreover, it also features modern design elements. The most notable of which is the natural glass frit glazed bottom that allows for a convenient and easy cleaning process. Needless to say, this was made with ease-of-use in mind.
In addition to this, it is clear that an unglazed pot roaster is built for performance.
Its dimensions measure 15.75×10.75″ and 8″ high and it is incredibly robust. Moreover, it also the capacity to hold 4.2 quarts. This is equivalent to an 11 pound chicken, enough to serve around 6 people!
As you would expect, this pot is built primarily for slow cooking, with its materials and design ensuring that your dishes will be able to retain as many vitamins and minerals as possible.
It is perfect if you are making roasted chicken, fish, and pork. It is also useful if you find yourself baking bread and other desserts.
4. VitaClay 2-in-1 Slow Cooker Clay Pot
Next, we have VitaClay 2-in-1 Slow Cooker clay pot. If you’ve already been introduced to the wonderful world of slow cookers, you know how extra-wonderful this pot is.
A quick look at this product and you will instantly know that it leans heavily on the innovative side. A programmable 6-cup cooker, this device makes use of an unglazed clay cooking pot to get the job done.
You would also be pleased to know that the device has four pre-programmed settings.
Namely, these are rice, brown rice, stew, and soup. The device itself banks on the extraordinary convenience it brings as it solves multiple kitchen problems at once.
5. Raphael Rozen Tagine Cooking Pot
Next, we have a Tagine Cooking Pot from Raphael Rozen. This piece of traditional Moroccan cookware is incredibly versatile. You can use it to cook a wide array of chicken, seafood, and vegetarian recipes. It even comes with a free cookbook to help you get started.
It is also worth noting here that the pot itself is made from high-quality clay. This means that your recipe is radically enhanced throughout the cooking process as you get deeper flavors from your ingredients.
However, just take note that this pot is not microwave-safe. So, be careful when using it.
6. Sunrise Kitchen Casserole Clay Pot
Next, we have the Black Casserole Pot from Sunrise Kitchen Supply. This Eco-friendly clay pot features a classic design that is reminiscent of the traditional casserole pots used long ago, albeit with a few modern modifications.
One of the things that immediately stand out is how sturdy and robust this pot is. With its 30 oz. capacity, it can withstand high levels of the heat of up to 800 Celsius. (Although we wonder when and how you would test that out.)
Needless to say, this is the pot you need for your kitchen. This is because user-convenience was a primary consideration in terms of the pot’s design as it effortlessly makes the entire cooking experience that much easier.
For instance, its dome lid allows the heat to easily and evenly circulate throughout the pot.
Moreover, it also features a small hole that serves as a steam vent of sorts. This way, you will know when the contents of your pot have reached the boiling point.
It is also worth mentioning that the pot is incredibly versatile.
It is compatible with a wide array of kitchen appliances, including the oven, microwave, as well as gas and electric stoves. This means that you can freely use this pot, whatever your kitchen set-up may be.
7. Craftsman India Earthen Kadai
Finally, we have another unglazed pot from Craftsman India – the Earthen Kadai. This 3 piece set features a 3.5L, 2L, and a 1L unglazed cooking pot that is perfect for cooking all kinds of luscious and delicious dishes. Moreover, they also look great on any countertop that these pots would just as easily serve as decorative pieces when not in use.
Of course, you aren’t here for the aesthetic alone. After all, you are looking for a functional piece of cookware that can do its job and do it well.
Fortunately, these unglazed kadais from Craftsman India fit the bill perfectly as it promotes even heat and moisture circulation throughout the whole pot.
This simply means that whenever you find yourself cooking vegetables, meat, and seafood on this pot, you will be able to do so evenly. Plus, your kadais double as a lovely serving dish – that’s one less to clean!
Moreover, the pot itself helps lock in your ingredient’s moisture content. So, at the end of the day, you will have a dish that is incredibly juicy, tender, and delicious.
There you have it. These are our picks for the best unglazed pots for cooking in the market today. Make sure to check them out yourself!
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