11 best manufacturers of cauldrons

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Kazans are traditionally considered the hallmark of the peoples of Central Asia and the best utensils for cooking delicious pilaf, although there are much more options for dishes (lagman, any kind of cereals, meat, etc.). The quality of the food cooked in it largely depends on the quality of the chosen cauldron, so it is important to take into account all the little things. We will share the secrets of the perfect purchase and tell you about the most reliable cauldron manufacturers.

How to choose the perfect option

Form

Traditionally, cauldrons come in two shapes – hemispherical and with a flat bottom. The first option is considered ideal (the so-called truncated hemisphere is also allowed). This geometric shape is optimal: all parts of the product are equidistant from the center of the circle, which means uniform heating of the walls (this moment is especially important for food cooked in a cauldron).

Since it is difficult to install a hemispherical product on a conventional stove, cauldron manufacturers have created models with a straightened round bottom for home use (as a rule, we are talking about models with a volume of less than 6 liters). Such kitchen utensils will feel stable on absolutely any burner.

Volume

Manufacturers of cauldrons, as a rule, produce products with a volume of 2-20 liters. It is worth considering that it is not a useful, but the maximum possible value (it is assumed that the user is unlikely to fill the cauldron to the very brim). To determine for yourself the optimal volume of the product, you need to take into account the number of people for whom food will be prepared.

For 2-3 people, a cauldron with a volume of 4-5 liters is enough, for 5-6 people you will need a high-quality 8-liter (minimum) cauldron from a reliable manufacturer. But for 8 or more people (for example, for a large family or company), you can confidently choose the most spacious model – from 15 liters.

Material

Kazans are often associated with Asian cuisine, which is why many people consider Uzbek products to be the best. In practice, this is only partly true, since many brands are not inferior to them in terms of casting technology and production quality in general. When thinking about which material is best suited for a cauldron, you need to consider 2 points: the material must have low thermal conductivity and high heat capacity.

Aluminum is a lightweight and inexpensive material best suited for long, frequent trips. It is the aluminum cauldron that will be most convenient for the tourist. It heats up quickly and food cooks quickly in it.

But at the same time, food cooling occurs almost instantly: this option is not particularly suitable for languishing dishes. Cons: bends easily, cools quickly, not suitable for cooking oriental dishes. If you have opted for aluminum products, choose the manufacturer that offers thick-walled metal (about 1 cm) with the addition of iron, manganese, etc.

Steel with non-stick coating – steel models of cauldrons have properties close to cast iron, but the protective coating is not able to withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures (it will simply peel off), which, again, makes a steel cauldron unsuitable for cooking oriental dishes. Otherwise, the manufacturers have taken care of sufficient strength, durability and practicality of the product – it can easily cope with simpler tasks. Cons: Does not withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Cast iron – if we compare the most common options, it is cast iron that has optimal performance. The porous material heats up for quite a long time and gives off heat back even longer, maintaining a high temperature. Therefore, food cooked in a cast-iron cauldron is so fragrant and tasty. Cons: heavy weight, high price.

Copper – is considered the worst option for a cauldron. It heats up quickly and warms food well to the very top, but, like aluminum, it gives off all the heat very quickly. In addition, copper is toxic, therefore, during the production process, a copper cauldron undergoes a process of tin tinning.

Nevertheless, it is copper models of cauldrons that are still in use among the Kazakhs and Uzbeks, which is connected, rather, not with the special love of local residents for this material, but with a historical reality: in the Caucasus, copper began to be processed back in the medieval era.

Wall thickness

Regardless of the shape and material of the selected cauldron, its walls must comply with the generally accepted minimum – ideally, the thickness should be at least 3-5 mm. The larger this figure, the more efficiently the cauldron will accumulate heat and store it, giving it to the food being cooked at the right time.

The uniformity of heating products also directly depends on the wall thickness. Preference should be given to the manufacturer that offers thick-walled products with a perfectly flat surface: no chips, bumps, sagging, etc. are allowed.

appointment

A few tips on under what conditions and for what dishes the cauldron will be used:

1. If you need a camping option, it is better to pay attention to the manufacturer of aluminum products – this is the best utensil in terms of price, quality and weight – it is the lowest possible.

2. For gatherings with a wide circle of friends by the fire or for outdoor events, you should look at cast-iron models with a volume of at least 15 liters.

3. A cast-iron cauldron is the best way to cook traditional oriental dishes (especially if an open fire is used).

4. For periodic cooking on a home stove, you can choose a simpler option – from copper, aluminum or some kind of alloy with a non-stick coating.

Rating of the best manufacturers of cauldrons

Myron Cook

Rating: 5.0

The budget Chinese brand offers consumers cast iron cookware with excellent characteristics. All cauldrons are presented in one line – Tradition. These are products made of classic oiled cast iron, which are massive dishes with a natural protective coating. It is provided due to the porous structure of the material itself. This is a traditional version of the cauldron, which, with proper care, will last for decades.

The model range (3 types of cauldrons with a volume of 6, 8 and 10 l) has molded handles, complemented by a comfortable bow. Comes with a cast iron lid. Products are suitable for frying, stewing, baking on any stoves (including induction). They are not afraid of open fire either – the food acquires an original, pleasant aroma and taste. Consumers note the ease of use of the product and the excellent quality of the metal, despite the declared budget of the brand.

Kukmara

Rating: 4.9

The Russian manufacturer specializes in aluminum alloy products and is considered one of the best in this business. A distinctive feature of Kukmara cauldrons is high strength and a thick bottom. The decision to abandon the classic cast iron was considered by many at one time to be rather unconventional, but the brand did not lose. The alloy created by him perfectly copes with its task: the heat is distributed evenly, the food is obtained with an unusual, delicate aroma and taste.

The brand offers consumers both compact models with a volume of 3,5 liters and very large products, the volume of which reaches 100 liters. The outer part of the cauldrons is treated with a wear-resistant coating – to extend the service life, the inner part – with ceramic particles, which exclude the possibility of food sticking (even with strong heating of the products).

It is worth noting as a plus the possibility of using metal objects for mixing products – there will be no trace left on the coating. Kukmara products are equipped with metal handles – this makes them suitable for cooking in the oven. Complete with a cauldron there is a cover (glass/metal).

Seton

Rating: 4.8

One of the most worthy representatives in the market of cast-iron kitchen utensils. The Ukrainian manufacturer scrupulously approaches the processing of the material used. This guarantees reliable protection of finished products from food acids formed during cooking. Seaton brand cauldrons are distinguished by increased strength, have fairly thick walls. The product comes with a special brush for treating the walls from the inside with oil (an important stage in the operation of a cast-iron cauldron is its calcination).

Consumers note the comfort of using Seaton products, the speed and uniformity of heating the cauldron, the tightness of the lid, ease of maintenance (the only difficulty is washing overall models). Cauldrons from the Ukrainian brand are suitable for any operating conditions: all kinds of stoves, barbecue and even open fire.

Manufacturer’s advice. It is not recommended to leave cooked food and cook very acidic foods in a cast iron cauldron – the material quickly loses its properties and becomes rusty.

Mayer & Boch

Rating: 4.7

Another Chinese brand in our ranking and another noteworthy manufacturer of kitchen utensils offers high-quality cast iron cauldrons for cooking all kinds of dishes using hot oil. Mayer&Boch cookware can be used for pilaf, stews, all kinds of meats, even soups. It has thick evenly heated walls, a bottom with a special non-stick coating that prevents food from burning even during long cooking.

For ease of use, the cauldrons are equipped with ergonomic steel handles and a tight-fitting tempered glass lid: it prevents steam from escaping and allows you to monitor the cooking process. If desired, you can separately purchase a special handle so that you can quickly and safely lift a massive cauldron. Speaking of weight, some Mayer & Boch brand models are very heavy – weighing about 8 kg.

The manufacturer indicates that the dishes he created can be used for any work surfaces. With proper operation of products, a quality guarantee is given – up to 20 years of operation.

Mallony

Rating: 4.6

The Chinese manufacturer entered the Russian market back in 2004 and since then has managed to win the strong trust of domestic consumers. The brand’s products are considered durable, practical and convenient. It is important to note that Mallony cauldrons require special care:

Food cannot be stored in them (rust will appear);

Avoid sudden temperature changes (do not put a fire in a very hot oven, or vice versa – do not immerse a hot cauldron in cold water);

After completing the cooking process, be sure to wipe dry and wipe with oil.

But Mallony products are worth the effort – it is difficult to find a cheaper option on the market, given that if the manufacturer’s recommendations are followed, the cauldron will last a very long time. In addition, the brand constantly pleases with new models, and the kit often comes with a special spatula for a more comfortable cooking process and a convenient cast-iron lid. The products of the Chinese manufacturer are available both in large hypermarkets and in small kitchen utensils stores.

Dobrinya

Rating: 4.5

A domestic manufacturer that creates useful products for home and everyday life sells high-quality cast-iron cauldrons with a volume of 5 to 18 liters on the kitchen utensils market. The company positions its dishes as universal: the products are equally suitable for home use on stoves of any type and barbecues, as well as for cooking on an open fire (cauldrons can easily withstand long-term simmering of food on a fire).

Some models of the manufacturer Dobrynya come with an aluminum or cast-iron lid, some are supplemented with a steel bow for ease of moving the cauldron during cooking. All versions have molded handles. There are also models with a lid-pan in the line of cauldrons, which double the functionality of the product: a very convenient option for trips to nature with a large family or company.

A cast-iron cauldron warms up evenly, retains the heat for a long time, prevents food from burning, and does not require additional use of vegetable oil due to high-quality calcination.

BIOL

Rating: 4.4

Another Ukrainian brand in our rating has no equal among the brands of the CIS countries in the production of authentic Tatar cauldrons for a fire: BIOL products are ideal for cooking pilaf, soup, and indeed dishes of any complexity on an open fire.

Most models are equipped with a quality cast iron lid and shackle for ease of movement. The volume of cauldrons varies from 8 to 22 liters, the wall thickness is about 4 mm. There is no non-stick coating, but it is not needed: as consumers note, the cooking process is very comfortable – nothing burns, and the food acquires an original, pleasant taste.

An important feature: the manufacturer does not spare oil when processing its products, so it is necessary to ignite properly before use. You can also note the ergonomic shape of the dishes: finding a suitable storage place is not difficult.

Balezinsky LMZ

Rating: 4.3

One of the former Soviet leaders is now a real mastodon in the field of casting aluminum and cast iron dishes. For more than 65 years of its existence, the foundry and mechanical plant has never changed its profile. The products of a Russian manufacturer presented on the market of kitchen utensils are high-quality cauldrons made of cast gray cast iron without any coating. The range of cauldrons is very wide – the plant produces products with a volume of 4 to 40 liters. Products are universal: suitable for any stoves, barbecues and open flames.

All models (except the largest one) come with cast iron covers. Separately, we can single out a line of cast-iron cauldrons with a stand and a lid – an ideal solution for a private, country house or a small cafe: three massive, neatly made models with a volume of 12, 18 and 25 liters will allow you to cook a lot of all kinds of dishes for a large family or company. All products of the plant are confirmed by the relevant quality certificates.

Important. The manufacturer specifies that the cast iron is subjected to heat treatment. As a result, minor spots may appear, which in no way affect the quality of the finished product. The main thing is to remember the rules for using the dishes and properly care for them.

Kama dishes

Rating: 4.2

The Tatar manufacturer embodies in its products the luxury of high-quality cast dishes, which allows you to fully reveal the taste of food. The work uses the traditional method of metal processing – in the chill mold. It turns out environmentally friendly, reliable, durable cast iron – the best for cooking (the quality is confirmed by a certificate of conformity).

The brand Kamskaya posudry relies on three-dimensional models of cauldrons – 7, 10, 12 and 18 liters of traditional hemispherical shape. On sale there are options with two, four cast handles and a bow. Some models come with an aluminum cover. If desired, you can separately purchase a stylish and reliable stand for a cauldron of 10-12 liters. All cauldrons from the Tatar brand are considered universal (they are equally suitable for both home use and open fire).

Neva Metal Ware

Rating: 4.1

Cauldrons of the Russian manufacturer are represented by compact models with a volume of 3, 5 and 7 liters, made of high-quality cast aluminum with a polymer-ceramic non-stick coating to protect food. All cookware in this range includes a lid that can be used as a stand-alone frying pan or baking dish, doubling the functionality of the product. Products Neva Metal Utensils can be used for cooking all kinds of dishes on any type of stove or in the oven.

Cauldrons are made in a shape close to a hemisphere, have a bottom of a small diameter and are expanded along the edges: this feature allows heat to be evenly distributed over the surface of the dish, while food does not burn. Bottom thickness – 6 mm, wall thickness – 4 mm. Caring for an aluminum cauldron is very simple, and the possibility of cleaning it in the dishwasher simplifies the process even more.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.