Cooking Pot Types and How to Choose the Right One
Going on a new culinary journey is exciting, and a huge part of it is choosing the right kitchen tools and equipment. But with lots of cooking pot types out there, which one should you choose?
In this post, we’ll talk about cooking pot types and how to choose the right one for your culinary needs.
1. Stock Pot
Stock pots (also known as blanching pots or multi-pots) are one of the most common types of cooking pots worldwide.
As the name suggests, a stock pot is typically used to make stock or broth, which is the foundation of more complex recipes.
A stock pot has straight sides, a flat bottom, and a wide opening to the full diameter of the pot. In addition, it has two handles and a lid with a handle.
Many cooks can’t live without stock pots, so we suggest you get one. They can cover most, if not all, of a large burner. Additionally, they range from eight- to 24-quart capacities.
Some stock pots also come with vegetable strainers or steamer trays to fit inside the pot. While stock pots are usually stainless steel, non-stick, or enamel, some are made of copper or aluminum.
2. Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven (also known as a casserole dish) comes with a thick wall and a tight-fitting lid. Dutch ovens have been used for centuries to slow-cook stews, soups, sauces, and bread.
The international name casserole dish came from the French casserole, which means cooking pot (however, in French, these pots are called cocottes). They work like the Japanese tetsunabe and the sač, a traditional Balkan cast-iron oven. Dutch ovens are also related to the South African potjie, the Australian Bedourie oven, and the Spanish cazuela.
While usually made of seasoned cast iron, some are made of cast aluminum or ceramic. In addition, some metal varieties are enameled (not seasoned). In some cases, these cooking pots are called French ovens.
3. Pressure Cooker
As the term implies, a pressure cooker is a type of pot used for pressure cooking.
Pressure cooking involves cooking food under high-pressure steam and water or a water-based liquid. The high pressure limits boiling and makes way for higher cooking temperatures, which cook food way more quickly than normal pressure does.
In particular, a pressure cooker works by eliminating air from the pot and trapping steam produced by the boiling liquid. This increases the internal pressure up to one atmosphere above ambient and produces cooking temperatures between 100 to 121 °C (212 to 250 °F). Combined with high thermal heat transfer from the steam, the process cooks the food between half and a quarter of normal boiling time. Pressure cooking also saves energy, making it an ideal cooking method for many dishes.
4. Crock Pot
A crock pot simmers at a lower temperature compared to other cooking methods, like boiling, baking, and frying.
This process allows for unattended cooking for many hours. It applies to dishes that would be otherwise boiled: soups, pot roasts, stews, desserts, and dips.
A crock pot or slow cooker has a lidded round or oval cooking pot. It is usually made of glazed ceramic or porcelain. Metal surrounds the ceramic or porcelain that contains an electric heating part.
In addition, the lid is made of glass seating in a groove in the pot edge. The groove collects condensed vapor, producing a low-pressure seal. The contents of a crock pot are at atmospheric pressure despite the water vapor inside the pot.
While many think that a crock pot works like a pressure cooker, they work differently. A slow cooker presents no danger of an abrupt pressure release, unlike a pressure cooker.
5. Brazier Pot
A brazier pot is a cooking pot type that’s a cross between a skillet and a Dutch oven. Often made of enameled cast iron, a brazier pot has a wide base and sloped sides. It also features a lid and two handles for easy transport.
Additionally, you can use a brazier pot to make everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to desserts. You can also use it for browning and simmering. Thanks to its huge surface area, you have plenty of room to sear a brisket, cook an entire chicken, or at least four pork chops. Plus, its side walls are low enough to prevent steaming as you brown.
6. Tagine
A tagine, sometimes spelled tajine, is a traditional Moroccan cooking pot type. It is made of ceramic or unglazed clay. A tagine features a round base and low sides.
Its cone-shaped cover sits on the base during cooking. The lid traps steam during cooking, which returns the liquid to the pot. This results in a moist dish with intense flavors.
Additionally, Tagine is closely associated with Moroccan cuisine. This type of cuisine usually includes slow-cooked savory stews made with poultry, fish, and meat cooked with vegetables, spices, nuts, and dried fruit.
7. Steamer Pot
As its name suggests, steamer pots are used for steaming. They come in different shapes and sizes, with the most common having layered metal steaming plates.
Another type is a two-in-one set of saucepans that stack on top of each other. The bottom one is used for the water and looks like any other saucepan. The top saucepan holds the food and comes with holes in the bottom that let the steam seep into the food.
Some steamer pots can contain bamboo steamer baskets. These baskets are placed inside with water to cook fish, chicken, dumplings, steamed cakes, and the like.
8. Clay Pot
As the term implies, a clay pot is made of unglazed or glazed clay.
Different cultures use clay pots with many cooking techniques. Some cultures use fully finished pots by burnishing. As a result, they don’t have to soak it each time before use.
On the other hand, you should soak unfinished ones in water for 30 to 45 minutes before each use. Doing this prevents them from cracking. In addition, the shape and design may slightly differ from one culture to another.
Seasoning is also crucial to avoid cracking when exposed to high heat. Clay pots are initially seasoned with oil and hot water. However, you might only need to fully season them after the first several uses. During this time, the food might take longer to cook. You should also avoid sudden temperature changes when cooking with a clay pot since they can cause the pot to crack. In addition, you should start with a low temperature and gradually increase it.
9. Bean Pot
A bean pot features a deep, short-necked vessel with a wide belly. Cooks usually use it to make bean-based dishes.
Bean pots are usually made of ceramic. However, some bean pots are made of other materials, like cast iron. The relatively narrow mouth of the bean pot also minimizes evaporation and heat loss. Meanwhile, its deep, wide, thick-walled body allows for long cooking times.
10. Fish Poacher
A fish poacher is a huge, oval-shaped pot used for cooking whole fish. You can use it to cook huge fish, like salmon, hake, and pike, in a court-bouillon.
Thanks to their necessarily unwieldy size, fish poachers or fish kettles usually come with racks, handles, and tight lids. The removable grid also lets you take out the fish without breaking it.
11. Jam Pot
As the name suggests, a jam pot is used to make jam. This cooking pot type features an opening with a much bigger diameter than the bottom of the pot. This lets the water evaporate more quickly when cooking the jam.
In addition, it concentrates the valuable ingredients and most of all, preserves the incomparable ripe fruit taste. Jam pots are usually made of copper. They’re also typically not tin-plated. Additionally, their handles are made of steel or cast iron because it doesn’t heat up as quickly as copper does.
12. Pasta Pot
A pasta pot works like two kitchen tools rolled into one: a stock pot and a colander.
In addition, it’s so easy to use. All you have to do is insert the colander into the pot. Then, add water and bring it to a boil. Next, add your pasta. When it’s ready to go, lift the colander from the pot and into whatever sauce you’re tossing it with. So easy, right?
13. Double Boiler
A double boiler features a pot or bowl placed over a bigger pot with simmering water inside.
Given this, a double boiler lets you use indirect, gentle heat when making temperamental sauces like hollandaise, melting chocolate, and steaming soft, stretchy doughs like mochi.
Traditional double boilers feature stackable pots typically made of stainless steel. The bottom pot holds the water, while a smaller pot (also called the double boiler insert) sits on top of it. If you don’t want to buy a new one, you can also make your own using a huge pot and a heatproof bowl.
14. Fryer Pot
A fryer pot is used to deep fry food. Due to its primary use, it’s deeper than normal pots to safely contain huge amounts of oil.
Since deep frying takes longer, the oil must be heated to a high temperature. Hence, a fryer pot can withstand oil at higher temperatures. You can use it to cook foods like french fries, fried chicken, or doughnuts.
In addition, it includes features for safety and convenience, including a sturdy handle. It often comes with accessories, including a mesh basket for submerging and removing food from the hot oil. The basket is usually made of various materials, such as stainless steel or cast iron.
15. Chafing Pot
A chafing pot (also known as chafing dish) refers to a pot on a stand with an alcohol burner with chafing fuel below it. It is typically used for cooking at a table or as a food warmer for keeping dishes at a buffet warm.
Historically, people used chafing pots for food that called for gentle cooking, away from the heat of direct flames. They also help keep delicate foods, like fish, warm while preventing overcooking.
How to Choose the Right Pot
Choosing the right cooking pot type means considering your cooking needs and preferences.
For one, you need to consider the material. Options range from stainless steel to cast iron. Stainless steel is durable and corrosion-resistant, while cast iron retains heat well.
On the other hand, aluminum pots heat up fast and are lightweight. Meanwhile, copper pots are extremely conductive to heat but come with high price tags. While you can easily clean non-stick pots, they can’t withstand high temperatures for long.
You should also take into account the pot’s size and capacity. They should match the meals you usually make. Bigger pots work well for soups and stews. On the other hand, you better use smaller ones for sauces and side dishes. In addition, the type of stove you have is important. For instance, not all pots work well with induction stovetops.
Lastly, consider the pot’s weight and handle design for ease of use. Pick one that has a sturdy handle if you frequently cook dishes in large quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking pots are called cookware. They are used on a stove or range cooktop to make dishes that require cooking methods like simmering, boiling, and frying.
What is pot used for in cooking?
Pots are used for boiling or simmering food that contains liquid. The liquid often covers the ingredients to cook them from all sides.
A cooking pot is a kitchen tool used to cook food.
Conclusion
The cooking pot you use can make or break your dish. Whether you’re making stock, creating a sauce, or boiling pasta, the right pot makes the process easier and improves the dish. So, be wise and pick the right one that suits your needs and preferences. Happy cooking!
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