Types of cauldrons: material of manufacture, shape, thickness, volume

In most cases, it may seem that the cauldron is a rather primitive design, and the models do not differ at all from each other. Perhaps only the obvious nuances. For example, the volume and material of manufacture. But the cauldron also has other characteristics, which, in fact, affect its varieties.

Varieties of cauldrons, depending on the parameters

There are few types, but they all differ in material and volume (as already mentioned), as well as in wall thickness and shape. Some options are also distinguished by purpose. For example, cooking dishes on an open fire or on a stove, but this is a purely individual approach, since personal preferences of a person are more influenced here. Let's figure out how the cauldrons differ from each other.

By material of manufacture

The main raw materials are cast iron, aluminum, copper, steel. The last two options are not so in demand: they require complex and delicate care and there is a risk of corrosion or the ingress of toxic metal compounds into food.

Cast iron

The cast iron cauldron meets all the requirements that can only be imposed on this type of kitchen utensil - it evenly heats the ingredients, distributes heat correctly and keeps it inside the pot for a long time time. Because of this, the dishes turn out to be very rich, juicy, with an unsurpassed soft taste.

For some reason, it is believed that the "older" the cast-iron pot, the tastier the food will be. Strange, but true. It is often argued that over time, a very thin film forms on the walls of the pot, which does not wash off even when washing dishes. Thus, all the pores of the cauldron inside are filled with natural fat, and this contributes to the fact that the products do not burn - such a kind of non-stick coating is almost impossible to clean. Although this is a plus!

Advantages:

• long service life;
• even distribution of heat inside the container;
• democratic value;
• does not require complex care;
• keeps the temperature of the cooked food for a long time.

Flaws:

• rust may form;
• often quite heavy.

Aluminum

Such models are in demand among those who love outdoor trips and cannot imagine rest without food cooked on a fire. Aluminum cauldrons are very light, which allows you to take them with you on hikes, and just spend time with your family somewhere in the natural area.

The ingredients are heated quite quickly, but they also cool down just as quickly, and this is completely unacceptable when cooking oriental dishes, for which the cauldron is, in fact, intended.

Food will not languish in an aluminum pot. Rather, they are fried.

An essential feature of such a cauldron model is that it is impossible to leave cooked food in it, since the oxidation process begins too quickly - it is better to transfer it to another dish.

As for care, you will have to wash such models with extreme care. In addition, aluminum is a rather fragile material and can easily be bent or dent.

Advantages:

• lightweight;
• ease of transportation;
• heats up quickly;
• low cost.

Flaws:

• easily deformed;
• delicate care required;
• cools down quickly.

Copper

This metal is very rare today. And this applies not only to the manufacture of cauldrons, but in general to all kitchen utensils. The reason is that copper compounds are very toxic, and copper itself is susceptible to rust formation. Using and caring for a cauldron made of this metal requires a lot of effort, time and, in fact, finances. Not all products are suitable for cleaning it - you will have to buy expensive formulations based on natural substances.

As for the features, copper also quickly heats food, but, like aluminum, it cools down pretty soon. Since a copper cauldron will not keep warm for a long time, this is a significant disadvantage for those dishes that are often cooked in it.

Advantages:

• a light weight;
• fast heating;
• rapid cooking process.

Flaws:

• releases toxins;
• only delicate care is needed;
• rust may form;
• copper cauldrons are made with thin walls, which often leads to deformation of the metal.

Coated steel

The coating can be different - Teflon or enamel. The choice depends on the person - what he likes and what he is used to.

In fact, the properties of steel are very similar to cast iron, but there are significant drawbacks, which are precisely related to the coating.

Cast iron cauldrons are not afraid of high temperatures and overheating, but boilers made of coated steel are unlikely to "survive" - ​​the top layer will gradually flake off, which will lead to cracks. Such kitchen utensils do not look very attractive, and it is extremely dangerous to cook in them!

Advantages:

• non-stick properties - food will not burn.

Flaws:

• delicate coating that cannot boast of a long service life;
• produces little steam.

Many dishes that are usually cooked in such dishes require constant stirring. And the Teflon coating, as you know, does not tolerate unnecessary sliding on its surface. Especially inappropriate tools.

To size

Traditional sizes in liters:

• 2-4 - for small families, convenient for home use;
• 5-8 - for a company of 5-8 people;
• 9-20 - for campsites, country gatherings, tourist trips, for the number of people from 10;
• the largest options - from 30 to 200 liters - are more intended for cafes and restaurants.

By wall thickness

Regardless of which cauldron you decide to buy, it is very important to pay attention to this parameter. The ideal option is 3-5 mm, but this figure can vary both downward and upward.

Remember that the thicker the walls of the cauldron, the better it will distribute heat and retain it.

By form

In fact, the cauldron has one specific feature - the shape of the bottom. It is rounded, hemispherical, turning into the walls of the pot - this is how a traditional cauldron should be. But this design makes the dishes not entirely stable, which led to the manufacture of pots with a flat or absolutely flat bottom - adaptation to kitchen stoves.

When choosing a cauldron, pay attention to the handles. They must be cast.

There are also quite original designs, for example, Afghan. But that's a completely different story ...