Cooking a delicious and savory braised meat dish can be challenging, especially if you aren’t using the right tools. To make sure that you cook your food to professional-level quality, you must choose a high-quality braiser. To help you choose among all of these great options, we’ve curated a guide for you to help you make the right buying decision.
Factors to Consider
Material
The most pivotal aspect to consider when buying a braiser is the material that it is made from. Most high-quality braisers embrace a cast iron material. However, make sure to pick a braiser that is reinforced with additional materials that protect the cast iron and prevent the pan from rusting.
Size
Size is a very obvious factor to consider, as it can determine how conveniently you can use the braiser. If you are a professional chef and run a business, you should go for a large braiser. On the other hand, a small braiser is ideal for you if you’re a homeowner. Meanwhile, medium braisers are perfect for fitting all ingredients and using the pot in the oven.
Capacity
When buying a braiser, ask yourself how many people you’ll be cooking for. If you’re cooking for 3–4 people, you’ll roughly require about 4–5 servings. In this case, a 3.5- or 4-quart braiser will be ideal for you.
Maintenance
It is highly crucial that you buy a braiser that is easy to maintain. Pans that may need special care may take up your time and energy. Thus, if you are on a tight schedule, buying a braiser that requires special maintenance may not be ideal for you.
Price
Braisers can be priced based on the type of material used, their long-term benefits, and the size of the pot. Ideally, you should expect to spend between $59 and $393 on a braiser.
Features of a Braiser You Should Keep in Mind
Enamel coating
An enamel coating helps prevent the braiser from rusting. It also safeguards the internal material of the pan while giving it an elegant appeal. Not to forget, enamel coating also offers a non-stick surface for you to cook on.
Heat distribution properties
This is one of the most crucial factors to consider, as even heat distribution and retention play a crucial role in ensuring that the food doesn’t lose its flavor. Moreover, you can also make well-cooked meals if you can capture the heat and distribute it evenly.
Multi-purpose
Look for a multi-functional braiser so that you can achieve several purposes in one utensil. Many braisers work as casserole dishes so it’d be a great idea to invest in such products for multi-purpose use.
Handle type
The type of handle plays a crucial role in ensuring that you don’t end up burning your hands and also have an easy grasp on the braiser. Look for handles that have a coating on the stainless steel material so that they can prevent you from burning yourself while cooking. Moreover, handles that have enough space for you to grasp the pot can prevent instances of food spillage.
Benefits of a Braiser for Your Kitchen
Effortless operation
A premium-quality braiser can allow you to cook some of the most delicious meals without having to put in too much effort. With even heat distribution and attached lids, you can surely retain the flavor, juices, and nutrients of your foods. Moreover, since they are quite effortless to use and store, it’s safe to say that you will encounter minimal spillage instances.
Easy to maintain
Maintaining your braisers can be quite effortless, as you can simply tilt the pan or pot and drain out the water after washing it to let it dry. To wash your braiser, you can use sprays, liquids, and scrubs, followed by rinsing the braiser and leaving it to dry.
Make room for all ingredients, big and small
Thankfully, braisers accommodate all sorts of ingredients and are of any size. A medium-sized braiser can fit all of your cooking requirements.
