Which cauldron is better, aluminum or cast iron. Criterias of choice

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Kazan is a specific dish that is indispensable in the kitchen. You can cook many interesting dishes in it: rich soups, sauces, stews and desserts. The main culinary creation, which requires a cauldron, is pilaf. Well, if we talk about picnics, nature trips and fishing, then here you can’t do without high-quality dishes. Which cauldron is better, aluminum or cast iron? This article has all the necessary recommendations for choosing.

Selection criteria

Before you figure out which cauldron is better, aluminum or cast iron, you need to clarify some points. For novice cooks, it is better to opt for aluminum cookware. Cast iron cauldron has some features that you need to learn how to manage. It takes a long time to heat up, but it keeps the temperature better. Cooking in such a cauldron, it is difficult to achieve the effectlonging.

Such utensils should be used constantly, or each time to prepare it for the cooking process. Next, you need to decide on the shape and size of the cauldron. An important role in choosing such dishes is played by the stove on which the cooking process will be carried out. For gas, it is better to take a cast-iron cauldron, and for electric - aluminum. Having decided on the main criteria, you can safely go shopping.

Myths

There are several incorrect or inaccurate facts that are passed from mouth to mouth about aluminum cookware. The most important of them is the myth about the harmfulness of such an alloy. With proper processing of the cauldron, a film forms on its surface, which prevents food from burning and prevents the release of harmful substances. In addition, high-quality dishes are tested and verified.

The second myth is related to the fragility of aluminum cookware. Many mistakenly assume that such a cauldron can easily melt.

But that's just not possible with quality cast-ironware.

The third conjecture speaks of the poor quality of food cooked in an aluminum cauldron. The main feature of such dishes is the effect of languishing. Yes, a cast-iron cauldron holds heat better, heats up and cools down for a long time. But aluminum cookware does the job just fine. That is, food is ideally prepared if the required temperature is maintained.

Cauldron shape

Which cauldron is bettercast iron or aluminum? This is the main question, but other criteria are also important. For example, the shape of dishes. Its choice depends on the cooking process. The standard or classic is the hemispherical shape. But such a cauldron is better to use for cooking on a fire or special coasters.

In such dishes, food does not get stuck in the corners, it is easy to mix. But for a gas stove, this form is inconvenient. In this case, it is better to choose a cauldron with a flat bottom. It is convenient and practical. Inside, it will have a rounded shape, so the cooking process will bring no less pleasure. And which cauldron to choose - aluminum or cast iron - depends on personal preferences and skills.

Volume

This factor also matters. For cooking on a gas stove, you need to choose a cauldron no more than 8 liters. This is the optimal volume of dishes in which you can cook, for example, pilaf for 10-12 people. A larger cauldron on a gas stove will heat up unevenly. It is more suitable for use on other heat sources (outdoors, barbecue), where you can expand the heating zone. A cast iron boiler will take longer to warm up than an aluminum one, regardless of volume.

Cast iron or aluminum

And yet, which cauldron is better to choose, aluminum or cast iron? In addition to the above advantages and disadvantages, both options have other indicators. An aluminum cauldron is lighter and therefore more mobile. Such dishes are made from alloys of light metals.

If you take a small pot for cooking on a gas or electric stove, it is better to give preference to aluminum. But if you plan to cook culinary masterpieces in nature or on the grill quite often, then it is better to choose a cast-iron cauldron. With good care, such dishes will last for decades. Cast iron is heavy, but has better heat capacity.

Quality Criteria

Which cauldron is better - aluminum or cast iron, depends not only on the alloy of metals. Product quality plays a big role. The walls of any cauldron should not be thin. For high-quality dishes, this indicator is at least 4 mm. Only in this case uniform heating and high quality of cooked food is ensured. Agree that certain dishes are prepared in a cauldron that require a specific technology.

It should be noted that cast iron only improves its properties over the years, and therefore old cauldrons made of this material are more valued. Good dishes have a smooth surface without dents and roughness. And the last factor that speaks about the quality of the product is its price. Good cookware cannot be low.

Afterword

Which cauldron is better for pilaf - aluminum or cast iron? In each of them you can cook delicious dishes. The main thing is that it was high-quality dishes. An aluminum representative of this class has a lower cost, light weight, but low performance.heat capacity. Cast iron cauldron is more expensive and weighs more. But it keeps heat better and warms food well. High-quality dishes made of such an alloy will serve faithfully for more than one generation.

Professional chefs prefer cast iron cauldrons, but for beginners, aluminum will be more convenient. Remember that the main thing in preparing delicious dishes is the skill of the cook, but you should not forget about good dishes either. Which cauldron is better: aluminum or cast iron - this is a personal choice for everyone.