Braisers: The Ultimate One-Pot Wonder?

If you're an avid cook, you may have heard of a braiser pan—but do you need one? Braiser pans are ideal for braising, as the name suggests, but they can also be used for sautéing, searing, browning, simmering, steaming, and shallow frying. They are similar to Dutch ovens, but with shallower walls. Braisers are usually made from enameled cast iron, with a lid and handles on either side. They are perfect for one-pot dishes and can go from stove to oven to table. If you're short on storage, a braiser might not be for you, but if you're braising all the time, it could be a worthwhile investment.

Braisers are ideal for braising

Braisers are made from enameled cast iron, which is excellent for braising. The material gets hot enough for browning and holds heat well for simmering. Enameled cast iron also won't become sticky due to infrequent use. The enamel coating helps prevent large pieces of enamel from flaking off the pan. Additionally, enameled cast iron is usually dishwasher-safe.

Braisers are also a good option for those who don't already use cast-iron cookware. Modern braisers have a shallow but wide profile that makes them easier to handle. Braisers open up a multitude of different cooking methods, such as braising, stewing, baking, and casseroling. No other cookware material can match cast iron for thermal density, so if you want to slow cook meals while reducing hot spots, then cast iron is a good option.

Braisers are also versatile. They can be used for sauteing, browning, steaming, and shallow-frying. Braisers are large enough to hold a 5-pound chicken, so they can double as roasting pans. Braisers are also great for building casseroles such as lasagna or eggplant parm. They can even be used for baking cookies or brownies. Braisers are also easier to clean than skillets or Dutch ovens due to their enameled surfaces.

Braisers are versatile

Braisers are ideal for cooking cheaper cuts of meat. The shape of a braiser is intended to cook cuts of meat semi-submerged in liquid, which gives optimum tenderness and flavour to your dishes. The higher sides of a braiser, when compared to a skillet, mean you can add more liquid to the pot without the risk of spills. This allows your food to be slowly cooked in its natural juices, creating flavourful dishes. Braising involves browning food and then simmering it in a small amount of liquid, resulting in very tender meat or veggies and a deeply flavoured sauce.

Braisers are also good for cooking acidic foods without the risk of tainting the flavour, and they are usually dishwasher-safe. The weight of a braiser is manageable, and enamel cast iron will not become sticky due to infrequent use. Braisers are also safer to grip when putting the pot in and out of the oven.

Braisers are easy to use and store

Braisers are also easy to pick up with two hands because they have two handles, making them safer to grip when putting the pot in and out of the oven. They are also safer than skillets when it comes to cooking with a spatula or tongs, as their higher sides reduce the risk of spills and boilovers.

Braisers are ideal for cooking acidic foods as they are usually made from enameled cast iron, which prevents food from taking on a metallic taste. Enameled cast iron is also usually dishwasher-safe. Braisers are also easy to clean by hand, as their enameled surface is easier to scrub than a skillet or Dutch oven.

Braisers are also easy to store. Their dual functionality means you can get away without storing multiple pots and pans, and their colourful exteriors mean they look great when brought from the oven to the table.

Braisers are similar to Dutch ovens

Braisers and Dutch ovens are similar in many ways. They are both made from enamel-coated cast iron and have tight-fitting lids that lock in heat and moisture, as well as handles for easy manoeuvring. They can also be used on the stovetop or in the oven and are renowned for their ability to heat and cook food evenly. Both are versatile additions to your kitchen and can be used for braising, shallow frying, baking, roasting, sauteing, steaming and simmering.

However, there are some key differences. Dutch ovens are deep and tall, with high sides, while braisers are shallow and wide. Dutch ovens are better for larger meals, soups and stews, while braisers are better for recipes involving searing or frying, followed by slow cooking. Dutch ovens are ideal for cooking techniques that require a lot of liquid, while braisers are designed for the opposite, as their shallow cooking space means food is only partially covered by liquid.

Braisers are good for beginners

Braisers are a good option for beginners in the kitchen as they are versatile and can be used for multiple cooking methods. They are ideal for one-pot dishes and can be used on the stove, in the oven, and even as a serving dish on the table. Braisers are perfect for braising, but they can also be used for sautéing, searing, browning, simmering, steaming, and shallow frying.

Braisers are a good size for beginners as they are not too big and bulky. They are usually made from enameled cast iron, which is lighter than regular cast iron, and they have two handles, making them easier to move around the kitchen and to the table. The enamel coating means they are easier to clean than traditional cast iron and don't require seasoning. The coating also means that food is less likely to stick, and acidic foods won't react with the pan, so you can cook a wider variety of dishes.

Braisers are also a good choice for beginners because they are designed for braising, a cooking technique that is simple and effective for creating tender meat and vegetables with a rich sauce. Braising involves browning the food first and then simmering it in a small amount of liquid. The wide, shallow shape of a braiser is ideal for this, as it allows for even browning without steaming, and it is deep enough to hold enough liquid to simmer.

If you are new to cooking and want to invest in a good-quality pan that will last, a braiser is a great option. They are fun and easy to use and will enable you to create a wide range of dishes with minimal fuss.

Frequently asked questions