10 Best Clay Pots for Cooking in 2024

You may have heard elderly people praising the salivating taste of foods when cooked in clay pots. So how do these pots differ from the cookware that you see in every kitchen? To begin with, clay pots are non-toxic which means you can safely use them.

In a nutshell, clay pots won’t allow harmful chemicals to leach into your food while ensuring your food becomes flavorful and distinctive. In addition, you can use them to cook different types of food such as soup stock, beans, rice, porridge, and many more.

That said, if you want to cook tasty food without getting involved with toxic chemicals, you can surely consider this buying guide for best clay pots for cooking.

Farcady Enamel Coating Clay Pot

To begin with, the enamel coating over cast iron in the clay pot by Farcady makes it a good conductor of heat. It distributes heat evenly and retains the same for some time, thus ensuring the temperature of the whole cookware remains consistent.

Farcady clay pot is best for roasting, simmering, sautéing, stewing, or other types of cooking. The clay pot is made from cast iron of the highest quality. The inner part of the pot is layered in white enamel. Whereas, the exterior comes with glossy enamel. This makes the cookware non-sticky and durable. In addition, this clay pot comes with a transparent lid. That way, you can see the progress of your cooking. The handle is made from cast iron and coated with enamel as well.

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Korean Earthenware Clay Pot

The Onggi Jonggi earthenware clay pot is another product that you can’t afford to miss. These pots come with unique characteristics because of how they are manufactured. They are made with natural materials, making it eco-friendly.

It means that you don’t have to worry about chemicals or toxins that can harm the food while you cook. In addition, this clay pot retains heat for a long time. As such, it ensures a deep flavor to your food compared to what you get from normal cookware.

These versatile pots work great when you put them over an open flame or inside a cooker. They cook effectively in the oven as well and apart from that, you can have them in three different sizes to meet your cooking needs.

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Chiosa Clay Pot Vintage Rustic

The first thing that you notice about the Chiosa clay pot is that it has a unique design. It is also available in rustic colors. It is environment friendly too as the clay pot is handmade from eco-friendly materials in Moldova.

With this clay pot, you can impress your guests by cooking amazing food with lots of flavors. The cookware works well up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. Moreover, the lid helps to cook the food evenly so that it can retain the flavor from all aspects. As such, it makes for an excellent stew or roast. Cleaning these pots are extremely easy. Use a soft brush with minimum detergent and warm water to clean the cookware.

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Raphael Rozen Clay Cooking Pot

If you think that clay pots might not be a good option for a modern-day kitchen, you may be wrong. The Raphael Rozen clay cooking pot comes with an intuitive design that fits well in modern kitchens. It has a conical lid making it perfect to cook tagine.

This earthenware pot has a tough finish as well. Cooking food in this cookware improves the flavor. At the same time, it preserves the nutritional value of cooked foods. It is available in three different colors for you to choose from.

The best part is that you can use the cookware at low temperatures over the stovetop and oven. However, make sure to submerge the cookware in water for a minimum of one hour before using it for the first time.

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Romertopf 6 people Clay Cooker

The Romertopf 6 people clay cooker uses a completely different method of cooking unlike other types of cookware. It makes good use of moderate steam to cook delicious food. This nonstick clay cooker is a special way of cooking food that retains nutritional value as well.

Cooking food in this clay cooker is a breeze and you don’t have to do anything extra. As it appears, the food itself gets prepared when you put them in. To cook delicious meals, you don’t even have to stand for hours in the kitchen.

You will be happy to know that there won’t be oil spillages. In addition, you don’t need too much oil to cook food either. Healthy cooking is made easy and accessible when you use this amazing cookware. Most importantly, keeping the cookware clean is quite easy.

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Ancient Cookware Clay Casserole

Bring back memories of the past by using this black clay casserole from Ancient Cookware. The best part about this oval-shaped clay casserole is that you can use it on any kind of stovetop. It means that you can use it with electric cooktops, gas cooktops, microwaves, or even an oven.

They are made from unglazed natural clay that gives a more rustic feel and looks. The cooking pots are handcrafted by special artisans from central Columbia. It comes in 4 quarts capacity and is perfect for a small family.

Cooking food in this oval-shaped cookware makes you healthy and, it doesn’t emit toxins into the surroundings. This way, it feels safe when preparing food as well as eating. The cooker helps distribute heat evenly and retain the same for longer use.

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Reston Lloyd Clay Cooking Pot Oven

There is no denying that the closed cooking process tends to preserve the aromas and nutrients in one place. Because of this, they need little oil or fat to improve the flavor of the dishes and this is definitely a healthier option.

Besides, the food gets a crispy texture. If you cook meat, they get subtly detached from the bone. You can cook vegetables, soups, fish, chicken, beef, pork, and many more.

Place the cookware inside a cold oven while setting it to the appropriate temperature. The Reston Lloyd is undoubtedly one of the best clay pots for cooking that you find around. You can use the cookware to up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit without problems.

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Vintage Traditional Terracotta Clay Casserole

The vintage traditional terracotta clay casserole is another gorgeous cookware that you can consider adding to your kitchen. You get the added benefit of preserving the essential nutrients, unlike regular cookware, too.

This remarkable clay cooker comes in four different sizes so that you can buy the right one. The cookware is made of terracotta material and beautifully painted with hand. As you know, clay cookware doesn’t contain any kind of toxic chemicals such as cadmium or lead.

Although there is no question about the versatility of this product, it comes with certain restrictions. This amazing cookware doesn’t work with electric stovetops. Also, you should place the cookware under water for at least 8 hours before using it.

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Iga-Mono Clay Rice Cooker

The best clay pots for cooking give you full pressure cooking experience like the regular ones. But they reduce the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into your food. Iga-Mono clay rice cooker is a great example.

This amazing clay pot can cook fluffy rice without fuss. So if you eat rice often, this should be the right product for you. The best part of this clay pot is that it retains heat effectively. As a result, it allows you to make rice most beautifully, unlike ordinary kitchen cookware.

This pot comes with a double lid so that it can prevent spillage. Each grain of rice appears distinct and the kind of chewiness you get is different from what you cook using a normal pressure cooker.

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Earthen Clay Cooking Pot

The last one on the list of the best clay pots for cooking is from Village Decor. The earthen clay cooking pot comes in different sizes that allow you to cook food most naturally. Moreover, the nonstick surface helps you cook with little to no oil.

Most of the steam or moisture from food remains in the pot so you don’t have to add anything extra while cooking. This cooking clay pot is 100% natural, lead-free, and non-toxic. Hence, you can use it safely in your kitchen.

In short, you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals and their side effects on your health. The durable material also makes sure that you can use it for many years to come.

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FAQ on Buying Claypot for Cooking

What is a claypot, and why should I consider using one for cooking?

A claypot is a traditional cooking vessel made from natural clay. It is valued for its unique ability to distribute heat evenly and retain moisture, making it perfect for slow-cooking dishes. Cooking with claypots imparts a distinct earthy flavor to your food, enhancing the overall taste and aroma.

What types of claypots are available in the market?

You can find various types of claypots, each with its characteristics. Some common ones include:

• Unglazed claypots: These are porous and offer a more authentic flavor but require seasoning before use.
• Glazed claypots: These have a non-porous coating, making them easier to clean and maintain.
• Electric claypots: These are electrically powered and offer precise temperature control.

Are there different sizes of claypots available?

Yes, claypots come in various sizes to accommodate different cooking needs. Smaller pots are ideal for individual servings or side dishes, while larger ones can handle family-sized meals. Choose a size that suits the quantity of food you usually cook.

How do I choose the right claypot for my cooking style?

Consider the following factors when selecting a claypot:

• Cooking method: If you plan to use it on a stovetop, ensure the pot is stovetop-safe. If you prefer baking, opt for an oven-safe claypot.
• Type of clay: Unglazed claypots are best for slow-cooking and developing flavors, while glazed ones are easier to clean and maintain.
• Lid fit: Check that the lid fits tightly to lock in moisture and flavors.
• Handle and weight: Choose a claypot with sturdy handles and a weight you can comfortably handle.

How do I season an unglazed claypot?

Seasoning an unglazed claypot is essential to prevent cracking and enhance its cooking performance. To do this, soak the pot in water for a few hours, then rub the inside with cooking oil and bake it in the oven according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can I use a claypot on an induction cooktop?

Not all claypots are suitable for induction cooktops. Look for pots specifically labeled as “induction-ready” or with a flat base compatible with induction cooking.

Is cooking with claypots safe?

Yes, cooking with claypots is generally safe, but you must follow some precautions. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as placing a hot claypot on a cold surface. Also, handle the pot with oven mitts as it can get extremely hot.

How do I clean and maintain a claypot?

For unglazed claypots, avoid using soap as it can absorb into the porous surface. Instead, soak it in warm water and scrub gently with a soft brush. For glazed pots, you can use mild soap and a soft sponge. Ensure it is thoroughly dry before storing.

Are claypots suitable for all types of dishes?

Claypots are excellent for slow-cooking stews, soups, curries, and braised dishes. However, they may not be suitable for quick-cooking or frying.

Where can I buy a high-quality claypot?

You can find claypots in specialty kitchen stores, online retailers (e.g. Amazon, Walmart), and even in some local markets. Look for reputable brands and read customer reviews to ensure the quality of your purchase.

How to choose the best clay pots for cooking?

Ensure that you are buying clay pots that are made from 100% terracotta earthen clay. It is good to avoid artificial clay like kaolin. They don’t come with organic and natural benefits. Also, you can check the product to know whether the product you intend to buy is unglazed or glazed.

Typically, unglazed clay pots are better and safe option compared to glazed ones. In addition, check the compatibility of the clay pots with cooktops. Not all of them support each kind of cooktop.

Which clay pot brand is the best?

No doubt, every product mentioned in this list gives you satisfying results. If you follow its caring instructions, the clay pots can last for many years. Romertopf, Raphael Rozen, Onggi Jonggi, and Farcady are the best brands.

Helpful tips on using a clay pot

Keep in mind never to keep the leftovers in your clay pot. It will absorb the smell and flavors of the food. It is unwise to put the hot clay pot on a cool counter directly. You have to place a thick towel on the countertop and put the pot on it.

If you don’t, it will damage the pot. Also, it is a bad idea to cook sweet and savory dishes in the same clay pot. You should clean the pot after each use. To remove stubborn stains or unpleasant smells from the clay pot, clean it by using hot water, baking soda, and a sponge.

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Wrapping Up

The best clay pots for cooking don’t contain chemicals that may adversely impact your health. In addition, food cooked in clay pots is rich in Sulphur, Magnesium, Calcium, and Iron. They are important for your well-being. Moreover, clay pots make food a lot tastier.

Now that you are aware of the health benefits of cooking in clay pots, you should buy the one that suits your needs. As said, you can use them to prepare several recipes with ease. Still, confused? Go ahead and buy one today with confidence. It’s time to connect with nature.