Which Brand Claypot Is Best?

Claypots, also known as cocottes, have become increasingly popular in recent years for their versatility and benefits when cooking. Made from natural clay, these pots have excellent heat retention and distribute heat evenly, making them ideal for braising, stewing, baking, and more. Their tight-fitting lids lock in steam to keep food incredibly moist and tender. Claypots have been used for centuries across many cultures because of their natural non-stick properties and ease of cleaning. With so many options now available, it can be difficult to determine the best brand of claypot to purchase. This article compares features of the top brands like Staub, Emile Henry, and Le Creuset to guide you in choosing the right claypot for your needs.

What Are Claypots and How Do They Work?

A claypot, also known as a clay cooker or Romertopf, is a porous clay cooking vessel used for braising, stewing, baking, and roasting. Claypots are made from natural clay that has been shaped into a pot or dish and fired at high temperatures.

Unlike metal pots, the clay material is porous, which allows moisture to seep through the pot walls. This moisture then evaporates when heated, creating steam inside the enclosed pot. The steamcooks the food, keeping it very moist and tender.

As well as releasing moisture, the clay material also retains heat very well. Once the pot is heated up, it maintains an even temperature for long periods, creating the perfect environment for slow cooking.

Compared to cooking in metal pots, claypot cooking often results in more flavorful and tender food, mimicking oven braising. The food essentially steams and slow cooks gently in its own juices.

Top Brands of Claypots

When shopping for claypots, you’ll come across several reputable brands to choose from. Here are some of the top names in clay cookware and what makes them stand out:

Staub

Founded in 1974 in France, Staub is known for its signature matte black enameled cast iron cocottes and dutch ovens. The rough interior surface helps create a continuous release of moisture for tender, flavorful dishes. Staub claypots distribute and retain heat evenly.

Emile Henry

Located in Burgundy, France, Emile Henry has made ceramic cookware since 1850. Their claypots come in a variety of colors with a natural glazed interior that won’t scratch. Emile Henry claypots can be used in the oven, broiler, microwave, and freezer.

Le Creuset

Le Creuset originated in northern France in 1925. Their enamel-coated cast iron claypots are known for vibrant colors and superior heat distribution. Le Creuset offers a wide selection of claypot styles and sizes. Their pots go from the stovetop to oven with ease.

Staub

Staub is a French cookware company known for their high-quality enameled cast iron pots and pans. The company has been making traditional French cookware since 1974. Their claypots or cocottes are some of their most popular items.

Staub claypots come in a variety of sizes, from small 1-quart pots to large 7-quart versions. They offer both round and oval shapes. The pots feature intricate detailing, including their signature matte black enameled interior and glossy multi-colored enamel exterior.

The claypots are made from heavy cast iron with a smooth ceramic enamel coating. The matte black interior is designed to build up seasoning over time, much like traditional cast iron. The lids have self-basting spikes to continually baste food while cooking.

Staub claypots are available on the company’s website, in gourmet cookware stores, and retailers like Sur La Table, Williams-Sonoma, and Crate & Barrel. Prices range from around $150 for a 3.5-quart cocotte up to $420 for a 7.25-quart oval version. The smaller pots tend to be more affordable.

Emile Henry

Emile Henry is a French company that has been making ceramic cookware since 1850. They are known for their high quality claypots that come in lovely colors and designs.

Emile Henry claypots come in a variety of sizes ranging from small ramekins to large Dutch ovens. Some of their most popular sizes are the 7 and 9 inch round French ovens. They offer fun colors like cherry, fig, and meadow in addition to classics like white and black. The exterior glazes have a beautiful matte finish.

The clay used in Emile Henry pots is naturally non-stick. Their Burgundy clay is sourced from Burgundy, France and can withstand temperatures up to 900°F. It’s safe to use in the oven, broiler, microwave, and dishwasher.

Emile Henry pots range in price from $20 for a ramekin up to $300 for a large Dutch oven. Many of their popular sizes like the 7 qt French oven sell for around $200. The pots are widely available at stores like Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Amazon.

Le Creuset

Le Creuset is a premium French cookware brand that has been around since 1925. They are well-known for their colorful, enamel coated cast iron Dutch ovens but they also make excellent claypots or cocottes.

Le Creuset claypots come in a variety of sizes from 1 quart up to 7.5 quarts. They have some more unique designs like their heart-shaped and oval cocottes. The exterior enamel comes in Le Creuset’s signature vibrant colors while the interior cooking surface is an unglazed, natural sand color that is easy to season and maintain over time.

The Le Creuset claypots are made from thick, heavy-duty cast iron with a porcelain enamel exterior that resists chipping and cracking. They distribute heat evenly and retain heat well, making them ideal for slow cooking, braising, roasting and baking. The larger sizes work great for serving dishes right at the table.

Le Creuset claypots are handcrafted in France and on the higher end in terms of pricing. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 for a 1 quart cocotte up to $300+ for a 7.5 quart Dutch oven. They are available online through Le Creuset’s website as well as Amazon, Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma and premium kitchen retailers.

Choosing the Right Claypot

When selecting a claypot, think about how you plan to use it. Consider the size, shape, and material that will work best for your cooking needs.

For braises, stews, and soups, look for larger, deeper claypots that can hold plenty of liquid. These pots tend to have taller sides and a wider bottom. A 3-4 quart round French oven is a versatile size for many dishes.

For roasting meat or poultry, choose a shallower claypot that allows the food to brown well. Oval and rectangular pots work nicely to accommodate roasts and whole chickens.

For baking, you’ll want a claypot that mimics the shape of a typical cake or bread pan. Round pots are ideal for baking round loaves of bread. Opt for a claypot with gently sloping sides so it’s easy to remove your baked goods.

Claypot rice and claypot noodle dishes are best made in shallow, wide pots that have a large surface area. This allows for the coveted crispy crust to form on the bottom and sides of the claypot dishes.

Think about everyday meals you make and invest in claypots suited for those dishes. For example, a larger French oven for chili or pasta sauce, a shallow braiser for chicken, and a round covered baker for bread. With strategic choices, your claypot collection will see frequent and versatile use.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for your claypot properly will ensure it lasts for years to come. Here are some tips for seasoning, cleaning, and storing your claypot:

Seasoning

Before first use, season your new claypot by coating the inside with a thin layer of oil and baking it in the oven at 350°F for an hour. This seals the pores and creates a natural nonstick surface.

Cleaning Methods

After each use, allow the claypot to cool completely before cleaning. Use a soft sponge or brush and hot water to gently clean. Avoid abrasive scouring pads or harsh dish soap, as this can strip the seasoning. If any food is stuck on, you can simmer water for 5-10 minutes to loosen it.

Storing Claypots

Make sure claypots are completely dry before storage. Store with the lid off in a dry place. If stored for long periods, give it a light coating of oil to prevent drying out. Avoid stacking claypots inside one another during storage.

Claypot Cooking Tips

Claypots are ideal for braising, stewing, simmering, and slow cooking techniques that gradually infuse food with flavor. The clay evenly distributes heat and retains moisture, resulting in tender and flavorful one-pot meals. Here are some tips for cooking with claypots:

Braise meats like beef, pork, lamb or chicken in the claypot. Cut meat into chunks, brown it first on the stovetop then add aromatics like garlic, ginger and herbs plus stock or wine. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1-3 hours until fork tender.

Make stews and chili in the claypot. Build flavor by browning ground meat first then add veggies, beans and seasonings. Add just enough liquid to come halfway up the ingredients and simmer, covered, until the stew thickens.

Cook rice and grains like farro or quinoa in the claypot for extra flavor. Combine with garlic, spices and herbs then add water or broth. Cook covered for 20-30 minutes until fully absorbed.

Braise whole fish or fillets in the claypot surrounded by vegetables, aromatics and broth or wine. Delicate fish will gently steam and absorb flavors.

Make claypot chicken by seasoning chicken pieces then searing before adding veggies, herbs and broth. Simmer covered until the chicken is very tender.

Whip up claypot pasta by cooking noodles right in the flavorful tomato sauce or bolognese. The starch from the pasta adds body to the sauce.

Desserts like rice pudding, flan and bread pudding come together easily in the claypot. Custards gently steam and become creamy.

Conclusion

When choosing the best brand of claypot, top options include Staub, Emile Henry, and Le Creuset. Staub claypots are renowned for their durability and ability to distribute heat evenly. The dark matte interior enamel is great at searing foods. Emile Henry claypots feature a high-heat resistant ceramic able to go from freezer to oven. Their Flame ceramic offers superior heat retention and distribution. Le Creuset is the premium brand known for vibrant colors and quality construction. Their cast iron pots have thick, heat-retaining walls and colorful enameled exteriors.

Overall, for unparalleled heat distribution and retention, Staub and Le Creuset cast iron pots are recommended. Emile Henry is best for those desiring a freezer-to-oven ceramic claypot. Consider your budget, cooking needs, and preferences when deciding on the ideal claypot brand. All three deliver excellent craftsmanship and performance. Focus on heat tolerance, durability, look and feel when making your choice.