To eat food is effortless but, preparing them takes time and effort. Sure, gathering the right ingredients is easy, but figuring out which cooking pan you should use can be confusing. There are many different types of cooking pan out there with different uses, but not all of them are as versatile as the rondeau cooking pan. A rondeau pan is a staple in most chefs’ and home cooks’ kitchens. It is sometimes called a brazier or brassier due to its somehow shallow and wide pan and is commonly confused with a Dutch oven or a stockpot. As you dive deeper into this article, you will know everything that there is to know about the rondeau cooking pan!
Versatility & Comfortability
Rondeau pan sizes are wide and shallow, making it one of the most versatile cooking pans. You can use almost every cooking method in a rondeau cooking pan:
- Oven-roasting
- Braising
- Searing
- Frying
- Poaching
- Pan-roasting
- Boiling
- Simmering
What is a Good Quality Rondeau Pan?
A good quality rondeau pan has a thick and heavy bottom that will help with the conduction and retention of heat. It will also help distribute the heat throughout the pan. Next, you might want to invest in a rondeau pan with a lid as this will help prevent any spillage you would not want to waste that mouth-watering dish! Also, an oven-safe pan is great for when you decide to finish cooking in the oven.
Which is the Best Material?
Rondeau cooking pan can be made using stainless steel, cast iron, and copper material, and when shopping for one, it is important to know their pros and cons:
1. Stainless Steel
A stainless-steel pan heats up faster, prevents heat spots and uneven heat distribution in a pot. However, unlike cast iron, stainless steel pots don’t retain their heat long enough. But on the brighter side, stainless steel pots are known to be durable and easy to clean. It is lighter than a cast iron or copper pan and is relatively cheaper. Maybe that is why it has become a must-have for chefs and even home cooks.
2. Copper
A copper pan is the opposite of stainless steel and cast-iron cooking pan. It does heat up quickly and evenly, but it does not do well with heat retention. On the other hand, it is great for cooking delicate meat such as fish and seafood as the copper pan’s poor heat retention prevents the meat from overcooking and cools down quickly when removed from the heat source. Plus, a copper pan in your kitchen? That’s luxury at its finest! Copper cookware is nowhere cheap.
3. Cast Iron
Cast iron cooking pans are a top tier when it comes to heat retention. Unlike stainless steel and copper pans, a cast iron pan retains heat the longest. It is also known to be durable, so durable that it can be used as a weapon when a burglar enters your 100 ft tower in the middle of a forest. Also, cast iron pans are quite affordable. Meanwhile, cast irons are poor conductors of heat. It takes a while to heat up and is also prone to heat spots. Cast iron pans are quite heavier than stainless steel or copper pans. Nonetheless, it is still a great investment as it will surely last you decades.
All said materials above have their strengths and weaknesses, and it is up to you which one to get for your lovely kitchen and help you in preparing your everyday meals.
Rondeau Pan vs Dutch Oven
Rondeau pans and Dutch ovens are often interchanged with one another. While they look relatively similar, there is still a slight difference between the two. Dutch ovens are smaller than rondeau pans, and it often has tight-fitting lids. Also, it is usually made with season cast iron or ceramic material, while most rondeau pans are made with stainless steel. When it comes to their measurements, Dutch ovens tend to be smaller and taller than rondeau pans. Both are nice to have a home in your kitchen, but only one is versatile.
Top 5 High-Quality Rondeau Cooking Pans
Check out 5 of the most reviewed rondeau cooking pans below!
Mauviel M’Heritage M250C 2.5mm Copper Rondeau with Lid, 5 quarts
Price: $899.95
Highlights:
- Stainless steel-copper construction
- Solid and durable built
- Heatproof handles
- Can be used on all cooking surfaces: gas, electric, induction, and halogen stovetops
Mauviel Made In France M’Cook 5 Ply Stainless Steel 5.8-Quart Rondeau with Lid, Cast Stainless Steel Handle
Price: $309.95
Highlights:
- Can be used on all cooking surfaces: gas, electric, induction, and halogen stovetops
- Heatproof handles
- 5-ply construction
- High-performance pan
- Durable construction
- Remarkable heat conduction and distribution
Le Creuset Signature Round Wide 3-1/2-Quart Dutch Oven, Marseille
Price: $290.00
Highlights:
- Wide range of colors
- Long-lasting exterior and interior enamel
- Tight-fitting lids
- Excellent heat distribution and retention
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Easy to clean
- Strong and stable construction
Heritage Steel 6 Quart Rondeau with Lid – Titanium Strengthened 316Ti Stainless Steel with 5-Ply Construction – Induction-Ready and Fully Clad, Made in the USA
Price: $179.95
Highlights:
- Easy to clean
- Heatproof handles
- 5-ply construction
- Dishwasher-safe
- Titanium-strengthened construction for excellent corrosion resistance
Winware Stainless Steel 20 Quart Brasier with Cover
Price: $99.82
Highlights:
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Commercial grade
- Thick base for an excellent heat distribution
- Firm and stable handles
- Oven safe
- Induction safe
Conclusion
So, there you go! This is everything that you need to know about a rondeau cooking pan. Shopping for rondeau pans may be expensive, but just like the old saying: you do get what you pay for! The items mentioned above are guaranteed to be the highest of quality. They will surely help you get quality food for a long time.
Nonetheless, having fresh ingredients and high-quality cookware is one thing. Do not forget to incorporate love and passion into every dish that you will make. Get a rondeau pan to your kitchen and serve sumptuous food to your family with the best cooking aid! Get more awesome tips about cooking pans here!