The Best Clay Pots For Cooking

Ahua Ceramic Stockpot

Sweeten the pot

This ceramic stockpot is the perfect versatile kitchen staple.

Best Overall

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This ceramic stockpot from Ahua can be used for everything from simmering to baking, making it the perfect all-purpose pot. Cook stews, casseroles, oatmeal, rice, and more in the 2.6-quart size that has the capacity for between two and four people. The retro pot style has a black base accented with cartoon illustrations and a bright yellow lid, adding a fun twist to the otherwise classic style. Made from environmentally friendly materials and easy to clean, this pot will quickly become your new favorite.

Pros:

• The ceramic pot is non-stick, so you don’t have to worry about messy clean-up
• It can be used in temperatures from -20 to 600 degrees for added versatility
• It’s scratch-resistant and durable, so it stands the test of time

Cons:

• There’s metal on the inside of the pot, so it can’t be used in the microwave
• It’s not very large, so it’s not the best option for large families or gatherings

Lytio Handmade Traditional Cooking Pot

Clay on the stove

This ceramic pot is the perfect way to cook and serve from a single dish.

Best For Gas Stove

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Perfect for cooking and soaking beans or making rice, this traditional pot is a versatile piece to add to your arsenal. The clay design is handmade in the classic Mexican style, offering you the ideal vessel for submerging dried black or pinto beans to soak. Once they’re ready to cook, you can put the pot right on the stovetop for an all-in-one cooking solution. That way, you don’t have to worry about washing multiple dirty dishes and can instead have delicious beans and rice that are cooked to perfection, every time.

Pros:

• It has a one-gallon capacity, so it has plenty of room
• It’s safe for your stovetop, so you can use it for both soaking and cooking
• You can even use the pot as a vase or decorative item in your home when you’re not using it in the kitchen

Cons:

• You need to cure the pot before use, which adds an extra step
• If you don’t stir the contents frequently, they can burn onto the bottom and get stuck

Craftsman India Clay Pottery Mud Pot

Au naturale

Made from mud and clay, this traditional pot is the real deal.

Best Traditional

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Made from natural mud and clay, this pot gives you all the benefits of organic materials like phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and other minerals. This may help neutralize the pH balance of your food since the clay distributes heat and moisture to help you cook everything more evenly. The handmade product even has a rustic look and feel that adds a hint of elegance and sophistication to your kitchen.

Pros:

• It’s made from all-natural materials without any harsh chemicals or additives
• It can be used directly on the gas stove, so you can mix and cook your food in the same vessel
• The pot is designed for durability, so it stands the test of time

Cons:

• It only has a one-liter capacity, so it fits less than other similar pots
• The pot may discolor over time from exposure to high temperatures

Ceramica Edgar Picas Vintage Portuguese Traditional Clay Cazuela

Flower power

This clay pot is accented with a white contrasting pattern for a sophisticated finish.

Best Decorative

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Made from terracotta, this traditional painted pot is a versatile vessel. The food-safe style can be used just like a traditional pot, making it the ideal way to make rice and beans or soups and stews—and everything in between. Available in several different sizes to suit your cooking needs, it’s even finished with an ornate hand-painted pattern to add a homey and personalized feel.

Pros:

• You can put the pot right on your gas stove without worry
• It keeps food warmer longer than regular stainless steel cookware
• When not in use, you can display it on your table or countertop thanks to the hand-painted decorative pattern

Cons:

• You must soak the pot in water for eight hours before use
• Food tends to stick to the bottom

Vyatka Stoneware Ramekins

Third time's the charm

This set of three clay ramekins are the perfect individual serving size.

Best Set

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This clay cookware is the ideal non-toxic addition to your kitchen. Each of the three ramekins is around four inches tall, giving you the perfect size for individual portions of your favorite foods. Use them for cooking or serving for a versatile, all-in-one kitchen tool. The natural clay lids also help to keep food warm for longer, so you can serve your food piping hot to maximize flavor.

Pros:

• The set of three allows you to serve multiple people at once or use them as a matching set for gatherings
• Each of the pots is small, so they’re easy to store
• Made from natural clay, they’re healthy and non-toxic

Cons:

• One full ramekin isn’t enough food for an entire meal
• The small size makes them more challenging to clean

Frequently Asked Questions

Do clay pots absorb water?

Terracotta pots are porous and may absorb water. Oftentimes, it’s recommended to soak them in water overnight before using them to ensure your food cooks properly.

Are clay pots safe to cook in?

Clay pots can be used to fry, bake, brown, or saute all different types of ingredients. Typically, they can be put both on the stovetop, in the oven, and in the microwave.

Do clay pots contain lead? 

Typically, no. If the clay pot isn’t glazed, it’s unlikely that it contains lead.