Making a mean pot of beans is somewhat of an art, and sometimes it can seem like a challenge to get it right. Have you ever considered that the pot you’re cooking your beans could be the obstacle? It’s true, the pots we use to cook our beans play a bigger role than we realize. There is a method to the magic of creating the perfect beans, and it all lies in finding the best pot for cooking beans.
Choosing What Kind of Pot to Cook Beans
If you’ve ever looked for the best pot for cooking beans, then you’ve most likely come across pots available in a variety of size, shape, and material. Size and shape may play a role in terms of how many servings you need to cook, they are not the main factors in cooking the best tasting beans. It all comes down to the material your pot is made of.
The most common cooking pot materials are:
- Stainless Steel
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Cast Iron
These types of pots are very helpful for cooking many types of dishes, but when it comes to beans, there is one material that is missing from this list: clay. The first item you check off the list of must-haves when searching for the ideal bean pot is that it be made from clay.
Benefits of Cooking Beans in a Clay Pot
What is so good about cooking beans in a clay pot, you ask? The benefits are many and when combined, they make the difference in the quality of the beans you cook. Some of the benefits of cooking beans in a clay pot include:
- Slow, Even Cook: clay is porous, and the heat and moisture are distributed evenly throughout the pot while cooking.
- Clay is Alkaline: this means that when you cook foods in a clay pot, the clay will interact with the acidity in the food and balance the pH levels.
- Better Taste: the way the heat absorbs and works in a clay pot results in a natural and tastier flavor than with other pots.
- Healthier Food: the fact that clay is porous helps to retain the nutrients in the foods you cook in the pot.
- Fewer Bacteria: the process of heat conduction when cooking in clay pots keeps bacteria at bay much better than other materials.
- Non-Toxic: cook your beans in a pot that doesn’t contain heavy metals.
Top 5 Choices: Best Pot to Cook Beans
Now that you’ve learned more about why you should be cooking your beans in a clay pot, check out some of the best options on the market:
1. High-Fired VitaClay 2-in-1 Rice N Slow Cooker in Clay Pot
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If you’re someone who values the convenience of a slow cooker, then you should consider investing in the High-Fired VitaClay Slow Cooker. This cooking tool works just like your standard slow cooker, but it uses a clay pot to prepare your food. This 6-cup slow cooker is a bit of a hefty investment up front but will provide you with the tastiest beans and soups you’ve ever made.
The High-Fired Vita Clay comes with 4 pre-settings and is made with a double-lid for 50% more energy efficiency. Like all clay pots, make sure that you soak it before using it, and wash it with hot water immediately after using it.
2. Neoflam Kiesel 2QT Stovetop Ceramic Cookware
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Sometimes beans are the side dish of a meal, and if that’s the case then you don’t need an especially large pot. The Neoflam Kiesel is a small ceramic pot that will be just what you need to make tasty and healthy beans. This pot is crafted from heat-resistant clay which is oven safe up to 752 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can also be used on the stovetop.
This pot is protected from accidental cracks with a zero-crack glaze. If you find yourself wanting to transfer your hot pot of beans to a cooler environment, there’s no need to worry, as this pot has thermal shock resistance.
3. Clay Curry Pot – Extra Large – 10 Inch
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If you’re thinking of investing in your very first clay pot to make the best beans of your life, think about going with a multipurpose option. The Clay Curry Pot by Ancient Cookware is an ideal option for making just about anything you can imagine in a clay pot, from beans to soups and curries. This pot is very affordable considering it is handmade with 100% lead-free unglazed clay.
This 10-inch pan will require careful maintenance, which is something you should consider before you add it to your collection. If you are able to keep up with the pot’s cleaning, then you will be rewarded with beans that taste fresh and bring a sense of warmth to your mouth.
4. Doublewhale Ceramic Tagine Pot
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The Doublewhale Ceramic Pot will bring delicious flavors to your beans and other dishes and bring a pop of color to your kitchen. This pot is made from top quality Australia Spodumene and can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The food that you cook with this pot will be as healthy as possible, as this pot is 100% free of toxins, lead, and heavy metals.
You can make beans of all styles with this pot, as it works very well both on the stovetop and in the oven. Although the pot is made from 100% ceramic, it is not too heavy.
5. La Chamba Black Clay Soup Pot, Large (6 Qt)
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To make the perfect Latin-style rice and beans, add the La Chamba Black Clay Pot to your collection. This pot is handmade in Columbia and contains mica, which makes it able to withstand higher heats. This pot is versatile and can be used on the stovetop, grill, in the oven, and even in the microwave. Keep your La Chamba pot in its best shape by handwashing it.
Final Thoughts
https://youtu.be/xJY9ZN2EnUE
Beans are good for your heart and can be one of the tastiest dishes of any meal. Choosing the right pot will make cooking beans easier and result in a better flavor each time!
