Everything You Need to Know About: Rondeau Pan

A rondeau pan is the best thing to have in a home kitchen. This large pan with a medium depth is often called a brasier. It looks like a stock pot or Dutch oven that is shallower and wider.

Most of the time, the pan is round with two loop handles and a lid. Most rondeau pans are made of cast iron that has been enameled, copper, or stainless steel.

I’ve spent a lot of time researching rondeau pans, and now I can recommend 5 different ones. Don’t be afraid to read my review if you want to find the best rondeau pan for you.

If you want to know everything there is to know about the rondeau pan, including what it is, how to buy it, what size it should be, and a list of the best ones, then this blog is for you. We will talk about it in depth.

Rondeau Pan: What Is It?

Round, shallow pans with flat sides and two sets of handles are called rondeau pans or brazier pans. Visualize a short Dutch oven or a sauté pan with two loop handles to get the idea.

Because of their robust construction, practical design, and adaptability, rondeau pans have gained widespread popularity in the kitchen.

Although rondeau pans are most commonly used in the kitchen for frying, roasting, and poaching, chefs have found that they are versatile enough to use for everything from broths and soups to vegetables and meats.

They’re fantastic since you can use them in the oven and they have a tight seal that keeps food wet and flavorful even after being cooked.

List of the Best Rondeau Pans Available for Purchase

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Braiser (Best Overall)

This 5-quart enameled cast iron braiser is an expensive and high-quality item. It’s the ideal size for a four-person family. Le Creuset is a well-known premium cookware manufacturer that produces all of its products in France, including this braiser.

The enamel offers a practically nonstick surface. Enough to ensure no issues arise when using butter or oil and preheating your pan.

Cast iron produces heat that lasts for a long time and helps to eliminate hotspots.

The price of this braiser is by far its worst drawback. Le Creuset is constantly. I believe it is worthwhile.

Customers’ opinions of this braiser are what? They are generally pleased with its performance, longevity, and quality. Keep in mind that this pan can be used for both stovetops to the oven and oven (or stove) to the table. You should be pleased to use it to serve your meals because it is lovely.

For home cooks, this braiser works perfectly. However, there have only been a few grievances and issues. It may be sticky if you don’t preheat the pan. Additionally, the enamel might peel or chip if you aren’t careful, and this is an expensive product to have to discard.

If you use it carefully, avoid using metal utensils, run the dishwasher as little as possible, and avoid sudden temperature changes, you should be good.

This pan may be your kitchen workhorse if you take good care of it. There isn’t much it can’t be used for; it’s great for frying, sautéing, simmering, pan roasting, braising, and oven roasting. Even a loaf of bread may be baked in it.

Given its many uses and price, I would suggest this pan to most individuals. To purchase, click on Amazon.

Mauviel Copper Rondeau Pan (Best for Professional Kitchens)

This rondeau-shaped pan made by Mauviel is one of the few that can legitimately be called by that name. It’s possible that, as a French brand, Mauviel has the finest understanding of the term.

This is a genuine copper pan, and because its outside is made of copper, it reacts very quickly to changes in temperature. As a result, it is an excellent choice for producing sauces or confections like fudge.

Because of this, the pan functions exceptionally well and does not have any hot spots. The high, vertical edges serve to keep the liquid from cooking in the pan.

Even though it has a capacity of 5.8 quarts, this rondeau pan is perfect for use in commercial kitchens because of its durable construction and attractive appearance.

The price is the primary disadvantage of this product because it is of such high quality. Mauviel is a fantastic option, though, provided that you are aware of what you are doing and have the financial means to purchase it. To purchase, click on Amazon.

Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Tramontina Braiser

Tramontina’s 6-quart braiser is made of fully covered tri-ply. This indicates there are three layers around the pan. The exterior layer is magnetic stainless steel, which makes the braiser both durable and induction compatible.

The center layer is made of aluminum, which aids in the equal diffusion of heat. The cooking surface is 18/10 stainless steel, which is suitable for cooking a wide range of meals (unless you have a nickel allergy.)

This 6-quart braiser can easily feed a family of four, but if you need something smaller, Tramontina also makes a 3-quart version.

When it comes to simmering liquids, the high straight sides come in handy. This is a high-quality pan at a reasonable price. Owners praise its durability and functionality.

Some buyers are concerned that the pans are not always made in Brazil (they can be made in China) and that the stainless steel can discolor with usage.

I wouldn’t let this deter me from recommending this braiser if you need a braiser and are comfortable cooking with stainless steel. To Purchase, click on Amazon.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

Even though Lodge identifies this pan as a skillet, a braiser or rondeau pan more accurately describes its function. The two looping handles that are present on this item are not typical of a skillet, which typically has a single long handle instead of these two looping handles.

Putting aside the labels, this is a more reasonable option for individuals who are looking for an alternative to Le Creuset cast iron cookware.

Because it is such a large pan, it is perfect for simultaneously cooking several meals for a large number of people, even though it may need the use of more than one burner on your stove.

Because this is not enameled, it will require a little bit more care than Le Creuset does; nevertheless, if it is cared for properly, it has the potential to last even longer because it does not have an enamel covering that can chip.

A cheaper product that is also supposed to have a longer lifespan indicates, of course, that there is a catch somewhere!

In this scenario, the issue is that the Lodge, much like any other naked cast iron, may be a little bit of a chore. You need to hand wash it as soon as it is finished being used, ensure that it stays dry, and season it if necessary.

To tell you the truth, the absence of a lid is the aspect of cast iron cooking that would discourage me the most, even more so than the additional labor it requires.

However, you are free to obtain your lid. The third “disadvantage” is that there is a limited selection of lids available for this pan due to its enormous size; nonetheless, this lid measuring 18 inches should be sufficient.

If you are willing to go into the trouble of doing this, then you should be aware that cast iron is one of the most cost-effective materials for cookware that you can find. To purchase, click on Amazon.

Calphalon Non-Stick All Purpose Pan

Calphalon calls this an “All-Purpose Pan,” but it appears to be a braiser/rondeau pan to me, so why call it that?

Braisers/rondeaus aren’t often nonstick, thus it’s an unusual material mix.

I also believe Calphalon is simply attempting to be clear in its labeling. Some people are unfamiliar with the terms braiser and rondeau pan. However, “all-purpose pan” is a good descriptor.

Although nonstick isn’t as robust as the other materials in our review, this is a high-quality pan that should endure for a long time. The hard-anodized aluminum surface boosts durability significantly, and the stainless steel handles can withstand the weight of a full pan.

In principle, this pan is dishwasher safe, but some users have reported damage after putting it in the dishwasher. I advocate simple hand washing, which shouldn’t be difficult with a nonstick surface.

Customers have also complained of pan-warping. This is shocking, especially for a high-quality pan like this one. To avoid this occurring to you, avoid abruptly heating or cooling the pan. Temperature changes should be made gradually.

Overall, this is a good pan at a reasonable price with a few minor flaws. However, I believe that nonstick is ideal for frying pans but not so much for rondeau pans.

If you must have a nonstick pan for your braiser, this is the one to get. However, if you can get by with something different, such as enameled cast iron, that is probably a better option. To purchase, click on Amazon.

Choosing the Best Rondeau Pan: A Buyers Guide

There are a few factors that you need to keep in mind when purchasing a rondeau pan for your kitchen, and they include the following:

Size & Weight

When purchasing any form of cookware for your kitchen, size and weight are two crucial aspects to consider. Because rondeau pans come in a variety of weights and sizes, you must consider your usage as well as the number of people you regularly cook for.

Also, bear in mind the size of your burner, since a tiny burner for a large rondeau pan can result in uneven heat and uncooked food.

A large rondeau pan is unnecessary if you live alone or have a small family to feed. A 6–10-quart pan would be great for home cooks who do not want to overcrowd the pan.

A 10–15-quart pan should suffice for larger families and special events. However, larger rondeau pans of roughly 20-40 quarts should be excellent for commercial use and restaurant kitchens.

Regardless of the size of the pan, choose one that is lighter in weight to make it easy to handle and transport. Heavy pans are not only difficult to handle, but they are also difficult to clean.

Important Characteristics: A Secure Lid and Robust Handles

The majority of rondeaus have a uniform appearance and come basic with handles and a lid.

When working with a pan of this size, it is crucial to have handles that are easy to grasp and strong enough to carry a substantial amount of weight. These pans are hefty, to begin with, and when they are filled with food, they can easily exceed 20 pounds.

A tight-fitting lid is another important component to consider. The use of a rondeau for braising huge, tough chunks of beef is one of my favorites. When cooking something for several hours, you need a lid that will prevent heat and moisture from escaping.

Material Requirements: Even Heating and Durability

There are typically four options for the material used to construct a rondeau.

Stainless Steel – For rondeau pans, stainless steel is the material of choice. It doesn’t need any special upkeep, is tough, and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Although stainless steel is frequently one of the more costly options, both of my preferred choices are affordable at under $100.

Enameled Cast Iron – As you may have guessed from the top choices, this is the other option for selecting a rondeau. Almost nothing spreads and holds heat better than enameled cast iron.

It is also extremely sturdy, capable of producing a decent sear, and attractive enough for use on the dinner table. Price is the only serious downside.

Aluminum – There are a few benefits to using raw aluminum rondeaus. They’re easy to carry, cheap, and quick to warm up. But they also have two major drawbacks that are difficult to dismiss.

If you plan on including tomatoes in your dish, you may run into trouble due to their reaction with acidic substances. The huge, broad base is prone to warping and wobbling over time.

Non-Stick – With a non-stick rondeau, you can enjoy simple cleanup, but you give up adaptability and durability in exchange for this convenience.

When working with a non-stick coating, getting a decent sear may be very challenging, and the only appropriate utensils are those made of wood or silicone. There aren’t very many places you can get non-stick rondeaus, so I wouldn’t advocate looking for them.

Variations in Rondeau Sizes

The three most popular sized rondeau pots are 5 quarts, 8 quarts, and 10 quarts, but they can exist in other capacities. Rondeaus is a staple in commercial and restaurant kitchens everywhere, so it seems sensible that they would be made of high-quality Stainless Clad or Copper.

A rondeau has many desirable characteristics, including a sizable cooking area, straight edges, a shallow interior, two loop handles, and a secure cover. You can use it to sear, fry, boil, poach, or bake. Therefore, the question is not whether you need a Rondeau in your kitchen, but rather the size of the Rondeau.

5 Quart Rondeau – Considering that Rondeaus are typically employed for large-scale cooking, Typically, a 5 Quart Rondeau is the smallest available. If you are cooking for one to two people, a Rondeau with a capacity of 5 quarts and an 11-inch cooking surface is an excellent choice.

A 5 Quart Rondeau is ideal for roast chicken, scalloped potatoes, ratatouille, and even apple crisp.

8 Quart Rondeau – An 8 Quart Rondeau is the same as a 5 Quart Rondeau, except it offers a larger cooking surface space for your meals. That means you’ll have more room to sauté your vegetables or brown your meat without worrying about overcrowding and steaming your contents.

An 8 Quart Rondeau is ideal for searing and baking a tenderloin, frying mushrooms for ricotta toast, or making bananas foster.

10 Quart Rondeau – The largest Rondeau that can be purchased for household kitchens holds 10 quarts. It may be placed over a burner without difficulty and can be used in any oven found in a home.

Regardless of what you want to prepare in it, it can contain large portions of meat such as a rib roast or a brisket, and it will be able to effortlessly feed a huge number of individuals.

Because the diameter of the cooking surface is 12.75 inches, cooking liquid has the potential to evaporate too quickly, thus you must pay close attention to the food as it cooks.

It works wonderfully for browning brisket before braising it, for shallow frying chicken cutlets, or for preparing a substantial pasta dish that is loaded with vegetables that have been sautéed.

What Rondeau Size Do I Require?

Consider how many people you cook for while deciding on the right size Rondeau. A 5 Quart Rondeau is the perfect solution if you only cook for yourself or one other person. You can roast a whole chicken, sauté veggies, or make a meat sauce that will serve one to two people.

If you cook for three to four people, an 8 Quart Rondeau is ideal; if you have a large family or enjoy hosting dinner parties, a 10 Quart Rondeau is recommended.

The Closing Note

To conclude this blog, we have reviewed the top 5 kitchen-friendly rondeau pans. Before selecting rondeau pans, we also examined material, size, and weight factors, among others.

Additionally, it depends on personal preference and budget. Thus, consider the features, price, and brands according to your needs, and then choose one of the five best rondeau pans listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Use of a Rondeau Pan?

A rondeau can be used for many things, but it is most often used to cook large amounts of food. They are great for searing, braising, and reducing because they have a large cooking surface and short walls.

A rondeau is also a great way to wilt a lot of greens at once since the greens will shrink down to nothing.

What Ought to Be Placed in Rondeau?

The rondeau is frequently used by restaurants and individuals to serve braised short ribs. With the big cooking surface, you can sear a substantial amount of meat without crowding the pan.

After adding liquids and vegetables to a dish, it can be cooked for several hours. The form of the rondeaus enables you to swiftly reduce the cooking liquid into a rich sauce once the meat is cooked.

How Should I Take Care of My Rondeau Pan?

The maintenance of rondeau pans is typically not an overly challenging endeavor. However, as they are too enormous to put in the dishwasher and will take up the entire area, you will need to wash them by hand instead.