Which Roaster Goes With Which Dish?

Most fried dishes taste great from a cast iron roaster as well as from a device made of stainless steel, copper, or ceramics. A blanket recommendation as to which material is best suited for roast goose, carp, or roast pork cannot be given. Nevertheless, the different types of roasters each have specific properties that should be considered when buying.

These roaster materials are available:

• Cast iron casserole: Cast iron has good heat properties because the metal absorbs heat well and stores it for a long time. A cast-iron roaster is therefore well suited for stews and oven dishes that need to be cooked slowly. When used correctly, a cast iron roaster develops a patina that has a positive effect on the taste of the dish. In addition, a cast-iron roaster produces a nice roast crust.
• Cast aluminum roasters: These roasters are made of cast aluminum and can be used for a variety of dishes. They are energy-saving because the material conducts the heat inside the oven well. Since cast aluminum roasters are lighter and therefore easier to handle than classic cast iron roasters, this roaster shape makes it easy to use in the kitchen. Cast aluminum roasters are usually provided with a ceramic non-stick coating, which enables quick cleaning.
• Stainless steel roasters: Stainless steel roasters are also lighter than cast iron roasters and therefore easy to handle. However, since stainless steel conducts heat less well, it is not possible to brown the fried food as intensively as it does.
• Ceramic roaster: In a ceramic roaster or clay Roman pot, the food can be stewed particularly well in its own juices or simmered slowly. The ceramic material is soaked in water before cooking. The moisture ensures that the food remains juicy and becomes particularly tender. The aromas of the food are also better preserved in the Römertopf.
• Copper casserole: Copper casseroles are well suited for demanding and very delicate dishes such as fish. Copper conducts heat even better than stainless steel and reacts sensitively to the smallest temperature changes. However, copper roasters are significantly more expensive to buy than cast-iron roasters.