Table of Contents
What is a Tagine Pot?
You may notice that I am making it a point to specify tagine pot and not just refer to this as a tagine. There is a simple reason for this. The word tagine has two meanings. A tagine refers to the food cooked inside the pot as well as the pot that is used to cook.
Traditionally tagine pots are made out of clay. They can be glazed or unglazed, the finish just depends on what the cook likes better. In Morocco you’ll also see lightweight aluminum tagines. Outside of Morocco there are more companies are making pots out of other materials like cast iron or even steel.
Tagines come in a variety of sizes. There are small cooking tagines that serve 1 or 2 people, medium for a small family and large tagines for 6+ people. If size is a factor the smaller tagines are good but a medium sized tagine pot is a good investment for long-term use.
Choosing the best tagine for cooking has a few factors to consider;
- what will you be cooking?
- how much experience do you have using a tagine?
- how often will you be using your tagine?
- how much money do you want to spend on your tagine cookware?
Cooking in a tagine requires a little bit of experimenting until you understand how yours works. An unglazed clay tagine will cook a lot differently than a cast iron enameled tagine. For beginners who don’t want to spend a lot of time fussing with traditional clay tagines, it makes sense to opt for the glazed versions. These tend to be more expensive however you can use them to cook many different things with or without the lid.
Those who want a more traditional tagine should look for an unglazed clay tagine. These are very easy to purchase in Morocco and make a great item to pick up if you’re visiting and want to bring something home. They also can be purchased abroad which is a good choice if you don’t want to carry the extra weight.
Where Can I Buy a Tagine Pot?
If you would have asked this question even a few years ago your options would have been very limited. But, thankfully Moroccan food is really making waves in the food scene. Today it’s a lot easier to buy tagines!
As mentioned above, if you’re visiting Morocco this is the best place to buy a traditional tagine. You will see two different types of pots. One is painted on the exterior, and one is plain. You can not cook in the decorated tagines.
When you are shopping you should make sure to double check if the pot is able to be put on the stovetop and/or into the oven – this is especially the case when purchasing clay tagines.
If you are buying a tagine in Morocco you’ll also want to be aware that some do contain small levels of lead. The makers of the tagines are becoming aware of this and doing more and more to make sure that their tagines are safe however at the end of the day money becomes a factor. If you’re unsure you can purchase an at home lead test. You could even bring them along and check before you buy. https://amzn.to/2M8CleX
Best Tagine Comparison Guide
As wonderful as it is that there are now so many tagines on the market, it can be really hard to determine which one is the right one for you. I have chosen some of the top tagines to compare in this post so that you can make the right choice for you.
Large Lead-Free Cooking Tagine Unglazed
Description: This is an unglazed tagine imported from Morocco. It is lead free and 12″ wide.
Best for: Intermediate to Advanced
Safe to Use In: Oven or Stovetop at LOW temperatures
Price Range: under $75
Weight: 6 pounds
Extra Large Glazed Tagine
Description: This is a glazed tagine that is lead free and food safe to both cook and serve in. If cooking on gas or electric stoves it is best to use with a diffuser.
Best for: Beginner to Intermediate Cooks
Safe to Use In: Stovetop at low heat and up to 350F in the oven
Price Range: under $100
Weight: 15 pounds – 13.3″ diameter
Simple Small Tagine
Description: This is a small, glazed tagine imported from Morocco. It measures 8″ wide and is good for 1-2 people.
Best for: Beginner to Intermediate Cooks
Safe to Use In: Oven or Stovetop
Price Range: under $30
Weight: 6 pounds
Kamsah Hand Made and Painted Tagine
Description: This is a hand painted, clay tagine. It should be noted that typically tagines that are painted should not be cooked in. It has a much deeper bottom than most Moroccan tagines. The makers of this tagine do state that it can be used to cook directly in.
Best For: Intermediate to Advanced Cooks
Safe to Use In: Stovetop / Serving
Price Range: under $100
Weight: 6 lbs
Emile Henry Tagine
Description: These tagines are made in France and have a 10 year warranty from the manufacturer. They are made from terra cotta and made to be lighter than many other tagines.
Best for: Beginner to Advanced Cooks
Safe to Use In: Oven or Stovetop or BBQ Grill
Price Range: under $150 (some under $100!)
Weight: 8.2 pounds
Le Creuset Moroccan Tagine
Description: Made with an enamel interior, cast iron base and stoneware lid this tagine combines the traditional cooking methods of the tagine with the properties Le Creuset cookware is known for. It also has a lifetime warranty for anyone who is cautious about purchasing a tagine in fear of it cracking.
Best for: Beginner to Advanced Cooks
Safe to Use In: Oven or Stovetop
Price Range: under $250
Weight: 7.2 pounds
This tagine has a higher price point however the lifetime warranty means you won’t need to purchase another one ever!
Uno Casa Cast Iron and Ceramic Tagine
Description: This 3.65qt tagine has an enameled cast iron base and ceramic lid and is a fire red. It’s a sturdy piece that won’t oxide or rust giving you the best of both worlds. The bottom of this tagine is quite high giving you plenty of space for filling up with meat and vegetables. This tagine also comes with a double oven mitt so you can take your tagine from stovetop to table with ease.
Best for: any level cook but especially beginners
Safe to Use In: Can be used up to 500F on gas, electric, and ceramic stovetops or in the oven.
Price Range: under $65
Weight: 11.5 lbs
MarocMama Reader Bonus! UnoCasa is giving you 10% off their tagines! Click the current prices below and the updated price will be given at checkout.
Cast Iron Bruntmor Tagine
Description: This 4qt tagine is an enameled cast iron piece that is available in 5 different colors (blue, red, green, purple and yellow). Both the top and the bottom are cast iron so it is incredibly sturdy. The bottom of the pot is just cast iron while the top cone part is enameled. One point to consider is that while it claims to be 4qt tagine people have mentioned that it is actually closer to 3qts.
Best for: any level cook but especially beginners
Safe to Use In: Anywhere! This is a great all purpose tagine it can go into 500F ovens, on stovetops, on a grill – really anywhere.
Price Range: under $75
Weight: 11.2 lbs
Clay Coyote Tagine
Description: An all-purpose tagine made from culinary grade ceramic. Material is safe for oven, stovetop, microwave and dishwasher. Each tagine is handmade in the USA.
Best for: Beginner to Advanced Cooks
Safe to Use In: Oven and stovetop. Can also be used in microwave .
Price Range: under $200
Weight: 11 pounds
Kook Cast Iron and Ceramic Tagine
Description: This tagine is made from two different materials; the bottom is cast iron while the top is ceramic. It can be used in the stove or on the stovetop and thanks to the durable base it won’t crack like a clay tagine might. This size is a 2.5qt tagine that will serve 2 people.
Best for: Any ability cook
Safe to Use In: Oven or Stovetop
Price Range: Under $75
Weight: 9.5 pounds
Cooks Standard Steel Tagine
Description: This tagine model comes both with and without handles but the handled version is a great option for more stability. Materials are stainless steel with an aluminum core that makes cooking time faster. Includes a tempered glass lid and is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Best for: Beginner to Intermediate Cooks
Safe to Use In: Induction compatible; Works on gas, electric, glass, ceramic, halogen heat as well as oven safe up to 500F.
Price Range: under $150
Weight: 10 pounds
| Name | Less $ | Best For | Use | Weight | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Unglazed | $75 | Intermediate Advanced | Oven Stove | 6 lbs | Buy |
| Large Glazed | $100 | Beginner Intermediate | Oven Stove | 15 lbs | Buy |
| Small Tagine | $30 | Beginner | Oven Stove | 6 lbs | Buy |
| Emile Henry | $150 | Any | Any | 8.2 lbs | Buy |
| Le Creuset | $250 | Any | Any | 7.2 lbs | Buy |
| Clay Coyote | $200 | Intermediate Advanced | Oven Stove | 11 lbs | Buy |
| Cooks Standard Steel | $150 | Beginner Intermediate | Any | 10 lbs | Buy |
| Kook Cast Iron and Ceramic | $75 | Beginner | Any | 9.5 lbs | Buy |
| Kamsah Hand Made and Painted | $100 | Any | Serving | 6lbs | Buy |
| Cast Iron Bruntmor | $75 | Beginners | Any | 11.2 lbs | Buy |
| Uno Casa Tagine | $65 | Beginners | Any | 11.5 lbs | Buy |
One final opinion. Many people have asked me which tagine I would buy. I’m lucky to have a zillion traditional style tagines out my door (literally there’s someone across the street that sells them). I’ve used traditional tagines for years.
But, if I were buying one new and didn’t live here, I’d choose the Le Creuset every time. It’s a sturdy, versatile tagine that you’ll be able to use for years and they have amazing customer service if something ever did go wrong.
How to Use a Tagine
If this is the first tagine you will be buying then you may need a few pointers on how to make the best use of it. When getting started it will depend on the tagine you choose.
For clay tagines you should always season/prime it to begin with. This may sound like an arduous process but if you want to keep your tagine from cracking it is very important. Not only does it strengthen the clay from cracking but can help remove some of the clay taste that comes naturally.
- Soak the lid and the base of the tagine in water for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Drain the water and air dry the tagine. For an unglazed tagine, rub the entire vessel (interior and exterior) of the lid and base with olive oil.
- Put the pieces into a cold oven and turn the heat to 150C/300F for 2 hours.
- Turn off the oven, and leave the tagine to cool.
- Wash the cooled tagine by hand, and coat the interior again with olive oil before storing or using.
Why is this important?
Clay and ceramic tagines will crack when put on high heat. They also can easily crack if put on any heat with nothing in the vessel so you should always take care to never do this. You should always use the lowest burner setting on a stove top and the oven unless you have chosen a tagine that specifically states it has a higher temperature point.
Heat Diffusers for Tagine Pots
A good way to protect your terra cotta tagine is to use a heat diffuser. This is a really inexpensive, simple instrument that you can purchase. To use you just put the diffuser between the stovetop heat source and your tagine.
Really, that’s it! I’ve found that for those who are afraid of cracking their tagine this is an easy way to ease into using them. You still need to keep the temperature low but it does add an extra layer of protection.
Pick up a heat diffuser for your tagines
Tagine Cookbooks
Once you’ve gotten your tagine and prepared it, it’s time to start cooking! There are countless tagine recipes out there so where should you start? You can browse my site for several different recipes. There are also a few cookbooks that I really love and think you will too.
Get my list of Moroccan cookbooks I love here.
Once you start cooking with a tagine you will discover how easy it really is. I highly recommend investing in a piece that you can have for several years. Even though it may seem like another piece of cookware it has so many uses!
Pamela
Wednesday 20th of January 2021
Hi, thank you for your article most informative. I had a Emile Henri tagging which unfortunately slide out of the oven "caput" Friends have bought me a clay glazed everywhere but the bottom. Can I use this the same way after preparing it as you suggest. What is the main difference?
Amanda Mouttaki
Thursday 21st of January 2021
Hi Pamela - if it's glazed over most you can use it in the oven. the main difference is really just how food will cook in it. With an unglazed tajine the clay is porous, food can stick a bit easier and cooks slightly different. Think of it like the difference between a cast iron pan and a (mostly) nonstick pan. I've never actually soaked and prepared my glazed tajines but it won't hurt if you do.
gio
Monday 4th of January 2021
Hello! thanks for your article! My tajine is of terracotta and is glazed on the exterior but not glazed on the interior of the lid. Also, glazed inside and around the base but not on the bottom where the stove would be. How do I treat this?
Amanda Mouttaki
Wednesday 6th of January 2021
It would be treated as a glazed tajine. This type of glaze is common. You can always soak it and treat it for the first time as a glazed tajine, it won't hurt it and would just be an extra precaution.
Fatima
Thursday 3rd of December 2020
Hi. Wich tajine u would recommend for a family of 8. . I believed a 30 cm is to small?
Amanda Mouttaki
Thursday 3rd of December 2020
Hi - To feed 8 is quite large. I would say 40cm diameter but for 8 I would almost say go for 2 30inch tagines instead - depending on the age of the people eating. Also it will depend if you go with the more shallow tagines or the ones that have higher rims (and can fit more).
Annie
Thursday 12th of November 2020
Hello, I bought a glazed, clay tagine pot from William Sonoma. After reading the comments on your website, I realize that I may not have a traditional pot because there's an opening in the top.
In any case, I have seasoned the pot and would now like to purchase a heat diffuser to use with the tagine pot on my gas stovetop. Would you please recommend the best style of diffuser - or even brand - to use with the pot? The advertising and reviews of the various diffusers on the market have confused me. Thank you.
Amanda Mouttaki
Thursday 12th of November 2020
Some styles do have the hole on top but it's ok. It just means your tajine may dry out faster. For the diffuser a really simple style like this one https://amzn.to/3lo47UZ will do the trick.
SERG
Sunday 5th of July 2020
Is there a difference between ceramic and aluminum tajin?
Amanda Mouttaki
Sunday 5th of July 2020
Yes. They do cook differently - the clay tajine is a longer, slower more even cooking time. The aluminum cooks much faster and slightly less evenly.