The best tajines
Tajín – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
The tagine is a kitchen utensil made up of a shallow container and a conical lid; With it, delicious dishes can be prepared, enhancing the flavor of its ingredients. In the market, a model that stands out for its characteristics is the Le Creuset Tajín Oriental; a tagine made of enameled cast iron can be used in all kinds of heat sources, thanks to its materials. On the other hand, the tagine made of clay from Artesanía Roca also stands out for its durability and resistance; In addition, it has a traditional design that allows you to enjoy the true experience of Moroccan cuisine.
The 8 Best Tajines – Opinions 2022
Choosing a tagine can be a somewhat exhausting process, since you must invest time due to the variety of brands, materials, and models that exist in the market. If you are looking for this special Moroccan kitchen tool, then we have prepared a selection with the best models of 2022 that might interest you.
moroccan tagine
1. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Tagine
The Moroccan tagine is a very important utensil when it comes to cooking; and it is that this is not only used to make recipes of the Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, but it can also be used in the preparation of multiple dishes.
The conical lid of the tagine made of stoneware ceramic with a diameter of 31 cm, allows the concentration of steam quickly; therefore, the water that condenses inside falls back on the food, causing it to cook slowly and juicy; reason enough to consider it as a versatile tool for cooking all kinds of vegetables, fish and meat.
Regarding quality, this container is positioned in our list as one of the best tagines of 2022, since the Le Creuset brand offers a resistant and durable product, made of cast iron, suitable for any kind of heat source.
This could be considered the best tagine of the moment, learn a little more about the product in the following pros and cons.
Pros
Black enamel: Its enameled surface facilitates the detachment of food and protects from oxidation.
Cleaning: It does not absorb odors or colors, so it is easy to wash both in the dishwasher and by hand.
Capacity: It has a capacity of 3.7 liters given its dimensions of 31.5 x 31.5 x 25.3 cm that allow you to prepare a sufficient portion of any typical Moroccan dish.
Cons
Price: The price of this tagine is high compared to others. However, the quality, durability and guarantee it offers justifies the investment.
2. Marrakech Accessoires Moroccan Cooking Tagine Unglazed
If you want to enjoy the full experience of Moroccan cuisine, in this model you could find the best tagine due to its traditional design, which will transport you to the true gastronomy of the Maghreb and North Africa.
The Marrakech Accessoires brand introduces an exclusive and original handmade container to the market, since the manufacturer makes it clear that each tagine is unique and no two are alike. With this container you can give a special touch to your kitchen to surprise your family or guests.
This Moroccan tagine has a diameter of 35 cm, and with it you can cook different dishes such as vegetables, meat, fish and fruit for 4 or 6 people.
Regarding the materials, this utensil is made of unglazed clay, suitable for use in different heat sources, such as gas and electric ovens, charcoal grill, ceramic hob and even induction with an adapter plate.
Due to its traditional appearance, this tagine provides a real and rustic experience in your kitchen. We invite you to detail a little more about its characteristics shortly.
Pros
Design: Its design and handmade style, completely Moroccan, is ideal to make your dishes stand out when serving them.
Capacity: It has a diameter of 35 cm, making it a practical container for cooking portions for 4 or 6 people.
Instructions: The manufacturer sends along with the product an instruction manual on how to use it correctly to guarantee its durability.
Cons
Curettage: Before using the tagine for the first time, you must submerge it in water for 4 hours, to guarantee its durability, resistance and functionality.
clay tagine
3. Artesanía Roca Clay Tajín 2 Pieces Couscous
If you are looking for a utensil with an oriental style, we present you the clay tagine from Artesanía Roca. This container made in Spain has a diameter of 31.4 cm, while its base measures 26.4 cm, and it has a total height of 24.9 cm.
Inside you can prepare all kinds of recipes with vegetables, fish, meat and even fruit. Being made of clay, it is suitable for use on gas and electric stoves, ovens, ceramic hobs and microwaves.
Its simple and practical traditional and handcrafted design fulfills all the functions that this class of tools can offer, since it is made to distribute and maintain the heat in the food evenly during cooking.
In addition, the tagines of this brand are cheap and of good quality, so you will not have to invest a lot of money to be able to enjoy the flavors of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine.
The best tagine brand must provide strength, reliability and durability through its products. Therefore, you must keep in mind the qualities of this product.
Pros
Maintenance: The clay used in its manufacture is resistant to the dishwasher, which facilitates its hygiene.
Utility: It is designed not only to prepare Moroccan cuisine dishes, but it can also be used to cook any type of recipe.
Cost: It is one of the cheapest on the market, but it offers quality and resistance.
Cons
Capacity: The capacity of this tagine allows preparation for 2 people, an aspect to take into account when buying.
4. LŽorient – Das Tor zum Orient Round Moroccan Tagine
The clay tagine is a typical utensil commonly used in Moroccan cuisine; however, today it has become popular among lovers of good cooking, thanks to the multiple benefits obtained in the preparation of food.
The conical lid design means that the steam is concentrated inside, while the heat is evenly distributed throughout the container, allowing all the ingredients to cook slowly, while each one enhances its flavor.
As for its manufacture, this tagine is made and glazed by Moroccan experts in the area of pottery, without the use of toxic materials such as lead. Now, if you are still wondering which is the best clay tagine, this model stands out among the others for having an enamel that does not react to food, nor does it come off.
Tajines are a very useful tool in the kitchen to prepare juicy and nutritious stews and stews. Read more about the qualities of this product.
Pros
Size: This tagine has a capacity to prepare portions for up to 4 people, since it has a diameter of 30 cm and an approximate height of 22 cm.
Exclusivity: Its manufacturers make unique and original pieces that are 100% handmade.
Weight : Compared to other products of this type, this tagine weighs only 3 kg, making it easy to handle.
Cons
Color: It is only available in brown, therefore, it may not match your kitchen appliances or accessories.
arabic tagine
5. Colí Maioliche e Terrecotte dal 1650 Brunella Container for Tagine
Traditional Maghreb cuisine is characterized by using steam and heat as the main component in the preparation of its dishes; since these allow the food to cook slowly and in its juices, obtaining a pleasant flavor.
This Arabic tagine, made of terracotta, has a 26 cm diameter base, which together with the lid add up to 30 cm in height; In addition, it weighs approximately 2.2 kg, making it easy to handle and move from one place to another.
Unlike other clay or ceramic tagines, this model stands out for its simple and classic traditional design in a dark brown tone; and in turn, it is considered a resistant and durable product.
In addition, you can find yourself in the market without needing to invest a lot of money in your purchase. That is why this article could be considered in our comparison as the best price-quality tagine.
Being one of the cheapest, this tagine is a good alternative to prepare exquisite recipes for stews and stews. Know some of its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Material: It is made of baked clay, a very resistant and durable material that, if used correctly, can last over time.
Heat source: Due to its composition, this product can be used on gas, electric and glass-ceramic stoves.
Container: With it you can surprise your guests, since it is used to store food, while retaining heat.
Cons
Lid: The hole left in your lid could turn out to be very large. However, it works conveniently.
6. Marrakech Accessoires Moroccan Tagine Cooking
The Arabic tagine brand Marrakech Accessoires is an authentic product of Moroccan cuisine, created to cook any type of recipe ranging from traditional dishes such as tagines, as well as stews and stews.
This utensil is made of oven-baked glazed ceramic, so it can be used in heat sources such as ovens, electric and gas stoves, and even ceramic hobs; although it is important to note that it is not suitable for use on induction cookers.
Now, let’s talk about its design. This traditional tagine, being a handmade artisan product, presents differences in each elaborated utensil. That is, the container we buy will be unique and original compared to the rest.
In addition, a striking advantage of this article is that its manufacturers attach an instruction manual to ensure correct use and thus prolong its useful life. As for maintenance, it is easy to wash by hand and in the dishwasher.
When choosing a tagine you must evaluate each of its qualities, for this reason we invite you to analyze in detail the following pros and cons.
Pros
Diameter: Its size is suitable for preparing dishes for a family of up to 5 members, since its base has a diameter of 35cm.
Safety: The materials used in the creation of this tagine are 100% suitable for food use.
Style: This tagine has colorful and decorative patterns that evoke an Eastern Mediterranean style.
Cons
Induction: The material of this tagine is not suitable for induction cookers. However, it can be used on them with an adapter plate.
classic tagine
7. Emile Henry Ceramic Tagine
If you want to enjoy the flavors of North African cuisine, but you don’t like the design of traditional tagines, the prestigious French brand Emile Henry renews this ancient utensil by modernizing it with a functional, innovative and simple style.
Its model has been made of glazed ceramic, resistant to temperature shocks between 20°- 270°C and mechanical shocks. In turn, the interior of this product is covered with a non-porous enamel, that is, it does not absorb flavors or odours, and it is suitable for food use, since it is free of heavy metals.
This classic tagine has a deep base that has a diameter of 27 cm, for which it has a capacity of 2 liters, ideal for preparing portions for 2 or 3 people.
On the other hand, its weight of 2.4 kg allows it to be handled without any effort. Also, you can use it in almost all kinds of kitchens: electric, gas, ceramic hob, microwave and even in the oven.
If you are still wondering which tagine to buy, to make small preparations, this product could be convenient for you.
Pros
Cleaning: Thanks to its ultra-resistant enamel, this casserole can be easily washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
Guarantee: All Emile Henry brand products have a certified quality guarantee of up to 10 years, which assures you of their resistance.
Materials: The materials with which it has been manufactured are safe and do not contaminate food.
Cons
Handles: This design does not have a knob or handles, so it must be handled with care.
8. Estraggo Siqur Salute Tajine by Zisha Ceramics
Moroccan cuisine is characterized by being a healthy gastronomy, since most of its preparations are mostly steamed. On the other hand, one of the benefits of cooking in a classic tagine is its non-stick base, since this allows us to cook our ingredients naturally without using oils.
Due to its composition, the Estraggo brand round casserole is capable of alkalinizing the water, which could help reduce acid reflux.
Made of zisha ceramic, this tagine preserves aromas and heat better, generating low energy consumption. On the other hand, we must mention that it is free of toxic elements, heavy metals, lead, cadmium and nickel.
Regarding the size, this design has a diameter of 22 cm, therefore, it is recommended for small preparations of approximately 2 portions. Now, care must be taken not to use too much detergent when washing, as this could deteriorate the product.
This product is designed to take care of your health. If you want to know more about it, we present the following pros and cons.
Pros
Healthy: It has properties that have the ability to alkalinize the water, increasing its pH levels.
Heat: Thanks to its hermetic and compact structure, this tagine retains heat as much as possible.
Versatile: In it you can prepare any type of healthy recipes, ranging from stews and steamed vegetables, to stews.
Cons
Porosity: This product is highly porous, that is, it can absorb odors and flavors, therefore, it must be washed well after use.
Tagine accessories
tagine recipes
Ghillie Basan Moroccan Cuisine Tagines and Couscous (Spanish)
The traditional cuisine of Morocco is characterized by a rich combination of flavors, herbs and colors.
If you are a lover of this style of cooking, the writer and chef Ghillie Basan, through this book, will embark you on a gastronomic journey, full of delicious tagine and couscous recipes, with which you will be able to impress your whole family.
This recipe book has 144 pages of photographic paper, inside hard covers, in which you can find many recipes, photos and a bit of history about the main specialties of Moroccan cuisine, explained precisely and simply in the Spanish language.
Shopping guide
The tagine is a traditional container of Moroccan culture; consequently, you may need more information about the main characteristics that characterize it. Thinking of you, we have prepared the following guide to buy the best tagine, with detailed qualities that you must take into account when choosing one.
Types and enameling
Over the years it is normal to see how many objects, including kitchen utensils, have been modernized. In this sense, the tagine is a tool used since ancient times, due to its efficient way of cooking vegetables, meat and fish in a healthy way. For this reason it is normal that there are currently versions of this product with innovative features.
In the market we can find two types of tajines, the traditional ones and the avant-garde ones. The traditional ones are mainly made of materials such as baked clay and glazed ceramics; while in the avant-garde there are electric models that work when connected to a plug; as well as tagines made with more resistant and durable components such as stainless steel and cast iron.
Regarding the enamel, it is important to look at what type of varnish is used in the creation of the tagine, since many of these substances have a base of lead or other heavy metals that can harm our health. For this reason, regardless of how much it costs, it is necessary to check that all the elements used in its creation comply with safety standards and are for food use.
Materials and durability
When making a comparison of tagines you will find that there is a wide variety of them in different materials that offer versatility and ease when cooking. For this reason, it is not surprising that online stores have available from the traditional tagine made by hand in baked clay, to other modern models made of cast iron or ceramics.
Obviously the clay, terracotta or ceramic tagines are the most popular among users, since with them we will obtain better results reflected in the flavor and preparation of food. However, greater care must be taken when handling them, since they can easily crack or break.
On the other hand, stainless steel or cast iron tagines are capable of withstanding mechanical and temperature shocks; and in turn, have a long useful life. In addition, they are suitable for use on induction cookers.
Dimensions
Although it may not seem like a very important aspect, this feature is highly relevant when choosing a tagine. Although, we have already mentioned it before, many brands have been in charge of producing tagines in various sizes and capacities. For this reason, it is essential to clearly analyze what will be the purpose or use that we want to give the product when we have it at home.
For example, if you want a small tagine with a capacity to prepare dishes of up to 2 portions, one with a diameter of 22 cm will fulfill this function. However, if the plan is to share your recipes with your family and guests, it is best to choose a tagine that has a diameter greater than 35 cm; with this you can cook 5 to 6 portions.
Regarding the cost of this utensil, in addition to being linked to the material in which it is made, it also depends directly on its dimensions. That is, those that have a small size, you can find them at a very affordable price in the market; while the large ones are usually the most expensive.
Maintenance and curing
If you have chosen to buy an enamelled, cast iron or ceramic tagine, you will be able to use it immediately without any problem and inconvenience; But if you have decided on an unglazed clay tagine, you should know that before using it for the first time, it must undergo a curing process to prevent it from deteriorating with heat and humidity.
On the other hand, although cleaning this product is very practical and simple, it is important to consider that if you do not want to clean the tagine by hand, you must make sure before buying that it can be put in the dishwasher.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to use a tagine?
The healthy style of Moroccan cuisine is something that has caught the attention of many people today, therefore, they seek to experience its qualities by getting hold of one of the traditional containers used in the preparation of many of its recipes, such as the tagine..
Before using a tagine you must first make sure if it is ready to cook in it or if it needs to be previously cured. Then, it is important to take into account what material it is made of; Since most tagines are made of clay or ceramic, it is recommended to use them over low or medium heat, with this we will prevent the container from cracking.
Q2: How to clean a tagine?
Some of them are suitable for the dishwasher, however, those that must be washed by hand should always be cleaned with a soft sponge and neutral soap (so that the casserole does not absorb flavours). If the tagine has food stuck to it, it is recommended to soak it in hot water, leaving it to rest until it cools, this will soften the food so that it can be removed with a sponge.
In an extreme case, in which the waste has been stuck to the container for too long and the previous steps have not worked, then it is advisable to fill it with water along with a little detergent and heat it until the water boils. By following these tips you can extend the life of your product.
Q3: Can I use a tagine on an induction hob?
Traditional tagines, being made of clay, cannot be used on an induction hob, since they do not have the ferromagnetic properties that allow them to heat up when in contact with the plates. However, in the market we can find adapter plates, which serve as a conductor between a traditional tagine and an induction cooker.
On the other hand, there are also tagines made of materials such as cast iron or stainless steel, capable of withstanding high temperatures, retaining heat evenly, which are widely recommended for induction cookers.
Q4: Why does the food burn in the tagine?
There are several reasons why your food can burn in a tagine. The first is that you are cooking on high heat. To take advantage of the main qualities of this product, all foods should be cooked over low heat, allowing the heat to distribute evenly inside. Second, it can happen because you have left the tagine on the fire for a long time.
When the water dries, the food begins to adhere to the bottom of the container, burning little by little. And, finally, the reason could be that you have not covered the tagine, since since it is not hermetically sealed, the water evaporates quickly, which causes the food to dehydrate and the fire to burn it.
Q5: How many people can a tagine cook for?
In the market there is a wide variety of tajines of different capacity, sizes and designs. The answer to this question mainly depends on the dimensions of the tagine you bought. For example, if you opted for one that has a diameter of 22 cm, you will be able to prepare equivalent dishes for 2 portions.
On the other hand, if your container has a base with a diameter of 35 or 40 cm, it will have room to store a large amount of food and with this you will be able to prepare recipes for more than 5 people.
Q6: Where does the tagine come from?
The tagine or tagine is a kitchen utensil traditionally used in North Africa and the Maghreb area; and it is pronounced tagine. Mainly its origin dates back to Morocco and it is a round, shallow container with a conical lid.
This lid is responsible for retaining steam and heat during and after food preparation, preventing it from drying out. It is currently a very popular tool among lovers of good cooking, thanks to its benefits and qualities.
Q7: How to cure a tagine?
This process is only carried out once before using it and consists of leaving the tagine submerged in water for a full night; the next day it is carefully dried with a cloth, removing all moisture. Afterwards, its entire surface is spread with oil and put in the oven, subsequently lighting it at 150°C.
It is left to cook for one hour, turning off the oven at the end of the time. Finally, to be able to use it, it is necessary to wait for it to cool down gradually in the oven.
