The 10 Best Calderos
Special Honors
Town Food Service 34311 This 11.3-quart caldero pot features a heavy-duty construction that holds up to extensive use, and it’s made of cast aluminum for even heat distribution. The corresponding cast aluminum lid is made with a sturdy plastic knob. It weighs seven pounds in all, with a diameter of 14.5 inches and a depth of 4.5 inches. chefstoys.com
Editor's Notes
September 08, 2020:
The 6.9-quart Imusa Traditional joins the list today and although it resembles a traditional Dutch oven, it’s conveniently lighter and easier to maintain. It’s the perfect size for making big batches of rice, beans, and more, or to sear large pieces of meat before you roast them. It’s cast aluminum construction distributes heat evenly and is safe to use on either gas or electric burners. It replaces the Imusa Evolution, which is unavailable at this time. Also coming on board is the Aramco Alpine Gourmet Set, which brings you five sizes in total that range from two to 13 quarts. Use the smaller ones for side dishes like rice and beans, the medium one for stew, chili, or soup for your family, and the large one for when you’re throwing a party to serve a crowd. They become naturally seasoned over time, and both the pots and their lids are safe for use in the oven.
The Farberware Buena Cocina remains a popular choice, as it’s hard to beat when it comes to performance and durability. This 9.5-quart aluminum choice features a striking red exterior that will look great in many a kitchen, and its shatter-resistant glass lid fits snugly for quick and efficient cooking. In addition to the newly added Imusa model, our selection also features a couple of others from the same manufacturer, a company that originated in Colombia and has been producing aluminum cookware for nearly a century. The 4.8-quart Imusa Colombian boasts an elegant charcoal-colored hammered porcelain finish, while the 3.2-quart Imusa Ceramic offers a vibrant red exterior that makes it equal parts kitchen decor and functional cookware. If you go with a set with a nonstick coating, keep it looking and performing at its finest by using nylon or silicone cooking utensils that won’t create scratches.
February 11, 2019:
While all of the models on our list are made from aluminum, there are some distinct differences between them. The Farberware Buena Cocina, Imusa Colombian, and Imusa Ceramic all have nonstick coatings and transparent glass lids that make it easy to keep an eye on your food as it cooks. If you're looking for a caldero that can hold enough food for a large group, the American Dream Kitchen Sense, Uniware Silver, and Wee's Beyond Heavy Gauge all come in sizes with extra-large capacities.