Moroccan cuisine is centered around the tagine, which refers to both the iconic conical clay pot and the slow-cooked, flavorful stew it creates. This dish is a daily ritual in Moroccan homes and is shared communally, with bread used to scoop up the delicious bites of meat, vegetables, couscous, nuts or fruits in a sauce rich with aromatic spices like cumin and paprika.
This ancient precursor to the modern slow cooker creates rich and complex flavors that a Crock-Pot or Dutch oven can’t fully emulate. The conical lid plays its part by returning condensation to the base, ensuring that the spices and herbs fully infuse the dish without losing their aromatic goodness. And it’s not just for Moroccan fare — any tough cut of meat will melt into tenderness under the tagine’s steamy embrace, making it a versatile (and seriously stylish) tool in any kitchen.
1
Best Overall
Emile Henry Flame Ceramic 3.7-Quart Tagine
Pros
- Glazed clay releases food easily
- Easy to clean
- Large enough for big families and gatherings
Cons
- Smooth edge makes it tricky to handle
- Expensive
The Emile Henry tagine is an excellent choice for those who appreciate tradition with a modern twist. “It’s a beautiful tagine with a comfortable handle,” said Eva Bleyer, reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab.
Made from fired French burgundy clay, it can withstand intense heat up to 930°F and is compatible with gas and electric stoves and ovens, though not induction cooktops without an induction disk.
The 3.7-quart size is perfect for family meals, serving eight to 10 people. The glazed nonporous surface releases ingredients easily, making it easy to clean and even dishwasher-safe. However, the larger size and smooth edge can make it tricky to maneuver and the price is on the higher side. While this tagine does need to be seasoned, the process involves just simmering milk in the base, which is nowhere near as much work as it is to season a terra-cotta tagine.
- Material: Ceramic
- Dimensions: 12.6″ x 9.1″
- Capacity: 3.7 qt
- Dishwasher safe?: Yes
- Needs seasoning?: Yes
- Vent hole?: No
2
Best Value
Sur la Table Glazed Terra-Cotta Tagine
Pros
- Terra-cotta evenly distributes heat for slow cooking
- Glazed surface releases food easily
- Priced relatively affordably
Cons
- Stovetop use requires a diffuser
Sur La Table’s glazed tagine is crafted from terra-cotta, a cookware material prized for its ability to retain and evenly distribute heat, making it ideal for slow-cooking dishes. The glazed surface adds a relatively nonstick quality, allowing your slow-cooked meats to release effortlessly, so the transition from oven to table a breeze. This tagine is oven-safe up to 400°F and can be used on the stovetop with a diffuser.
Like other terra-cotta cookware, this tagine requires specific care to maintain longevity. You can only hand-wash it and must season it before using it for the first time. To do so, soak it in water for an hour, then rub the inside of the base and lid with olive oil. Place the tagine in a cold oven, set the temperature to 300°F and leave it for two hours.
- Material: Terra-cotta
- Dimensions: 12.5″ x 9.5″
- Capacity: 2.25 qt
- Dishwasher safe?: No
- Needs seasoning?: Yes
- Vent hole?: No
3
Best Cast Iron
Kook Enameled 3.3-Quart Cast Iron Tagine with Ceramic Lid
Pros
- Cast iron base is durable
- Induction compatible
- Vent hole may enhance flavors
Cons
- Vent hole may cause dishes to over-reduce
- Rough material can make clean-up difficult
“This tagine offers the versatility of both cast iron and ceramic,” said Bleyer. “The cast iron base is ideal for browning and slow cooking with even heat distribution, while the beautiful ombre-style lid ensures all the flavors are locked in.”
The Kook tagine has a vent hole, which some believe enhances the flavor of the final dish. However, because more steam escapes, you must monitor your dish to prevent over-reduction.
The cast iron base is extremely durable, doesn’t require seasoning and can withstand high temperatures up to 450°F without the risk of cracking like clay or terra-cotta tagines. Additionally, it’s induction-compatible, making it versatile for any type of stove. One downside is the rough cast iron surface, which can trap sticky food residue, requiring some extra soaking and scrubbing to clean.
- Material: Cast iron and ceramic
- Dimensions: 11.81″ x 8.42″
- Capacity: 3.3 qt
- Dishwasher safe?: No
- Needs seasoning?: No
- Vent hole?: Yes
4
Best Handmade
Kamsah Bohemian Classic Large Ceramic Tagine
Pros
- Supports Tunisian artisans
- Traditional design and look
Cons
- Requires maintenance
Each Kamsah handmade tagine is a true work of art, crafted by skilled artisans in Tunisia using 100% European fire clay and vibrant, mineral-based dyes. The hand-painted designs come in stunning colorways like blue, red and turquoise, adding a touch of elegance to any tablescape. The conical lid has a vent hole that releases steam, possibly enhancing flavors but may cause the dish to over-reduce.
These tagines can withstand temperatures up to 500°F. They are dishwasher safe, but they are best hand-washed with mild soap and warm water after the surface has cooled. To prevent cracking, starting with low heat and using a heat diffuser on stovetops is essential. Before first use and for occasional maintenance, season unglazed areas with olive oil and bake it at low temperatures to help maintain the pot’s quality.
- Material: Ceramic
- Dimensions: 12″ x 12″
- Capacity: 4.1 qt
- Dishwasher safe?: Yes, but hand-wash recommended
- Needs seasoning?: Yes
- Vent hole?: Yes
