A cauldron is a rather bulky structure, which in itself weighs quite a lot, and even more - with contents. Of course, the question arises of how to place such a vessel over the fire, so that cooking is convenient and heating is uniform. For such purposes, there are specially created coasters, and today we will analyze in more detail which one is better to choose.
Variety of solutions
First of all, it is worth understanding one very important thing: a classic cauldron does not imply the presence of any kind of stand or even legs. That is why under this cast-iron kitchen utensils, you need to choose stands for each case separately. And there can really be many, because people use cauldrons in a wide variety of places. There are several separate options, among which are:
- stand for a bonfire or other source of fire;
- a special substrate that will help install the cauldron on the barbecue;
- for small cauldrons there are supports for a gas stove;
- a hot cauldron will be difficult to install anywhere immediately without removing it from the fire; therefore, a separate stand is required for installation on a table.
Now let's take a closer look at each of the proposed options.
For a bonfire
In essence, this stand is a classic tripod. It is very convenient, because when you cook food at the stake, you need to be a little distance and only occasionally control the cooking process. An excellent assistant in this case is the classic tripod, which allows you to set the vessel perfectly for access by both man and fire. The base of such a stand is 3 metal legs, which are located at a slight angle.However, do not be afraid of the actual dimensions of such a design, because it is easily disassembled and fits even in the smallest luggage compartment of a car.
In addition to the classic version, which includes 3 "legs", you can also find options when there is one more. Such a decision may limit the size of a bonfire bred under a cauldron. The mounting method is different.
So, in the model with 4 legs, there is an option for installing the boiler. But if you use a tripod, then almost always you will have to suspend your camping gear on a hook.
On the barbecue
It is no secret to anyone how popular the attribute of a Sunday rest in nature or a summer cottage is the classic barbecue. It can be very convenient, because this use case creates a clearly defined bonfire, which also ensures optimal heat distribution with its shape. Most often, barbecue is fried on the grill, however, it can be used simultaneously and as a special stand for a cauldron to prepare a delicious pilaf, soup or porridge.
This device is like a square, where, in fact, the cauldron is installed. But on the sides you can find special handles, for which you can carefully move the vessel, as you need. And the stand with such handles will stay on absolutely any barbecue, whether it is large or small. The only thing that is very important to consider when buying is the diameter of that square and the bottom of the vessel.
It is necessary that it does not fall down, and is held tight enough on top, without the risk of tipping over. This is really very important, because not only lunch is at stake, but also your safety.
On the table
As already described above, a classic cauldron does not at all mean legs or an integrated stand. That is why in order to remove the pot from the fire and install it on a flat and non-hot surface, some kind of adaptation is necessary. Of course, some people put a cauldron on a cutting board or even bricks. However, both the aesthetic component and the structural stability suffer here.
That is why there is a special solution that visually resembles the same tripod. Only now the cauldron is not fixed on a hook, but will stand steadily on a special circle - this will provide you with peace of mind for its contents.
Such coasters are very different - forged and carved metal or even wooden. And the latter option is sometimes preferable, because the table is easy to scratch if you put a heavy metal construction on top.
On the gas stove
Thanks to special designs, similar use cases for the cauldron are also easily accessible. It would seem that on a gas stove there are already enough special metal supports for everything. However, in this case, everything is due to the presence of a cauldron with a convex semicircular bottom, and therefore if you just put it on a standard burner, the design will turn out to be very unstable.
To prevent such incidents, it was invented a special holder ring that helps the utensils stay stable. This thing can look like a ring worn on a burner with vertically arranged legs, so that the cauldron is more convenient to stand in this place.
Another option provides for a product similar to a tripod, but not so high. An excellent option in this case would be a stand, which is made of the same material as the cauldron itself.
Materials of manufacture
A vessel for cooking on an open fire can be made of 3 basic materials:
- cast iron;
- steel;
- aluminum.
Based on what material is used in your specific solution, you need to choose a stand for the cauldron. Of course, cast iron is best suited for this. Heat distribution will start from the stand itself and go evenly throughout the boiler.In the case of the aluminum solution, it does not matter at all what the stand will be made of.
On the contrary, a cast-iron tripod will not be complete with light and brittle aluminum. After all, such dishes are very light, and cast iron is quite heavy. Therefore, choose steel options or solutions with wooden legs in the case of a table support.
The importance of choosing the right size for the stand
It is very important to remember that among the pots, cauldrons and real boilers, there is the most diverse volume: from 3 to 100 or more liters. The most common solution is cast iron cookware for 12 liters - it is under this solution that most fasteners are created.
But you can find the right option for any roominess. The best solution is to choose the necessary coasters immediately when buying the boiler directly for cooking, so as not to carry it later to the store, trying on and selecting sizes. And in the store where you sell cauldrons, coasters of a suitable size will be unequivocal.
How to install the holders correctly?
You will be able to install the entire structure correctly and get the most out of it if you remember the following. During the cooking process, it will be necessary to periodically and repeatedly stir the future dish. Precisely because check that the structure is not only securely assembled, but also that the cauldron withstands the movement of the spoon inside it and does not tip over.
In the case of a bonfire, barbecue and other cooking methods that use the combustion of solids, the necessary and mandatory is the free circulation of air. In particular, smoke should fully and freely exit the source of fire. Otherwise, the heat will be distributed unevenly, even the ingress of smoke under the cover directly inward to the food is not excluded.
That is why assemble the structure as firmly as possible, fasten the cauldron on it and check all this for stability. Firmly fix the legs in the ground, but so that none of them accidentally bends over. Please note that you should not put your feet in wet ground. An important point is the bonfire. Concentrate the heat inside - overlay the fire with a stone. Set the cauldron so that the flame does not reach directly to the bottom of the dishes.
If the stand is chosen correctly, then you will definitely get a tasty dish, and utensils will serve you for a long time.
See below for how to make a stand for a cauldron.
