When most people think of Traeger they think of barbecue and smoking meat, and for good reason. Their pellet grills are made for that, but with the right tools they can also do so much more.
That’s why Traeger’s new collaboration is with Made In, the makers of high quality cookware. Today they released the Traeger x Made In Enameled Cast Iron Braiser, which we hope is the first of many collaborations between the companies. Made In sent us a braiser to test in anticipation of launch.
Retailing for $299 (check price), the 3.5 quart braiser is similar to a Dutch oven, but it has characteristics that make it especially suited for braising meat. It has a wider shape and shallower sides that slant, so that you can easily fit whole cuts of meat and the right amount of braising liquid around it.
That doesn’t mean that it can only be used for braising. I found the size of it great for making other slow cooked meals like stews.
Braising
If you’re not up with your cooking lingo, no worries, braising is something you’ve probably done a bunch of times without realizing it. A traditional French chef would probably take offense to this, but braising is basically pot roasting.
It’s browning meat, then usually adding a cooking liquid, without fully submerging it like you would in a stew. The meat is then slow cooked at a simmer for a while until you end up with delicious tender meat.
Cast iron, like this braiser, is what you want to use because it makes browning the meat easier. Just like when you want to sear a steak on a Traeger, you can easily do it with cast iron. Browning it first adds to the texture and flavor, but also makes it look more appetizing.
Enameled Cast Iron
Testing this out was my first experience with enameled cast iron, and I’m a believer. I love cooking with cast iron in general because of how evenly it cooks and how well it retains heat.
It can be annoying to always have to season it though, which makes clean-up take longer. Enameled cast iron on the other hand retains the properties from cast iron, but gives a more non-stick surface that’s easier to clean.
The enamel also looks great, which is a nice perk. That makes the cookware more versatile because despite being made for grilling, it’s refined enough to not be out of place in a kitchen. The brass knob on the top really finishes off the look too.
Cloud Cover Lid
The cloud cover lid is another smart design element of the cookware. The lid has little dimples all over it that aren’t just for aesthetic.
Like stalactites in a cave, they return evaporated water evenly back into your cooking. This is better than in other cookware where it may pool on one side and away from the meat in the middle.
Review
Made In is a well-known brand that’s been around for a long time. They have strong following from chefs that aren’t even paid for using their products.
It’s easy to see why Made In cookware is popular. The Traeger X Made In Cast Iron Braiser is a really solid product. It looks great, it works as advertised, there’s a lot to like about it.
The braiser is made in France and carries a lifetime warranty, so you know it’s a quality product. This was my first time using Made In cookware, but it certainly won’t be the last. It’s not surprising a brand like Traeger would partner with them.
Cooking Bacon
I could have ended this article with the paragraph above, but I wanted to pass along one last tip. Thick cut browned bacon in the braiser cooked on a Traeger could be one of the best things on the planet.
Everything tastes better cooked in bacon grease, so it’s the perfect first step for browning meat. It also gives you a nice snack while you’re waiting for your slow cooked dinner.