Hearth Braiser 3.5 qt

The Hearth Braiser 3.5 qt is the wide, shallow pot: 28 cm across (11.0 in), 23 cm of cooking surface, 6.5 cm deep, 3.3 liters, 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) with its lid. The shape is for dishes that start with browning and finish covered: chicken thighs skin-side down, then stock and a domed lid; short ribs seared, then a low oven. The interior is enameled, like the Dutch ovens, so browning happens on enamel and cleanup is soap and water. Three exterior colors, stainless steel lid knob.

Walls are 4 mm cast iron, and the wide base gives 23 cm of contact with the burner, more than the 10 in skillets. The domed lid adds headroom for a whole cauliflower or a rolled roast. Loop handles on both sides. Oven-safe to 260 °C (500 °F) with the lid, and it works on induction. Hand wash, dry fully, and store with the lid ajar.

Questions

How does the braiser differ from the 3.5 qt Dutch oven? Same 3.3 liter capacity, different shape. The Hearth Dutch Oven 3.5 qt is 22 cm across and 11 cm tall, for liquids and bread; the braiser is 28 cm across and 6.5 cm deep, for browning in a single layer and then covering.

Is the enamel cooking surface easy to clean after browning? Yes. Deglaze while the pot is warm and the fond lifts; what remains comes off with a soak and a soft sponge. Keep the Bench Care Kit's chainmail scrubber for the bare iron of the Hearth skillets.

Does it work on an induction cooktop? Yes. Cast iron is magnetic through the enamel, so every Hearth piece works on induction, as do the Forge Skillet 12 in and the Bright pans.

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