Where to Buy a Moroccan Tagine Pot: Glazed and Unglazed

Where to Buy a Moroccan Tagine Pot: Glazed and Unglazed

Tagine pots (also called tajines or tangines) are an essential cookware in Moroccan cuisine and Moroccan kitchens. Growing up in Morocco, we had in our house at least 5 Moroccan tagine pots of different types, sizes, and for different uses and occasions.

Now and even thousands of miles away from Morocco, I still can’t imagine a cooking routine that doesn’t include tagine pots cookware. And believe me, once you start cooking in them, you won’t be able to stop too with all the deliciousness they enable you to create.

If you are new to tagine pots, this guide will show you precisely where to buy an authentic & traditional Moroccan tagine pot and where to find the right one for you and your family, depending on how you plan to use it.

Why Buy a Tagine pot?

The benefit of buying and cooking in a tagine pot comes from the shape (cone) and composition (clay) of the tagine pots. Both help condensate the aromatics and slow cook the ingredients, infusing them with delicious flavors.

Because of the slow cooking, the vegetables and meat cooked in a tagine pot will be very flavorful, deeply infused with the herbs and spices.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on the delicious after taste of smoke and roasting, due to cooking in the clay tagine.

Cooking in a tagine pot is truly an amazing experience. Even though some tagine pots can be a little on the pricey side, they are totally worth every penny with all the options and cooking possibilities they offer. They open your taste buds to a whole new panel of flavors unknown to you before.

Besides, clay tagine pots are one of the healthiest and safest cookware you can use in your kitchen!

Tip: If you are visiting Morocco, check my Morocco Shopping Guide where I go through Morocco markets and Souks. This guide is so helpful when shopping cookware, handicrafts, and souvenirs in Morocco.

Where to Buy a Tagine Pot?

Not all the tagine pots available in the market are worth your money, and you need to find the best tagine pot for you depending on your needs.

The most important things to check before buying a tagine pot are the size of the tagine pot, the composition of the tagine pot (some tagine pots contain lead which is toxic), and the type of your tagine pot (glazed vs. unglazed). Here are all the details you need.

What Size Tagine to Buy?

The right size for your tagine pot will depend on the number of people you will be serving it for.

A small tagine pot that has a base between 8-10 inches will be perfect for 2 people.

If you are hosting more people get a larger tagine pot. For example, for a gathering of 3 to 4, a large tagine pot with a base around 12 inches is the one to go for.

Just remember that if your tagine dish is going to be part of a diversified menu (with a few entrees or side dishes for example), a small 8-10 inches-tagine can be enough even for a gathering of 4 people.

Glazed, Unglazed, and Serving Tagines

Glazed and unglazed tagines are different types of tagines that offer different uses and options. So, depending on what you are planning to do with your tagine (cooking vs. serving only), it’s important to pick the right tagine type for you.

Serving Tagines

Tagine pots for decoration and serving are quick to spot. They are shiny with beautiful paintings and bright colors.

Decoration tagine pots are great as a serving bowl for paellas, chilis, pasta, and salads. I do that all the time and my guests always love the attention. The tagine cover will help your dish stay nice and warm, while the tagine style will add a beautiful exotic touch to your table dressing.

For an 8-inch budget-friendly serving tagine, this $38 serving tagine is really a great deal.

If you are looking for a larger tagine, prices can get really high and at this point, it’s best to invest in a cooking tagine that doubles as a serving tagine (we will see that later).

Small Serving Tagine pots

What we also love to do in Morocco is use multiple small serving tagine pots as little serving plates for sauces, dips, and side dishes to add colors and a lovely touch to the table.

If you went to Morocco, you’ve probably seen these mini tagine pots in every restaurant, cafe, or bar you’ve been in. They are essential in Moroccan table dressing.

Here is an affordable 3-small-tagines-set for your dips and side dishes.

Unglazed Tagine Pots

Unglazed tagine pots are the rawest kind of Moroccan tagine pots. They are made with clay only and have no paintings or colors.

Unglazed Moroccan tagine pots are GREAT when looking for a perfectly natural cooking utensil. Besides clay, no other material has been used when making the tagine pot.

Though these tagine pots are very common in Morocco, they are pretty rare online. However, from time to time, you can find a few online gems.

So if you find one tagine pot you like in stock, don’t hesitate to buy it IMMEDIATELY, as the options are few, there is a high demand, and you may lose the offer.

Honestly, I like unglazed tagine pots THE MOST as they give a uniquely delicious taste to my recipes.

For a small unglazed tagine pot, this 8.5-inch unglazed tagine pot is the one I use most of the time.

For a larger option, this 12-inch unglazed tagine is one of the best tagines you can find.

Glazed Tagine Pots

Glazed tagine pots are the most common type of tagine pots. They are used for both cooking and for decoration purposes.

In fact, glazed tagine pots are the best compromise if you want a tagine pot to use for cooking, but also with a little embellishment or shine for serving. The glazing helps food not to stick to the bottom of the tagine and makes cleaning easier.

There are many glazed tagines to choose from in the market and usually, the bigger and more decorated the tagine is, the pricier it will be.

The most important thing to check is that your tagine is lead-free, as many beautifully-looking glazed tagines contain lead, which is very toxic, and many sellers don’t disclose this information.

For a glazed tagine, lead-free, and budget-friendly, this 10-inch tagine is GREAT and the one I use the most in my kitchen. It’s very durable and cooks delicious tagines!

If you are looking for a larger size, this 2.1 quart Emile Henry tagine pot is awesome! I used it many times to make my tagines and the result came out perfect. The good thing about this tagine pot is that it’s traditionally made in Burgundy, France, and doesn’t use any bad chemicals – unlike the China-made tagine pots which are overloading the market right now.

Buying Tagine Pots in Morocco

If you are visiting Morocco, you will find tagine pots in every medina and souk in the country. Just make sure you know Moroccan markets shopping rules, or you will end up paying a premium price. Tagine prices are really cheap in Morocco when you know where to look for them.

IMPORTANT: Caring for Your Tagine Pot

Tagine pots don’t like sudden changes in temperatures. So always keep that in mind when using your tagine pot. If you are new to the tagine pot game or want to make sure you don’t misuse your expensive tagine pot, I highly recommend you check this Moroccan tagine cookbook. Each recipe integrates the right steps to protect your tagine pot from cracking. Plus, all recipes are authentic from Morocco (I have them printed and laminated in my kitchen). A must for tagine users.

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