An Uzbek cast iron kazan is a universal pot for plov and cooking on an open fire, stove or gas burner. When choosing a kazan, the most important things are capacity (how many people you cook for) and diameter,
so the kazan fits safely on your stove, stand or burner.

Capacity guide (practical by number of people)

• 3.5-6 L: compact option for home or trips, usually for 1-5 people.
• 8-16 L: standard sizes for outdoor cooking (yard, picnic, garden), about 5-14 people. A larger size (for example, 16 L) can also be comfortable even if you cook less, because there is more space for stirring.
• 22 L: for a larger group up to about 20 people, or for those who like to cook “with reserve” and want more room for stirring.

Lid included (important information)

• 3.5-22 L kazans usually come with a lid.
• 30 L to 225 L kazans usually come without a lid. We recommend ordering a lid from a craftsman (wood),
  or having one made from thin stainless steel/metal.

Flat vs round bottom: what does it actually mean?

• 3.5-16 L kazans often have a flat bottom on the outside, while the inside remains spherical.
• A flat bottom is a plus because the kazan can stand more steadily on a flat surface. For cooking, the inside shape is the same as a round-bottom kazan.
• 22 L and larger kazans are usually round-bottom only.

Heat sources

• Cast iron works well on open fire, stove, grill and gas burner. For induction, it works if the bottom is flat and compatible with your cooktop.

What else to check before buying

• Diameter: compare it with your stove, stand or burner size so the kazan sits securely.
• Stability: for open-fire cooking, a tripod or stand is often useful.

Popular accessories (for easier cooking)

• Plov spoon and ladle: for stirring and serving.
• Tripod/stand: for stable placement outdoors.
• Cover: for storage and transport.

FAQ

• What matters more: litres or diameter? Both. Litres define portions, diameter defines compatibility with a stove/stand/burner.
• Does a flat bottom change cooking? No, because the inside is still spherical. A flat bottom mainly adds stability on a flat surface.