The cast iron maslin pan

This is a cast iron maslin pan. It looks like a pot, but it has a specific purpose.

Maslin pans originated in Britain, as "grain pots" for brewing purposes (mashing malt or boiling wort).

They were also used for making porridge, marmalade, jam, preserves, and candy.

They feature a bail handle, and another handle on the side for tipping and pouring into jars.

The pan slopes outward, to allow for faster evaporation while still fitting on the burner.

Of course it can be used for other things; Use your imagination.

Likewise, marmalade, jam, preserves, and candy can be made in a dutch oven as well.

Cast iron maslin pans are no longer made; Today they're only available in stainless steel.

Maslin pans look exactly like straight kettles, or "bean pots."

I have no idea what the difference is, but a maslin pan can certainly be used to cook beans.

My first guess was, maslin pans always have a side handle, and not all straight kettles do.

Also, maslin pans don't include a lid because evaporation is necessary for making preserves. Straight kettles often do include a lid.

Possibly the shape of the maslin pan is slightly more flared, but that's just a guess.

In any case, the basic design allows for slow cooking with minimal use of heat / fuel.