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A cauldron is a vessel similar to a bucket or kettle and is used to brew and hold potions and also may be used to carry supplies. Cauldrons are heated over an open fire and can be hung over a fire from an iron handle.

Magical cauldrons

Many cauldrons have magical properties. The self-stirring cauldron was invented by Gaspard Shingleton. Bruno Schmidt of Germany once killed an Erkling by striking it with his father's collapsible cauldron. Shops in Diagon Alley sell both self-stirring and collapsible cauldrons. Other cauldrons may have Undetectable Extension Charms placed on them, as students often use them to carry many books and school supplies.

Types of cauldron

Here is a list of known types of cauldrons, including those created as a joke:

Cauldron thickness

"We’re trying to standardise cauldron thickness. Some of these foreign imports are just a shade too thin — leakages have been increasing at a rate of almost three percent a year"
Percy Weasley's explanation[src]

In general, cauldrons must stand up to great wear and usage. As one of his first assignments with the Ministry of Magic, Percy Weasley worked with the Department of International Magical Cooperation lobbying for a standard for cauldron thickness. Apparently, there was an issue with sub-standard imported cauldrons having defective, thin bottoms.[2] Perhaps this is the cause for Neville Longbottom's knack for melting cauldrons during Potions class. First years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry used pewter standard size 2 cauldrons, as mentioned on the list that accompanied their Hogwarts acceptance letter.[3]

Revolutions in cauldron making

There are always new attempts to revolutionise the cauldron. Humphrey Belcher theorised "the time was ripe for a cheese cauldron." The fire crab, which resembles a tortoise with a jewelled shell that shoots fire out its back end, is prized for its shell for use as a cauldron. This practise of poaching has lead to protected colonies in its native habitat of Fiji island.

Cauldrons in wizarding culture

Behind the scenes

Melted cauldron

A melted cauldron on Pottermore.

Appearances

Notes and references

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Pottermore
  2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Chapter 5 (Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes)
  3. 3.0 3.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Chapter 5 (Diagon Alley)
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