Rishonim and
poskim debate whether one may partially cover the sides of a hot pot before Shabbat, leaving only part of it exposed. Is such partial covering considered
hatmana (storing or wrapping food in a manner that adds heat)?
The Rashba (Novella 48:1), among others, argues that it is, and the Mechaber (
Orach Chayim 253:1) rules accordingly. Rabbeinu Tam and others, however, rule that it isnât, and the Rema (
Orach Chayim ad. loc.) rules accordingly.
As a general rule, Sephardim follow the rulings of the Mechaber and Ashkenazim follow the rulings of the Rema. As such, it seems that Sephardim may not â but Ashkenazim may â use a pot that sits within, and whose sides are covered, by another pot.