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A good stock pot is an essential part of every kitchen. Stock pots are not only useful for making stocks and soups, as the name suggests, but they are also perfect for cooking pasta, steaming, canning, and making large batches of anything.
Even though a stock pot is probably the most simple and straightforward piece of cookware, there is still a lot to choose from, especially if you want to get the perfect stock pot that will last for years to come.
There are actually a lot of things to consider – What is the perfect size? What material should a good stock pot be made of? What about the lids and strainers? These are the questions we want to answer today.
Read on if you want to find out how to find the perfect stock pot for every occasion.
Invalid table id.Stock Pot With Lid
While most stock pots come with lids, if this is a feature that is important to you it is a good idea to pay close attention to the lid and not just the stock pot itself. So what kind of lid should you look for?
No matter what the intended use of your stock pot, it’s always of utmost importance to find a lid that fits tightly to the pot. This will not only lock in the moisture and the smells, but it also makes cooking (or even just boiling water) much more energy efficient. There different kinds of lids available in the market, and they all have their advantages.
Tempered glass lids, for example, will allow you to see what’s going on in the pot while you are cooking, but they are not unbreakable, even though they are usually shatter-proof. Stainless steel lids, on the other hand, are literally unbreakable and can last forever, so they might actually be a good option for stockpots.
Best Stock Pot With Lid: All-Clad BD55512 D5 Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Stock Pot with Lid
When we think about All-Clad, we think about high-quality, durable cookware, and this certainly holds true when it comes to the All-Clad BD55512 D5 Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Stock Pot with Lid.
If there is one thing the guys at All-Clad know how to do, it’s bonding metal. After all, the company started as Clad Metals and they have focused on bonding different metals together for various purposes ever since the beginning.
The All-Clad D5 collection is comprised of some of their newest and most advanced products, and it’s easy to see that they have really paid attention to the needs of the consumers when making this collection. Each piece of All-Clad D5 cookware is comprised of 5 layers of metal, as the name might suggest.
The internal and external layers are made of stainless steel which makes these pots and pans amazingly durable and impact-resistant. On the inside, there are two layers of aluminum wrapped around a unique steel core.
While aluminum heats up quickly and conducts heat better than stainless steel, the steel core ensures incredibly even heating and prevents the pot from warping even after years of use.
- Features a wide base for sauteing before adding liquids, and tall sides with lid to reduce evaporation and retain a light consistency - highly versatile with any liquid-related cooking
- 5-ply bonded construction with alternating layers of stainless steel and aluminum for warp-free durability and supremely even heating that eliminates hotspots
- For an added touch of refinement, it features a beautiful and easy to maintain brushed finish and fitted, stainless-steel lids
- Compatible with all cooktops and optimized performance for induction tops - also oven and broiler-safe up to 600°F
- Heat-resistant stainless-steel handles, designed a comfortable grip and permanently secured with stainless-steel rivets, and flared rims for drip-free pouring
The All-Clad BD55512 D5 Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Stock Pot with Lid is, of course, also constructed in this way. If you are looking for a large stockpot, we recommend the one in the 12-quart, but 8-quart and 4-quart versions are also available.
The design of this stock pot is just what it needs to be – simple and practical. The edges of the sides are slightly sloped for easy pouring which is a must when dealing with such a large pot.
This stock pot also comes with a stainless steel lid which fits really tightly to the pot. The handles, both on the lid and on the pot itself, are made of stainless steel and stay cool on the stovetop.
One great thing about these handles is the fact that they are made extra large, which makes it much more easy to lift the lid or the whole stock pot when you need to.
Key Features:
Stainless steel interior and exterior
Aluminum inside layers with a steel core for fast heating and optimal heat distribution
Rolled rims for easy pouring
Tight-fitting stainless steel lid included
Extra large handles are easy to grip and stay cool on the stove-top
Dishwasher-safe
Stock Pot With Basket Or Strainer
The list of things you can cook with a stock pot is probably infinite, but making pasta or steaming vegetables is definitely among the most common ones.
If this is what you like to do often, it definitely helps to have a stock pot that has a steamer and/or a pasta insert. Either one of these can work as a strainer too, so you have a double-purpose accessory.
Best Stock Pot With Pasta Insert And Steamer: Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic Stainless 4-Piece 12-Quart Pasta/Steamer Set
Cuisinart is known for coming up with practical and functional solutions for the home kitchen, and the Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic Stainless 4-Piece 12-Quart Pasta/Steamer Set is the perfect example of that. What you get in this “set†is a perfectly usable 12-quart stock pot which is also equipped with a steamer basket and a pasta insert.
The stock pot itself is made from stainless steel which makes it extremely durable, resistant to corrosion and rust, and also dishwasher safe. The stainless steel interior and exterior surfaces feature a mirror finish which makes the stock pot shiny on the outside and almost non-stick on the inside.
While the interior and exterior are made of stainless steel, there is an aluminum base sandwiched between these two layers. The stock pot also comes with a nice stainless steel lid that fits really tight to the pot.
The steamer insert is also made of stainless steel, fits nicely in the pan, and it’s super easy to use. It has two convenient handles on the top that fold down inside the insert, so you can place the lid on top of it if you need to and handles don’t get in the way.
- Included Components: Cooks' Tools;Pasta Tools;Pasta Makers
The pasta insert is larger, it’s also made of stainless steel, and it fits perfectly into the stock pot. You can put the lid on top of the pasta insert too. The best thing about it is that when you cook pasta with it, you cook it directly inside the insert.
When the pasta is done, all you need to do is pull the insert out slowly and you automatically get drained pasta.
Overall, the Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic Stainless 4-Piece 12-Quart Pasta/Steamer Set is a great, versatile stock pot. The 12-quart is not too big and not too small. You can use it to cook almost anything, and with the addition of the steamer insert and the pasta insert, the possibilities are really endless.
Key Features:
Stainless steel interior and exterior with mirror finish
Aluminum encapsulated base ensures better heat distribution
Rolled rims for easy pouring
Tight-fitting stainless steel lid included
Pasta insert and steamer insert included
Large, sturdy handles provide a good balance when lifting the stock pot
Dishwasher-safe
Stock Pots For Induction Hobs
For those of us who have decided to switch to an induction hob, there is one issue that might arise – the cookware we have been using for years (like heritage stock pots that many people have) doesn’t work anymore.
The thing with induction hobs is they don’t actually emanate heat but pass an electric current through the pot or pan in use. For this to happen, the cookware used has to be made of a material that is magnetic and has a flat bottom. Stainless steel and cast iron work best and are most commonly used in cookware made for induction hobs.
When it comes to stock pots, cast iron is generally out of the question since it is too heavy, so if you are looking for a good stock pot to use with your induction hob, a stainless steel stock pot is probably your best bet.
Best Stock Pot For Induction: Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 16-Quart Covered Stockpot
Farberware is another popular cookware manufacturer with a long history of working with stainless steel and bonded metals. This is why their Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 16-Quart Covered Stockpot is a real classic and coincidentally the perfect stock pot to use on induction hobs.
Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 16-Quart Covered Stockpot comes in two convenient sizes. The larger one has a capacity of 16-quarts, and the smaller version has a capacity of 12-quarts. These are both great sizes for everyday home use, and you’ll hardly go wrong whichever one you choose.
The stock pot itself is made of stainless steel. This is not only great because it works with induction, but also because stainless steel is one of the best and most durable materials used in cookware.
For this reason, this stock pot can be used on all kinds of stovetops, including induction, gas, electric, and whatever you like. You can wash it in the dishwasher, use it at extremely high temperature – whatever you do, this stock pot will most likely withstand it without a scratch.
- STOCKPOT WITH LID: 16-Quart Stockpot with lid works great as a lobster pot, chili pot, or soup pot
- QUICK, EVEN HEAT DESIGN: A full cap base on the stockpot features a thick aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel for rapid, even heating
- LARGE CAPACITY STOCKPOT: Make big one pot meals in this heavy-duty stainless steel stockpot with a self-basting lid to help seal in heat and flavor
- HIGH HEAT STOCKPOT: Oven safe to 350°F, the sturdy stainless steel stockpot handles provide a confident grasp
- EASY TO CLEAN: This dishwasher-safe stockpot combines technology with the styling and quality that Farberware has delivered for decades
Moreover, although the interior and exterior of the stock pot are made of stainless steel, it also has an aluminum core layer between the two stainless steel layers. This is to ensure faster heating and more even heat distribution, as stainless steel is not the best heat distributor in and of itself.
The result is a stock pot that heats up quickly and evenly – it’s really hard to burn any food in it.
The Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 16-Quart Covered Stockpot also comes equipped with a self-basting lid made of stainless steel. The lid is elegantly shaped and traps in the water that evaporates really well.
The handles, both on the lid and on both sides of the stock pot itself, are nicely designed in the style of Farberware and also comfortable to hold.
Overall, it’s the perfect stock pot to use with induction.
Key Features:
Stainless steel interior and exterior with mirror finish
The aluminum core ensures better heat distribution
Rolled rims for easy pouring
Self-basting lid included
Dishwasher-safe
Compatible with induction hobs
Oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Stock Pots For Canning
Canning food at home is not that hard to do, as those who have tried probably know. It is a time-consuming process, though. If you don’t have a stock pot that is large enough, this can be an issue, as canning in multiple batches can be annoying since it takes a lot of time.
Therefore, when looking for a stock pot for canning, it’s best to look for a stock pot that is large enough (even though any old stock pot could work, in theory). So how do you know what is big enough?
A stock pot for canning needs to be wide enough to fit all the jars you want to put in, but it also needs to be deep enough. You want the depth of the stock pot to be enough to fit the rack and the jars place vertically plus still some space to cover everything with at least a couple of inches of water.
Best Stock Pot For Canning: Update International SuperSteel 100 Qt Stainless Steel Stock Pot w/Cover
If you are looking for a stock pot that will be dedicated to canning, this basic Update International SuperSteel stock pot might just be what you need. This classic stockpot comes in a variety of sizes, the largest one having a capacity of as much as 100 quarts.
While this might seem like a lot, it might actually be just right for a canning stock pot – you can never have too much space for canning.
The stock pot itself features a simple and functional design. It is wide and tall, with sides going straight up and ending with the rims gently sloping outwards for easier pouring. The large handles are securely riveted with extra reinforcements so they can easily support the weight of this extremely large stock pot.
- Professional Quality Stock Pot - 100 qt capacity, induction ready, and NSF listed
- Ergonomic Handles - Large ergonomic handles are securely riveted to safely lift and transport
- Superior Heat Distribution - Heavy duty 3-ply bottom for superior heat distribution
- Includes Lid - Comes complete with cover (cover not NSF Listed)
The pot itself is made of stainless steel that gives it durability, but the bottom also has a thick aluminum encapsulated base for better heat conduction. You also get a large stainless steel lid that fits tightly to the stock pot.
This stock pot is also NSF-certified, which means it has been tested by a third party to confirm that it matches the standards of quality, composition, and durability, even in commercial use.
Key Features:
Stainless steel interior and exterior for maximum durability
Thick aluminum base for better conductivity
Large enough to do canning in large batches at once
A thick aluminum base for better heat conduction
Compatible with all kinds of stovetops, including induction
NSF-certified
Final Thoughts: What To Look For In A Stock Pot?
When looking for the perfect stockpot, there are a couple of things you need to consider. First of all, there is the question of size. No one wants to end up with a pot that is obscenely too large for their needs, but getting a stock pot that is too small can be even worse.
Somewhat of a standard size for stock pots is 12-quart, and this is generally a good size for everyday use. It’s perfect for making pasta, steaming vegetables (with the addition of a steamer basket), cooking soups and stocks etc..
If this is what you are looking for, your probably won’t regret getting a 12-quart stock pot, although you can also go with a 16-quart one, like the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 16-Quart Covered Stockpot, if you want something slightly larger or you often cook for large groups of people.
Finally, if you want a stock pot to use exclusively for canning and/or cooking extra large batches of food for large groups of people, you might want to go really big and get something like the Update International SuperSteel 100 Qt Stainless Steel Stock Pot w/Cover.
In any case, consider carefully what you need and choose your stock pot accordingly. If you are looking for a large stockpot, especially for canning, you might also be wondering, will this stock pot fit into my kitchen and on my stove?
Well, it might not, but that shouldn’t be an issue. There is an easy solution for that – a stock pot burner, like this one, that you can use both outdoors and indoors.
Another thing to consider when buying a stock pot is construction. What material is it made of? How about the handles and the lids? In terms of materials, stainless steel is definitely the way to go if you want a durable product.
However, stainless steel by itself does not conduct heat very well, so heating up large amounts of liquid in a stock pot could take a very long time. This is why it’s best to choose a stainless steel stock pot that has a layer of aluminum at the core, which is the case with all the stock pots we recommended today.
We hope this guide has helped you find a stock pot that you will enjoy for years to come!
