A stockpot is a busy home cook’s best friend and a restaurant chef’s primary requirement. We use this cookware for making soups, broth, stocks, etc. A stockpot is also used for brewing and cooking pasta in a large amount. But there are different types of Stockpot available in the market. And you want to buy the best item that matches your needs. So, we have shared a guide to help you pick the best Stockpot based on your needs and budget.
It is essential stuff in your kitchen to make your hearty favorites. Also, a stockpot is useful for pickling and preserving summer’s delight. You can use it to prepare a soupy steamed meal for your guests during a winter party. So, a large stockpot is one of the best multi-tasking items in your kitchen.
The ideal size and shape of a stockpot depend on your use. You can use a small 6 quarts stockpot for cooking for a single person. And in a large 60 quarts stock pot, you can cook for a small village. Stockpots made of Stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or enameled steel are the most popular. These materials ensure uniform heat distribution that decreases cooking time and prevents food from burning.
Generally, stockpots are wide with a plain base. But some are available in narrow shapes with tall sides. This helps in reducing the evaporation that develops during the slow cooking process. This is ideal for cooking long-simmering bone broths. It is also good for steaming dumplings or vegetables, and you don’t need to constantly add water.
This article is about different stockpots, their features, and reviews. So read out the article and compare our top picks of the best stockpots. This will help you decide the best Stockpot for your kitchen.
At A Glance: Our Top Picks For The Best Stockpots
- Tramontina 80101/012DS Tri-Ply Base Covered Stock Pot
- Cuisinart Contour Hard Anodized 12-Quart Stockpot
- Cook N Home 12 Stainless Steel Saucepot with Lid Quart Stockpot
- Cooks Standard 2616 Standard 30 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot
- Bayou Classic 1144 1144-44-qt Stainless Stockpot with Basket
- HOMI CHEF Commercial Grade LARGE STOCK POT
- T-fal B36262 Specialty Total Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Oven Safe Stockpot
- Circulon Radiance Hard-Anodized Nonstick Stock Pot
Know the Best Stock Pot – 2022
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Tramontina 80101/012DS Tri-Ply Base Covered Stock Pot | • Tri-Ply encapsulated base • Mirror-polished exterior | ||
Cuisinart Contour Hard Anodized 12-Quart Stockpot | • Hard anodized base • Nonstick interior | ||
Cook N Home 12 Stainless Steel Saucepot with Lid Quart Stockpot | • Mirror-polished exterior • Convenient tempered glass lids | ||
Cooks Standard 2616 Standard 30 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot | • Aluminum disc encapsulated bottom • 30-Quart Capacity | ||
Bayou Classic 1144 1144-44-qt Stainless Stockpot with Basket | • 44-qt hefty, stainless steel Stockpot • Perforated Basket that sets 3-inch above the bottom for steaming or boiling | ||
HOMI CHEF Commercial Grade LARGE STOCK POT | • 3-Ply Construction • Nickel Free Healthy Cookware | ||
T-fal B36262 Specialty Total Nonstick Stockpot | • Excellent heat conduction • Lightweight for easy handling | ||
Circulon Radiance Hard-Anodized Nonstick Stock Pot | • Superior Nonstick Stockpot • Hassle-free Lifetime Guarantee |
Below is the list of our top pics of Stock Pot with advantages and disadvantages.
#1. Tramontina 80101/012DS Tri-Ply Base Covered Stock Pot
This stainless steel-made Stockpot has a Tri-Ply encapsulated base that helps the uniform distribution of heat. Its accurately riveted handles ensure a comfortable and secure grip. The sleek and flared edge ensures easy and dripless pouring.
Its mirror-polished exterior and stylish lids make the vessel extremely elegant. You can use the pot in any cooktop, including an induction. Both the pot and lids are oven safe up to 500°F. The smooth stainless steel surface is easy to clean, and also, it is Dishwasher-safe. Additionally, the 12 Quarts stockpot comes with a Lifetime Warranty so that you can rely on the brand.
Pros:
- Tri-Ply encapsulated base
- Mirror polished ceramic finish
- 12 Quarts capacity
- Dishwasher-safe
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons:
- A bit heavy
#2. Cuisinart Contour Hard Anodized 12-Quart Stockpot
Its hard-anodized aluminum core construction helps fast heating and spreads heat evenly, eliminating hot spots. Also, perfectly riveted Steady and heat-protective handles provide a firm and comfortable grip.
The 12-Quart Stockpot has a reinforced nonstick cooking surface for healthier cooking. This also makes it durable and easy to clean. Remember, the product is not Induction compatible.
The Stockpot has sleek and flat glass lids with stainless steel rims that seal the moisture and flavor. The glass is tempered to ensure durability and long-lasting performance. Also, the tapered rims help drip-free and easy pouring.
You can use this pot on the stovetop, in the oven up to 500-degree F, or under the broiler. It is also freezer safe to provide easy storage of food.
Pros:
- Uniform heat distribution
- Premium nonstick interior
- Steady handling
- Convenient tempered glass covers
- Versatile cooking options
Cons:
- Not compatible for Induction
#3. Cook N Home 12 Stainless Steel Saucepot with Lid Quart Stockpot
The stainless steel-made Stockpot has a mirror-polished exterior that makes it durable and easy to clean. Its aluminum disc layered bottom allows uniform heat distribution and prevents hot spots.
The Lid is made of tempered glass with a steam vent. So you can view the food without removing the Lid. Also, the riveted handles provide a firm and cool grip.
The 12-Quart Stockpot has a reinforced rim for long boiling, which is helpful for canning/jarring. This pot offers a versatile cooking process on Induction, gas, electric oven, etc.
Pros:
- Uniform heat distribution
- mirror-polished exterior
- Firm handling
- Convenient tempered glass lids
- Versatile cooking options
Cons:
- A bit expensive
#4. Cooks Standard 2616 Standard 30 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot
The 30-Quart professional-grade Stock Pot is made of stainless steel. And there is an aluminum disc layer at the bottom. The Aluminum disc encapsulated bottom provides fast and even heating and prevents hot spots.
Its firm lid retains the heat and moisture and keeps the food warm for a long time. This large multi-tasking pot can be used for canning, jarring, and stewing. The wide and heat-protective handles provide a firm and comfortable grip.
This all-purpose pot is pretty attractive and adds elegance to your kitchen. You can use it on different cooktops like Induction, gas, electric oven, etc. It is oven safe up to 500-degree F. The stainless steel interior makes it smooth for easy cleaning; also, you can clean it in a dishwasher.
Pros:
- Aluminum disc encapsulated bottom
- 30-Quart Capacity
- Solid Lid
- Wide handles
- Oven & dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Large for regular use
#5. Bayou Classic 1144 1144-44-qt Stainless Stockpot with Basket
This large 44-quart Stockpot is ideal for picnics or camping. You can also cook for several guests during a winter party. The stainless steel-made pot is a stable and sturdy cooker that heats the contents quickly and uniformly.
The classic stock pot includes a basket to boil or steam vegetables, seafood, peanuts, and more. The Basket is set about 3 inches above the bottom for proper steaming. You can also use the pot for cooking stews, soup, cooking beans, and rice without the Basket.
Pros:
- 44-qt hefty, stainless steel Stockpot
- Domed vented Lid
- Secure welded Handles
- Perforated Basket that sets 3-inch above the bottom for steaming or boiling
Cons:
- Too large for regular use
#6. HOMI CHEF Commercial Grade LARGE STOCK POT
This large 20QT Stockpot is made of nickel-free stainless steel that ensures better health and nutrition. Its stylish design gives a classic touch to your kitchen and dining table. You can use this efficient Stockpot for boiling crab and lobster or simmering stocks, soups, etc., for large crowds. So take your culinary skill to a new height with this beautiful Stockpot.
As Nickel-free stainless steel is a higher conductor of heat, you can cook non-toxic and non-allergic food & save more energy. Its mirror-polished exterior and matte polished interior give the pot an elegant look. Also, the tempered transparent glass lid with a steam vent and ergonomic, stainless steel handles make it different from other stockpots. With its versatile cooking options, you can use the pot on gas, electric oven, Induction, and halogen stovetops.
Its 3-Ply Construction with a pure aluminum core sandwiched between two stainless steel layers ensures optimal thermal absorption and transmission. This provides faster cooking and more energy saving. Its solid, riveted stainless steel handles stay cool on stovetops allowing comfortable cooking. Also, the specially designed tempered glass lid releases excess vapors while efficiently circulating heat & moisture. This efficiently preserves the flavors & nutrients of the food.
Pros:
- 3-Ply Construction
- 20QT Capacity
- Nickel Free Healthy Cookware
- Elegant Appearance
- Devoted Customer Service
Cons:
- Expensive
#7. T-fal B36262 Specialty Total Nonstick Stockpot
The superior nonstick interior and exterior of this 12-quart Stockpot make it easy to cook and clean. The total nonstick surface allows healthy cooking with the use of minimal oils or fat. It is the best Stockpot for cooking family-size meals.
The pot comes with a transparent glass lid that allows you to watch cooking progress. And the vented hole lets excess steam escape to prevent over-boiling.
It is compatible with different Cooktops like Gas, Electric coil, and oven up to 350 degrees F. The aluminum bottom resists warping for uniform heating without hot spots. Besides, you can clean the pot in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Excellent heat conduction
- Lightweight for easy handling
- Easy to clean via handwash or dishwasher
Cons:
- Low heat threshold
#8. Circulon Radiance Hard-Anodized Nonstick Stock Pot
Its durable performance with superior nonstick technology and dishwasher safe cleaning convenience makes Circulon Radiance the best Stockpot.
The pot is unique for its total nonstick system of raised circles. It is also a metal utensil safe and perfect for natural food release and easy cleanup in the dishwasher. This makes it lasts 10 times longer than normal nonstick.
Also, the hard-anodized Construction helps in fast and efficient cooking saving more energy. You can use it in an oven up to 400 degrees F but not on Induction. With firm, dual-riveted stainless steel handles and a transparent glass lid, it offers convenient cooking.
Pros:
- Durable
- Superior Nonstick Stockpot:
- Hassle-free Lifetime Guarantee
- Easy To Clean
- Dishwasher Safe
- High Conductor of Heat
Cons:
- Not Induction safe
How To Choose The Best Stock Pots?
The best Stockpot depends on how you want to use it and your cooking style. You may like to slow cook your favorite soup or want to prepare a flavorful stock. In all cases, there are few things to consider before buying the pot. Here are the basic features you should look for in a stockpot that suits your cooking needs.
- Capacity:
You can see stock posts in varied capacities that range from below ten to over 100 quarts. So purchase a model depending on your family size and your cooking needs. This will save both time and money. If you buy a smaller one, you may have to cook twice. And if you buy bigger, there will be a storage issue. We recommend an eight-quart pot for an average family. An Eight-quart stockpot can cook a few pounds of pasta, four quarts of stock, and sauce for a party. You can also store it conveniently when not using the pot.
- Surface:
Pots with three-ply stainless steel or aluminum base heat up quickly and evenly. If you prefer cooking dishes, then consider pots with a nonstick surface that are easy to clean.
- Design:
The look is the first thing we consider in any purchase. But it doesn’t mean the exterior look. Check if the pot is spacious, the handles are properly fixed or not, etc. Also, choose one with a tight-fitting lid to prevent evaporation.
- Shape and Size:
Shape and size varied in different stock pots of the same Capacity. So you need to consider this according to your convenience. There is the fact that the shorter and wider pots are easy to store with other cookware. On the other hand, narrower pots are good for slow cooking needs.
- Weight and Handles:
Sometimes, a thicker surface makes the pot too heavy to lift. So, check the weight of the pot if it is convenient for you. Also, check the size and shape of the handles to securely grip them. Heat-resistant handles are good in all situations to prevent burn.
- Material:
Stainless steel pots are the best option for even cooking and durability. If it also has a stainless steel lid, then it is perfectly secured. But a glass lid allows you to see if the food is being cooked properly.
- Heat Threshold:
The best Stockpot is versatile enough to perform well under different cooking situations. So before buying the pot, decide your recipe and usage. This will ensure that the pot will be able to withstand the temperature needed. Besides, some stockpots have an aluminum core at the base. This ensures good conductivity and uniform distribution of heat
- Durability:
You are not going to buy a stockpot for a few days. It is a lifetime asset in your kitchen. And it is cookware for regular use. So consider product warranty to rely on your purchase.
FAQs
Q1. What is a 12-quart stockpot best used for?
A. In a 12-quart capacity stockpot, you can cook anything in a large amount. You can use it to simmer bone broth, prepare chili sauce, or boil a family-sized amount of pasta
Q2. Can you use a stockpot for canning?
A. Yes, for this, the pot has to be tall enough. Canning needs you to add some sort of rack to keep your jars floating. And the pot walls should be high enough for the rack and jars to submerge under an inch of water.
Q3. Can you put a stockpot in the oven?
A. Most Stock Pots are oven-proof. So, check in the specification if your pot is oven-proof. Also, check its maximum heat threshold and the Lid is oven-proof or not.
Q4. Can you use a stockpot for deep frying?
A. Yes. The best Stockpot for deep frying is a heavy-bottomed pan with excellent heat conductivity and retention.
Q5. What is the difference between a stockpot and a Dutch oven?
A. A stockpot is typically made of aluminum or stainless steel. And a Dutch oven is made of cast iron
Conclusion:
Stockpots are available in various capacities to hold a large amount of food for a long time. From stainless steel to hard-anodized aluminum models, there are many types of stockpots available. The size, shape, and type of material the pot is made out of are important factors to consider.
After reading this article, you can compare our top picks of the best stockpots. This will help you decide the best Stockpot for your kitchen
If you love cooking, investing in a high-quality stockpot is a good decision. A good stock pot can cook large meals thoroughly and efficiently. So, go through the list of our best stockpots, compare the features, and read the reviews. It will help you purchase one that best serves your cooking needs.