When you are cooking, you’ll want to make sure that you have some of the best utensils in your arsenal.
When it comes to simmering food over a long period in a rich blend of spices and sauces, then a stock pot will be exactly what you’re looking for.
If you’re not using a stock pot, then you should consider investing in one. You can find them at most stores or online. They come in different sizes, so you can choose which size is right for you.
You’ll need to figure out what the capacity is and whether or not it will fit on your stove. When you use a stock pot, you’ll want to pay attention to how often you clean it.
If you aren’t cleaning it regularly, then there’s a chance that bacteria could build up inside. This could lead to an unhealthy environment for your food.
Best Stock Pots
OUR TOP PICK
NutriChef 15-Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot
EDITORS CHOICE
All-Clad E796S364 Stainless Steel Cookware
BEST VALUE
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enamel on Steel Stockpot
OUR TOP PICK
NutriChef 15-Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot
This first stock put is made with some of the most durable materials that you can find, with sturdy handles that will make taking this one on and off the stove really easy to do.
This is a decent size of 15 quarts that will be able to sit on most stoves. It will be great for boiling eggs, soups or prepping your own sauces.
It also comes with a transparent lid that will allow you to check on the progress of your meal, which is great if you do not have access to a thermometer.
The stainless steel construction will help keep the heat consistent, which means that you won’t have to worry about overcooking your food.
The nonstick coating helps with cleanup as well, making it easier than ever to get rid of any leftover bits. You can use this on many different induction stoves like gas, electric, ceramic and hot plates.
This is perfect if you have an older stove and are worried about having the space to warm large vats of food.
Pros
- Great induction – this is made from solid stainless steel, which will really help to warm up the food that is inside. You can be sure that it will boil or stew your ingredients within no time at all.
- Stainless steel – this is built from high-quality material that will last a lifetime. There are no chemicals used during its manufacturing process, meaning that it will never rust or corrode.
- Nonstick surface – the nonstick coating makes it much easier to clean after each use. This will cut down the cleaning time after you have boiled your food.
- Fits any heater – whether you have a gas heater or an electric stove, this pot will fit comfortably on the stove and thoroughly heat your food.
Cons
- No lid lock – because this isn’t a pressure cooker, you don’t have the ability to lock the lid onto the pot. This is something that you may want to think about before purchasing.
EDITORS CHOICE
All-Clad E796S364 Stainless Steel Cookware
This cookware set is perfect for anyone who likes to do some heavy-duty, large-scale cooking. If you are boiling potatoes or rustling up some lobster, you’ll have the space and the thickness that you’ll need for your cooking.
This set comes with a stock pot, a steamer insert and a strainer. If you are wanting to prepare your food or soup or sauce in the most healthy way possible, then this is the set for you.
They are dishwasher safe, which makes them very convenient to clean. They are made from 18/10 stainless steel, which gives them a nice shiny finish.
They are made to withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so they will be able to handle anything that you throw their way.
The handles are made from solid stainless steel, which will provide you with a comfortable grip when handling these pots.
These handles come in a variety of colors, including black, red, blue, green and more! If you are looking for a sturdy, durable set of cookware, then look no further than this All-Clad set.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe – this is one of the best features of this set. Because it is dishwasher safe, you can save yourself a lot of time by not having to wash it every single day.
- 18/10 stainless steel – this is one of our favorite materials for cookware. It has been tested to withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, which is great for those who love to make soups, sauces and other dishes that require a long-simmering period.
- Solid handles – the handles on this set are made from solid metal, which means that there won’t be any wiggle room when you’re lifting them out of the sink. The handles also come in a variety of different colors, making it easy to find the color that suits you best.
Cons
- The lid doesn’t lock – if you are someone who wants to lock the lid onto your pot, then you might want to consider buying another type of pot.
BEST VALUE
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enamel on Steel Stockpot
This next stock pot comes with a slightly different material, made from enamel, which will give you quick heating and should be able to withstand a lot of high temperatures without scuffing or succumbing to damage.
It comes with a cover, which is important for keeping your food warm while you wait for it to boil. You can use this pot for boiling pasta, rice, vegetables and even meats.
This pot is dishwasher safe, but we recommend handwashing it as well. That way, you can ensure that all of the seasonings are removed.
This pot comes with a durable lid that you can be sure will keep all of your steam inside, which will lead to greater heat.
This one will stay heated even after you have turned off the stove, which will save you a lot on your energy bills over time.
This comes with handles that you can easily use to lift your stock pot off the boil. If you are suffering from mobility problems, you can be sure that this one will not wobble or spill your ingredients over the floor or countertop.
Pros
- Easy to clean – because this pot is dishwasher safe and comes with a cover, you don’t need to worry about cleaning it. Just put everything into the top rack of your dishwasher and run through the cycle.
- Great for cooking – this pot is perfect for anyone who loves to cook. It comes with a cover, so you can store it away until you need to use it again.
- The lid stays closed – this is an important feature, especially if you like to cook foods that take longer to simmer. When you open the lid, you can see how much water is left inside, ensuring that you don’t overcook your food.
- Easy to carry – this is a light and easy pot to carry, so if you want to transfer your pot straight from the hob to the table, then you can do so with ease.
Cons
- Not suitable for deep frying – this isn’t a good choice if you plan to fry foods such as chicken breasts, fish fillets or chips.
- Doesn’t have a locking lid – this is a minor issue, but if you want to lock the lid down tightly, then you’ll need to buy another type of stock pot.
RUNNER UP
T-fal B36262 Specialty Total Nonstick Stockpot Cookware
This next stock pot is made from stainless steel, which means that it will be able to weather a lot of the intense heat that you’ll need to cook food over the long term.
This is one of the easiest pots that you can clean, with a smooth stainless steel outer and inner portion, both of which will be very easy to scrub down and rinse after you have used it.
This comes with a glass lid that will allow you to see inside your pot to see how well your food is cooking. It is also vented which will allow enough steam to escape without cooling down the overall temperature of your food.
You can rest assured that this pot won’t burn up when you’re using it, thanks to its nonstick coating.
If you want to make sure that your food doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan, then you can use a silicone spatula to scrape any stuck bits away.
Pros
- Nonstick coating – this makes it easier to remove any burnt or burned bits of food that may be sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Easy to clean – just wipe it down with some soap and warm water and you should be fine.
- Glass lid – this allows you to check on your food while it’s cooking, making it ideal for those people who love to watch their food being cooked.
- Vent holes – this helps to prevent overheating by allowing excess steam to escape. This is ideal if you do not have a temperature probe and you are just relying on sight alone.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a handle – this could prove difficult if you have mobility issues. You may want to consider buying a different type of stock pot if you find yourself struggling to lift it up and down.
RUNNER UP
Tramontina Covered Stock Pot
This next pot is perfect for those people who want to boil lobster or large amounts of seafood.
It comes with stainless steel construction that you can be sure will give you everything that you need for a decent cooking experience.
This is available in a range of sizes from 12 to 20 quarts, which is great if you want that little extra flexibility with size. You can go for the smaller size if you want to save space on your countertop.
The cover has been designed to fit securely onto the top of the pot, meaning that you don’t have to worry about losing it or having to keep track of it.
It does mean that you have to take off the lid before you put your food into the pot, however. It is also dishwasher safe, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning it properly afterward.
Pros
- Great for boiling large quantities of food at once – this is ideal for those people who like to cook lots of seafood or lobsters.
- Easy to clean – just wash it out in the sink and you shouldn’t have any problems getting rid of all the dirt and grime.
- Dishwasher safe – this means that you can easily pop it into the dishwasher and get it cleaned up quickly. This will also save you a lot of hassle after you have been cooking for a long period of time.
Cons
- Not suitable for simmering – this isn’t really suitable for those people who like a nice slow-cooked meal. If you want to simmer something, then you’ll need to look elsewhere.
RUNNER UP
Stainless Steel Stock Pot Induction Ready
This next pot is for someone who doesn’t have that much room on their stove but certainly wants to rustle up something to the quality of a top restaurant.
This will give you steady heating throughout the pot, which means that you won’t have to worry about any of the food being undercooked or any ingredients sticking to the bottom of the pan.
This comes with a sturdy glass lid that will not warp no matter how much you subject it to some of the most intense pressures.
This also comes with solid handles that allow you to control where the heat goes in your pot. You can choose between two different sizes, one being 10 quarts and the other being 16 quarts.
These pots are made from high-quality materials that will ensure that they last for years without breaking down. They are also dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean up after use.
Pros
- High-quality material – these pots are built using only the best materials that will stand the test of time.
- Solid handles – these handles are strong enough to be able to support the weight of whatever you might be putting inside the pot.
- Dishwasher safe – as mentioned above, this means that you can pop them straight into the dishwasher and they will come out looking pristine.
Cons
- Only 10 or 16 quarts – if you’re planning on cooking a lot of food at once, then you may find that you don’t have enough capacity to do what you want.
Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to buying a reliable and durable stock pot, then we would recommend that you get something that is made from the right materials. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep an eye out for:
How Many Quarts Does It Have?
If you’re cooking for just yourself, then you probably don’t need anything more than 4 quarts. However, if you’re cooking for a family of five or six, then you’ll definitely need something that has at least 8 quarts of space. The reason why is so that you can fit all of your ingredients in there.
Do I Need A Lid?
A good stock pot needs to have a lid. This is because you can’t cook without a lid. This gives you the ability to regulate the temperature of your food, which makes it easier to cook.
A lid isn’t absolutely necessary though, so you can choose whether or not you’d like one. If you’re cooking for a single person, then you probably won’t need one.
However, if you plan on cooking for a larger number of people, then you’ll definitely benefit from getting yourself a lid.
Is It Easy To Clean?
It doesn’t really matter whether or not you decide to get a lid, but if you do decide to go ahead and get one, then you’ll want it to be easy to wash.
This is because cleaning a pot is a pain. So, if you can avoid having to take the time to clean it, then you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Should I Buy?
You’ll want to make sure that you get something that fits in your kitchen. If you’re cooking large quantities of food, then you’ll want to look for something that has at least 12 quarts of space. This way, you’ll be able to accommodate everything that you need to cook.
How Long Does It Last?
As long as you treat it well, then it should last for many years. Just remember not to scrub it too hard when you wash it, as this could damage its ability to cook food later down the line.
Do I Need A Lid?
We would recommend that you get a stock pot with a lid, although it is not essential. Not only will it help with regulating the temperature of your food while you cook, but it will also allow you to store leftovers in the fridge.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding a good quality stock pot, then you’ll want something that is sturdy and built to last.
There are some great options available today, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding something that meets those criteria.
