If there's one cooking pot that shouldn't be missing in your kitchen, it's the stock pot. It's the all-around pot that can open your world to a lot of cooking possibilities. With this trusty pot in tow, you can do a myriad of dishes like soups, stocks and braised recipes. You will marvel at the infinite possibilities that the stock pot can offer you.
Whether you are a home cooking aficionado, a professional chef or an aspiring caterer, you should include this in your cooking tools. You won't run out of stock pot choices out there, what with the many options available today. In fact, you might find yourself unsure about what to get.
There’s no need to worry if you have no clue what kind of stock pot you should get because for this article, I will share with you a couple of tips for buying the best stock pot as well as a list of stock pots that you should check out.
Quick Comparison: Top Stainless Steel Stock Pots 2019
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**Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
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Why You Should Buy a Stainless Steel Stock Pot
Stainless steel stock pots are versatile cooking tools that will allow you to whip up even the most complex of dishes. Think of the stock pot as the "soul" of cooking as this will allow you to create complex broth flavors and intricate sauces. Many cooks even use this as an extra storage device in their home. You can stash potatoes, onions and many other ingredients here.
People cooking for a big crowd, those entertaining families and friends often or those who own catering businesses can benefit from having a stainless steel stock pot in their kitchen. It can be used to make bigger portions of food.
What Should You Consider When Buying
Although a stock pot is a relatively inexpensive kitchen essential, you still would want to make sure that you are not wasting money on a bad product. When buying, you should have a few key things you need to keep in mind so you can ultimately choose the best one that is worth every penny you spend on it. Here are the things you need to consider:
Type of Material
When it comes to stock pots, stainless steel should be at the top of your choices. This material is resistant to damages and corrosion. It also doesn't interact with acidic ingredients like citrus juices or vinegar so if you cook a lot with these ingredients, go for those with stainless steel interiors.
Size of the Stock Pot
Stock pots come in different sizes. There are smaller 3-quart options that are just right for small to medium-sized cooking needs. If you only need it for home cooking, this should be good. You can already make bigger batches of broth for meal preparations with this size of stock pot. However, if you find yourself in need of a bigger pot for special occasions, it helps to also have one that is a bigger size. Sizes can go as big as 1 gallon. The bigger the pot, the more room there is for your ingredients. If you cook bigger chunks of meats or you often use big bones to create a broth, a bigger pot should come handy.
Check the Ergonomics
Make sure the handles are easy to grip even when wearing oven mitts. People with bigger hands might also require bigger handles. You would want to check the handles of the pot personally to see if they are hinged sturdily. The last thing you would want is for the handles to give out when carrying a pot with hot liquid inside.
Inspect the Weight
Make sure the handles are easy to grip even when wearing oven mitts. People with bigger hands might also require bigger handles. You would want to check the handles of the pot personally to see if they are hinged sturdily. The last thing you would want is for the handles to give out when carrying a pot with hot liquid inside.
Maintenance and Cleaning
In case you forget to get rid of the contents of the stock pot and food residues end up getting stuck in there, find out if the stock pot is still easy to clean. Some might require extra care such as using a polisher but otherwise, you would want to get one that is a cinch to maintain and clean.
Top 5 Best Stock Pot Should You Choose
When it comes to making bigger portions of meals for your family, you can't go wrong with this big pot. It offers a steel core, which can be relied on when it comes to even heat distribution. This means your pot can come to a boil faster because heat is distributed evenly.
It's great as well if you often cook using pungent ingredients. The smell doesn't stick to the pan so you have no trouble cleaning it. It's also an affordable choice, great for people who don't want to spend too much on just one stock pot.
Pros
- This distributes heat easily
- It has a lot of room for cooking bigger portions of meat
- It is resistant to corrosion so it should last for a long time
- The finish doesn't burn easily so you can have a good-looking pot for a long time
- It is non-porous so smell won't linger in your pot
Cons
- Some said this piece is a bit too lightweight for their preferences
This product comes with a steam and boil basket, justifying its higher price range. From meats to seafood, you can rely on this stock pot to do all the things you need to do with it. This is highly recommended if you throw a lot of backyard parties or you tend to do a lot of camping. It is durable and can withstand a good amount of abuse. It can last for a long time even if you use it all the time.
Pros
- This is made from 204 stainless steel, giving it superior durability and capability
- The capacity is great for bigger cooking needs
- It comes with a vented lid. You don’t have to worry about your stock or stew boiling over
- The handles feel sturdy
- Can be used for a variety of purposes. Aside from making soups and stocks, you can also use this for steaming, boiling or deep frying.
- It cleans easily, even when it sits in storage for a long time.
Cons
- Might not be the best for those on a budget.
When it comes to a reliable stock pot that small to medium-sized families can rely on without breaking the bank, this is a good candidate. We recommend this as well because of how easy it is to clean. You won't be spending all day in your kitchen, trying to keep stains and hardened residues from the pot. It's a good-looking pot that comes with a glass lid as well so you will be proud to showcase it in your kitchen.
Pros
- It comes with an encapsulated base, which allows heat to be distributed faster, making way for faster and more efficient cooking process. If you are boiling a big batch of soup, it won't take forever.
- It has a see-through lid that allows you to take a peek inside the pot without removing it and letting heat escape.
- It is easy to clean even without doing any special cleaning technique.
- The handles stay cool so you won't have issues handling it while cooking
Cons
- Some people noticed black spots at the bottom of their pot after a few uses.
Here is another inexpensive choice that won't hurt your pockets. With a capacity of 12 quarts, this can be a great all-around home cooking pot that families can use. The exterior and interior look and feel solidly-built so you can be assured that you are getting a stock pot with functions you can maximize.
You can rely on this for all sorts of cooking needs. Its materials allow for seamless heat distribution so even if you are cooking a lot of food, you can bring them to a simmer or a boil without spending so much time in front of the stove. It's also versatile because it is safe to use in the oven for a temperature of up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- It's an inexpensive product, great for starting families or solo home dwellers
- The craftsmanship is good
- It comes with a glass lid so you can see through what you are cooking with ease.
- The vented hole in the glass lid prevents liquids from boiling over.
- You can place it in the dishwasher
- It comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- It is a tall stock pot but might not have a wider base for those looking for such a feature.
- Some said it is too light for their preferences.
This Cook N Home NC-00335 Stainless Steel Stockpot is a value for your money. Get this if budget is an issue and you don't want something that can break the bank. It is a lightweight stock pot that can do its job in cooking medium to large portions of meat. It also comes complete with useful features such as stay-cool handles. People who do canning at home can also rely on this stock pot.
Pros
- This is one of the sturdiest stock pots out there, thanks to its high gauge stainless steel material
- It does a good job distributing heat evenly
- The bottom part of the stock pot has been incorporated with magnetic properties, making this ideal for those using an induction stove top
- The handles are easy to hold
- The rim has been reinforced so it retains its shape for a long time
- It is safe to use in the oven
Cons
- Some said the handles are too thin for them.
The Verdict
A stock pot should never go missing in your kitchen. It’s a multi-purpose cooking tool that can help you create your most delicious and most famous dishes. After reading my suggestions, you should already have an idea what to get. It all boils down to personal preferences so make sure you assess your cooking needs and what sort of features you would want to see in your stock pot before making a decision.
But to help you out even further, I’ll suggest products for different needs. If you are on a tight budget but you don’t want to get a cheap product that will get damaged after just a few uses, you should consider getting the Cook N Home 20 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot. There is no need to worry if you don't know which is the best stock pot to buy as the Cook N Home 20 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot is one of them and has a stay-cool grip.
It is one of your least expensive choices, but it doesn’t compromise on quality. This is also a product we suggest for people who don’t have a lot of arm muscle and who can’t carry heavier stock pots.
Another inexpensive option you should get is the T-Fal B36262 Specialty Total Nonstock Stockpot Cookware. We highly recommend this for people with small to medium cooking needs. It’s a little hefty though so some arm muscle might be needed to carry this pot.
Want something that is easy to use and great for novice home cooks? Try the ExcelSteel 16 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot. It’s not expensive and has functionalities that make it easier to use for first-time cooks.
Larger families or those often cooking for guests or a big crowd should get the Granite Ware Stock Pot. Even professional chefs, caterers and avid home cooks will find this a great addition to their kitchen not only because of its functionality but also because of its beauty.
Want something that will last for a long time? Get the Bayou Classic 1124 24-Quart All Purpose Stainless Steel Stockpot. It’s a bit pricey but it comes with a basket for steaming. It’s so heavy-duty, you can bring it for camping and use it for parties.
Give our suggestions a go and click the product links to learn more about the features of each product. Also, make sure you check out our homepage for more product reviews and kitchen equipment suggestions.
