How To Choose The Best Stock Pot For Your Kitchen?
One of the questions which some of my blog readers have been asking for several months now is how to choose the Best Stock Pot. I have been answering them privately through their emails, something which I find tiresome.
I have therefore decided to write this article to help those who desperately want to purchase the Best Stock Pot for their kitchen. If you are one of them, this comprehensive guide will show you how and recommend the top products you can consider buying.
Rank | Image | Product Name | Our Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |  | 4.4 /5 | ||
2 |  | 4.8 /5 | ||
3 |  | 4.7 /5 | ||
4 |  | 4.5 /5 | ||
5 | | 4.7 /5 |
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Why Get A Stock Pot?
A stock pot is one of the excellent cookware in my kitchen as it helps me to prepare sauces and other foods. Originally, this cooking vessel was designed to make stock for soups, sauces and other dishes. Nowadays, you can use it for different cooking tasks such as boiling pasta, making spaghetti, chili and soup; canning, making corn and other food items.
What Differentiates Stock Pots From Other Cookware?
If you are not a cooking enthusiast, you may find different types of cookware overwhelming. Stock pots are somehow distinct from other cookware types. They are tall and narrow in shape to prevent the evaporation of the much needed vapors. They are also designed with two small handles on the either side for easier carrying from one place to another.
Top Three Factors To Consider When Buying A Stock Pot
There are few factors to consider when searching for the Best Stock Pot for your kitchen. In fact, the purpose of this section is to provide you with the reliable information you need to select the Best Stock Pot that will be perfect for your cooking needs.
1. Sizes Of The Best Stock Pot
There are dozens of stock pots from different manufacturers. You need to consider the size of stock pot that you want to purchase before making your final decision. Their size is measured by the interior volume it can hold.
The large sized ones might be a good option if you are running or want to open a restaurant. For home kitchen use, you can go for stock pots in fewer litter capacities. However, it would be a good idea to have a variety of stock pots of various sizes to have a wide range of cooking tasks covered.
2. Construction Materials
You also need to factor in the material of the stock pot that you want to purchase before making a final decision. Most of stock pots on the market are either made of stainless steel or aluminum, and have a mirror-like finish on the outer housing. Both of these material are a better than others that are used to make stock pots. Below are brief details about each material.
Stainless Steel
Via: Amazon.com
This material is not a good conductor of heat when cooking. It is preferred in making stock pots because it looks great on the outside, resistant to rust and its durability. To overcome this issue of conductivity, some manufacturers combine stainless steel with some alloys of metals. For instance, they integrate aluminum metal into the bottom of the stock pot to better its heat conductivity.
Aluminum
Via: Amazon.com
This metal is an excellent conductor of heat when cooking. It heats up and cools down slowly making it a good choice for designing large stock pots. The only drawback when using aluminum stock pots is the reaction with some types of food. For instance, it reacts with acidic foods to form compounds which may not be good for your health.
Non Stick
Via: Amazon.com
Some stock pots are designed with non stick surfaces. These types are easier to clean and great for cooking a variety of foods for decades. You can go for non stick stock pots if you want to cook dishes that require several hours of simmering.
3. Stock Pot Features
You also need to consider features of a stock pot before making a final decision. There are many of them as you will find below.
- Sturdy, riveted handles: If you want a stock pot that will handle large quantities of food, it is a good idea to choose one with sturdy riveted handles. I have one with such handles. They help me lift the pot without much effort. The main point here is to look for riveted handles but not just welded ones. You also want to make sure the handles are wider enough and do not get hot during the cooking process.
- Spigots: Some stock pots are designed with a spigot on the lower portion. This feature is little known by many cooking fanatics but very important. Its main function is to drain the liquids out which is a little bit convenient than when using a spoon to drain out the liquid. It is also much safer to drain out liquid this way than when using other options. If you get a stock pot with this feature, it would be a good idea to consider it.
This video will help you when know how to choose the Best Stock Pot.
My Top 5 Recommendations
In this section, I have featured the most popular stock pots on the market today. I arrived at these top 5 selections after looking into their construction, durability, size options, lid style, handle style and material used in construction. I also arrived at these top 5 picks after looking at their total number of reviews and overall rating at Amazon. Read on to learn more.
1. T-fal A92280 Specialty Total Nonstick Stockpot
Via: Amazon.com
T-fal A92280 is a 12-quart dishwater safe stock pot. The pot is designed from strong and long lasting aluminum material so you can expect it to have good heat conductivity in comparison with stainless steel. The lighter weight of this stock pot from T-fal is less which means it is much easier to handle when filled with food or water. Its interior is made of non stick surfaces so it is easier to clean after use.
One feature of this stock pot that appeals to me most is the handles which are made of soft touch silicone. These handles are not only soft to touch but also make stock pot transportation easier. The pot is safe to use in oven running up to 350 degrees or on the stove top.
It comes with a see-thru lid which allows you to watch your foods as cooking progress. The lid has a handle in the center which does not get hot during the cooking process.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe stock pot and looks great in any kitchen.
- Designed from aluminum which is a good conductor of heat.
- See through lid for food inspection.
- The two handles are designed from soft to touch material.
- Safe to use in oven or on the stove top.
Cons
- Not large enough for commercial use
2. Cook N Home NC-00335 Stockpot
Via: Amazon.com
Cook N Home NC-00335 is a 20-quart stock pot perfect for any kitchen. The pot can hold up to eight pint jars or seven regular size canning jars easily. It is constructed from stainless steel which is known for its durability and strength.
The manufacturer has encapsulated the bottom of this stock pot with an aluminum core to improve its heat conductivity and ensure even distribution of heat. The bottom of this pot is also magnetic making it ideal for use on an induction stovetop.
The rim of this stock pot is reinforced to prevent deformation. The pot therefore remains in good condition for long term use. It has 17.5 inch riveted handles for easier carrying or transportation. Its lid is constructed from tempered glass allowing you to watch the cooking progress.
If you are looking for a good quality and large quantity stock pot, this model from Cook N might be worth your hard earned cash.
Pros
- Strong and durable stock pot on the market.
- Large capacity making it ideal for cooking enormous amount of food.
- Aluminum bottom which enhances heat conductivity.
- Stock pot remains in good condition for long term use.
- Strong riveted handles for easier lifting the pot when full.
Cons
- Large size which may consume much of your kitchen space.
3. Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Stockpot
Via: Amazon.com
Farberware Classic Stockpot is one of the stainless steel stock pots which I use in my kitchen. I purchased this model because Faberware is a well known and trusted name when it comes to kitchen appliances. At first, I didn’t know what I was buying. Having used it for a year now, I can comfortably tell you more about it from experience point of view.
The unit has a 16 quart capacity so I haven’t been bothered about its size. I use it to prepare large quantities of food for my family. It features a cap base that is encapsulated with a thick aluminum core for improved heat conductivity.
The body of this stock pot is designed to facilitate fast and even heating. The outer and interior surfaces feature a polished mirror-like finish for fantastic look in any kitchen.
It comes with a self basting lid that prevents the much needed moisture and nutrients from escaping. It also comes with a riveted handles on either side for easier carrying from counter to stovetop or vice versa. I use it on stovetop but it can also be used in the oven up to 350 degrees.
Pros
- It is dishwasher safe so it is easier to clean.
- Base is made of aluminum core which is a good conductor of heat.
- The two handles on each side for easier transportation.
- Safe to use in oven or on the stove top.
- Mirror-like finish for fantastic look in any kitchen.
Cons
- Large size which may consume much of your kitchen space.
4. Calphalon Tri-Ply Stock Pot
Via: Amazon.com
Calphalon Tri-Ply Stock Pot is another stainless steel stock pot I purchased recently from Amazon. Every food that I cook using this stock pot is evenly cooked thanks to the aluminum core which is encapsulated between two stainless steel layers.
This construction enhances heat conductivity and promotes even heating. The stainless steel surface of this stock pot is durable and safe to use with any utensil.
This 8-quart model features an elegant stainless steel exterior so you can use on the stovetop or in the oven up to 350 degrees. It features a reflective cook surface one of the feature that allows me to monitor my foods during the cooking process. I have used this stock pot for three months but its reflective surface still remains beautiful.
Another appealing feature that I found in this stock pot is the clear tempered-glass lid which seals the pot completely to prevent the moisture and nutrients from escaping. This lid also allows me to monitor my foods as they cook. Its narrow opening and high sides also help minimize evaporation during the simmering process.
Pros
- The stock pot is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
- Base is made of aluminum core which is a good conductor of heat.
- Safe to use in oven or on the stove top.
- Reflective surface which still remains beautiful after long term use.
Cons
- Delicate glass lid which can break if not handled with care.
5. Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Stockpot
Via: Amazon.com
The manufacturer uses bonding technology to construct Standard Stainless Steel Stockpot. This is an advanced technology which involves the application of aluminum disc to the bottom of any cookware.
The disc is encapsulated under enormous pressure to create a secure surface with more heat conductivity. This construction also promotes even heat distribution allowing you to achieve evenly cooked food.
This 6 quart stock pot comes with two handles on either side which are attached by rivets for maximum support and durability. It also comes with a glass lid which allows you to watch food while cooking. The lid also seals the pot completely to prevent moisture from escaping.
The pot is dishwasher safe so you can immense it in water for easy cleaning. This stock pot is designed for use on the induction stovetop.
Pros
- Comes with sturdy riveted handles for easier carrying.
- Glass lid which allows you to watch food while cooking.
- The pot is dishwasher safe so you can immense it in water for easy cleaning.
- This stock pot is designed for use on the induction stovetop.
Cons
- Smaller capacity than other models on the market.
The Best Stock Pot Is:
Via: Amazon.com
Cook N Home NC-00335 is our clear winner among the meat grinders that I have reviewed above. The majority of people who bought this stock pot from Amazon are satisfied with its capacity, construction and heat conductivity.
The pot has a 20-quart capacity so it might be a good choice if you are searching for a stock pot to prepare food for the whole family. It is constructed from stainless steel which is known for its durability and strength. Its bottom is encapsulated with aluminum core which improves the stock pot’s heat conductivity and ensure even distribution of heat.
You may be interested the best double boilers for your cooking needs.
