You can spend close to $400 on a stockpot, but does spending more get you a better pot? To find out, we rounded up 14 models, ranging from around $34 to nearly $383 , and put them through handling and cooking tests to find the designs that work best. Many people prefer the convenience of nonstick cookware, and the T-Fal cuisinart griddler elite Nonstick Stockpot is our top selection for quick clean-up. Prices and the availability of FlexPay shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price options. William is a classically trained chef, who spent years cooking in top NYC restaurants before bringing his talents home to Colorado.
That said, a fully clad pot is always preferable, but not if the cost is unreasonable and the need isn’t as pressing. While researching which models to test, we focused on stainless steel pots that are compatible with an induction burner, which provides more flexibility. We excluded stockpots made from aluminum, which reacts with acidic ingredients and can warp when used with high heat. We also ruled out pots made with enameled steel, which is used for sautéing and browning, or those with non-stick coatings that excel at cooking eggs, fish, and battered foods like pancakes. It shares the same build quality as the 12-quart version, which we also tested.
It may save a few minutes of cleanup time, but it won’t last nearly as long as a good stainless steel option. These are lightweight and great for seafood boils, deep frying a turkey, or large canning projects, just to name a few. Fully clad options don’t add much benefit to those tasks so disc-cladding is often the best and more affordable way to go. Some owners had poor results on induction stoves, and a full-clad stock pot is probably a better choice if that is how you’ll be cooking.
It’s guaranteed for life to be free of manufacturing and material defects for home use. This beautiful pan is very expensive – but, it’s also one that will become a multi-generational heirloom. And if you can cuisinart griddler elite afford it, you’d be hard-pressed to find another that will deliver the same high quality in this unique niche. The high walls of this stewpan make it ideal for stewing and braising meat, fish, and vegetables.
I know I just said that fully-clad stainless steel isn’t necessary for a large stock pot. If it’s in your budget and you don’t mind the added cuisinart griddler elite weight, I’m all for it. If the stainless steel discoloration doesn’t bother you then this is probably the smartest pick of the bunch.
Its shortcoming are minor, and, for the price, it’s the best we found. Stockpots are typically made of aluminum or stainless steel, and Dutch ovens are typically made of cast iron . Some manufacturers will use “Dutch oven” to describe the silhouette of any large, double-handled, lidded pot, but if it’s not a heavy cast iron piece, you can likely consider it a stockpot. An alternative to nonstick cookware, hard-anodized cookware is another easy-keeper that is found in many kitchens. This Cuisinart Hard-Anodized 12-Quart Stockpot is a popular choice for this category.