The first involves a relatively small number of reviewers who have reported leaks or weeping, primarily from around one inch above the bottom of the pot. The main ingredients in this coating come from mineral sources – essentially dirt, sand, and rocks. These are not the synthetic petroleum cuisinart pots and pans set polymers used in traditional nonstick coatings, and as such, it’s completely free of PTFE and PFOA. It’s easy to understand why the striking Retro line won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2014, a juried international competition that appraises new designs and products annually.
It’s also dishwasher safe, but handwashing will keep the stainless steel looking better, longer. We lugged each pot, full of boiling water, around the kitchen a bit to make sure it was easy to handle. Made in Korea at Neoflam’s cast aluminum factory, the Retro 5-quart stockpot measures approximately 14 x 11 x 7.5 inches and weighs 5.6 pounds.
These also feature wider mouths than the normal stockpot, for the easy manipulation of contents, and a tapered lip for smooth, dripless pouring. And with shorter and squatter dimensions than most, they fit easily into the oven – making them highly versatile for braising, or for use as Dutch ovens. The wide surface area makes for easy stirring and braising, while the high sides are the ideal design for the slow liquid evaporation required to create a flavorful homemade stock. Aluminum is a superior conductor of heat , but it is reactive to certain foods. On the other hand, stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat, but it is highly resistant to those same reactive foods, such as tomatoes and vinegar.
The Classic Stockpot will work on all stovetops including induction – but, as mentioned above, finding a big enough burner on a non-commercial indoor stove may be a challenge for most of the larger sizes. As the Ecolon ceramic surface is applied to both the interior and exterior, a bit of extra care is needed for storing and stacking, much the same as for porcelain-coated cookware. But really, taking a few extra seconds to place a stacking cloth in between stacked pots cuisinart soup maker is a small price to pay to retain these good looks. Their Retro brand of cookware brings a fresh look to a traditional design for a modern audience. Available in pastel shades of grey, a blue “mint” with either a ceramic coated lid or a tempered glass version, and the pink version that comes only with a tempered glass top. Constructed of thick-gauge cast aluminum, the Retro stockpot provides durability and has all of the hallmarks of a well-crafted, quality kettle.
The wide design of the stockpot maximizes the reduction of liquids, for more concentrated stocks and heartier, more flavorful soups and stews. Cuisinart® MultiClad Pro Stainless Cookware bonds stainless steel to a core of pure aluminum for unsurpassed durability and performance. Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Cookware bonds stainless steel to a core of pure aluminum for unsurpassed durability and performance. No other piece of cookware is as essential to slow and easy cooking as our 6 Quart Stockpot. Cuisinart® Chef’s Classic™ Nonstick Hard Anodized Cookware features durable hard anodized construction for fast and even heating. Look no further if you need a stainless steel stockpot that checks all the boxes.
Do not store stockpots when they are still damp and always store them carefully in a dry cupboard area. Avoid stacking and overcrowding to prevent scratching and chipping of the enamel surface. Using the Instacart app or website, shop for products from your store of choice near you.
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.