The magnetic stainless steel bottom layer makes the pan induction compatible and safe for all stovetops, while the aluminum provides fast and consistent heat distribution that’s free of hot and cold spots. These offer good conductivity with fast and even heat distribution across the bottom, they’re long-lasting and durable, easy to clean and dishwasher safe, and they have a good weight distribution . The thick aluminum core provides fast and even heating while the high-grade stainless steel retains its good looks well, even with heavy duty use. And the snug-fitted glass lid makes it easy to watch whatever’s cooking. The non-porous, brushed stainless steel interior provides a cooking surface that’s easy to clean, and is suitable for use with utensils of all materials.
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 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.
Plus, a good number of folks use the larger sizes for brewing purposes, as the high-quality stainless steel imparts no flavor of its own to the suds. The Viking 3-ply clad design combines three layers of bonded metal to create a kettle that features both the durability of high-grade stainless steel, and the super conductivity of aluminum. The Calphalon cuisinart soup maker also features a snugly-fitted tempered glass lid, which makes it easy to keep an eye on your level of boil or simmer. But, amortized over the course of a lifetime , it gives outstanding value in both performance and durability, and is well worth the cost. And you can usually find competitive prices online at reliable sites like Amazon.
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 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.
On the stovetop, it seems to perform well under a variety of cooking conditions. Many people seem to find it particularly useful for canning, but it also excels as a pot to cook crab legs or for sous vide cooking. The Cook N Home 12-Quart Stockpot is a basic stainless steel pot that performs essential cooking functions well, without eating up your budget. The All-Clad D5 Stainless Steel Stockpot is one of the most popular multi-clad stockpots available. In my view, a large stock pot is one of the most essential cookware pieces that you can own, and luckily good options are easy to find no matter your budget. My top three picks cover a wide range of price points starting at about $40 and going up to around $160.
If your cooking requires something this big, definitely get one of these clad-bottom kettles in the larger sizes. They make dandy pots to brew a batch of beer, boil your canning jars, or to use for a crab or shrimp boil (gumbo, anyone?). These will also work very well in the smaller sizes for those on a budget. A wonderfully cuisinart griddler elite versatile cooking vessel, the lifetime warranty and heat rating of up to 600°F should make this stockpot a worthy contender in anyone’s search. The handcrafted mirror finish will look outstanding in any kitchen, and reflects the investment-class features and quality components Viking brings to all of its cookware.
Nonetheless, despite the spotty heating, plain stainless steel is a more than adequate material for very large stockpots that are used primarily to boil water or other liquids. When used as a boiling pot, the spotty heat distribution that causes scorching in thicker ingredients won’t be as much of an issue. Large stay-cool loop handles on the pot and lid are ergonomically designed to provide maximum comfort, even with large oven mitts. And all handles are solidly secured in place with stainless steel rivets for a safe and secure grasp. However, they will heat up in the oven and mitts should be used for oven-hot pans. For peace of mind, the handles are secured with stainless steel rivets for a safe and steady purchase.
This 12-quart stockpot is made from 18/10 stainless steel and has an aluminum core in the bottom encased in stainless steel. The set includes the stockpot plus a steamer basket, pasta basket, and lid. The smaller colander is about 3.5 inches deep and is great for steaming veggies. The larger colander is about 9 inches deep and is perfect for boiling pasta or potatoes, then lifting them out to drain without having to juggle the entire pot of hot water. If you have a limited budget but are looking for a big pot, the Cook N Home 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot is a great choice. This basic 12-quart stockpot is made from stainless steel, polished to a mirror-like finish.
The oversized and ergonomically designed handles are made of stay-cool cast stainless steel – durable, oven-safe, and attractive. And as they’re made of solid stainless, they conduct heat very slowly for comfortable and safe usage on the stovetop. Some will be made of the same material as the pot, while others may have a tempered glass lid. The stainless steel is of high quality as well, with a large number of owners who report no pitting, corrosion, or discoloration – even after several trips through the dishwasher.
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 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.