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The Best Stock Pots of 2024
Sometimes, what might not sound like necessary cookware can end up changing the game once you get your hands on it. Stock pots are one of these items. A stock pot can be very useful for a number of reasons. Whether you’re making stock, broth, pasta sauce, soup, or stew, stock pots definitely come in handy.
Instead of struggling with preparing multiple batches separately, you should consider buying one of the best stock pots in 2024 to make your kitchen life more manageable. And despite its larger-than-life presence, a stock pot will seamlessly become part of your kitchen, especially the Cuisinart Classic Nonstick Stock Pot.
Our Top Picks For Stock Pots
View all ContentsThe Best Stock Pots
Best Overall
Don’t settle for the basics when you can get functionality, style, and color – all in one! The first product on our list is an ideal option if a smaller stock pot is what you need. Not only is it a great vessel to add to your collection, but it also has excellent features that make it a top choice for many. This stock pot boasts a hard-anodized aluminum core for quick and even heat distribution. The wide anti-slip handles ensure grip for easy handling despite the weight.
The tight-fitting lid is another plus you cannot overlook. The delicious food you’ve prepared will stay fresh and warm for a long time. The tempered glass allows monitored cooking, so there’s no chance of burning or over-boiling. Definitely a great purchase!
Pros
- Break-resistant glass lid
- Riveted steel handles that remain cool
- Can be used in an oven for up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- The non-stick coating will keep the food from sticking to the bottom
Cons
- Small in size
Great for Durability
When you use a Ninja Foodi stock pot, it will never stick, flake, or chip – and when this brand says ‘never,’ they mean it! The outstanding piece is created at a staggering 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which means the nonstick coating will not wash off or fade even after regular use.
The unique cookware is durable and oven-friendly, so you can directly transfer the pot to the oven to finish what you prepared on the stovetop. The hard-anodized, shot-blasted exterior will look brand new even after years – thanks to its scratch-resistant body. The 8-quart size is preferable, making it a desirable stock pot with its glass lid.
Pros
- Can be used for searing, shallow frying, boiling, deep-frying, roasting, and more
- Heavy-gauge aluminum base offers even heating for consistent results
- Double riveted premium handles for easy maneuverability
- Outstanding nonstick coating
Cons
- The ‘lifetime warranty’ is actually 5-year warranty
Contender
Conquer the kitchen with this huge 20-quart stock pot by Imusa. Flaunting a classy stainless steel structure inside and out, the stock pot is one of the most durable you will find in the market today. It is an ideal vessel for cooking large batches in one go. The stainless steel stock pot also comes with a matching lid to perfectly lock in the freshness and flavors.
The shiny body makes it a great addition to any kitchen, perfectly brightening up the space with its unique look. With this stock pot in hand, you can easily prepare soup, stews, pasta, sauces, lentils, stocks, and beans for large gatherings, so your entire family can have a great time with home-cooked meals.
Pros
- Double-sided metal handles are durable for easy handling
- Attractive design and style
- 20-quart capacity is excellent for bigger cooking requirements
- Versatile and durable model
Cons
- The metal lid does not allow monitor cooking
Honorable Mention
If looks matter to you, there’s no way you can go wrong with the Avacraft Stainless Steel Stock Pot. This one comes with a durable glass straight lid, which allows you to keep an eye on your food when you are cooking or boiling something in the pot and lets you strain without the risk of spilling or using a separate strainer.
Thanks to its durable stainless steel design, the stock pot can also be used as a saucepan, soup pot, or saucepot. It guarantees even heat distribution to prevent heat spots. The sturdy stock pot is highly durable and resistant to crack, corrosion, and rust.
Pros
- Can be used with gas, electric ceramic, or induction cooktop
- The holes in the lid with pour sprouts make straining a breeze
- Shiny and stylish look
- Convenient measurement markings on the insides
Cons
- Can display hand marks on the exterior
Also Consider
One of the top-rated stock pots on Amazon, the Homichef 16-quart Large Pot is a mirror-polished vessel that works for professional chefs and beginners alike. With the eye-catching stainless steel design, multi-layered construction, and cool grip handles, the stock pot is one of the most versatile cookware you can grace your kitchen with.
Another exciting feature is its glass lid with a steam vent, making it the ideal pot for boiling seafood or chicken, simmering soup, preparing pasta and sauces, and blanching vegetables. The large size ensures all your cooking and boiling needs are taken care of once and for all.
Pros
- Nickel-free healthy cookware is made of all safe ingredients
- High-quality build for longevity
- The mirror-polished exterior makes it a great addition to any kitchen
- 3-ply construction with a thick base
Cons
- The shiny exterior may show hand and water stains
Best Design
Cooking is a chore, right? Well, the Ciwete Stock Pot disagrees, and it does its best to make it a luxurious experience, and it all starts with its premium material composition. It’s made out of triple-layered 18/10 stainless steel, which means it’ll be the sturdiest utensil in your kitchen by a long shot! The high-quality material also makes it look aesthetically pleasing, and allows it to heat up quickly thanks to the superior conductive properties of aluminum and stainless steel.
We love how the golden handles on either side of the pot and on top of the lid also add massive visual appeal. Besides their top-tier aesthetics, the handles are also heat-proof, which means you’ll no longer risk burning your fingers just to give your soup a good stir! The pot is also super easy to clean as it’s dishwasher safe. It’s also oven-safe in temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Premium looks
- High-grade materials used
- Dishwasher-safe and very easy to clean
Cons
- Takes a while for water to boil
Quality Material
The Risa Stock Pots are induction-compatible and have a contemporary ceramic design, making them a breeze to clean. Also, compared to other popular ceramic-coated pot manufacturers, this one is very lightweight. For a large batch of soup or sauce, the 8-quart size is perfect. It looks great on any stove and complements a kitchen’s decor because of its neutral gray color.
The rivets are thick, of high quality, and firmly connected. The food cooks evenly because the pan retains heat evenly. The two navy silicone pot holders in the package to rest on the side handles are a nice touch, and they’ll come in handy if you plan on using the oven for cooking with this.
Pros
- Design is extremely slick and contemporary
- Sturdy handles and thick, durable metal
- Keeps the toxins off your food
Cons
- Lid steams the side handles
The Best Stock Pots: Buying Guide
A high-quality stock pot can be used to prepare a variety of meals. Therefore, it is imperative to give some thought before buying to make it a worthwhile investment.
This section will cover all the important aspects that will help you in your buying decision. Read till the end and refer to our top choices above to pick the right one off the shelf.
What’s a Stock Pot and Why Do I Need One – Everything You Want to Know
One of the most distinguishing features of a stock pot is its size. It is usually the largest pot in your kitchen, which is wide and tall with flat bottoms. The wide appliance is often used over a large burner for equal heat distribution. However, there are no hard and fast rules for the standard size. A stock pot capacity can range anywhere from 6-quart to 24-quart. Since these are large pots capable of holding large amounts of food and liquid, the design includes two handles on the top for easy carrying. The pot is completed with a lid, and some models also feature an additional steamer tray for use.
If you regularly prepare broth, stocks, stews, and soups, you need a stock pot in your life. The large pots can easily fit in all the ingredients for preparing soups and broths and thus are the perfect choice for preparing them. You can also use a stock pot for cooking pasta, boiling water, or cooking any food in large quantities. These useful pots are usually made in stainless steel, aluminum, enamel, copper, or nonstick.
The Types of Stock Pots
Not all stock pots are created the same. Different materials are used to make stock pots with different features. The most common ones are discussed below.
Stainless steel stock pot
Stainless steel is the most popular choice for stock pot materials. Since stock pots are used for cooking large quantities of food at a time, a stainless steel surface ensures excellent heating and even heat transfer. There are fewer chances for food to burn in a stainless steel pot, but the food may stick to the bottom if you do not stir regularly.
Nonstick stock pot
The ultimate feature of why people prefer nonstick pots is their ability to prevent food from burning or sticking to the bottom. However, the nonstick coating tends to flake over time if not taken care of properly. Avoid using metal utensils and washing with stiff sponges to increase the life of your nonstick stock pot.
Enamel stock pot
Enamel stock pots are basically a stock pot made of stainless steel or aluminum wrapped in an exterior based on enamel. In short, the pot will offer you all the benefits of stainless steel or aluminum but will keep the food from burning or sticking to the bottom.
Stock Pot Buying Factors You Cannot Miss
Ready to buy a stock pot?
Whether you’re investing in your first one or just getting an upgrade from your old stock pot, taking a few important factors into consideration isn’t a bad idea. This is the best way to ensure you’ve ticked all the boxes that are important to you to make a worthwhile investment. Here’s everything you need to know about the finest stock pots.
Capacity
Stock pots are supposed to be big, but how large you want depends on your needs. For an average home and regular cooking quantity, an 8-quart size is perfect. These are great to make an adequate amount of soup or broth for your small family. Smaller stock pots are also ideal for easy handling and storage.
However, if you need to cook a large quantity, a larger stock pot will serve you best. Instead of going for several batches, you can save both time and effort by getting the job done at once.
Shape and design
Once you’ve decided on the size and capacity, you need to look for the ideal shape, design, and height of your stock pot. Finding the best stock pot on such spectrums depends entirely on your personal preference. However, there are some universal key points to consider. For instance, we found that shorter stock pots with a wide design are easier to use, handle, and stack up – making them easy to store.
But using a narrower and taller stock pot shouldn’t be a problem either if you can easily manage it. In fact, it may spare the rest of the burners on the stove, giving you the chance to cook other stuff while the broth is simmering on the side. All in all, what you pick will depend on your personal choice.
Weight and handles
These factors are crucial for larger stock pots. If you plan to use the cookware for cooking large quantities and also opt for a heavy stock pot, you will end up struggling with it. Lifting and moving the stock pot to and from the stove or sink can be challenging if it’s hard to grasp or extremely heavy.
Always consider the design and sturdiness of the handles when buying a stock pot. Not to mention, don’t choose hefty cookware either if you don’t wish to struggle to drag it around the kitchen.
Stock Pots FAQ
Can I use a regular pot in place of a stock pot?
You can use a regular pot in place of a stock pot. However, stock pots make the cooking process easier.
I already have a Dutch oven. Do I still need a stock pot?
A Dutch oven is essentially a more heavy-duty version of a stock pot. So, for light cooking and boiling needs where you’re making large batches of soups or stock, a stock pot would be more appropriate. On the other hand, a Dutch oven can be much heavier to lift, especially when filled with food or liquid. Since they serve different purposes, a Dutch oven is a must-have in all kitchens, but so is a stock pot.
Can I use a stock pot to make stew?
Of course you can! In fact, stock pots are most commonly used when making stock, stews, and soups.
