Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 5:53 a.m.

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.

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.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Cuisinart Classic Nonstick Stock Pot
• Great For Durability: Ninja Foodi Glass Lid Stock Pot
• Contender: Imusa Usa 20-Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot
• Honorable Mention: Avacraft Stainless Steel Stock Pot
• Also Consider: Homichef 16-Quart Large Stock Pot
• Best Design: Ciwete Stock Pot
• Quality Material: Risa Stock Pot

Reviews

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.