Best Overall
Excelsteel Stainless Steel Multi-Cookware Set
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Every seafood lover knows the struggle of getting that perfect cook on your shellfish. Instead of spending a hefty amount on a restaurant’s fancy seafood dish, a great alternative to save money (and achieve an equally mouthwatering meal!) is to prepare your seafood at home. Yes, you might need some special equipment, but that is where a crab pot can help! Shellfish like lobsters and crabs need special crab pot steamers to cook them to perfection, but finding the right one can be quite difficult. To simplify your search a little, we’ve curated a list of the best crab pots of 2024, with the EXCELSTEEL Stainless Steel Multi-Cookware Set as our favorite option. Let's get started!
Buying Guide: Crab Pots
Setting out to find the ideal crab steamer pot is like preparing for a culinary voyage. This guide will help you weigh the key features to consider, ensuring you pick a pot that's a perfect fit for your kitchen and your crab-feasting needs. It's all about finding that sweet spot between size, material, and convenience, so your seafood delights are cooked just right. Let's dive in and discover the pot that will make your next crab boil a breeze.
Size
Choosing the right size crab pot for your family is the most basic principle of cookware shopping. The average size range for these pots varies from 20 to 80 quarts, but you can also find bigger ones if you’re planning to throw a big party. Along with the serving size, you have to factor in whether you have enough space in your sink to fit such a massive pot. And since crab pots tend to get pretty heavy when filled with water, you have to be mindful while transferring from the sink to the stove. While small pots help avoid some of these problems, they offer only a limited amount of cooking space. Depending on your nature of use and preference, you should choose a suitable crab pot to suit your lifestyle and frequency of which you host guests.
Construction
Normally, these kitchen supplies are manufactured from aluminum, porcelain, and steel. And while all of these materials have their benefits, your final choice will come down to your unique preferences. While aluminum pots are lightweight and easy to handle, the material is not quite long-lasting and can wear off with time. On the contrary, stainless steel pots are heavy and require careful maintenance. On the flip side, they are highly durable and last a lifetime. Lastly, porcelain enamel pots are a thinner and lightweight alternative. They have a steel core with a porcelain coating for improved efficiency. Their only downside is that the top coating is prone to chipping.
Maintenance
When you’re shopping for crab pots, make sure to invest in one that doesn’t require too much maintenance. Since these pots are usually big, they don’t fit in the dishwasher and require hand washing. Therefore, you should be mindful of this aspect when choosing your perfect crab pot. Likewise, the pots also come with additional accessories with specific care instructions. For example, if your pot has a burner for remote use, you have to regularly refill the propane.
Other Ways to Maintain Your Crab Pots
Following are some tips that will help you maintain your crab pot efficiently:
- Make sure to follow the guidelines provided by your manufacturer.
- Avoid putting acidic foods in aluminum as it can ruin the vessel.
- Hand wash ceramic pots to avoid chipping.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Excelsteel Stainless Steel Multi-Cookware Set
- Most Beginner-Friendly: Concord Stainless Steel Stock Pot
- Best For Steaming: Bayou Classic Stainless Stockpot
- Most Budget-Friendly: Granite Ware Enamel Stock Pot
- Best For Bulk Serving: Arc Stainless Steel Stockpot
Reviews
Most Beginner-Friendly
Concord Stainless Steel Stock Pot
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Best for Steaming
Bayou Classic Stainless Stockpot
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Most Budget-Friendly
Granite Ware Enamel Stock Pot
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Best for Bulk Serving
Arc Stainless Steel Stockpot
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FAQs
How do cheap and expensive crab pots differ?
Crab pots are one of those kitchen gadgets that require some extra investment. If you buy the right one, it will last a long time, keeping you from wasting your money on cheaper ones that'll require replacement.
Are crab pots only suitable for cooking crabs?
Contrary to what the name suggests, crab pots are highly versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. You can steam your vegetables, meat, and even cook large quantities of gravy and sauces in these pots.
Are crab pots oven-safe?
Generally, crab pots are oven-safe. But whether you should be using it in the oven or not depends on the material of your pot. If you have a steel pot, you can use it in the oven easily.
If you own an aluminum pot, however, you might have to stick with stove cooking. To ensure you’re abiding by best care practices, consider referring to the instruction guide or customer reviews.
How does cooking with a crab pot work?
Cooking with a crab pot is a delightful way to enjoy seafood. Typically, a large pot is filled with water, seasoned to taste, and brought to a boil. Live crabs are then placed into the boiling water and covered with a lid. The crabs are boiled for a specific amount of time, often around 12 minutes, after which they are removed and allowed to cool before serving. This method is praised for its simplicity and the delicious, juicy meat it yields, making it a favorite for seafood lovers everywhere.
Do I need a crab pot to cook crab?
Cooking crab does not necessarily require a specialized crab pot. While a crab pot can be useful, especially for large quantities, a large pot is sufficient for boiling or steaming crabs. The key is to ensure the pot is big enough to accommodate the size and number of crabs you plan to cook. For boiling, simply fill the pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil before adding the crabs. For steaming, a steamer basket or even a colander can be used inside the pot. Just make sure there's enough space for the steam to circulate and cook the crabs evenly.