The ecommerce realm is brimming with endless pasta pot models to choose from and every manufacturer claiming that theirs is the best product on the market. How do you get past the noise of advertising gimmicks and manufacturers' claims to find a durable and functional cookware product?
It’s simple: Identify the must-have features that will help you bring home the best pasta pot and strainer to support your culinary endeavors. Keep reading to find out what these features are and how you can differentiate between the best and weakest products.
What Makes Pasta Pots With Strainers the Perfect Match For You?
Materials and construction
The material of a pasta pot determines the duration of the cooking process, the pot’s durability and weight, and its storage requirements. Quality construction is of the utmost importance; poor craftsmanship can turn premium-quality cookware into a useless piece of metal. It's wise to reflect on your culinary skills and available storage space when choosing the right material.
Suppose you need a pasta pot that's easy to handle and boils water quickly. In that case, we recommend the convenience of an aluminum pasta pot with a built-in strainer. Aluminum is a sturdy and durable material that provides even heat distribution and lightweight, easy-to-stow construction. Many cooks gravitate towards stainless steel cookware because of its superior durability.
However, keep in mind that stainless steel will take longer to boil the pasta water compared to aluminum. What’s more, stainless steel pasta pots are heavy and often take up more storage space. Aluminum is highly recommended for commercial-grade pasta pots with strainers, but quality aluminum cookware usually has a higher price tag. If you want the best of both worlds, getting the maximum value for your money, we advise buying a stainless steel pasta pot with an aluminum base to combine durability with speed and even heat distribution.
When purchasing your pasta pot, consider the material of the lid before adding a product to your cart. Many cooks prefer metal lids because of their durability, but they run the risk of getting burnt by hot steam since the lid is not transparent. On the other hand, a tempered glass lid offers transparency to monitor the cooking process without opening the lid every time you want to take a peek.
Strainer designs & specifications
What kind of strainer works best for your preferred pasta straining methods? Pasta pots come with a wide range of strainer designs and specifications, therefore you should consider what’s important to you before making a purchase. For instance, some pasta pots have built-in strainers that are incredibly easy to use, eliminating the risk of heat or steam exposure and getting burnt.
Choosing the perfect pasta pot and strainer is a matter of personal preference. Many chefs prefer removable strainers, as they can be used to soak a variety of ingredients. Do you need a versatile and multifunctional product to support various recipes and cuisines? In that case, we recommend choosing a pasta pot with two strainer sets, one with small holes and the other with larger punctures.
Lastly, it's crucial to examine the size of the strainer inserts; strainers that feature punctured inserts allow you to drain out the water into the pot by simply lifting the handles. This way, you can reuse the flavorful pasta water to make your sauce instead of dumping it down the drain.
Dimensions & size
Do you typically feed large crowds of pasta lovers or just yourself and your partner? Pasta enthusiasts cooking for one or two people likely don’t need a massive pasta pot that can cook up to 25 pounds of pasta at once.
However, if you regularly feed a large family, a pasta pot that’s too small will give you the headache of boiling pasta in multiple batches rather than all at once. The size and dimensions determine the practicality and utility of the cookware piece you're buying. Reflect on your family's pasta consumption and the available storage space in your kitchen to choose the right size.
Heat compatibility
Do you use an induction stove or a gas stove? Before purchase, be sure to check that your chosen pasta pot is compatible with the heat source you cook on. For instance, if you use an induction stove, you will need an induction-friendly pasta pot made from stainless steel or cast iron.
High-quality copper and aluminum pots are also compatible with induction stoves and, due to their heat tolerance, you can pop them in the oven. Consider investing in an oven-friendly pot so you can easily move the pot from the stove to the oven for that perfect cheese melt!
Last Thoughts To Consider When Buying a Pasta Pot With Strainer
It's time to bid goodbye to those horrid blisters and burns that your hands have suffered from using poor pasta cookware. If you’d like to continue your love affair with pasta, investing in a pasta pot with a strainer will make the boiling, straining, and cooking process convenient and effortless. By following our advice in this handy buyer’s guide, you can bring home a multifunctional cookware product that offers lasting durability and unmatched versatility.
With so many options to consider, don't rush into buying the first pot you see. Rather, start the buying process by reflecting on your cooking preferences and needs. To get started, we recommend making a list of the must-have features that support your culinary talents.
