5 Best Soup Pot Options for Stew & Soup

By Forrest •  Updated: 12/28/17 •  13 min read

Because of its overall performance, reputation and popularity as one of the highest-rated stock pots, we chose the Cuisinart 77-412 as our Editor’s Choice for 2021. Here’s why.

We hope  you would agree with us when we say:

A stock pot is certainly one of the most important cookware in the kitchen when it comes to soups, stew.

But, finding a good stock pot might not be an easy task. Each one has its own features, material, construction specs.

The best stock pot handles food enough for the whole family (and neighbors or friends) and, a stockpot doesn’t limit you to one cooking method.  You can boil, fry, braise, roast, steam, and sear in a stockpot. Therefore, a stockpot is the excellent investment you can make for your kitchen.

With the best quality stockpot, you can whip up soups, stews, chili, corn on the cob, spaghetti sauce, rice, steamed broccoli, shrimps, or lobsters.

A good stockpot is ideal for use at home, but it can also work well in a professional setting if you are a chef.

Other than cooking, a stockpot is perfect for canning and freezing. They also work well in cloth dyeing, production of beers, wines and spirits, preparation of paints and stains, as well as candle and soap making.

Unfortunately, even with all these benefits, there is a big problem we all face in the online marketplace or even the retail store – choosing the best one. If you still can’t figure out how to buy the best stockpot, consider the following factors and feature:

What to Look for When Buying a Stock Pot

what to look for when buying a stock pot

Use of the Stockpot

A stockpot is the largest cooking pot in the kitchen. There are 8, 12, 16, and 20-quart stockpots and as you can imagine the intended use will determine the size chosen. If you are planning to cook family meals for the holidays and your family isn’t the small kind, a larger pot is preferable.At the same time, if you need a stock pot for canning or professional use, you’ll have to pick the bigger pot. Smaller pots work well for smaller families.

Use of Material

The construction material determines if the pot is easy to clean, how heat distributes, the flavor of the food, and the durability of the pot. The most common materials used are stainless steel and aluminum.

Heavy Duty Bottom

The pot will hold a large amount of food, and for all that food to cook well, the base should be thick and heavy to heat up and distribute heat evenly. Most pots on the market have thick aluminum bases. The base is either an aluminum core or an aluminum base disk.These heavy bases work well since they prevent food from burning. They also add to the stability of the pot.

Weight

The weight depends on the materials used in construction as well as the dimensions of the pot. Regardless of the size, go for a pot that offers a nice and a comfortable balance.

Handles

Riveted handles are secure and will make carrying the pot easy especially when full. The handle must be strong enough and also have enough space for holding the pot.

Lids

Make sure that the lids fit snug. Lids are either made with materials similar to those making up the pot and in some cases, you’ll find the ones made of tempered glass. Though the glass can break at some point, it makes it easy to monitor food.

Rims

A flared rim makes for easy cleaning and dripless pouring because it is all smooth.

Cots

The prices will always vary but, you shouldn’t buy a pot just because it is cheap. Check out reviews to make sure that you do not buy a poor-quality but cheap pot. Don’t choose price over quality. Even when working with a budget, look at the qualities of the pot.

The top 5 Stock Pots 2021

1. Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic Stainless 4-Piece 12-Quart PastaCuisinart stock pot

The secret to whipping up the best dishes is cooking with love.

But, cooking is an art, and you cannot make everyone a gourmet chef instantly.

However, there is something you can do to help the process, get you friend, sibling, cousin, mom or your spouse the best stock pot – Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic Stainless 4-Piece 12-Quart Pasta/Steamer Set.

Why do we consider this the best? The features which make up the functionality of the pot say it all. These features include:

Even heat distribution

This stock pot has unmatched heat distribution abilities thanks to a design which incorporates the use of the pure aluminum base. The pot’s base is a pure aluminum encapsulated base heats up in seconds then spreads the heat evenly eliminating hot spots.

High-quality cooking surface

When looking for a cooking pot, we always look for the pot which makes food tastier without adding any foreign smells and taste. This Cuisinart stock pot has a stainless steel cooking surface which doesn’t discolor, alter flavors of food, and it doesn’t react with food.

Comfort, security, and balance

To keep you safe in the kitchen, a cooking pot must balance on the cooker and make it easy to handle when cooking. This Cuisinart stock pot makes all that possible thanks to the design of its handles.The Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic Stainless stock pot has cast stainless steel handles with contouring which make for a safe and secure grip when using the pot. The handles remain cool on the stovetop hence comfort and safety when cooking.The perfect balance felt when using the pot is the result of professional riveting of the steel handles. The rivets are also on the helper handles and the side grips.

Highly functional lid

The lid of the stock pot fits tightly preventing loss of flavor, nutrients, and texture. The lid is wide, and it has easy to use and comfortable handles.

Drip-free pouring

Most of us dislike messy kitchens and dripping soup is a nuisance. But, with this stock pot, we won’t have to deal with any such messes thanks to the tapered design of the cookware’s rims which makes it easy to pour food.

Versatility

You can use this pot on a stove top, under a boiler, and in the oven because it can withstand high temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It is freezer safe too.You can make your pasta with ease and drain it in one swoop; you don’t need a colander. The steamer is perfect for steaming broccoli, pot stickers, shrimp and any other fat-free meal you wish to prepare.

Cleaning

The whole set is dishwasher safe, and you don’t have to skip cooking because of the dirty dishes. The mirror finishes the pot has when purchasing doesn’t disappear after washing it.

THING WE LIKED

THING WE DIDN’T LIKE

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2. T-fal A92280 Specialty Total Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Oven Safe Stockpot Cookware

If you have used T-Fal nonstick cookware sets, then you know that you can trust their products. This 12-quart T-fal A92280 Specialty Total Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Oven Safe Stockpot Cookware is what you just may need if you need a T-Fal addition to your kitchen.

It is the perfect choice for preparing family meals thanks to its large size and its structural design which makes it able to withstand pressure from cooking and even high heat conditions.

It has a high-quality nonstick interior and exterior coat that simplifies cleaning because of quick food release. The coat is also responsible for the stock pot’s remarkable heat distribution and evenly cooked meals.

Apart from the nonstick coat, this T-Fal stock pot also has a sturdy aluminum construction which contributes to evenness in heat distribution and durability. Heavy gauge aluminum (used in this pot) has better conductivity compared to steel.

The pot is stable and easy to cook with as a result of the riveted handles which offer a secure and a comfortable grip of the pot. With its large size, the strong handles are handy. The pot measures 10x14x14 inches and weighs 4.6 pounds meaning that you can carry it easily.

You can monitor the food cooking thanks to the pot’s clear glass lid. The steam vent on the lid makes it possible for you to control the moisture content and the flavor of the food as well.

The pot is dishwasher safe, and you can also use it in the oven at temperatures not exceeding 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

THING WE LIKED

THING WE DIDN’T LIKE

3. Excelsteel 16 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot

Have you been looking for a 16-quart stainless steel that can take care of all your family needs?

A stock pot that will last a while and one that promises not to burn your food? Well, this Excelsteel 16 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot With Encapsulated Base could be exactly what your kitchen needs.

It has a design that spells durability with its stainless steel construction. Stainless steel doesn’t rust and lasts a lifetime. It also features a tempered glass lid which is shatterproof and will withstand accidental falls.

We have had our bad luck with pots that distribute heat unevenly resulting in charring before the food is halfway cooked. Whenever this happens, we feel the need to buy a pot that will end that cooking nightmare. Well, it’s time to act on that thought and get this Excelsteel stock pot.

This stockpot has an encapsulated base which makes for faster and even heat distribution.

How difficult is it cleaning this pot? It is pretty easy to clean this stockpot. Stainless steel is hygienic (it doesn’t rust) and it is also nonreactive, and it doesn’t alter the taste of food.

However, you shouldn’t let food stay in it overnight or leave it at the sink uncleaned.

You will finally get to monitor food conveniently without letting the flavors and nutrients escape thanks because of the clear tempered glass lid. The lid will not burn your hands and the hollow-stay stainless steel handles help in maintaining stability keeping you safe.

THING WE LIKED

THING WE DIDN’T LIKE

4. Cook N Home NC-00335 Stainless Steel Stockpot

Are you hosting family and friends in the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday as well as family lunches and dinners?

If you are, then, we advise you to get a stock pot – not just any stock pot on the market but the Cook N Home NC-00335 Stainless Steel Canning Pot/Stockpot.

This could be one of the best stockpots ever sold going by its size and other features. It is a 20-quart stockpot. It can hold seven regular canning quart jars or the 8-pint quart jar. The opening has a diameter of 13 inches, depth of 9 inches and the width is 17.5 inches, with the handle.

For this large capacity, you need to get a pot with strong handles. This pot will not let you down. The riveted handles account for the pot’s strength and durability.  It has a tempered glass lid that makes it easy to monitor cooking.

It is made of 18-10 stainless material. The use of this material means that the stockpot will last a long time. 18-10 stainless steel is a decent gauge for strength and durability. Even after continuous use, the rim won’t warp because of the reinforcement of the rims.

For heat distribution, the Cook N Home NC-00335 Stainless Steel Canning Pot/Stockpot has an encapsulated bottom with an aluminum core.

The other unique and winning feature of this cooking stockpot is that the encapsulated base makes it suitable for use on induction stovetops.

THING WE LIKED

 

THING WE DIDN’T LIKE

5. Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 16-Quart Covered Stockpot

During the last Christmas holidays, did you notice that your mom or struggled with the pots and pans thanks to the friends you took home?

Why not make the party bigger next holidays by getting her a bigger stockpot and helping in the kitchen.

We’ve got the right stock pot for her – the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 16-Quart Covered Stockpot. It is large enough for the entire family.

Its construction incorporates the use of a full cap base with a thick aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel leading to rapid but even heating.

The stainless steel finish has a polished to mirror finish for that classy touch to your kitchen or mom’s. The pot’s kid is self-basting which helps to seal in moisture and heat.

The pot is oven-safe withstanding a maximum of 350 degrees Fahrenheit of heat. It is safe and secure to hold even when in the oven thanks to the sturdy stainless steel handles which give a confident, comfortable and a secure grip.

It is dishwasher safe, a result of technological combinations for styling and maintenance of quality. Mom will love her pot!

THING WE LIKED

THING WE DIDN’T LIKE

Related: Best Beef Broth Substitutes

Conclusion

The best stockpot is large enough to get the job done, it doesn’t break the bank, lasts long and makes more than soups. Looking for such a pot on the online marketplace is tough and insane to say the least, given the big number of online sellers.

We understand this, having been in your shoes too hence this review of our five best stockpots. Out of the five, the Cuisinart 77-412 Chef’s Classic Stainless 4-Piece 12-Quart Pasta/Steamer Set is our clear winner.

This stockpot has a high functional efficiency; being able to simplify pasta preparation and vegetable or shrimp steaming with the pasta insert and the steamer. It has an elegant design and therefore a good addition to any home.

Its construction is sturdy, the lid fits well, and the encapsulated aluminum base allows for even heat distribution. It is also dishwasher safe, it has strong handles.

It can withstand temperature up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven/ stove top or under the boiler. It is, therefore, the best stockpot and a chef’s best friend.

Forrest