Comparison: America’S Test Kitchen Best Stock Pot (Updated | Dec 8th)
If you’ve ever found yourself juggling pots that warp, handles that wobble, or stock that takes forever to simmer, you know not all stock pots are created equal. That’s why we put America’s Test Kitchen’s Best Stock Pot to the test—because when you’re making gallons of broth, braising short ribs, or cooking pasta for a crowd, you need a pot that delivers. Spoiler: this one doesn’t just promise performance—it actually follows through. Let’s dive into what makes it stand out from the rest.
- Best for equipment iq boost: Kitchen Gear: The Ultimate Owner’s Manual: Boost Your Equipment IQ with 500+ Expert Tips
- Best for budget 8‑quart power: Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid
- Best for 20‑quart family feast: IMUSA USA Stainless Steel Stock Pot 20-Quart
- Best for chef’s classic 10‑qt: Cuisinart 76610-26G Chef’s Classic 10-Quart Stockpot with Glass Cover
- Best for pre‑loved recipe classic: The New Best Recipe
- Best for pantry inspiration handbook: The Complete Modern Pantry: 350+ Ways to Cook Well with What’s on Hand
- Best for smart make‑ahead strategies: The Make-Ahead Cook: 8 Smart Strategies for Dinner Tonight
- Best for induction‑ready 19‑qt: NutriChef 19-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot – 18/8 Food Grade Heavy-Duty Induction-Compatible Pot with See-Through Lid
- Best for stackable 12‑qt pro: Cook N Home Stockpot with Lid
- Best for even‑heat 12‑qt: Cooks Standard 18/10 Stainless Steel Stockpot 12-Quart
Product Comparison: America’S Test Kitchen Best Stock Pot
Kitchen Gear: The Ultimate Owner’s Manual: Boost Your Equipment IQ with 500+ Expert Tips, Optimize Your Kitchen with 400+ Recommended Tools
Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, 8 Quart, Even Heating, Easy to Clean, Silver
- Large capacity: holds up to 8 quarts–great for large batches of soups, stews, and more
- Sturdy and fast heating: made of heavy-gauge stainless steel for reliable strength; aluminum-encapsulated base distributes heat quickly and evenly
- Riveted handles and glass lid: stainless-steel side handles come riveted for strength; transparent tempered-glass lid with hole for releasing steam
- Versatile: suitable for any stovetop, including induction; oven-safe up to 500 degrees F (without the lid)
- Care and warranty: dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning; backed by an Amazon Basics 1-year limited warranty
IMUSA USA Stainless Steel Stock Pot 20-Quart, Silver
- GENEROUS COOKING CAPACITY: The 20 quart capacity is ideal for preparing large batches of soups, stews, and seafood, perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping, offering ample space for all your cooking needs
- STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL: Made of stainless steel with a polished finish and durable stainless steel handles and matching lid that adds a sleek and modern look to your kitchen while ensuring long-lasting use
- VERSATILE FEATURES: Combines quick and even heating with versatile stovetop compatibility, working on glass, ceramic, and electric stoves, making it a reliable choice for various cooking methods
- CULINARY OPTIONS: Ideal for cooking stews, lobster, soups, and corn on the cob, offering a large cooking surface for preparing a variety of dishes with ease
- FOR EVERYDAY USE: Perfect for large family meals, special occasions, and everyday use, a versatile addition to any kitchen
Cuisinart 76610-26G Chef’s Classic 10-Quart Stockpot with Glass Cover,Brushed Stainless
- Mirror Finish
- Stainless Interior and Exterior
- Riveted Comfortable, Stainless Side Handles
- Fits in All Standard Ovens
- Ideal for Lasagna, Casseroles and Au Gratin Potatoes
- Dishwasher-Safe
- NOTE: Refer user manual before use
The New Best Recipe
- Used Book in Good Condition
The Complete Modern Pantry: 350+ Ways to Cook Well with What’s on Hand
The Make-Ahead Cook: 8 Smart Strategies for Dinner Tonight
NutriChef 19-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot – 18/8 Food Grade Heavy-Duty Induction-Compatible Pot with See-Through Lid, Ideal for Stews, Broths, Simmering & Soups, Dishwasher Safe – NCSP20
- 19 QUARTS: The NutriChef Stainless Steel Large Cooking Pot features 19-quart capacity weighing 7.4 lbs w/ lid which is the perfect size for boiling eggs, simmering stocks & soups or making sauces for a large crowd. Great for commercial & home cooking
- ERGONOMIC HANDLES: Features ergonomic stainless steel handles for comfortable handling & cooking. Offers a stylish & modern design w/ mirror polished exterior & matte polished interior adding an elegant touch that complements your existing cookwares
- FOOD-GRADE STAINLESS STEEL: Made of 18/8 non-reactive stainless steel interior which is non-toxic, non-allergic & safe for cooking. It has an impact bonded base for even heat distribution w/ base thickness of 0.228” & pot dimension of 16.45”x12”x13.4”
- SEE-THROUGH LID: This large pot for cooking is equipped w/ see-through tempered glass lid w/ vent hole that allows steam to escape. It effectively distributes & retains heat for even cooking w/ 500° F max temperature except glass lid
- INDUCTION READY: The heavy duty stainless steel stock pot is designed for safe use in electric, gas, induction, ceramic, hot plate & halogen cook tops. Though dishwasher safe, hand washing is highly recommended to preserve the stainless steel shine
Cook N Home Stockpot with Lid, Basics Stainless Steel Soup Pot, 12-Quart
- 18/10 Stainless Steel: The Cook N Home Stainless Steel Stock Pot is made of mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel, making it resistant to deformation; An aluminum disc bottom between the steel layers ensures even heating for optimal cooking results
- Large Capacity: The stainless steel stockpot is ideal for cooking in large quantities, making it a great choice for preparing soups, stews, and other large meals
- Induction Compatible: Our cooking pot is induction compatible and works with various heat sources, including gas, electric, glass, ceramic, and halogen; Oven safe up to 500°F and lids safe up to 350°F; Dishwasher safe
- Easy to Clean, Stack, and Store: The inner and outer surfaces of the cooking pot are smooth and easy to clean; Its stackable design maximizes storage space; It is recommended to dry the pot thoroughly after cleaning before storing
- Glass Lids and Comfortable Handles: The tempered glass lids a steam vent to view food while cooking; Riveted stainless steel handles are durable, comfortable, and wide/deep for a secure grip
Cooks Standard 18/10 Stainless Steel Stockpot 12-Quart, Classic Deep Cooking Pot Canning Cookware with Stainless Steel Lid, Silver
- 18/10 Stainless Steel: 12 quart stockpot made of 18/10 stainless steel, it is durable and resistant to corrosion; The pot body is thick, not easily deformed, and easy to clean
- Even Heating: Stainless steel stock pot with impact bonding aluminum disc in bottom; The aluminum core ensures that heat is evenly distributed /quick and no hot spots
- Multi-Purpose: Standard 12 quart stainless steel stockpot, suitable for cooking soups, pasta, making sauces, stews and noodles
- Ergonomic design: The pot handle is securely fixed with rivets, making it sturdy, durable, and comfortable to hold; It is convenient and safe to operate; The stainless steel lid fits tightly to keep food moist and flavorful
- Versatile and Compatible: 12 qt stockpot works on induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic, and more; Dishwasher safety; Oven safe to 500℉
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What capacity should I choose for a family‑size stock pot?
For a typical family of four to six, an 8‑ to 12‑quart pot offers enough room for soups, stews, and pasta without overflowing. Larger households or batch‑cooking enthusiasts may prefer 20‑quart models like the IMUSA or NutriChef for extra headroom. Consider how often you cook big meals versus everyday dishes when selecting size.
Is stainless steel the best material for a stock pot?
Stainless steel provides durability, non‑reactivity, and a sleek look, making it a popular choice for stock pots. Look for pots with an aluminum or copper‑encapsulated base, such as the Amazon Basics or Cook N Home, to ensure even heat distribution. If you need superior heat conductivity, a multi‑layer construction is worth the extra cost.
Can I use these stock pots on an induction cooktop?
Yes, most of the listed pots are induction‑compatible, including the Amazon Basics, NutriChef, Cook N Home, Cooks Standard, and IMUSA models. Verify that the bottom is magnetic or specifically labeled for induction use. Induction‑ready pots often have a flat, heavy base that also works well on gas or electric ranges.
How important are riveted handles and glass lids?
Riveted handles, found on the Amazon Basics and Cuisinart pots, add strength and reduce the risk of loosening over time. A tempered‑glass lid with a steam vent, like those on the NutriChef and Cook N Home, lets you monitor cooking without lifting the lid, preserving heat and moisture. Both features contribute to durability and convenience.
What should I look for in terms of oven safety?
If you plan to finish dishes in the oven, choose a pot rated for high temperatures, such as the Amazon Basics (500 °F without lid) or Cuisinart (standard oven‑safe). Most stainless‑steel pots are oven‑safe up to 500 °F, but the glass lids often have lower limits, typically around 350 °F. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before using the lid in the oven.
Are dishwasher‑safe stock pots worth the convenience?
Dishwasher‑safe pots, like the Amazon Basics and Cook N Home, save time on cleanup and are easy to maintain. However, hand‑washing can help preserve the shine of stainless steel and extend the life of riveted handles. If you value convenience over a bit of extra care, a dishwasher‑safe model is a practical choice.
How do the larger 20‑quart and 19‑quart pots compare in value?
The IMUSA 20‑quart and NutriChef 19‑quart pots offer generous capacity for batch cooking, but they come at a higher price point than mid‑size 8‑12‑quart options. The NutriChef includes a polished interior and ergonomic handles, adding premium features that may justify the cost for frequent large‑batch cooks. Evaluate how often you need that extra volume before investing in a larger, pricier pot.
What are the key differences between budget and premium stock pots?
Budget pots, such as the Amazon Basics, provide solid construction, basic features, and a reliable warranty at an affordable price. Premium models like the Cuisinart or NutriChef often include higher‑grade stainless steel (18/8 or 18/10), mirror finishes, and enhanced ergonomics, which can improve cooking performance and aesthetics. Choose based on how much you value these extra details versus overall cost.