Comparison: Best 12 Qt Stock Pot Stainless Steel (Updated | Dec 9th)
When it comes to preparing hearty soups, stews, or batch-cooking for your family, a quality 12-quart stock pot is an essential kitchen workhorse. Stainless steel models offer durability, even heat distribution, and a timeless aesthetic that complements any kitchen. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the perfect one? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, testing and comparing the top contenders to help you find a stock pot that will become your trusted culinary companion for years to come.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for even heat distributor: Cooks Standard 18/10 Stainless Steel Stockpot 12-Quart
- Best for five-layer bottom: Kirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot – 12 Quart Heavy Duty Stock Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta
- Best for nickel free healthy: HOMICHEF 12 Quart LARGE Stock Pot with Glass Lid – NICKEL FREE Stainless Steel Healthy Cookware Stockpots with Lids 12 Quart – Mirror Polished Induction Pot – Commercial Grade Soup Cooking Pot
- Best for induction ready: NutriChef 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot – 18/8 Food Grade Heavy-Duty Induction-Compatible Pot with See-Through Lid
- Best for five-ply construction: Made In Cookware – 12 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot With Lid – 5 Ply Stainless Clad – Professional Cookware – Crafted in Italy – Induction Compatible
- Best for classic design: Farberware 50008 Classic Stainless Steel Stock Pot/Stockpot with Lid – 12 Quart
- Best for professional grade: Viking 3-Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot
- Best for tri-ply base: Tramontina Gourmet Stainless Steel 12-Quart Stock Pot with Lid
- Best for stainless lid: NutriChef 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot with Stainless Steel Lid – 18/8 Food Grade Heavy Duty Large Stock Pot for Stew & Soup
- Best for stackable design: Cook N Home Stockpot with Lid
Product Comparison: Best 12 Qt Stock Pot Stainless Steel
Even Heat Distributor
Cooks Standard 18/10 Stainless Steel Stockpot 12-Quart, Classic Deep Cooking Pot Canning Cookware with Stainless Steel Lid, Silver
Cooks Standard
- 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℉
Five-Layer Bottom
Kirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot – 12 Quart Heavy Duty Stock Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta, Soup, Spaghetti, Nonstick Thick Bottom Big Stockpot, Cookware for Canning, Boiling, Simmer
Kirecoo
- Stainless steel and 5 layers bottom: Kirecoo 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid is an essential kitchen cookware, boasting an advanced stainless steel construction with a 5-layer thickened base. This cooking pot features high temperature and corrosion resistance, promising a long service life without easy deformation. Composed of aluminum, iron, aluminum, and a magnetic base, the 5-layer bottom of stockpot has good sturdiness and performance. It heats quickly and distributes heat evenly.
- Riveted handles and Glass lid: Kirecoo soup pot comes equipped with riveted stainless steel side handles, proving sturdy and secure grip. Smooth handles are ergonomically designed and securely fastened with rivets for easy and safe pouring or moving. Kitchen pot also includes a transparent tempered-glass lid with steam vent allowing you to check the heat and moisture levels during the cooking process. Furthermore, This tight-sealing lid retains heat and moisture enhancing the cooking quality.
- Versatility with Large Size: Kirecoo 12 qt cooking pot features classic sliver appearance and large size, while is ideal large for cooking, boiling, blanching, braising, simmering and more. You can use the large pot to process ingredients for making kinds of recipes. This large pot works well from cooking family-size batches of soups, pasta, spaghetti, sauce, stews to boiling water and canning bath. It is nice to have the extra capacity, so it doesn’t boil over with a lot of liquid.
- Non-stick Interior: Kirecoo non stick pot features an nonstick interior, engineered through a specialized process to achieve exceptional longevity of performance. The superior nonstick surface ensures effortless food release, no only making cooking with soup pots a breeze, but also facilitates easy cleaning. The pasta pot interior will no reacting with food to alter natural tastes, healthy for daily cooking and soup making.
- Wide Compatibility Kitchen Cookware: This Wide Compatibility cookware is designed to make meals efficient and enjoyable. The simmer pot compatible with various cooktops, including gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, stock cooktops. The 5-layer thickened bottom(10MM in base thickness) of Kirecoo stock pot ensures best thermal absorption and transmission no matter what kind of cooktops and safe to 350 degrees F. Please note this 12qt deep pan not applicable with induction stove.
Nickel Free Healthy
HOMICHEF 12 Quart LARGE Stock Pot with Glass Lid – NICKEL FREE Stainless Steel Healthy Cookware Stockpots with Lids 12 Quart – Mirror Polished Induction Pot – Commercial Grade Soup Cooking Pot
HOMICHEF
- THIS 12QT STOCKPOT IS A NECESSARY ADDITION TO YOUR KITCHEN – This large 12QT stockpot features the timeless French kitchen elegance design; cuts a fine figure both in the kitchen and at the dining table – Made of food grade NICKEL FREE stainless steel for better health and better nutrition – 4.2MM in base thickness and 5.6LBS in weight – Great for boiling lobster, crab, or simmering stocks, soups for large crowds – Discover the gourmet chef in you with this beautiful and efficient stockpot.
- NICKEL FREE HEALTHY COOKWARE – Made of food grade NICKEL FREE stainless steel, non-toxic, non-allergic & more energy savings. – Japanese standard JYH21CT SS (21/0) for the pot body & the inner base; 430 (18/0) for the outer base – Nickel-bearing stainless steel (e.g., 304 SS) is commonly used for cookware, BUT nickel is high up on the ATSDR list of priority toxins and it LEACHES under regular cooking conditions! – Nickel free stainless steel is also more heat-conductive than nickel bearing SS.
- QUALITY BUILD & ELEGANT APPEARANCE – Look noble & elegant: mirror polished exterior, matte polished interior, see-through clear tempered glass lid with steam vent, and ergonomical stainless steel handles – These pots are beautifully engineered by HOMICHEF’s own in house manufacturing facilities at the world top quality – Compatible with gas, electric, induction, ceramic, glass and halogen stovetops.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES – 3-Ply construction in the 4.2MM thick base (one layer of pure aluminum core sandwiched between two stainless steel layers) eliminates warping and hotspots effectively and ensures optimal thermal absorption and transmission, thus faster cooking and more energy saving – Solid riveted stainless steel handles stay cool on stovetops – Tempered glass lid is specially designed to release excess vapors while efficiently circulating heat & moisture, preserving flavors & nutrients.
- DEVOTED CUSTOMER SERVICE – Genuine HOMICHEF healthy stainless steel cookware products, certified by ISO9001, BSCI, etc. – TRADEMARK filed in U.S.A. – In business since 1998 – This product comes with 6-Year Product Warrantv & LIFETIME Customer Service – You can always come to us for discounted parts, cooking consultations, and customer service at HOMICHEF store on Amazon.
Induction Ready
NutriChef 12-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 – NCSP12
NutriChef
- 12 QUARTS: The NutriChef Stainless Steel Large Cooking Pot features 12-quart capacity weighing 5.84 lbs w/ lid which is the perfect size for boiling eggs, simmering stocks & soups, or making sauces.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, 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 14.6″x 10.2″x 11.2″
- 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 for glass lid
- INDUCTION READY: The heavy-duty stainless steel stock pot is designed for safe use in gas, induction, ceramic, glass, and halogen cook tops. Though dishwasher safe, hand washing is highly recommended to preserve the stainless steel shine
Five-Ply Construction
Made In Cookware – 12 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot With Lid – 5 Ply Stainless Clad – Professional Cookware – Crafted in Italy – Induction Compatible
Made In
- Total Diameter: 12.44″ | Cooking Surface Diameter: 12.4″ | Height (with handles): 6.59″ | Depth: 6.5″ | Length (handle to handle): 14.5″
- Essential for Every Kitchen – The Made In Stainless Clad Stock Pot is a must-have kitchen tool, offering maximum heat control, responsiveness, and versatility to elevate your cooking experience
- Superior Quality – Made from 5 layers of premium metal for professional-quality heat distribution
- Even Heat Transfer – The lightweight aluminum core offers peerless heat conduction, while a stainless exterior promises superior circulation and retention
- Induction Cooktop Compatible – With a top layer of 430 stainless steel, these Stainless Clad Pots and Pans work effortlessly with any cooktop, including induction
- Expertly Made in Italy – Crafted in Italy from premium metals fit for professional chefs and expert home cooks
Classic Design
Farberware 50008 Classic Stainless Steel Stock Pot/Stockpot with Lid – 12 Quart, Silver
Farberware
- BIG POT STOCKPOT: Big 12-Quart Stockpot with lid works great as a chili pot, lobster pot, or pasta pot
- DURABLE AND VERSATILE STOCKPOT: A full cap base on the stockpot features a thick aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel for rapid, even heating
- STAINLESS STEEL LARGE STOCKPOT: The stainless steel stockpot heavy-duty stainless steel is polished to a mirror finish for a classic touch; the self-basting lid helps seal in heat and moisture
- ICONIC DETAILS: Stockpot is oven safe to 350 degrees F; comfortable handles with iconic styling provide a confident grasp
- DISHWASHER SAFE POT: This dishwasher-safe stockpot combines technology with the styling and quality that Farberware has delivered for decades
Professional Grade
Viking 3-Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot, 12 Quart Soup Cooking Pot with Lid, Kitchen Cookware, Dishwasher and Oven Safe, Induction Ready, Silver
Viking
- 12 QUART STOCK POT WITH LID: Elevate your home kitchen experience with our Viking 12 qt Stock Pot with Lid! Crafted with durable stainless steel, our stockpot features a large capacity perfect for preparing batches of soups, stews, sauces, pasta, and much more, making this big pot an excellent addition to your kitchen essentials
- EFFICIENT COOKING: Our large cooking pot distributes heat quickly and evenly, achieves rolling boils quicker than convential stockpots, and the high walls minimize evaporation, making it ideal for slow simmering techniques; our stock pots with lids are compatible with all cooktop types including induction, and are safe up to 600 degrees F (315 degrees C)
- COMFORTABLE ERGONOMIC HANDLES: Our professional quality cookware features riveted ergonomic handles which allow for comfort, balance and control as you move your pots and pans around the kitchen, even when you are holding with a towel or oven mitts
- STYLISH DURABLE DESIGN: Our kitchenware features a durable 3 ply construction consisting of a non-reactive 304 stainless steel interior, aluminum core, and magnetic stainless exterior, which increases the heat transfer throughout the pan, making it more efficient for cooking, and the sleek mirror finish and cut rims complement a wide range of modern kitchen decors; our professional cookware is easy to hand wash with hot water, and is also dishwasher safe
- GREAT GIFT FOR COOKING ENTHUSIASTS: Our stainless steel stock pots make for excellent gifts for the chef in your life. Viking offers a large assortment of cookware, baking supplies, utensils, and other kitchen accessories. Whether you are looking for cast iron pieces, non stick pans, or high quality cookware, Viking has something for both novice and professional chefs to fall in love with. Our cookware is backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Tri-Ply Base
Tramontina Gourmet Stainless Steel 12-Quart Stock Pot with Lid
Tramontina
- 12-Quart Capacity: Perfect for preparing soups, stews, stocks, boiling pasta, and more.
- Tri-Ply Base: Features an impact-bonded tri-ply base for excellent heat distribution and even cooking, ideal for everything from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil.
- Durable 18/10 Stainless Steel: Crafted from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel for lasting durability and a beautiful shine in your kitchen.
- Secure Lid & Riveted Handles: Includes a premium 18/10 stainless steel lid and precision cast riveted stainless steel handles for a secure and comfortable grip while cooking and serving.
- Versatile & Easy to Clean: Compatible with all stovetops, including induction, oven-safe up to 500°F/260°C, and dishwasher-safe for effortless cleanup after a satisfying meal of soup or a festive seafood boil.
Stainless Lid
NutriChef 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot with Stainless Steel Lid – 18/8 Food Grade Heavy Duty Large Stock Pot for Stew & Soup, Works w/Induction
NutriChef
- 12 QUARTS:The NutriChef Stainless Steel Large Cooking Pot features 12-quart capacity weighing 5.6 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. Has an impact-bonded base for even heat distribution w/ base thickness of 0.138” & pot dimension of 14.25”x10.9”x9.5”
- STAINLESS STEEL LID: This large pot for cooking comes w/ stainless steel lid which locks in flavor when cooking. Effectively distributes & retains heat for even cooking w/ 500° F max temperature. Ideal for stews, lobster, soups, corn on the cob, etc
- 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
Stackable Design
Cook N Home Stockpot with Lid, Basics Stainless Steel Soup Pot, 12-Quart
Cook N Home
- 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
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’s the difference between 18/10, 18/8, and nickel-free stainless steel?
18/10 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and durability. 18/8 has slightly less nickel but is still high quality, while nickel-free options like HOMICHEF’s eliminate potential nickel exposure for those with sensitivities, though they may be less common.
Which stock pots are compatible with induction cooktops?
Most of the stock pots listed are induction compatible, including Cooks Standard, HOMICHEF, NutriChef models, Made In Cookware, Viking, Tramontina, and Cook N Home. The Kirecoo model specifically notes it is not compatible with induction stoves, so it’s important to check if you have this type of cooktop.
What are the advantages of multi-ply construction?
Multi-ply construction, like the 5-ply design in Made In Cookware or 3-ply in Viking and HOMICHEF, provides superior heat distribution and eliminates hot spots. The aluminum core between stainless steel layers ensures even heating while maintaining the durability and non-reactive properties of stainless steel.
Which stock pots offer the highest oven safety temperature?
Viking offers the highest oven safety at 600°F, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking techniques. Most other models like Cooks Standard, NutriChef, Tramontina, and Cook N Home are oven safe up to 500°F, while Farberware is safe to 350°F and Kirecoo to 350°F.
What are the benefits of glass versus stainless steel lids?
Glass lids allow you to monitor cooking without removing the lid and losing heat or moisture, as featured in Kirecoo, HOMICHEF, NutriChef, and Cook N Home models. Stainless steel lids, like those on Made In Cookware and one NutriChef model, are typically more durable and may provide a tighter seal for better heat retention.
Which stock pots offer non-stick interiors?
The Kirecoo model stands out with its specialized non-stick interior, making food release and cleaning easier. Most other models feature traditional stainless steel interiors, which are durable and non-reactive but may require more effort to clean if food sticks.
What warranty options are available with these stock pots?
HOMICHEF offers a 6-year product warranty with lifetime customer service, while Viking provides a limited lifetime warranty. Most other brands don’t specify warranty terms in their descriptions, so you may need to check with the manufacturer directly.
Which stock pots are dishwasher safe?
Most models including Cooks Standard, Kirecoo, NutriChef, Farberware, Viking, Tramontina, and Cook N Home are dishwasher safe. However, several brands like NutriChef and Made In Cookware recommend hand washing to preserve the stainless steel finish and extend the pot’s lifespan.
