Comparison: Best Size Stock Pot For Pho (Updated | Dec 9th)
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of pho, with its rich broth and aromatic herbs dancing in perfect harmony. But what if we told you that the secret to truly authentic pho starts not with your ingredients, but with your pot? The right stock pot is the unsung hero of Vietnamese cuisine, determining whether your broth achieves that perfect slow-simmered depth of flavor. Join us as we explore the ideal stock pot sizes that will transform your pho from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for health-conscious choice: HOMICHEF 16 Quart LARGE Stock Pot with Glass Lid – NICKEL FREE Stainless Steel Healthy Cookware Stockpots with Lids 16 Quart – Mirror Polished Induction Cooking Pot
- Best for professional grade capacity: Cooks Standard 02616 Professional Grade Lid 30 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot
- Best for family gathering size: NutriChef 20 Quart Heavy-Duty Stockpot with Stainless Lid – Large Pot for Induction
- Best for everyday reliability: Cooks Standard Stockpots Stainless Steel
- Best for commercial grade giant: VEVOR Stainless Steel Stockpot
- Best for chef’s classic pick: Cuisinart 76610-26G Chef’s Classic 10-Quart Stockpot with Glass Cover
- Best for non-stick heavy duty: Kirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot – 12 Quart Heavy Duty Stock Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta
- Best for best budget performer: Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid
- Best for simple large batch: IMUSA USA Stainless Steel Stock Pot 20-Quart
- Best for versatile mid-size: Cooks Standard Stockpots Stainless Steel
Product Comparison: Best Size Stock Pot For Pho
Health-Conscious Choice
HOMICHEF 16 Quart LARGE Stock Pot with Glass Lid – NICKEL FREE Stainless Steel Healthy Cookware Stockpots with Lids 16 Quart – Mirror Polished Induction Cooking Pot
HOMICHEF
- THIS 16QT STOCKPOT IS A NECESSARY ADDITION TO YOUR KITCHEN – This large 16QT 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 6.5LBS 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.
Professional Grade Capacity
Cooks Standard 02616 Professional Grade Lid 30 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot, Silver
Cooks Standard
- Made with Brushed 18/10 stainless steel inside and out with an aluminum disc layered in the bottom
- Aluminum disc capsuled bottom provides even/quick temperature distribution and prevents hot spots
- Solid lid keeps in heat/moisture and creates a seal; wide handles stay cool/comfortable for carrying
- Large size for multipurpose function: canning, jarring, and stewing; cleans easily and looks great
- Works on induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic, halogen, etc. ; Oven safe to 500F; Dishwasher safe
- Included Components: 30 Quart Stockpot, Lid
Family Gathering Size
NutriChef 20 Quart Heavy-Duty Stockpot with Stainless Lid – Large Pot for Induction, Gas & Electric Cooktops, Perfect for Soups & Stews
NutriChef
- GENEROUS CAPACITY – The NutriChef 20 Quart Stockpot is perfect for cooking large batches of soups, stews, and sauces. Its ample size makes it ideal for family gatherings and entertaining.
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION – Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, this stockpot is built to last. The impact-bonded base ensures even heat distribution for superior cooking performance.
- VERSATILE AND COMPATIBLE – This stockpot is compatible with gas, induction, ceramic, glass, and halogen cooktops. The ergonomic handles and stainless steel lid provide added convenience and safety.
- SAFE AND HEALTHY COOKING – Made from non-toxic and non-allergic materials, this stockpot ensures healthy cooking. The 18/8 stainless steel interior is non-reactive and food-grade safe.
- TIMELESS DESIGN – Featuring a mirror-polished belt and brushed interior and exterior, this stockpot combines functionality with elegance. It’s a stylish addition to any kitchen.
Everyday Reliability
Cooks Standard Stockpots Stainless Steel, 8 Quart Professional Grade Stock Pot with Lid, Silver
Cooks Standard
- 18/10 Stainless Steel: The Cooks Standard Stockpot is made of brushed 18/10 stainless steel both inside and out; It is corrosion-resistant, high-temperature resistant, and is not easily deformed
- Medium Capacity: The 8-quart stockpot is suitable for home and small restaurant use, cooking the right amount of food at a time for easy storage and transport; The sturdy lid seal helps maintain the temperature and flavor of the food
- Good Heat Distribution: The aluminum disc capsule bottom ensures even temperature distribution with no hot spots; The slim handle is designed for ergonomic comfort, providing a comfortable grip and making it easy to carry
- Multi-Purpose: The stainless steel stockpot is versatile for various cooking methods, including canning, stewing, boiling, frying, and more; It is easy to clean and fits well with a variety of kitchen styles
- Multi-Stove Compatible: The stainless steel 8 quart pot works on induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic, and halogen stovetops; It is oven safe up to 500°F and dishwasher safe
Commercial Grade Giant
VEVOR Stainless Steel Stockpot, 42 Quart Large Cooking Pots, Cookware Sauce Pot with Strainer, Lid, and Handle, Heavy Duty Commercial Grade Stock Pot, Sanding Treatment, for Large Groups Events Silver
VEVOR
- 42QT Large Capacity: This large-capacity heavy duty stock pot can accommodate more ingredients in one go, saving on cooking time. It’s also suitable for processing larger foods like turkey and lobster, ensuring even heating and thorough cooking.
- Premium Stainless Steel: Our commercial grade sauce pot offers increased corrosion resistance, and when exposed to high temperatures or used to cook acidic foods, it doesn’t release harmful substances. This ensures improved stability and durability.
- Single-layer for Quick Heat Conduction: Suitable for open flame cooking or storing soup, comes with a stainless steel strainer.combined with the excellent corrosion and heat resistance of stainless steel. This makes the pasta pot suitable for gas stove while enhancing cooking efficiency and experience.
- 1A-grade Protective Packaging: From checking the appearance of the packaging (ensuring no watermarks, dirt, or damage) to drop tests (subjected to high-frequency vibrations and tilted drops), it meets the highest standards, ensuring the product’s integrity.
- Riveted Handle for Efficient Weight-bearing: The stainless steel cookware’s handle is riveted, ensuring the connection points aren’t damaged, providing stronger overall weight-bearing capabilities. Even in repair or replacement scenarios, it offers greater flexibility.
Chef’s Classic Pick
Cuisinart 76610-26G Chef’s Classic 10-Quart Stockpot with Glass Cover,Brushed Stainless
Cuisinart
- 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
Non-Stick Heavy Duty
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.
Best Budget Performer
Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, 8 Quart, Even Heating, Easy to Clean, Silver
Amazon Basics
- 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
Simple Large Batch
IMUSA USA Stainless Steel Stock Pot 20-Quart, Silver
Imusa
- 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
Versatile Mid-Size
Cooks Standard Stockpots Stainless Steel, 11 Quart Professional Grade Stock Pot with Lid, Silver
Cooks Standard
- 18/10 Stainless Steel: The Cooks Standard stainless steel stock pot is made of brushed 18/10 stainless steel both inside and out; It is corrosion-resistant, high-temperature resistant, and is not easily deformed
- Medium Capacity: The 11 Quart cooking pot is suitable for home and restaurant use, cooking the right amount of food at a time for easy storage and transport
- Good Heat Distribution: The aluminum disc capsule bottom ensures even temperature distribution with no hot spots; The slim handle is designed for ergonomic comfort, providing a comfortable grip and making it easy to carry
- Sturdy and Well-Sealed Lid: The sturdy lid helps maintain the temperature and flavor of the food while accelerating the cooking process, preventing spills and splashes, and making it easy to clean
- Multi-Purpose: The stainless steel stockpot is versatile for various cooking methods, including stewing, boiling, frying, and more; It is easy to clean and fits well with a variety of kitchen styles
- Multi-Stove Compatible: The soup pot works on induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic, and halogen stovetops; It is oven safe up to 500°F and dishwasher safe
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 size stock pot is best for making pho?
For making pho, a stock pot with at least 12-16 quarts capacity is recommended to accommodate the large bones and water needed for a rich broth. Larger pots like the 20-quart options from NutriChef or IMUSA are ideal for batch cooking or serving larger groups.
What material should I look for in a pho stock pot?
Stainless steel is the best material for pho stock pots as it’s durable, non-reactive with acidic ingredients, and provides even heat distribution. Look for pots with an aluminum disc or multi-layer base to prevent hot spots and ensure consistent simmering.
Are these stock pots compatible with my stovetop?
Most of these stock pots are compatible with multiple stovetop types including gas, electric, ceramic, and halogen. However, if you have an induction stovetop, specifically look for models like the HOMICHEF 16 Quart or Cooks Standard 30 Quart that mention induction compatibility.
Which stock pot offers the best value for making pho?
The HOMICHEF 16 Quart offers excellent value with its nickel-free stainless steel construction, 3-ply base, and lifetime customer service. For those needing more capacity, the NutriChef 20 Quart provides heavy-duty construction at a reasonable price point.
How do the different stock pots compare in terms of heat distribution?
Stock pots with aluminum disc or multi-layer bases like the HOMICHEF 16 Quart and Kirecoo 12 Quart offer superior heat distribution and eliminate hot spots. The VEVOR 42 Quart has a single-layer design which heats quickly but may have less even heat distribution than multi-layer options.
What features should I prioritize for making pho broth?
For pho broth, prioritize a pot with a thick base for even heat distribution, a tight-fitting lid to retain moisture, and sturdy handles for easy handling when full. Glass lids like those on the HOMICHEF and Kirecoo models allow you to monitor the simmering broth without lifting the lid.
Are these stock pots dishwasher safe?
Most of these stock pots are dishwasher safe, including the Cooks Standard models and Amazon Basics 8 Quart. However, hand washing is often recommended to preserve the finish and extend the life of the pot, especially for those with special features like non-stick interiors.
Which stock pot is best for large batch pho preparation?
The VEVOR 42 Quart offers the largest capacity for making substantial batches of pho broth, perfect for restaurants or large gatherings. For home use, the NutriChef 20 Quart or IMUSA 20 Quart provide ample space while still being manageable in a residential kitchen.
