Comparison: Best Stock Pot 12 Quart (Updated | Dec 9th)
Are you tired of watching your precious stock bubble over the rim of that inadequate pot? When it comes to batch cooking, meal prep, or hosting holiday feasts, a 12-quart stock pot is the unsung hero of the kitchen. The right one becomes your culinary workhorse, handling everything from simmering rich broths to boiling pasta for a crowd. We’ve rolled up our sleeves, tested the top contenders, and boiled down the essentials to help you find the perfect pot that’ll transform your cooking experience.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for non-stick interior: 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 classic reliability: Farberware 50008 Classic Stainless Steel Stock Pot/Stockpot with Lid – 12 Quart
- 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 easy cleanup nonstick: T-fal Specialty Nonstick Stockpot With Lid 12 Quart
- Best for 5-ply professional grade: Made In Cookware – 12 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot With Lid – 5 Ply Stainless Clad – Professional Cookware – Crafted in Italy – Induction Compatible
- Best for oven safe workhorse: Cooks Standard 18/10 Stainless Steel Stockpot 12-Quart
- Best for cool-touch handles: Cook N Home Stockpot Sauce Pot Induction Pot With Lid Professional Stainless Steel 12 Quart
- Best for high-temperature pro: Viking 3-Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot
- Best for budget basics: Cook N Home Stockpot with Lid
Product Comparison: Best Stock Pot 12 Quart
Non-Stick Interior
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.
Classic Reliability
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
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
Easy Cleanup Nonstick
T-fal Specialty Nonstick Stockpot With Lid 12 Quart, Oven Broiler Safe 350F, Stay-Cool Handles, Kitchen, Cookware, Pots and Pans, Stock Pot, Soup Pot, Cooking Pot, Dishwasher Safe, Black
T-Fal
- Included components: Cookware;Stockpots;stockpots
- Strong gauge yet lighter weight for easier handling then Stainless Steel
- Aluminum construction for better heat conductivity than Stainless Steel
- Non-stick inside and out for fast and easy clean up throughout; Dishwasher Safe
5-Ply Professional Grade
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
Oven Safe Workhorse
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℉
Cool-Touch Handles
Cook N Home Stockpot Sauce Pot Induction Pot With Lid Professional Stainless Steel 12 Quart, Dishwasher Safe With Stay-Cool Handles, Silver
Cook N Home
- Professional Stainless Steel Stockpot: 12 quart stockpot with lid made of 18/10 stainless steel polished, well made and very easy to clean, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, not easy to deform
- 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; Great for simmering stocks and soups or making sauces, canning, jarring, and so more
- Easy Viewing: Cooking pot with tempered glass lid, steam vent that releases excess steam and allows you to see your food without opening the lid. Easily monitor your cooking process
- Versatile and Compatible: 12 qt stockpot works on induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic, and more; Dishwasher safety; Oven safe to 400℉; Lid up to 350℉
- Comfortable and Strong: The silicone-wrapped handle stays cool to the touch and provides a comfortable grip, while the riveted handle ensures strength and durability
High-Temperature Pro
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
Budget Basics
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 3-ply and 5-ply construction in stock pots?
The number of plies refers to the layers of metal used in the pot’s construction, with 5-ply offering superior heat distribution and retention compared to 3-ply. The Made In Cookware features 5-ply construction for professional-grade performance, while Viking offers 3-ply construction that still provides excellent heat control. More plies generally mean better cooking performance but also a higher price point.
Are these stock pots compatible with induction cooktops?
Most of the stock pots in this comparison are induction compatible, including those from HOMICHEF, NutriChef, Made In, Cooks Standard, Cook N Home, and Viking. However, the Kirecoo model is specifically noted as not compatible with induction stoves. If you have an induction cooktop, verify compatibility before purchasing as it requires a magnetic base.
Which stock pot offers the best heat distribution?
The Made In Cookware with its 5-ply construction offers the most advanced heat distribution system, followed closely by the Viking 3-ply model. The Kirecoo also features a 5-layer bottom with aluminum and iron layers for even heating. Most quality stock pots use an aluminum core or disc to eliminate hot spots, but those with more layers generally provide superior heat control.
Are there any health-conscious options among these stock pots?
The HOMICHEF stock pot stands out as a nickel-free option, which is ideal for those with nickel sensitivities or concerns about metal leaching into food. Most other models use 18/10 or 18/8 stainless steel which contains nickel but is generally considered safe for cooking. The T-fal model offers a non-stick interior which may require special care to maintain its coating integrity.
Which stock pot is easiest to clean?
The T-fal nonstick stockpot is the easiest to clean due to its non-stick interior and exterior, followed by the Kirecoo with its nonstick interior. Most stainless steel options are dishwasher safe, including models from Farberware, Cooks Standard, and Cook N Home. However, hand washing is generally recommended for premium models like NutriChef and Viking to maintain their finish.
What are the temperature limitations of these stock pots?
Temperature limits vary significantly among these stock pots. The Viking model offers the highest heat tolerance at 600°F, followed by Cooks Standard at 500°F. Most other models are oven safe to 350-400°F, though their glass lids typically have lower temperature limitations. Always check the specific temperature limits if you plan to use your stock pot in the oven.
Which stock pot offers the best value for money?
The Cook N Home Basics model offers excellent value with its solid construction and versatile compatibility at a budget-friendly price point. The Farberware Classic provides reliable performance from a trusted brand at a moderate price. For those willing to invest more, the Made In Cookware offers professional-grade performance that may justify its higher price for serious home cooks.
Which stock pot has the most comfortable handles?
The Cook N Home model features silicone-wrapped handles that stay cool to the touch, providing the most comfortable grip. The Viking and Made In models feature ergonomically designed riveted handles for secure handling. Most models use riveted stainless steel handles, which are durable but may heat up during cooking and require pot holders.
