Comparison: Best Stock Pot Steamer (Updated | Dec 9th)

Consider your household size and cooking needs when selecting capacity. For small families or couples, a 5-8 quart pot like the LOLYKITCH or SLOTTET models should suffice. Larger families or those who enjoy batch cooking should opt for 12-16 quart options like the Kenmore, Martha Stewart, or All-Clad models.

Stainless steel pots like the All-Clad and Cooks Standard models offer superior durability and heat distribution, while enamel options like the Kenmore and Martha Stewart provide aesthetic appeal and easier cleanup. Stainless steel is typically more resistant to damage and maintains its appearance longer, while enamel may chip over time but offers non-reactive cooking surfaces.

Not all stock pot steamers work with induction cooktops, so check compatibility before purchasing. Models like the LOLYKITCH, SLOTTET, and AOSION explicitly state they work with all stovetops including induction. The Instant Pot Duo Plus is an electric appliance that doesn’t require a separate cooktop.

Look for features like cool-touch handles for safety, measurement markings inside the pot, and stackable designs for storage convenience. The All-Clad model offers strategically designed straining holes, while the SLOTTET pots feature easy-to-read measurement marks. Glass lids like those on the Martha Stewart and Culinary Edge models allow you to monitor cooking progress.

Multi-cookers like the Instant Pot offer versatility with 9 cooking functions and faster cooking times, but traditional stock pots provide larger capacities and more straightforward steaming. The Instant Pot is ideal for those with limited kitchen space who want multiple cooking functions, while traditional stock pots like the All-Clad or Cooks Standard are better for large batch cooking and traditional recipes.

Tri-ply construction, featured in the LOLYKITCH model, combines layers of stainless steel with an aluminum core for superior heat distribution and energy efficiency. This construction prevents hot spots and ensures even cooking throughout the pot. The stainless steel layers provide durability and a non-reactive cooking surface while the aluminum core conducts heat efficiently.

Many stock pot steamers are oven-safe, but temperature limits vary by model. The Kenmore Broadway is oven-safe up to 400°F, while the SLOTTET models can withstand temperatures up to 500°F. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before placing any stock pot in the oven, especially those with glass lids which typically have lower temperature tolerances.

For tamale making, consider larger capacity models with wide steamer inserts like the Kenmore Broadway 16-Quart or the AOSION 12 Quart which is specifically marketed as a tamale steamer. The wide, flat surface of these inserts provides ample space to arrange tamales vertically for proper steaming. The Martha Stewart model also features a wide stainless steel insert suitable for tamale preparation.