Comparison: Cook’S Illustrated Best Stock Pot (Updated | Dec 9th)
When it comes to crafting the perfect stock, the right pot can make all the difference. We’ve simmered, boiled, and compared their top picks to bring you the ultimate guide to the best stock pots on the market. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, these recommendations will elevate your broth game.
- Best for colorful cooking: Rachael Ray Create Delicious Stock Pot/Stockpot with Lid – 12 Quart
- Best for recipe collection: The New Best Recipe
- Best for professional grade: Cooks Standard Stockpots Stainless Steel
- Best for essential basics: Cook N Home Stockpot with Lid
- Best for non-toxic ceramic: Caraway Stock Pot – 12 Qt Ceramic Coated With Lid – Free From Forever Chemicals – Large for Bigger Batches – Navy
- Best for extra large capacity: Granite Ware 15.5-Quart Stockpot
- Best for versatile size: Cooks Standard Stockpots Stainless Steel
- Best for nonstick surface: Cooks Standard Stockpot Dutch Oven Casserole with Glass Lid
- Best for retro design: ZENFUN Kitchen Enamel Stockpot with Lid
- Best for elegant enamel: MIRRO 7.75qt Enamel Stock Pot
Product Comparison: Cook’S Illustrated Best Stock Pot
Rachael Ray Create Delicious Stock Pot/Stockpot with Lid – 12 Quart, Red
- COOK LIKE RACHAEL RAY: Durable enamel on steel construction provides fast, even heating and easy cleaning convenience when cooking with this Rachael Ray stockpot
- BIG POT FOR BIG MEALS: Extra-roomy 12-quart capacity of this stockpot is perfect for family-sized recipes and works great as chili pot, lobster pot, pasta pot and more
- COOK IN FULL COLOR: Colorful enamel stockpot resists stains and makes cleanup quick and easy
- STOVE TO OVEN PERFORMER: Strong, comfortable handles provide confident control when pulling the stockpot in and out of the oven where the pot is oven safe to 450 degrees F
- LOCK IN THE FLAVOR: Tight-fitting, enamel-on-steel lid stockpot locks in heat and flavor to make all your stockpot recipes yummy
Cooks Standard Stockpots Stainless Steel, 11 Quart Professional Grade Stock Pot with Lid, Silver
- 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
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
Caraway Stock Pot – 12 Qt Ceramic Coated With Lid – Free From Forever Chemicals – Large for Bigger Batches – Navy
- BIG BATCH COOKING: Our 12 qt non-stick Stock Pot is designed to handle big batches with ease, whether you’re making soups, stews, or seafood boils. Say hello to effortless cooking for large gatherings or meal prepping.
- NON-TOXIC CERAMIC COATING: Cook with confidence knowing our soup pot is free from forever chemicals and other harmful materials. Our signature ceramic coating ensures your food remains safe and delicious, even after hours of simmering.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Despite its impressive capacity, our Stock Pot is surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to handle even when full. Say goodbye to heavy lifting and hello to a more enjoyable cooking experience.
- VERSATILE PERFORMANCE: From stovetop to oven, our large Stock Pot can do it all. It’s oven safe up to 550°F, allowing you to finish dishes in the oven with ease. Plus, the ceramic coating holds heat more efficiently than traditional pots for consistent cooking results.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Cleanup is a breeze with our large cooking pot. Just a gentle scrub with soap and water is all it takes to keep your pot looking like new. Plus, it’s designed to avoid sticking, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your culinary creations.
Granite Ware 15.5-Quart Stockpot, Large Capacity for Soups, Stews, Pasta – Durable Graniteware with Non-Stick Surface for Easy Cleaning – Chip-Resistant & Even Heat Distribution (Speckled Black)
- Our products are versatile and efficient, but please note: they are NOT SUITABLE for use on GLASS COOKTOPS or INDUCTION STOVETOPS.
- Includes: 15.5 Qt Stock Pot with Lid, perfect for cooking your favorite meals outdoors or at home. Ideal for preparing stews, beans, preserves, lentils, sauces, soups, and pastas.
- Dishwasher Safe: Effortless cleaning is at your fingertips with this feature, ensuring it’s safe to be placed in the dishwasher. This not only saves you valuable time but also minimizes effort, especially after a satisfying meal.
- Versatility: This pan isn’t limited to just roasting; it’s equally adept at baking, broiling, grilling, and even serving. Its unique construction promotes even heating, ensuring faster cooking times for a range of culinary delights
- Chemical-Free: Our product is free from harmful substances like PFOA and PTFE, ensuring a cooking experience that is both safe and reliable. By eliminating these chemicals, we reduce the risk of exposure, promote environmental sustainability, and provide you with the confidence to enjoy your meals. The glass interior preserves the natural taste of your food without any alterations.
- Durable and Reusable: Our product boasts a long-lasting color glare that remains intact for many years, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Moreover, it won’t compromise the taste of your food; in fact, it enhances flavors! The inert glass surface doesn’t absorb foods, guaranteeing that the taste remains unaltered, setting it apart from other surfaces.
Cooks Standard Stockpots Stainless Steel, 8 Quart Professional Grade Stock Pot with Lid, Silver
- 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
Cooks Standard Stockpot Dutch Oven Casserole with Glass Lid, 8-Quart Classic Hard Anodized Nonstick Soup Pot, Black
- Even Heat Distribution: The Cooks Standard nonstick 8 quart pot with lid is made of heavy-duty aluminum, which conducts heat quickly and evenly; This ensures uniformly heated food and better cooking results
- Hard Anodized Nonstick: The Hard Anodized pot is more wear-resistant than an ordinary nonstick pot; Its surface is specially treated to form a hard non-stick coating, which effectively prevents food from sticking to the bottom of the pot
- Multi-Purpose: The soup pot with lid is ideal for various cooking methods, including boiling, frying, and stewing; Its versatile design makes it easy to clean and a stylish addition to most kitchen
- Induction Incompatible: The hard anodized stockpot is suitable for gas, electric, ceramic, and glass cooktops; However, it is not compatible with induction stoves, as the aluminum bottom is not ferromagnetic and cannot be used for induction heating
- Glass Lid and Comfortable Handles: Tempered glass lid with steam vent to view food while cooking; Durable, comfortable, riveted stainless steel handles are wide and deep for a secure grip; Oven safe up to 500℉, glass lid up to 350℉
ZENFUN Kitchen Enamel Stockpot with Lid, 3.5 Quart Retro Flower Stew Bean Cooking Pot, Vintage Thicken Soup Pot with Handles, Nonstick, Safe for Induction Cookers, Gas Stove
- ZENFUN durable 3.5 quart thicken pot for cooking, measuring 9.5 x 5 inch. You can expect high-quality and functional kitchenware when you purchase the retro enamel stockpot.
- Ornamental Pots: The pots for cooking on stove are printed with vintage floral patterns on its glaze surface, making the large pot for cooking over fire nonstick, bringing retro flavor for your kitchen.
- Material: The stew pots with lids are made of enamel, a kind of smooth, durable, lead-free, environmental and non-toxic material, bringing good use experience, safe for your family’s health.
- Large Serving Pots: Equipped with useful handles and lids, the ceramic soup pot with lid can be easily moved and great for locking in heat and moisture during the cooking process.
- Practical Pots: The thicken enameled cast iron pot with handle can be heat on induction, gas, electric, ect. The enamel kitchen pot conducts heat quickly and evenly as well as retaining it longer.
MIRRO 7.75qt Enamel Stock Pot, Black
- AMPLE CAPACITY: The 7.75 Quart capacity is perfect for preparing large meals, ideal for family gatherings and meal prepping, great for making soups, stews, and sauces, excellent for canning and preserving, versatile size for various cooking needs
- ELEGANT DESIGN: Made of durable steel with a smooth glass enamel coating, black with a speckled finish for a stylish look, dual side handles for easy grip and transport, enamel surface provides effortless cleaning and chemical-free cooking
- KEY FEATURES: Greater retention and distribution of heat, oven safe for versatile cooking options, smooth enamel surface does not alter food taste, dual handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, stylish black speckled finish enhances kitchen decor
- MULTIPLE USES: Perfect for everyday cooking, ideal for making soups, stews, sauces, pasta, potatoes, tamales, lobster, mussels, and more, great for one-pot meals, suitable for canning and preserving, versatile for various cooking methods
- IDEAL FOR GATHERINGS: Ideal for family gatherings and meal prepping; perfect for one-pot meals; great for canning and preserving; stylish addition to any kitchen
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 should I look for when buying a stock pot?
Consider the material (stainless steel, enamel, ceramic) for durability and heat distribution. Capacity is crucial—larger pots (12-15 quarts) are ideal for batch cooking or big families, while smaller options (7-8 quarts) suit everyday needs. Look for features like oven safety, compatibility with your stovetop (induction, gas, etc.), and ease of cleaning.
How do stainless steel stock pots compare to enamel or ceramic ones?
Stainless steel pots (like Cooks Standard) offer excellent durability and even heating, making them versatile for various cooking methods. Enamel pots (like Rachael Ray or MIRRO) are stylish and easy to clean but may chip over time. Ceramic-coated pots (like Caraway) are non-toxic and lightweight but may require more careful handling to preserve the coating.
Which stock pot is best for induction stovetops?
Stainless steel pots like the Cooks Standard or Cook N Home are induction-compatible due to their magnetic base. Enamel or ceramic pots may not work unless specifically designed for induction. Always check the product description to ensure compatibility with your stovetop.
What size stock pot should I choose?
For large families or batch cooking, opt for 12-15 quart pots like the Caraway or Granite Ware. Smaller households may prefer 7-8 quart options like the Cooks Standard or ZENFUN. Consider your typical meal size and storage space when selecting capacity.
Are these stock pots oven-safe?
Most stainless steel and enamel pots are oven-safe up to 450-500°F, like the Rachael Ray or Cooks Standard. Ceramic-coated pots like Caraway can handle higher temperatures (up to 550°F). Always check the lid’s heat tolerance, as some glass lids have lower limits (350°F).
How do I clean and maintain these stock pots?
Stainless steel and enamel pots are generally dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing extends their lifespan. Avoid abrasive cleaners on ceramic-coated pots to prevent scratches. For stubborn stains, soak the pot in warm, soapy water before cleaning.
Which stock pot offers the best value for money?
Budget-friendly options like the Cook N Home or MIRRO provide solid performance at a lower price. Mid-range choices like the Cooks Standard balance quality and affordability. Premium picks like Caraway or Rachael Ray offer advanced features but come at a higher cost.
Are these stock pots suitable for canning?
Large-capacity pots like the Granite Ware (15.5 quarts) are ideal for canning. Ensure the pot is deep enough to cover jars with water and compatible with your stovetop. Stainless steel options like Cooks Standard also work well for canning due to their durability.
What are the key differences between the Cooks Standard and Cook N Home stock pots?
Both are stainless steel, but Cooks Standard has a brushed finish, while Cook N Home features a mirror-polished exterior. Cooks Standard emphasizes ergonomic handles, while Cook N Home highlights stackability and glass lids. Choose based on aesthetic and functional preferences.