Comparison: Serious Eats Best Stock Pot (Updated | Dec 9th)
Looking for the perfect stock pot to elevate your culinary creations? Serious Eats has done the heavy lifting, testing top contenders to find the ultimate kitchen workhorse. From simmering rich broths to crafting hearty soups, the right stock pot can make or break your dish. We’ve compared materials, heat distribution, and design features to bring you the cream of the crop. Whether you’re a home cook or a pro chef, our roundup will help you invest in a pot that’ll last for years of delicious meals.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for health-conscious choice: HOMICHEF Commercial Grade LARGE STOCK POT 20 Quart With Lid – Nickel Free Stainless Steel Cookware – Healthy Polished Stockpots – Heavy Duty Induction Soup Pot
- Best for induction-ready durability: SUNHOUSE Stainless Steel Stock Pot – 11 Quart Heavy-Duty Induction Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta
- Best for strain-and-cook innovation: GOTHAM STEEL 8 Qt Stainless Steel Stock Pot Multipurpose Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid & Twist and Lock Handles
- Best for commercial grade capacity: HOMICHEF LARGE STOCK POT 24 Quart With Lid – Nickel Free Stainless Steel Cookware Stockpot 24 Quart – Healthy Cookware Polished Stockpots – Heavy Duty Induction Pot Soup Pot With Lid
- Best for budget-friendly reliability: Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid
- Best for five-layer construction: Kirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot – 8 Quart Heavy Duty Induction Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta
- Best for compact pasta solution: Gotham Steel 5 Quart Stock Pot Multipurpose Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid & Twist and Lock Handles
- Best for extra-large capacity: VEVOR Stainless Steel Stockpot
- Best for tri-ply elegance: Ciwete 8 Quart Stock Pot
- Best for small batch specialist: Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Stock Pot Saucepan Set with Lids
Product Comparison: Serious Eats Best Stock Pot
Health-Conscious Choice
HOMICHEF Commercial Grade LARGE STOCK POT 20 Quart With Lid – Nickel Free Stainless Steel Cookware – Healthy Polished Stockpots – Heavy Duty Induction Soup Pot
HOMICHEF
- THIS 20QT STOCKPOT IS A NECESSARY ADDITION TO YOUR KITCHEN – This large 20QT 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 7.8LBS 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 Durability
SUNHOUSE Stainless Steel Stock Pot – 11 Quart Heavy-Duty Induction Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta, Soup, Spaghetti – Nonstick Thick-Bottom Deep Stockpot for Canning, Boiling, and Simmering
Sunhouse
- [HIGH-QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL] – Made from premium stainless steel that resists corrosion, rust, and food reactions. No warping, cracking, or chipping. Free from toxic materials, ensuring safe and healthy cooking. Durable and built for all your simmering, boiling, and cooking needs. Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
- [MEDIUM CAPACITY] – The 11-quart cooking pot is ideal for home and restaurant use, allowing you to cook the right amount of food with ease. Convenient for storage and transport.
- [DURABLE HANDLES] – Wide, flat handles are designed for a comfortable grip, leaving enough space for easy handling with bare hands, oven mitts, or kitchen towels. Securely riveted handles provide a firm and safe lift.
- [EXCELLENT HEAT CONDUCTION & RETENTION] – Features an impact-bonded aluminum base for fast and even heat distribution. The thick, multi-layer bottom prevents scorching and hot spots. The magnetized stainless steel exterior ensures compatibility with induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic, and halogen cooktops. Taller sides help retain heat longer.
- [TEMPERED GLASS LID] – The tight-fitting tempered glass lid locks in moisture and flavors while allowing you to monitor cooking progress easily. A built-in steam vent prevents boiling over and reduces spills. The metal knob, securely fastened with rivets, ensures a comfortable and safe grip.
- [GENEROUS SIZE] – The 11QT capacity is perfect for preparing large batches of soup, stews, stocks, and sauces for both home and commercial cooking. Accommodates big chunks of vegetables, meat, seafood, and more. Ideal for steaming lobsters, cooking corn on the cob, and canning.
Strain-and-Cook Innovation
GOTHAM STEEL 8 Qt Stainless Steel Stock Pot Multipurpose Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid & Twist and Lock Handles, for Soup, Spaghetti, Rice, Induction Ready, Dishwasher Safe
GOTHAM STEEL
- GOTHAM STEEL MULTIPURPOSE PASTA POT: Great for pasta, spaghettis and anything else that cooks on the stove! Use the strainer or not, this pot is designed for all types of foods and is oven safe & dishwasher safe. The Gotham Steel nonstick coating is composed of ceramic and reinforced with titanium, ensuring this frying pan free of PFOA, PFOS, lead & cadmium for an eco-friendly, healthy experience for your entire family
- THE ULTIMATE KITCHEN GADGET: The Gotham Steel Pasta Pot is 3 kitchen gadgets combined into a single pot. The 1st kitchen gadget included is the strainer lid- Strain your pasta with the built in strainer lid, no need for a colander. The 2nd kitchen gadget included are twist and lock handles- Keep your hands safe with the Gotham Steel Pasta Pot’s twist and lock handles. Lastly, get rid of all the sticky situations, food comes right out of the Gotham Steel Pasta pot with the ultra-nonstick ceramic coating.
- TWIST & LOCK HANDLES: Strain out water seconds – simply twist the handles and drain out the water – no strainer needed! Also includes 2 different straining sizes for fine and thicker foods, ensuring nothing slips out while straining.
- EFFORTLESS CLEANUP, DISHWASHER SAFE: Spend less time with cleanup! After all the cooking and prepping is done, place cookware in the dishwasher for quick and easy cleanup.
- METAL UTENSIL SAFE: The coating of the pan is infused with diamonds, the strongest material on earth which makes it durable enough to withstand metal utensils, spatulas, spoons, whisks and even electric beaters while delivering years of outstanding, nonstick use
Commercial Grade Capacity
HOMICHEF LARGE STOCK POT 24 Quart With Lid – Nickel Free Stainless Steel Cookware Stockpot 24 Quart – Healthy Cookware Polished Stockpots – Heavy Duty Induction Pot Soup Pot With Lid
HOMICHEF
- THIS 24QT STOCKPOT IS A NECESSARY ADDITION TO YOUR KITCHEN – This large 24QT 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 8LBS 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.
Budget-Friendly Reliability
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
Five-Layer Construction
Kirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot – 8 Quart Heavy Duty Induction Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta, Soup, Spaghetti, Nonstick Thick Bottom Big Stockpot, Deep Cookware for Canning, Boiling, Simmer
Kirecoo
- Stainless steel and 5 layers bottom: Kirecoo 8-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 8 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, induction cooktops. The 5-layer thickened bottom(10MM in base thickness) of Kirecoo induction pot ensures best thermal absorption and transmission no matter what kind of cooktops and safe to 350 degrees F. Besides, 8qt deep pan is suitable for dishwasher use, ensuring easy cleanup.
Compact Pasta Solution
Gotham Steel 5 Quart Stock Pot Multipurpose Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid & Twist and Lock Handles, Nonstick Ceramic Surface Makes for Effortless Cleanup with Tempered Glass Lid, Dishwasher Safe
GOTHAM STEEL
- TWIST & LOCK HANDLES: Strain out water seconds – simply twist the handles and drain out the water – no strainer needed!
- THE ULTIMATE KITCHEN GADGET: The Gotham Steel Pasta Pot is 3 kitchen gadgets combined into a single pot. The 1st kitchen gadget included is the strainer lid- Strain your pasta with the built in strainer lid, no need for a colander. The 2nd kitchen gadget included are twist and lock handles- Keep your hands safe with the Gotham Steel Pasta Pot’s twist and lock handles. Lastly, get rid of all the sticky situations, food comes right out of the Gotham Steel Pasta pot with the ultra-nonstick ceramic coating.
- MULTIPURPOSE POT: Great for pasta, spaghetti and anything else that cooks on the stove! Use the strainer or not, this pot is designed for all types of foods and is oven safe.
- 2 STRAINING SIZES: Includes 2 different straining sizes for fine and thicker foods, ensuring nothing slips out while straining.
- ULTIMATE CERAMIC NONSTICK: The Gotham Steel nonstick cooking surface is coated three times and then reinforced with diamonds to deliver the ultimate food release. No seasoning or even oil or butter needed, makes for healthier eating, and provides for hassle free, 1-2-3 cleanup.
- HEALTHY & NON-TOXIC: The Gotham Steel coating is composed of ceramic and reinforced with titanium, ensuring this frying pan free of PFOA, PFOS, lead & cadmium for an eco-friendly, healthy experience for your entire family.
- METAL UTENSIL SAFE: The coating of the pan is infused with diamonds, the strongest material on earth which makes it durable enough to withstand metal utensils, spatulas, spoons, whisks and even electric beaters while delivering years of outstanding, nonstick use.
- EFFORTLESS CLEANUP, DISHWASHER SAFE: Spend less time with cleanup! After all the cooking and prepping is done, place cookware in the dishwasher for quick and easy cleanup.
- OVEN SAFE UP TO 500° F: The pots and pans are suitable for all stovetops, except induction.
- EVEN HEATING: Stamped from a single sheet of aluminum in a heavy press ensures even heat conductivity and distribution all around with no dead zones or hot spots.
Extra-Large Capacity
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.
Tri-Ply Elegance
Ciwete 8 Quart Stock Pot, 3 Ply Whole Clad Stainless Steel Stock Pot, 8 QT Cooking Pot with Lid, Induction Pot for Cooking, 18/10 Stainless Steel Cookware Stockpots Oven, Gas and Dishwasher Safe
ciwete
- Heats Up Quickly With Tri-Ply Stainless Steel – The unique whole body tri-ply bonded construction alternates layers of stainless steel and aluminum for maximum durability. This pot heats up quickly and evenly while preventing hot spots, ensuring better food cooking and energy savings.
- Healthy Cooking Made Easy – Ciwete’s 8 quart stock pot is made with food-grade 18/10 stainless steel interior for better health, nutrition, and cooking. Ideal for classic cooking techniques like slow simmers, boiling lobster, crab, and soups, this pot is also great for everyday use!
- Elegant Copper-Tone Handles – Designed with style in mind, these ergonomic handles not only offer a comfortable grip and stay cool while cooking but also add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. More than just cookware, it’s a statement of taste.
- Comes With Tempered Glass Lid & Upgraded Package – Equipped with a steam vent lid, this elegant pot allows you to effortlessly monitor your cooking while sealing in heat, flavor, and nutrients. Plus, it comes in an upgraded, festive-ready packaging, making it perfect for any special occasion.
- Induction Pot For All Stovetops – This stock pot has a magnetized base (3-ply construction) that allows for even heat distribution, making it compatible with all stovetops, including induction, gas, ceramic, electric, halogen, etc. It is also dishwasher safe and oven safe to 500℉.（Glass Lid up to 350℉）
- Sincere Service & Quality Assurance – Ciwete is committed to providing good purchase and after-sales experience, any questions please contact us anytime 🙂
Small Batch Specialist
Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Stock Pot Saucepan Set with Lids, 1 Quart and 2 Quarts Multipurpose Stock Pots Set for Home, Kitchen or Restaurant, Black
Utopia Kitchen
- Set of 2 – The set comprises of one 1-quart stock pot saucepan and one 2-quart saucepan; the pans carry a thickness of 3 mm with a 2-layer non-stick coating inside and a heat-resistant paint on the outside.
- Versatile Cookware – 2 quart saucepan in the set is induction capable and suitable for all cooking surfaces including electrical and ceramic cooktops. 1 quart saucepan is spiral bottom and only works on traditional stoves; not suitable for induction cooking
- Convenience – A black Bakelite handle for easy handling of the pan/s and a 4 mm glass lid with Bakelite knob to keep the food protected
- Multipurpose – Whether it’s boiling pasta, making sauces, preparing meat or reheating leftovers, these saucepans will serve you for good
- Care Instructions – Hand wash the pans with hot soapy water and dry them using a soft cotton or linen towel; use a plastic or wooden utensil to keep the non-stick coating in great shape
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 should I choose for my kitchen?
Consider your cooking needs – small households might prefer 5-8 quart options like the Gotham Steel or Amazon Basics models, while larger families or those who batch cook should look at 11-20 quart pots. For commercial use or large gatherings, the 24 quart HOMICHEF or 42 quart VEVOR provide maximum capacity for cooking in bulk.
Are nickel-free stock pots better for health?
Nickel-free stainless steel cookware like the HOMICHEF models can be beneficial for those with nickel allergies or sensitivities. These pots use Japanese standard JYH21CT SS (21/0) which is more heat-conductive than traditional nickel-bearing stainless steel, though both options are generally considered safe for most users.
Which stock pots offer the best heat distribution?
Tri-ply and multi-layer construction provide superior heat distribution, with the Ciwete featuring whole body tri-ply bonding and the Kirecoo boasting a 5-layer bottom. The HOMICHEF models also feature 3-ply construction with a 4.2mm thick base that eliminates hot spots and warping.
Are there stock pots with special straining features?
The Gotham Steel models (both 5 and 8 quart) feature innovative twist-and-lock handles with built-in strainer lids, eliminating the need for a separate colander. These pots include two different straining sizes for fine and thicker foods, making them particularly convenient for pasta lovers.
Which stock pots are compatible with induction cooktops?
Most premium options including the HOMICHEF, SUNHOUSE, Amazon Basics, Kirecoo, and Ciwete models are fully compatible with induction cooktops. The Utopia Kitchen set has mixed compatibility – the 2 quart saucepan works with induction while the 1 quart does not.
What are the benefits of non-stick interiors in stock pots?
Non-stick interiors like those in the Kirecoo and Utopia Kitchen models make cleanup easier and prevent food from sticking during cooking. However, traditional stainless steel interiors like in the HOMICHEF and Ciwete models offer better durability and are preferred for developing fond when making stocks and sauces.
Which stock pots offer the best value for money?
The Amazon Basics 8 quart stock pot offers solid performance at a budget-friendly price with its aluminum-encapsulated base and versatile stovetop compatibility. For those needing special features, the Gotham Steel pasta pots provide excellent value with their multi-function design combining a pot, strainer, and non-stick surface in one.
How do I maintain and clean my stock pot?
Most stock pots including those from HOMICHEF, SUNHOUSE, and Amazon Basics are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. For non-stick models like Kirecoo and Utopia Kitchen, hand washing with non-abrasive sponges is recommended to preserve the coating. Always check manufacturer guidelines as some models like the Ciwete are oven safe up to 500°F (350°F for the glass lid).
