Comparison: Stock Pot Vs Stock Cube (Updated | Dec 9th)
Every home cook faces the dilemma: reach for a rich homemade stock or the convenience of a stock cube? The debate between stock pots and stock cubes isn’t just about flavor—it’s about time, nutrition, and cooking philosophy. While a simmering stock pot fills your kitchen with aromas and promises depth, a stock cube offers instant solutions for busy weeknights. Understanding when to use each can transform your cooking from good to great, giving you the flexibility to create delicious meals regardless of your schedule or culinary expertise.
- Best for heavy-duty stainless steel: NutriChef 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot – 18/8 Food Grade Heavy-Duty Induction-Compatible Pot with See-Through Lid
- Best for professional hard anodized: Cuisinart 12-Quart Stockpot
- Best for space-saving stackable: Stock pot
- Best for versatile 3-piece set: Buffalo Tools STP3 3Pc Stock Pot Set 8/12/16Qt
Product Comparison: Stock Pot Vs Stock Cube
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
- 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
Cuisinart 12-Quart Stockpot, Hard Anodized Contour Stainless Steel w/Cover, 6466-26
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: Enjoy professional performance with Hard Anodized Exterior, Unsurpassed Heat Distribution–Reinforced with a Non-Stick cooking surface for Professional Results
- PREMIUM COOKING: drip-free pouring, sloped sides of skillet maximizes cooking surface. Oven safe up to 500-Degrees F
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING: cool grip handles are solid stainless steel riveted handles that stay cool on the stove top and provide a safe a solid grip
- CLEAN UP: easy clean up with hot soapy water and a non abrasive scrub pad
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
Buffalo Tools STP3 3Pc Stock Pot Set 8/12/16Qt
- Product Type: Tools
- Package Quantity: 1
- Country Of Origin: China
- Package Weight: 7.2 lbs
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 a stock pot and a stock cube?
A stock pot is a large, deep pot used for making stocks, soups, and stews, while a stock cube is a concentrated, dehydrated broth or stock formed into a small cube. Stock pots are used for cooking from scratch, allowing you to control ingredients and flavors, whereas stock cubes are a convenient shortcut for adding flavor to dishes.
What size stock pot should I buy?
The ideal size depends on your cooking needs and household size. For small families or occasional use, an 8-quart pot like the one in the Buffalo Tools set might be sufficient, while larger households or those who entertain often might prefer the 12-quart options from NutriChef or Cuisinart. Consider the largest batch of soup or stock you might make to ensure your pot can accommodate your needs.
What material is best for a stock pot?
Stainless steel is a popular choice as it’s durable, non-reactive, and often compatible with induction cooktops, like the NutriChef model. Hard anodized aluminum, like the Cuisinart option, offers excellent heat distribution and often features a non-stick surface for easier cleaning. The best material depends on your cooking preferences, stovetop type, and maintenance requirements.
Are these stock pots compatible with induction cooktops?
The NutriChef 12-Quart Stockpot is specifically designed to be induction ready, making it suitable for all stovetop types including gas, induction, ceramic, glass, and halogen. The Cuisinart stockpot’s compatibility with induction is not explicitly mentioned in its features, so you may need to verify this if you have an induction cooktop. The Buffalo Tools set and Parini stock pot also don’t specify induction compatibility in their descriptions.
Which stock pot offers the best value for money?
The Buffalo Tools STP3 3Pc Stock Pot Set offers excellent value as it provides three different sizes (8, 12, and 16 quarts) for versatile cooking options at one price. If you prefer a single high-quality pot, the NutriChef and Cuisinart options both offer premium features with the Cuisinart including a lifetime warranty. The Parini stock pot with its stackable design might be valuable if storage space is a concern.
How important is the lid design on a stock pot?
A well-designed lid is crucial for stock making as it helps retain heat and moisture while allowing steam to escape. The NutriChef model features a see-through tempered glass lid with a vent hole, allowing you to monitor cooking without removing the lid. A good-fitting lid also helps prevent evaporation, which is important when simmering stocks for extended periods.
Can these stock pots go in the oven?
The Cuisinart 12-Quart Stockpot is specifically noted to be oven safe up to 500°F, making it versatile for recipes that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven. The NutriChef stockpot has a maximum temperature of 500°F but notes that the glass lid has limitations, so it’s likely oven safe with some precautions. The Buffalo Tools set and Parini stock pot don’t specify oven compatibility in their features.
How do I clean and maintain these stock pots?
The Cuisinart stockpot offers easy cleaning with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive scrub pad, while the NutriChef is dishwasher safe though hand washing is recommended to preserve the stainless steel shine. For hard anodized surfaces like the Cuisinart, avoid using metal utensils that could scratch the non-stick surface. Always check the manufacturer’s specific care instructions to maintain the pot’s appearance and performance.
