how to choose the right stock pot

• Household Size. When picking out the right stock pot size, the most important factor is your household size. ...
• Types of Cooking. Most things you cook in a stock bot will require boiling or simmering. ...
• Weight. Before choosing a stock pot, check its weight, which is usually listed online or on the box. ...
• Heat Conduction. A smaller stock pot will heat up faster and more evenly than a larger pot since the heat is more concentrated.
• Heat Retention. Generally, a larger stock pot will retain heat longer than a smaller one. ...
• Storage Space. As I mentioned, the capacity of your stock pot isn’t the only size you need to consider. The height and diameter will affect where you can store it.
Stovetop Size. It’s easier to find a different stock pot size than to change your stove, so you should choose a pot that will fit your setup.
Price. If you compare pots within the same brand and collection, larger stock pots will cost more than smaller ones.

Full Answer

What size stock pot should I buy?

Stock pots typically come in sizes ranging as small as 6 qt. to as large as 20-qt. before getting into commercial sizes. Stock pots need to be larger than your soup pot because you usually make a larger batch of stock than you do soup but there is no reason to buy two separate pots.

How do I choose the best stockpot?

If you want a stockpot just because you need a very large pot, but you don’t intend to make a lot of stock, you may want to choose a stockpot with a wider design, instead of a tall and narrow one.

Why is a good stock pot so important?

Buying a good stock pot, also called a stock or cooks pot, is important to every home cook because of its versatility. Not only will you use it for making stocks and stock reductions, it will come in handy when you cook pasta, make soups, braise meats, make your famous homemade tomato sauce, and plenty more.

Do you need more than one stock pot for Soup?

In fact, you really need just one pot for both stocks and soups depending on how much of each you are planning to make. Here are some important things to look at when choosing a stock pot. What to look for in a good stock pot?

What kind of stock pot do I need?

For most home cooks, a 12-quart stockpot will be sufficient; they are also easier to stow away in cabinets. Bulkier, larger 16-quart stockpots are incredibly useful for large-format cooking, but if you only use it once a year or so, you'll have to decide if it's worth the extra storage space.

What is a good size for a stock pot?

12-quartA stockpot is typically the largest pot in the kitchen. You can buy them in sizes starting at 8 quarts, which is a fine size for cooking pasta, but for a great multipurpose, large pot, we recommend a 12-quart.

What is the best type of stock pot?

Our top pick is the Cooks Standard 12-Quart Classic Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid, thanks to its durable 18/10 stainless steel construction and easy maintenance. For a budget-friendly pick, the Cook N Home 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid offers no-frills, reliable performance at a great price.

What type of pot is best used for stock Why?

Stock pots need to be larger than your soup pot because you usually make a larger batch of stock than you do soup but there is no reason to buy two separate pots. You can easily make soup in a stock pot with room to spare, but you may come up short the other way around. I'm recommending you look at a 6-qt. - 12-qt.

Should I get a 8 or 12-quart stock pot?

An 8-quart stockpot is large enough to cook bone broth using an entire small chicken. For the most versatile size, we recommend a 12-quart stockpot. The 12-quart pot will handle larger bones (duck, beef shank, pork shank, etc.), and it will come in handy if you want to steam whole lobsters or ears of corn.

What is the difference between a stock pot and a soup pot?

These are: A soup pot has a heavier base to allow for thicker soup, whereas a stock pot has a thinner and lighter base. Since the ingredients needed to make soup tend to be much thicker, your soup pot's base must hold up in high heat.

What stock pot do chefs?

The Cooks Standard 8-Quart Classic Stainless Steel stock pot is the way to go for people looking for an all-around pot that can deliver results for any cook. The gold standard for stock pots is stainless steel since it's durable, lightweight, and nonreactive so you can cook your Sunday sauce without worry.

What is the difference between a Dutch oven and a stock pot?

A Dutch oven will generally be circular or oval with sloping sides and have a tight-fitting lid. A stock pot, by comparison, is often taller and more square in shape, with straight sides and a loose-fitting lid.

What kind of pot is best for stew?

For soup, chili, stew, curry, and pasta, use a 4-quart to 6-quart saucepan. For poultry and vegetable stock, use an 8-quart to 10-quart saucepan. You will be able to cook in a tiny amount due to this, and it will also enable you to prepare meals for your entire family.

Do I need an expensive stock pot?

Despite the good design, stockpots are bulky, heavy, and can be expensive. They will take up a lot of room in storage so unless you plan to make a lot of stock, or very large batches of soup or sauces, or boil large amounts of pasta, you probably do not need one. You can still make a good stock in almost any large pot.

How do you measure a stock pot?

Stock pot sizes are measured by the amount of liquid they hold, which is measured in quarts. The most common stock pot sizes are 6-quart, 8-quart, 12-quart, and 16-quart. They go up to 20-quart and beyond, but those sizes are primarily used in commercial kitchens.

How big is a 12-quart stock pot?

Overall Dimensions: Top Diameter:10 Inches. Height:8 7/8 Inches. Capacity:12 qt.

Size

Stock pot sizes typically range between 8 quarts to 160 cubic inches and 8 to 30 inches in size. A smaller pot, such as an 8-quart, 10-quart, or 12-quart stockpot, is better for families than larger pots.

Materials

It is important to consider the material that your stockpot is made from. Every option has its advantages and disadvantages, including price, durability, and performance. Compare the various options before making a final decision.

Structure

You can always visit your local restaurant supply shop for kitchen equipment and tools. However, some people prefer to shop online. You can easily get all your required equipment at Texas Restaurant Supply that offers restaurant supply in Dallas Tx. The stock pots are sorted by size and material and it’s easy to find what you need.

What is the most important factor when picking out the right stock pot size?

When picking out the right stock pot size, the most important factor is your household size.

Why is a stock pot smaller than a larger pot?

A smaller stock pot will heat up fast er and more evenly than a larger pot since the heat is more concentrated.

How many quarts of stock in a calphalon pot?

Calphalon stock pots come in 4, 4.5, 6, 8, 12 quarts, and Anolon stock pots come in 6.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5, and 10 quarts.

What is the size of a stock pot base?

The size of the base is approximately the size of the diameter. If you refer back to this chart, you’ll see that stock pots with larger capacity don’t always have wider diameters. Keep that in mind if you plan to use your stock pot for searing or braising.

What is the purpose of a large stock pot?

Thicker meals, like stew or chili, are more difficult to stir, so the extra room in a large stock pot helps.

How are stock pots measured?

Stock pot sizes are measured by the amount of liquid they hold, which is measured in quarts.

Which holds heat longer, a stock pot or a smaller?

Generally, a larger stock pot will retain heat longer than a smaller one. Large stock pots are made with more material (steel/aluminum) and hold more ingredients, which absorb and help retain heat.

What is a stock pot?

Tips For Choosing An Affordable But Good Quality Stockpot. A stock pot (sometimes spelled stockpot) is a very large and deep pan with straight sides. They are used for simmering large amounts of liquids and their size allows you to fit all the stock ingredients you will need to make a stock. You can use a stock pot any time you need ...

How big is a stock pot?

If you do want a stock pot, the largest available is probably not a good choice for the home cook. Stock pot sizes for the home cook range from 8 to 22 quarts, a monster of a pot! For restaurant and industrial use, stockpots come in sizes as large as 200 quarts, a pot that most of us would consider a vat.

What size stock pot should I use for pasta?

They come in 6, 8, 10, and 12-quart sizes. Realistically, a 6-quart stockpot is basically a sauce pot. If you really plan to make a lot of stocks and also to boil a lot of pasta I would recommend at least an 8-quart stockpot and perhaps a 10 or larger. This article contains one or more Amazon affiliate links.

How big of a stockpot do you need for lobster?

If you plan to use huge bones then you will need a huge stockpot. Also, if you plan on cooking a lot of lobster, you’ll need to go big. In Maine, a huge stockpot is a necessity! For the casual cook, 12 quarts is a good size to have.

What is the best pot for a home cook?

The best choices for the home cook is a pure stainless steel pot, a stainless steel ‘clad’ pot, or stainless steel with a steel encapsulated (clad) aluminum base.

How much does a stainless steel pot cost?

A stainless steel pot with an encapsulated base can be a cost-effective option but since there are affordable clad pots available, that are much cheaper than higher-end brands such as All-Clad, which can cost more than $300, a little more money may go a long way. However, an encapsulated base is a good compromise.

What is the best material to use for a pot?

Anodized aluminum or aluminum alloy might also be good choices, reducing the weight of the pot significantly while giving great heat conductivity and minimizing reactivity. Clad pots with anodized aluminum or aluminum alloy, with an inner layer of regular aluminum, are also available.

How to Choose the Best Stock Pot?

Don’t look at stock pots as a whole. Instead, look at the different components of the stock pot to help you decide which one you should choose.

What is a stock pot?

A stock pot is a kitchen must-have. A stock pot can be used to make soup, boil water for pasta, or to brine meat, just to name a few. Even if you don’t use your stock pot every day, it is a kitchen staple that you’ll wish you had when the time comes. Stock pots come in different sizes and are made from different materials, ...

What is an 8 quart stainless steel pot?

The 8-quart pot is stainless steel with a mirrored polished finish, giving it a top-rated quality look. The bottom of the stock pot has an aluminum-layered disc bottom that heats quickly on the stovetop. The capsuled aluminum disc on the bottom of the stock pot allows the entire pot to heat quickly and evenly.

Why do stainless steel pots rattle?

The disadvantage to a stainless steel lid is that moisture can get trapped inside the pot as it boils or simmers, causing the lid to shake or rattle while cooking.

What is a 6 quart stock pot?

This 6-quart stock pot is made of tri-ply stainless steel and has a pure aluminum core. It is created with Cuisinart’s Heat Surround Technology, which ensures that the heat is distributed through the pot evenly each and every time. The handles are designed to stay cool while the pot is hot so that you can safely and easily transfer the pot from one location to the next.

How hot can a stock pot be in the oven?

The stock pot and glass lid can be placed into an oven up to 350 degrees. The glass lid has a ventilation hole to allow steam to escape while the pot is covered.

Why do stock pots have a lid?

The stock pot includes a tight-fitting lid to ensure that moisture, flavors, and heat stay inside the pot as it is used on the stovetop.

How to choose the right pot for houseplants?

When determining how to choose the right pot for your houseplant, a key consideration is the size of the new container relative to the old. A common myth is that plants will grow larger if potted in a larger pot, like a goldfish in a fishbowl. This seems logical, but actually most houseplants prefer a snugger fit.

How to keep a plant from sitting too far down in pot?

You want the soil level to be the same as it was previously, so if the plant is sitting too far down in the pot, keep adding soil a small handful at a time, making a little divot in the center for the roots. If the plant is sitting up too tall, remove a little until it’s just right.

Why teasing old soil from root ball when repotting?

Gently teasing the old soil from the root ball when repotting improves air circulation and helps the plant grow into its new container.

What is the best way to use charcoal chips for pots?

When we pot directly into a container without drainage here at Pistils, we use small activated charcoal chips to line the bottom. Charcoal actually soaks up moisture like a sponge, unlike pebbles, and is anti-bacterial as well, filtering impurities and preventing fungal growth.

When is the best time to repot a plant?

Springtime is the best time to repot. Plants are emerging from their winter dormancy and are hungry for fresh nutrients and more room to grow. It’s also warm and bright which means that soil will dry out quickly between waterings (which is important after repotting to avoid root rot).

How to tell if a plant needs more room?

Some common signs that a plant needs more room or fresh soil nutrients are: A noticeable decrease in soil level or quality (soil level has dropped over time or appears dry and hardened) Roots visibly growing out the bottom of the pot, top edges of the pot, or busting through the pot.

Is it better to plant in a pot with no drainage or no holes?

Simply put, a pot with drainage (holes) is almost always the better option for plant health than a pot with no drainage ( no holes). That’s not to say you can’t pick a pot without drainage, but if you’re a beginner puzzling over how to choose the right pot, drainage holes will definitely simplify your care regimen.

How to Choose the Best Stock Pot for Your Kitchen

The best stock pot reviews often compare stock pot materials and construction details. Before you buy, also consider size, heat distribution capabilities, corrosion resistance, ease of care and cleaning and whether the stock pot can be used for open flame or induction cooking.

Stainless Steel Stock Pots

Many cooks consider stainless steel the best material for stock pots. It heats rapidly, is lightweight, easy to clean and built to last. Stainless steel stock pots don't have coatings that can wear off or get scratched, so you can use all kinds of cooking tools and kitchen utensils with them.

Tri-Ply Stock Pots

For better heat distribution and heat conductivity than stainless, consider a tri-ply stock pot. Tri-ply pots have an inner and outer layer of stainless steel and a middle, bonded layer of aluminum or copper. Some of the best and most durable tri-ply stock pots have bonded layers that go all the way up the sides.

Multi-Clad Stock Pots

Multi-clad stock pots also have layers of different materials, with some featuring five or seven layers. Multiple layers add to the weight of the pot, although some cooks prefer them because they may help reduce the possibility the pot will eventually warp. Some multi-clad stock pots are safe for induction cooking.

Copper Stock Pots

Many chefs and home cooks choose copper stock pots for their beauty as well as their rapid, superior heat conduction. Copper cookware and stock pots are sometimes at the higher end of the price range but can be an excellent value when purchased for their heirloom quality.

Aluminum Stock Pots

Aluminum stock pots are versatile cookware pieces typically available at an affordable price. They conduct heat rapidly but don’t offer the even heat distribution you’ll find in stainless. Only copper conducts heat better than aluminum, but some foods, such as tomatoes and vinegar, react to it, resulting in flavor or color changes.

Hard-Anodized Aluminum Stock Pots

Hard-anodized aluminum stock pots and cookware are made from electrochemically-treated aluminum. This aluminum is about twice as hard as stainless steel and has an oxidized layer that resists scratching. Some interiors have raised designs to help foods release easily, so hard-anodized aluminum stock pots are somewhat non-stick.

Why do plants need bigger pots?

The reason why many varieties need larger pots has more to do with what's going on under the dirt, as opposed to above it. "Though different types of plants will have varying preferences in terms of pot size and needed space for the development of new roots, most grow well when pots are at least two inches larger in diameter than the plant," explains Barnett. "This allows ample room for growth to continue as the plant matures and becomes more established."

Can overpotting cause yellow leaves?

Some of the risks you run into with overpotting is that larger containers can stay excessively wet for longer durations of time, causing root rot, yellow leaves, and even plant death. "To combat this issue, consider carefully downsizing into a smaller, more appropriately sized planter," she explains.

Can you overpot a plant?

Though sizing up is more common, you may find yourself looking for a smaller container if you have "overpotted" the plant, or transplanted it into a vessel that is too large. "Size selection of planting pots correlates directly to aeration and moisture within the planter," explains Barnett. Some of the risks you run into with overpotting is that larger containers can stay excessively wet for longer durations of time, causing root rot, yellow leaves, and even plant death. "To combat this issue, consider carefully downsizing into a smaller, more appropriately sized planter," she explains.

Do potted plants add visual appeal?

Whether you're growing them inside or out, potted plants add a great deal of visual appeal to your space. In order to keep them looking as beautiful as they did on the day you brought them home, you need to make sure you're meeting all of their needs.

Do plants need to be repotted?

Sizing Up. Almost all plants will need to be repotted at some point in their life cycle, so you'll want to familiarize yourself with the signs. "Growers may begin to notice that plants need to be watered much more frequently," she says.