
Stock Pot Sizes: Comparison Chart
Size | Serves | Ideal for |
6-quart | 12 | Soup, chili, stew, curry, and pasta |
8-quart | 16 | Poultry stock and vegetable stock |
12-quart | 24 | Beef, pork, and game stock, steamed lobs ... |
16-quart | 32 | Canning |
What is the best stock pot size?
We think most home cooks will be well served with a 12-quart stockpot, but if you know you need a bigger size—to make larger batches of stock, huge pots of soups, or lobster boils for a very large crowd—then you may want to consider owning a 16-quart pot as well. The Tramontina is our top pick for this larger size.
What is the largest size stock pot?
What to look for in a good stock pot?
- Size: Stock pots typically come in sizes ranging as small as 6 qt. ...
- Shape: As show in the picture on the left, a stock pot usually has a round base, deep straight sides and a cover.
- Structure: No matter what type of pan you buy, you want it to have a thick, heavy bottom to prevent burning. ...
What size of scooter should I buy?
Width: Complete scooters will come with deck widths ranging from 4”-5”. Aftermarket decks range from 4.5”-6”. Choosing your size: When just starting out you’ll want to base your deck size off your height. If you’re below 5’ your going to want to be in the smaller range of 4”-4.5” wide and 19”-20” long.
What size stock pots should home cook have?
Stock Pot Sizes Chart: What Size Stock Pot Do I Need?
- Stock Pot Sizes Chart and Comparison. Be sure to read through entire article for more detailed information on how to choose the best stockpot and stock pot sizes.
- The Best Size Stock Pot Will Fit Your Cooking Needs. ...
- Important Features In Selecting A Stock Pot For Cooking. ...

What is a good size for a stock pot?
12-quartFor home use, stockpots come in a range of sizes, usually from 8 to 20 quarts (some commercial kitchens use massive 74-quart versions). For most home kitchen tasks, we think a 12-quart stockpot is an ideal size and large enough for making big batches of stock or sauce.
What is the most common stock pot size?
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.
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.
Why is a narrower stock pot better to use?
We found that the shorter and wider pots stacked more easily with the others we own, which made them easier to store after use. The narrower pots, however, took up less space on our stove, which made it easier to do other cooking tasks while our stock simmered away on a back burner.
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.
How big is a 8 qt stock pot?
Top Diameter:10 Inches. Height:6 1/4 Inches. Gauge:21 Gauge.
Do I need an expensive stock pot?
If you do need one, it is worth getting a sturdy one, as it must hold a large amount of liquid. Cheap stock pots may not be so cheap in the end, as they will be made of thinner gauge metal which will not hold heat as well and will not stand up to use. Plain aluminum is not the best material for stock pots.
How big is a 12-quart stock pot?
Overall Dimensions: Top Diameter:10 Inches. Height:8 7/8 Inches. Capacity:12 qt.
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.
Why are most stocks cooked in tall pots?
Unlike stew pots and dutch ovens, stock pots are tall and narrow, confining the liquid and solids to a restricted circumference. This slows down evaporation and allows water, bones, meat and vegetables to stack up in layers so that the flavors mingle while the rising heat works its way up through them.
Why should you use taller pots for making stocks?
A stock pot must also be tall and narrow. The smaller the surface area of the liquid, the smaller the field for evaporation. The height also concentrates the food in a narrow tower. As the liquid bubbles up, there is a superior concentration of flavors.
Is a stock pot the same as a Dutch oven?
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.
How big is a 10 qt stock pot?
Overall Dimensions: Top Diameter:10 Inches. Height:7 9/16 Inches. Capacity:10 qt.
How many quarts is the perfect pot?
5.5-quartThe Basics The Perfect Pot is a 5.5-quart pot with nonstick interior, solid aluminum construction, and a few bells and whistles to set it apart from a classic Dutch oven.
How tall is a 20 qt stock pot?
10 7/16 InchesHeight:10 7/16 Inches. Capacity:20 qt.
How big is a 5 quart pot?
The Sauté Pan (5 Qt) has a pan height of 2.72” (6.9 cm), handle height of 3.5” (8.9 cm ), total length of 22.5” (57.2 cm), and diameter of 12.25” (31.1 cm). The pan has a cooking surface diameter of 10.63” (27 cm).
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.
How are stock pots measured?
Stock pot sizes are measured by the amount of liquid they hold, which is measured in quarts.
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 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.
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.
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?
Stock pots were invented for cooking stocks and broths, which are edible liquids full of flavor. These can be consumed alone, but more commonly are used as the base for other dishes, for example, stews, casseroles, soups, and sauces.
Stockpot Sizes
The size of the stock pot you need will depend on the size of your family and the types of foods you like to cook. Stock pots are measured according to the amount of liquid they hold rather than their dimensions.
What size stockpot is best?
A large stockpot is usually around 6 quarts 6 L or larger. It is used for making soups, stews, sauces, gravies, and other types of liquidy dishes. This type of pot is typically made from cast iron, stainless steel, enameled cast iron, or aluminum. A large stockpot is ideal for cooking a wide range of ingredients such as vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, pasta, rice, beans, lentils, and even desserts.
How big is a large stockpot?
A stockpot is used to store ingredients while making soup, stew, or other dishes. It is usually made from stainless steel, but aluminum and copper stockpots are available. A stockpot comes in various sizes depending on how many people you are preparing meals for. For instance, if you are cooking for two people, a 1 quart stockpot is sufficient. However, if you are cooking a meal for six people, a 6 quart stockpot is needed. Stockpots are generally sold in sets consisting of a smaller stockpot and a larger stockpot. This allows you to easily switch between different recipes.
What Do You Use a Stockpot For?
Stockpots are used for making soups, stews, sauces, gravies, and other types of liquidy dishes. They are also used for cooking pasta, rice, beans, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, and eggs.
How Are Stockpots Measured?
A stockpot measures from 8 inches to 12 inches in diameter. It is usually made of stainless steel, aluminum, enameled cast iron, or copper. A stockpot comes with a handle and a spout.
What Is the Best Size Stock Pot For Spaghetti?
Stockpots come in many sizes, from 1 liter to 10 liters. A stockpot is useful for making soups and stews. How To Clean A Stock Pot?
What size stockpot do I need for crab legs?
A saucepan is a vessel used to cook sauces, soups, stews, gravies, and other liquids. It is usually made from stainless steel and comes in various sizes. A saucepan should be heavy enough to prevent tipping over while being sturdy enough to withstand frequent heating and cooling. Saucepans are available in different shapes such as round, oval, rectangular, and square. Round saucepans are generally preferred because they are easy to clean and handle. Rectangular saucepans are good if you frequently cook large amounts of food. Square saucepans are great for making pancakes and waffles. Oval saucepans are ideal for making omelets.
What should I look for in a saucepan?
A good rule of thumb is to buy a stockpot that holds about 2 gallons 7 liters of liquid. This is enough to cook 1 pound 500 grams of seafood per person. For instance, if you’re making 4 servings, you’ll need a stockpot that holds 7 liters.
What size stock pot should I use for spaghetti?
Smaller sized stock pots, like a 5 or 6 quart, are good for small batches of pasta, soups, and so forth. However, a 6 quart is a bit too small for a full pound of spaghetti noodles, so choose an 8 quart if your stockpot will be acting as a pasta pot, too.
What is a stock pot?
Stockpots are larger than saucepans (typically 5 quarts and larger) and are used for making stock, cooking pasta, creating large batches of soups, and more. Smaller sized stock pots, like a 5 or 6 quart, are good for small batches of pasta, soups, and so forth.
What to consider when buying cookware?
When you're shopping for new cookware, you are faced with a ton of options. Material, design, and price are just a few of the decisions you'll make. But one of the most important aspects of the cookware you buy is the size of the pieces. The three main things to consider when deciding on sizes are: What you typically cook.
Why are large cookware sets so versatile?
Larger pieces are versatile, letting you cook numerous dishes without running out of surface space or boiling over. On the flip side, larger cookware needs more cupboard room, of course, so a large set might not be for you if you have limited storage.
Is it better to have more space for cooking?
When it comes to cooking, having extra room is better than not having enough. Larger pieces are versatile, letting you cook numerous dishes without running out of surface space or boiling over. On the flip side, larger cookware needs more cupboard room, of course, so a large setmight not be for you if you have limited storage.
Is a 12" stainless steel pan better than a 10"?
The 8" is much too small to have as your only pan unless you're cooking for one and don't use it much. A 10" is fairly versatile overall, but some cooks still find that the 12" is better suited to some recipes.
Is an 8" frying pan a 12" pan?
An 8" frying pan isn't common, but a lot of people swear by it (usually in addition to a larger size, like a 12"). This article highlights some of the foods the 8" skillet does particularly well. The downside to a 12" stainless pan is that it can be heavy once full. It can also be more cumbersome to clean and store.
What to look for in a good stock pot?
Making stock requires long cooking over low heat so you want a pot that's big enough to make large batches of stock at the same time sturdy enough to handle a long cooking duration.
How many stock pots do you need for soup?
What you are looking for are very similar to what you would be looking for in a soup pot. 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.
Why are stock pots considered highly conductive?
Well-made stock pots are considered highly conductive when they can transfer heat evenly across the bottom and up the side so the food cooks the way it is supposed to.
Why do you need a thick bottom on a soup pan?
No matter what type of pan you buy, you want it to have a thick, heavy bottom to prevent burning. This is especially true with stock. Soup requires time to cook so the pan will be sitting on the stove tip for long periods.
Why is it important to buy a stock pot?
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.
Can you use a pan on the stove top?
These pans are great and I highly recommend them. You can use them on the stove top, in the oven, use metal utensils, deglaze, sear foods and best of all they clean up fast and easy. They are also dishwasher safe and have a lifetime warranty. What more can you ask.
Can you buy a whole set of pots at once?
Buying Sets or Individual Pots: Some people like to buy the whole set at once and get it over with. When I started buying cookware, I couldn’t afford to do it that way so I started with one 4 1/2 qt. sauce pan and added on.
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.
Why are stockpots so big?
There is also one other practical reason for stockpots being very large: Stock is a lot of trouble to make, and it really isn’t worth making in small amounts. However, not all pots called ‘stockpots’ adhere to this design. Also available are wider designs with more narrow sizes, which can be thought of simply as large pots for all-around use.
How heavy is a stockpot?
And weighing 4.4 pounds, it's lightweight enough to lift from stove to oven and sturdy enough to handle years of use. Reviewers love its even heating, size, shape, and durability. One shopper said, "Not only is this pot very well made and without all the harmful ingredients, but they also give you everything you need to properly take care of the pot itself."
How durable is a Cooks stockpot?
This is a surprisingly durable stockpot for its price point, with an aluminum disc layered in the bottom to prevent burning and stainless steel lid to lock in heat and moisture. The only downside to this stockpot is that it takes special handling to ensure that it will stay long-lasting, something many users reported in their reviews. Still, users love the price. One buyer even stated: "Thick bottoms, rivets instead of cheap welds. Almost nothing to complain about. These are wonderful and dirt cheap."
What is an all clad pot?
All-Clad is a company known for its superior quality kitchen equipment. Cooking experts and home chefs both agree that the tri-ply cookware is what makes this stainless steel stockpot more durable than a majority of other pots on the market. Users love the quality of the All-Clad material; one reviewer excitedly remarked, "The materials used in their cookware allow you to control the heat and cooking time very easily!"
What is a stockpot made of?
Most stockpots are made out of stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or enameled steel. These materials promote equal heat distribution, which decreases cook time and keeps food from burning. The best stockpot size and shape depends on your use. Stockpots can be as small as six quarts for single cooks and as large as 60 quarts to feed a small village.
Why are stockpots narrow?
You can also find stockpots that are narrow with tall sides to help reduce the amount of evaporation that occurs during the slow cooking process. To help you find the best stockpot for your needs, we've turned to reviews from actual customers who have purchased and used the cookware for themselves.
What is a salt stainless steel stockpot?
It boasts five layers of stainless steel to eliminate those pesky hotspots and is suitable for gas and electric stovetops, as well as oven use. Users love the pot's cool-grip handles that eliminate the need for oven mitts when stovetop cooking, as well as its generous size for water bath canning. One user's review sums up the Salt Stainless Steel Stockpot experience nicely: "Heats up evenly, sturdy handles. Reinforced bottom to prevent hot spots and scorching. I love it."
What temperature is a cook n home stockpot?
It's oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and compatible with all stovetop types, and you can even toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. Users love that sturdiness of the pot, with some commenting about the surprising quality at the price point. "This is an amazing product," one user wrote." It's durable and the handles are great. I use it over and over again."
