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The 8 Best Stockpots in 2023

29 Aug.,2023

From stainless steel to hard-anodized aluminum models, read on for a comprehensive list of the best stockpots.

From making stew and boiling pasta to brining a chicken, a large stockpot is one of the best multi-tasking pieces in your kitchen. A 12-quart capacity pot is large enough for a family-sized batch of Bolognese (with leftovers), but not so large that it's impossible to store when it's not in use. With its tall and narrow silhouette, it enables slower evaporation—ideal for long-simmering bone broths and for steaming dumplings or vegetables without having to constantly add liquid.

Best Overall

Misen 8 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot

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What We Like

Ergonomic handles made it easy to carry
Large, wide surface area
Lip design makes for mess-free pouring

What We Don't Like

Comes only in one size

If you're searching for a stockpot that can do it all at a really great price, look no further than this 8-quart model by Misen. Made with brushed stainless steel, it is made from a 5-layer composite of stainless steel and aluminum for optimum heat conductivity, ensuring even heat distribution, and preventing hot spots from forming. It also has a stainless steel lid that keeps heat and moisture in, so long-simmering broths and stews won't evaporate too quickly. Riveted handles allow for secure transport on and off the cooktop. It is also compatible with virtually every range, including induction.

In our tests, we found this stockpot to perform just as well as higher-end models, at a fraction of the price. Ergonomic handles made it comfortable to carry, and the large and wide cooking surface gave plenty of room for sauteing onions and other aromatics with excellent heat control. The lip design of this pot made it easy to pour without spilling—a must for any stockpot. Cleaning, either by hand or in the dishwasher, was easy and required very little effort to remove any stuck-on food debris. Overall, this pan is quite a steal for its price versus performance, and we think cooks of all experience levels will appreciate its quality and design.

Price at time of publish: $115 for 8-quart stock pot

Best Splurge

All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 12 Qt. Covered Stock Pot

4.9

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What We Like

Lasting commercial grade quality
Superior heat conductivity

What We Don't Like

Tall profile might be too much for more petite individuals

The All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Stockpot is one of the most popular multi-clad stockpots available, thanks to its classic tri-ply construction that allows for quick, even heat distribution. Two layers of stainless steel are bonded with an aluminum core, giving it heft and durability. It features riveted handles and a matching stainless steel lid that provides a nice seal for locking in moisture and heat. It's also oven and broiler safe up to 600 degrees.

We liked how the handles stayed cool while the pot was in use, and also how they provided a comfortable grip for transporting the vessel on and off the stove. Despite its 12-quart volume, it was not unbearably heavy, which is useful when you need to use one hand to tilt it while scooping out the last remaining contents at the bottom. We found the pan responsive to adjustments in heat while sweating aromatics, and the lid to be excellent at preventing quick evaporation. While it is recommended that this pot be hand washed, we found it easy to remove any stuck-on food or fond with gentle scrubbing, and it even resisted staining or discoloration when run through the dishwasher.

While its price tag may not fit everyone's budget, anyone who is okay with making the investment will appreciate the longevity of this pan—it's commercial-grade quality and can put up with years, if not a lifetime, of frequent use and maintain its looks and top-tier performance.

Price at time of publish: $400 for 12-quart

Best Non-Stick

T-fal Specialty Total Nonstick Stockpot

Amazon

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What We Like

Excellent heat conduction
Lightweight for easy handling
Easy to clean via handwash or dishwasher

What We Don't Like

Low heat threshold
Nonstick finish is susceptible to scratches

Many people prefer the convenience of nonstick cookware, and the T-Fal Nonstick Stockpot is our top selection for quick clean-up.

This 12-quart stockpot is made from aluminum construction, which is known for its ability to conduct heat. The pot is coated with a nonstick finish that is consistently praised by users for its outstanding resistance to messy, sticky, burned-on messes. Many cooks find that it’s easy to rinse or wipe away any residue in the pot. Although it’s dishwasher-safe, many people say they skip the dishwasher since it’s so easy to clean.

This 12-quart stockpot is not as well-suited to high-temperature cooking. It should really only be used on medium or lower heat settings, due to the nonstick finish. Additionally, it’s only oven-safe to 350 degrees—which is quite limiting compared to the higher temperatures that stainless pots can handle. But if you plan to prepare meals without super high heat and don’t mind using only plastic or wooden utensils, the finish on the T-Fal Nonstick Stockpot will last for years, according to many happy cooks.

Price at time of publish: $48 for nonstick 12-quart

Material: Aluminum | Oven Safe: Up to 350 degrees | Weight: 4.6 pounds | Induction Ready: No | Dishwasher Safe: Hand wash recommended

Best Budget

IMUSA USA 12 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot

4.6

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What We Like

Good heat control and distribution
Not too heavy to lift
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Not induction friendly
Very thin compared to other models
Handles might feel small for larger hands

IMUSA is a leading manufacturer of very affordable Hispanic and other international cookware but also makes universally loved pieces like this stainless steel stockpot. Available in 8, 12, 16, and 20-quart versions, these vessels are designed for large-batch cooking. Featuring riveted handles and a matching stainless steel lid, this pot is excellent not just for soups and stews, but also to cook and steam crab legs or as a vessel for sous vide cooking. While this pot isn't induction-ready, it can be used on most other cooktops.

We tested the 12-quart version and liked how easy this pot was to lift and transport, encountering zero issues with food sticking. It responded well to adjustments in heat, ensuring we didn't burn or even brown ingredients we didn't want to. The finish held up well to an assortment of utensils, including metal. The one concern we have with this pot is long-term durability—it's a lot lighter and thinner than more expensive models, so it might not hold up well in a household that is hard on its cookware. But at this super budget-friendly price—especially for its size—we think its build and performance are fantastic, making it a solid choice for anyone not interested in spending upwards of $100 on cookware.

Price at time of publish: $23 for 12-quart

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Best Set

All-Clad Stainless Steel 12-Quart Multi-Cooker Cookware Set

4.4

Amazon

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What We Like

Superior construction
Aluminum core conducts heat well
Nests easily for storage

What We Don't Like

Only comes in one size
On the pricier side
Heavy when full

Once again, All-Clad comes in clutch with another option for durable, high-quality stainless steel pieces, this time in the form of a four-piece set suitable for a number of cooking applications. This set includes a 12-quart stockpot, lid, perforated straining insert, and steaming insert. The pot itself is made with 18/10 stainless steel which resists corrosion and is very durable and has an encapsulated aluminum disc for even, quick heating.

During testing, we found this to be fairly easy to use once we got used to how to control the pot's temperature. We think the inserts worked great for boiling pasta and steaming tamales, and also found it to be an excellent pot for cooking up a curry or soup for a crowd. One pain point is that it is pretty heavy when its full, making it a bit awkward to lift and pour out liquid, but this might just be due to the pan's sheer size because of its capacity. The pan was also easy to clean by hand—even though it's dishwasher safe—requiring just a little scrubbing to get any debris or stuck-on food dislodged.

While the price for this set is a little on the high side, it is one of the more affordable sets from All-Clad and boasts commercial-grade quality. Overall, we think it's a fantastic choice for families and likes the ease of perfectly-fitting inserts that give this model lots of versatility.

Price at time of publish: $180 for 12-quart

Best Enamel

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Steel Cover Enamel-Stockpot, 12-Quart

Amazon

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What We Like

Fun color to accent the kitchen
Stain and odor-resistant finish

What We Don't Like

Questionable durability of the finish
Hand wash only

For a stockpot with a pop of color, choose an enamel-coated version like the Cuisinart Enamel on Steel Stockpot. This brightly-colored 12-quart stockpot looks great in the kitchen and also performs well on the stovetop. The pot is constructed of stainless steel and coated with enamel to provide a stain and odor-resistant finish.

Users are a little conflicted about the durability of this pot, with a few people mentioning issues with enamel chipping or rust spots appearing. One suggestion that may be beneficial is to avoid putting this pot in the dishwasher, even though it is described as dishwasher-safe. As for the other performance benefits of enamel cookware, such as the ability to resist stains and odors, most people seem pleased with the Cuisinart Enamel on Steel stockpot.

Price at time of publish: $55 for red 12-quart

Material: Enamel on steel | Oven Safe: Up to 350 degrees | Weight: 6.75 pounds | Induction Ready: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

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Best Hard-Anodized

Calphalon Premier Space Saving Hard Anodized Nonstick Stockpot with Cover, 12-Quarts

Amazon

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What We Like

Hard anodized aluminum provides great heat conductivity
Easy to clean and store
Oven safe to 450 degrees

What We Don't Like

Exterior finish doesn't hold up in the dishwasher
Heavy

An alternative to nonstick cookware, hard-anodized cookware is another easy-keeper that is found in many kitchens. This Calphalon Hard-Anodized 12-Quart Stockpot is a popular choice for this category. This stockpot is made from aluminum that has been specially treated and heated to produce an anodized finish that is nonstick—without using a separate chemical coating on the pot. The result is a pot that will cook contents evenly while resisting burning or sticking. Hard-anodized cookware is also supposed to be significantly more scratch-resistant than typical nonstick finishes. It also can withstand higher levels of heat and is oven-safe up to 450 degrees.

People praise this stockpot for how easy it is to clean up and store. One thing to note is that while it is technically dishwasher-safe, many people found the outside finish to be ruined by the dishwasher. To be safe, it may be best to hand-wash this pot.

Price at time of publish: $170 for 12-quart stock pot

Material: Hard anodized aluminum | Oven Safe: Up to 450 degrees | Weight: 7.5 pounds | Induction Ready: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, but hand washing is recommended

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Best Wide

Heritage Steel 12 Quart Stock Pot with Lid

Amazon

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What We Like

Induction compatible
Oven safe up to 800 degrees
Made in the USA

What We Don't Like

Wide silhouette takes up a lot of storage space
Expensive

Most large-capacity stockpots tend to be tall, but this model from Heritage Steel offers better stability and surface contact with burners thanks to its wide profile. Made of multiple layers of stainless steel around an aluminum core, this ultra-durable stockpot has great heat conductivity and is also compatible to use with induction cooktops. It features riveted stay-cool handles that allow for a secure grip as you transfer the pot on and off the stove, and comes with a domed lid that helps retain moisture.

This stockpot can be used for soups, stews, steaming dumplings, and more, but is also oven safe to 800 degrees and can be utilized as a roasting pan in a pinch. One drawback to its wide design is that it does take up quite a bit of storage space, but its versatility is hard to beat—it's an investment, but well worth it.

Price at time of publish: $250 for 12-quart stock pot

Material: Aluminum, stainless steel | Oven Safe: Up to 800 degrees | Weight: 9.73 pounds | Induction Ready: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, but hand washing is recommended

Best 8 Quart

Mueller 8 Quart UltraClad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cooking Stock Pot with Lid and Ladle

4.8

Amazon

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What We Like

Affordable
Glass lid lets you monitor cooking
Induction-ready

What We Don't Like

Low oven-safe max temperature

If you're searching for a perfectly sized stockpot for soups, making broth, or steaming that has a generous capacity but isn't awkward or too bulky, an 8-quart version may be for you. This model by Mueller works will every stovetop, including induction, and is made with tri-ply construction—stainless steel surrounding an aluminum core for heat control and distribution. This modestly-sized pot gets major points for useful features, like the interior measurement markings and a tempered glass lid that lets you monitor what's cooking.

In our tests, we found it lightweight and easy to carry, with riveted handles that felt secure. The lip design also made it easy to pour out contents without spilling. The pot also handled sauteing meats and vegetables brilliantly (no sticking), and responded well to heat adjustments to prevent scorching. Its 8-quart size is generous enough to boil more than a pound of pasta at once, and has more than enough room for cooking chilis, soups, and anything else that you make in larger quantities. We ran this pot through the dishwasher and it came out sparkling clean, and liked that it comes with stainless steel polishing pouches to maintain its attractive mirror-like finish.

Overall, this stockpot performed well for a very modest price. The only thing we didn't like is that it is only oven safe to 250 degrees, but since this isn't a piece that you'd typically use under the broiler or in the oven, it's not a dealbreaker.

Price at time of publish: $48 for 8-quart stock pot

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