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- A top-quality stockpot will last you for the rest of your life and serve as the perfect tool for creating stock from turkey and chicken carcasses, slow simmering your best chili recipe, and for canning projects.
- The Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Covered Stockpot is our top pick because it heats evenly, is easy to clean, and comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
- See more: The best cookware sets
Frozen turkey is a loss leader at many supermarkets around the holidays. In our house, we stock up on these birds and celebrate "turkey weeks" well into the spring. We never let the carcass go to waste. With a good stockpot, some vegetables and spices, and a few hours of simmering, you can turn your turkey remains into a stock that beats anything you'd buy at the store. I usually add dumplings and more vegetables and meat to create a delicious turkey and dumpling soup.
Of course, a good stockpot is useful for making any kind of soup, even if you decide to use bouillon. It will also serve you well for large canning projects, cooking for large groups, and much more. Basically, a stockpot is an integral part of any home cook's repertoire. We're here to help you with your buying decision.
What to look for in a stockpot
The most popular material used in the construction of stockpots is stainless steel. However, not all stainless steel is created equal. 18/10 stainless steel is commonly found in top-quality stockpots, and it means there is 18% chromium and 10% nickel in the steel's composition. Steel with a higher nickel content is more resistant to corroding and will last you longer. If you are looking to save money, 18/8 stainless steel will serve you well. But, avoid 18/0.
Stainless steel does not conduct heat as well as other metals, such as aluminum. Therefore, many stockpots have an aluminum disk in the base to help with heat distribution. More expensive options are "tri-ply," which means there are three layers throughout the entire pot: an outer layer of stainless steel, a middle layer of aluminum, and another interior layer of stainless steel. These stockpots tend to be more durable and heat more evenly.
Anodized aluminum is also a popular material for smaller stockpots. Through the electrochemical anodizing process, aluminum bonds with a nonstick material. This produces a pot that has great nonstick properties while conducting heat well.
As part of our research for this guide, we looked at the reviews and ratings from hundreds of experts and buyers. The stockpots we chose to highlight in the following slides are easy to handle, tend not to scorch, and strike an excellent balance between size and functionality.
Here are the best stockpots you can buy:
- The best stockpot overall: Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Covered Stockpot
- The best high-end stockpot: All-Clad Stainless Steel Stockpot
- The best affordable stockpot: T-fal Specialty Nonstick Stockpot
- The best stockpot for induction ranges: Update International Induction Ready Stainless Steel Stock Pot
- The best stockpot for low-temp simmering: Cuisinart Chef's Classic 12-Quart Stockpot
- See more: The best cookware sets
Updated 10/31/19 by Jada Wong: Updated prices, formatting, and links.