Copper is rated at twice the conductivity of aluminum, and this makes it the absolute best material for cookware. Its ability to heat up quickly and evenly, then to cool down quickly, gives it superior control over the cooking process that is unmatched by other materials. Another French company with a long history of producing top-end cookware, Mauviel produces several lines of copper kitchenware for professional and home use. The M’Heritage line features pieces constructed of bilaminated copper and stainless steel. But deBuyer has solved this with a special iron-magnetic, stainless steel bottom – creating the Prima Matera line for efficient use on all ranges, including induction.
In the case of their stockpots, the wide, ergonomically designed stay-cool handles, which are secured with stainless steel rivets, allows for a comfortable, steady grip. It took about 19 minutes to bring water to a boil in this pot, longer than most, and it had the heaviest lid, which weighed in at a substantial 2 pounds, 1½ ounces. Its V-shaped handles featured a curved point rather than an angled one, but we still found them comfortable to grip while holding and pouring from the pot. We previously tested stockpots, but most of the models we looked at have been discontinued, so we decided to retest. We focused on finding the best 12-quart stockpot because we think it’s the most useful size—big enough to accommodate most jobs yet small enough to easily store. Our efforts resulted in not only gallons of fragrant chicken stock but also a new favorite stockpot.
The Viking 12-quart stockpot is built from tri-ply, fully clad stainless steel. Instead of just a multilayered base, like my other picks, there are three layers of metal throughout the entire pot. I know I just said that fully-clad stainless steel isn’t necessary for a large stock pot. If it’s in your budget and you don’t mind the added weight, I’m all for it. The riveted stainless steel handles are sturdy and might just be my favorite feature.
We excluded stockpots made from aluminum, which reacts with acidic ingredients and can warp when used with high heat. We also ruled out pots made with enameled steel, which is used for sautéing and browning, or those with non-stick coatings that excel at cooking eggs, fish, and battered foods like pancakes. It shares the same build quality as the 12-quart version, which we also tested. Its shortcoming are minor, and, for the price, it’s the best we found.
The thick, heavy sidewalls won’t have a huge impact when you’re boiling water or making stock using a traditional gas or electric range. But they can be very beneficial if you’re going to be slow cooking or braising large cuts of meat. I was first taught the value of a good stock pot when I was in culinary school. I learned that a flavorful stock is one of the key (or dare I say “secret”) ingredients in many of the best restaurant dishes. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. My family really loves making soups on weekends and therefore, we have plenty of this kind of pots, indeed.
The Cuisinart stock pot can even be placed into the oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Stainless steel handles, knob, and rims prevent chipping and cracks for a lifetime of use. Stock Pot can be a much used, much needed splash of colorful form and function for your kitchen. New cooks still need reliable equipment to learn on, and this Cook N Home doesn’t disappoint. The 12-quart stainless steel stockpot comes with a tempered glass lid, cool-grip handles, and a reinforced rim for all of your pouring needs. 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.
The porcelain-coated interior is as easy to clean as Le Creuset’s legendary porcelain-enameled cast iron Dutch ovens and frying pans. And with both the interior and exterior coated with Ecolon, cleanup is fast and easy too. One hundred percent dishwasher safe, cleanup couldn’t be easier – just use a dishwasher detergent that’s free of bleach or citrus additives, or hand wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Calphalon recommends using plastic, silicone, or wooden utensils to prevent scratching the nonstick surface. The hard-anodized aluminum provides outstanding heat conductivity for energy-efficient performance, and is virtually free of hot spots.
My best overall and budget pick are very similar when it comes to cooking performance. But, I think that the handle design of Cuisinart alone makes it worth the slightly higher price. As the name implies, a stock pot is great cuisinart soup maker for making stock or bone broth. The only safety concern to keep in mind is the large size and weight of a stockpot full of food. It can be very dangerous to lift and move such a large pot that’s full of hot liquid.
But don’t let the word “luxury” fool you – their high prices reflect top-end craftsmanship as well as state of the art research and development, employing ever-evolving construction techniques and materials. Prices vary with each size, but regardless of their capacity, they prove to be solid performers with an economical price tag. Fans love the tri-ply disk bottom, which is thick and hefty with even heating. This makes it ideal for simmering stews, chili, and soups for long periods without any sticking, burning, or scorching. And on larger models of 24, 32, 40, 80, and 100 quarts, the handle plate is also riveted to the wall to provide the strength needed to handle the extra stress of their greater weight. This also means the interior walls will show rivet heads on these larger models, absent in the 8-, 12-, and 16-quart versions.
Available in pastel shades of grey, a blue “mint” with either a ceramic coated lid or a tempered glass version, and the pink version that comes only with a tempered glass top. Constructed of thick-gauge cast aluminum, the Retro stockpot provides durability and has all of the hallmarks of a well-crafted, quality kettle. Back in 1968, Calphalon debuted on the marketplace with a new line of professional-grade cuisinart clermont cover cookware made from anodized aluminum, a specialized material used in aeronautics. The GreenGourmet stockpot gets top marks from happy shoppers for its outstanding nonstick performance, quick and even heat conductivity, and fast and easy cleanup. Made in China, the GreenGourmet comes with Cuisinart’s limited lifetime warranty to be free of manufacturing and material defects.