Please recommend a good stock pot--size and brand

[farm girl at heart]

Hi mamas,

I'm new here but have been perusing the TF forum for months as a guest. I don't know what took me so long to join! As a new TFer, I really appreciate what I've learned here from all of you.

I'm having a heck of a time choosing what size and brand stock pot to get. I'm assuming stainless steel is the best choice material. But what about size? I'm trying to decide between 12 and 16 qt. I want to make stock and freeze it in smaller containers and have it last for a couple weeks before having to make more. What size works best for you?

And what brands do you like best? I've looked at All-Clad (the cheaper version), Farberware, and a few others on Amazon.

TIA

[tabitha]

i have two 16 quart SS stockpots. they are handy because i can have one with beans and another making bone broth. one is cheap, maker unknown, and it will burn on the bottom endlessly if i cook the wrong things in it. another is IKEA's 365 largest pot and i love the whole line. good prices and heavy duty- we bought the entire line 4 years ago and never looked back.

however, depending on your circumstances, you may find like me that 16 quarts is not enough. it is never enough for me, because i cook down our garden tomatoes into sauces and can them, because i need more room for cheesemaking. even if a 16qt can hold 4 gallons it is almost spilling.

that is just me. and that is why i am buying a new stockpot for this season- the lower-cost allclad 24qt SS- from amazon. i know i will wish i had two!

[kmamma]

i have a 12 quart enameled steel, le creuset that i recently found on clearance at macy's--i was overwhelmed. enamel is non-reactive, so it works for everything. i also have ikea 365, but lost the lid somewhere along the road. it worked well, but i'm always suspicious of a 'spun' interior as i've read it gives a metallic taste to food. i haven't verified that though.
12 qt has been suffiicient for me since i used to use my 6 qt crockpot.

[farm girl at heart]

Thanks! I think I'm going to go with the All-Clad. I love the look of the Le Creuset pots, but a lot of Amazon reviewers complain about the enamel chipping off.

Anyone else have suggestions?

[MCsMom]

I have never heard of the enamel chiping off the Le Cruset, and if it does,they are guaranteed for life, just return them and get a new one.

However, I have one of their stockpots, and Love it, but it is heavy heavy heavy.


PS - I like your signature quote and welcome to MDC.

[tabitha]

for those with the le creuset (love the brand but have never used the stock pot) is the bottom heavy/ hick?

[AarenLisbeth]

check out www.cookswares.com and look up Update International covered stock pots. 12qt=$59, 16qt=$68, 20qt=$89. 18/8 stainless s., made for restaurants etc. I think its a steal! I, however, just spent a bit more and went for the Matfer Bourgeat in s.s. I love the quality of Bourgeat, it's french quality, and these are used by students/ teachers at the C.I.A. I also have their roasting pan which is magnificient as well. HTH~

[425lisamarie]

I have 12, 16, and 20 from All clad. The largest is lighter weight because it's just for stock, it's not their super expensive stainless that I use for other cooking

[kmamma]

No, le creuset stockpots are not really 'thickly bottomed', like a dutch oven, but thick enough so that food does not burn when making stock.

[Nora'sMommy]

The Sam's near me has a 20qt for $48 and a 24qt for $53. They are both SS and have a super thick bottom. Looks exactly like the All-Clad pp posted above.

I just bought the 24qt one because it wasn't any wider just taller and figured why not for $5 more.

Great deal!

I showed it to my local wapf chapter leader and she wants me to buy her one since she doesn't have a Sam's membership.

[tabitha]

i just bought the all-clad ss 24qt on amazon that i linked to before. (tax return!)

i had hoped the le creuset would be higher quality. i love my glass enameled cast iron skillet from them. oh, well! because i also make reduced canning sauces of tomatoes, jams, etc, i need a very thick bottom.