7 Best Soup and Stock Pots

The best soup recipe requires the best soup pot! With some raw ingredients, a perfect blend of spices and the right soup pot, one ends up making a gem with love and care. Buying and picking up an appropriate soup pot or a stockpot is essential for every household.

With the versatility and variety available, it can be a bit of a challenge to pick the best one. A soup pot, as the name suggests, is not just used to make soup. It is a multi-purpose utensil that comes in handy to cook anything and everything.

With years of durability, high quality and promising performance, we are here to help you select the finest and the most appropriate soup pot for your kitchen! The following section includes the list of the best soup pots:

Here are the best stockpots:

• The best overall: Winware SST-40 Stainless Steel 40 Quart Stock Pot
• The best on a budget: 20 QT Stainless Steel stock pot
• Best stockpot with glass cover: Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel pot
• Best durable stockpot: BREAUXS Stainless Steel Stockpot
• Best east-to-clean stockpot: HOMICHEF Large Stainless Steel Stockpot

1. 20 QT Stainless Steel stock pot

First on the list is the 20 QT stock pot from Update International. This pot makes for a good piece of cookware with multiple features. The spacing, look and utility of this pot is not only perfect for a professional kitchen but also a home kitchen.

An impressive, sleek and exceptionally smooth surface gives this soup pot a classy touch. Owing to it’s superb manufacturing process and the technology that revolves around the making of the same, this pot is one of the best made soup pots.

The flat bottom of the cooker is made up of aluminium metal and steel making it a good conductor of heat.

The body of the pot is made of high-quality metal that ensures is is easy to clean manually as well as through a dish-washer. Also, the pot is supplemented with unique handles and has no rivet joints leaving a smooth interior as well as an additional top lid.

The size of the pot is perfect for the whole family! There is always plenty of room for mixing and stirring. The pot can easily store up to 5 gallons of liquid, which is a great holding capacity for a soup pot!

Pros:

• Thick base for uniform distribution of heat
• Smooth design in and out for easy cleanup
• Large size
• Accompanied by a lid
• Unique handles with no bolts
• Made from stainless steel that doesn’t tarnish the flavor of the food

Cons:

• The blend of aluminium and steel can be a problem for some

Specs:

Overall Dimension: 10.8 x 12.4 x 12.4 inches, 20 Qt Capacity, and 10.8 pounds

Brand: Update International

2. Cooks Standard Stockpot

Moving on, the next soup pot is the Cooks Standard Stockpot. From stewing to browning and simmering, this casserole pot is an all-rounder and multi-purpose pot.

Most regular pots are made of iron or aluminium which is considered a little unsafe for food. Unlike those inferior versions, this pot is made from premium quality stainless steel which does not alter the taste of the food.

With a thick layered bottom, the distribution of heat is even and your  food will cook uniformly. This layer with the perfect thickness promises your food to be cooked just right, provided you are paying attention as well of course!

The pot can store up to 1.5 gallons of liquid and there is enough space for mixing and tuning and tossing easily. The pot can be used on multiple cooktops like gas, induction, glass, ceramic and so on.

The smooth-surfaced pot can be cleaned and washed very easily, either manually or in a dishwasher. This pot proves to be very versatile as it can be used in the oven as well as the cooktop.

Giving this pot a beautiful finishing touch, it is supplemented with a lid made from tempered glass which will help you to keep of your food throughout the cooking process. And the firm and sturdy handles make the handling of the pot very easy and convenient. Make sure you also check our guide to the best wooden salad bowls.

Pros:

• Large size
• Stainless steel finish
• The layered aluminium base for even heating
• Has a tampered lid
• Sturdy and firm handles
• Ideal for use in multiple stovetops
• Dishwasher and oven safe

Cons: 

• Cleaning around the rivets on the handles is not easy

Specs:

Package Dimensions:14 x 12 x 7 inches, 5 pounds, and 6 QT

Brand: Neway International Housewares

3. All-Clad 4508 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Safe Stockpot

With performance well above board, we present to you, the All-Clad 4508 Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Safe Stockpot. By an industry leader, promising quality and high-tech design is what you should expect..

Tri-ply or three-ply technology is used to make this pot. It has multiple layers of premium stainless steel and aluminium in the base to give you even and uniform heating. A pot, ideal for all kitchen types, it has heightened walls that make the evaporation process slow for maximum flavour and taste.

This pot can easily accommodate up to 2 gallons of liquid, and its designed with a wide bottom that helps in easy sautéing or cooking many variou food items. The stockpot is versatile for cooking on stovetops, inductions and other cooktops too.

The body of the pot has a perfect finish which is non-stick.. It is also supplemented with firmly affixed handles and a glass lid that adds to the cooking experience. This pot can also work on temperatures as high as 600F.

Pros:

• High-quality product
• Large size
• Uniform heating
• Elegant finishing
• Non-stick quality
• Can be used on induction tops

Cons:

• Extra care is required while cleaning

Specs:

Overall Dimensions: 14.1 x 11.2 x 5.8 inches, 5 pounds, and 6QT.

Brand: Groupe SEB

4. Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel pot

Next up is the Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel pot which is crafted with a lot of thought and care. It has a polished interior and exterior which is smooth and goes as perfectly well in a professional or a personal kitchen.

Stainless steel pots are premium quality pots that do not rust and are easy to clean and maintain. This pot has an aluminum base that is not just a good heat conductor but is thick enough for the heat to be evenly distributed throughout the food.

It is a very versatile pot that can be used in multiple cooktops like induction, gas, stovetops and more. The pot can also be used in the oven. There is an additional tempered glass lid that lets you watch the food while it cooks.

The pot has been constructed with elevated sides and a narrow top that reduces evaporation of liquid for perfect heating and cooking of your soup. Along with the heavy-duty base and sloped design, it is very easy to stir and move the liquid around.

The body of the pot is impressive and stylish with a lovely shine all over it. Cleaning and washing the pot is easy and convenient and can be done manually or in a dishwasher. One of the greatest pots that is effective and efficient.

Pros:

• High-quality product
• Easy to clean in a dishwasher
• Has a tempered glass lid
• Oven safe
• High sides and narrow top for slow cooking
• Aluminum base for even heating

Cons:

• The lid makes noise when cooking

Specs

Overall Dimensions:14.1 x 12.1 x 7.6 inches and 7.75 pounds

Brand: Calphalon

5. HOMICHEF Large Stainless Steel Stockpot

A sophisticated looking stockpot with the perfect mirror shine is the HOMICHEF Large Stainless Steel Stockpot.

This ecological, green stockpot is non-allergic and non-toxic and is made from premium stainless steel which has a 3-ply base that ensures uniform spreading of heat. This ensures safe and no harm cooking for your family.

The stockpot is versatile and can be used on multiple stovetops like the gas stove, induction, glass and so on. The pot can also be used in the oven. The technology used behind the construction of this pot ensures faster cooking with less power consumption.

With this feature, the pot is not just environmentally friendly but in the long run, pocket friendly too. The pot is accompanied with a tempered glass lid that gives you the convenience of seeing your food cooking. The stylish design also has firm handles which are riveted for ease while lifting.

Moreover, the smooth surface makes the cleaning easy that can be done manually or in a dishwasher along with other utensils.

Pros:

• Safe cooking guarantee
• Mirror polish for a stylish appearance
• Heavy-duty and high quality
• A thick bottom that distributes heat evenly
• Has a tempered glass lid that fits tightly
• Energy saving
• Large size
• Has firm handles
• Reasonably priced

Cons:

• Requires moderate heat which might take long to boil water

Specs:

Overall Dimensions: 13.9 x 13.7 x 12.7 inches and 7.89 pounds

Brand: HOMICHEF STAINLESS STEEL COOKWARE LLC

6. Winware SST-40 Stainless Steel Stockpot

Next on the list is an impressive design incorporating a thick bottom and some very effective features, the Winware SST-40 Stainless Steel Stockpot. The pot is made from top-notch, high quality stainless steel.

This quality of the pot promises to not alter the taste or quality of your families food. There will be no reactions with the metal ensuring the taste and flavors are all from your fresh delicious ingredients. Moreover, the problem of hot spots from high heat is not going to cause a problem.

The large pot can easily hold up to 10 gallons of liquid and is the largest pot on today’s list of pots. Therefore, you can prepare abundant food for everyone in one go. The stockpot is also sturdy and firm and will stay balanced on your cooktop.

The handles attached to the cookware are firm and well-contoured for a safe and good hold. Also, Winware pots are specialised so that its handles do not heat up when cooking on high temperatures making it easy and safe to handle the pot. You may also like some of the best manual meat grinders from our list, so be sure to check them out.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty and high-quality pot
• Stylish appearance
• A flat bottom that’s perfectly balanced
• Professionally riveted handles
• Enormous size

Cons:

• Suitable for high quantity cooking

Specs

Package Dimensions: 21 x 16.8 x 14.2 inches and 18.6 pounds

Brand: Winco USA

7. BREAUXS Stainless Steel Stockpot

Last on our list of the best soup pots is the BREAUXS Stockpot which is not just large but promises an effective and efficient cooking experience. With good, durable standards, this pot will always remain as good as new.

The pot can accommodate a good, generous amount of liquid and at the same time has enough room for mixing and stirring. For times when you host a party with a lot of guests, this pot has got you covered.

Other than the large size, it has a highly functional top cover. The lid fits well and prevents loss of nutrients, heat, texture and flavor. The pot is attached with good quality handles that makes cooking and lifting very easy and convenient.

The pot is versatile, and can be used on different types of cooktops like gas tops, induction and even in the oven. The flat bottom of the pot is made of a thick layer that ensures even distribution of heat throughout the food.

An amazing feature is the removable spigot valve for draining liquids. Therefore, you don’t need to scoop the liquid out, all you need to do is turn the valve and empty the contents into a bowl. You may also like some of the best waffle makers with removable plates from our list, so be sure to check them out.

Pros

• High quality and durable
• Versatile for use on different stovetops
• A heavy bottom that heats evenly
• Smooth, shiny appearance
• Have a firm handles perfectly secured
• Easy to clean
• Large size

Cons

• Only applicable when cooking lots of stock for many people

Specs

Overall size : 15.7 x 15.7 x 17.7 inches and 23.3 pounds

Brand: BREAUXS

Buying guide for choosing the Best Soup Pot

Before picking up an appropriate soup pot for your kitchen, you need to consider a few specific features. With the right knowledge and understanding of the different types of pots out there and the large variety of soup pots available, you will easily find the best soup pot to suit your specific needs..

The important aspects to keep in mind, so that you do buy the best soup pot, are as follows:

Size:

Size of the pot is one of the biggest factors that determine which pot you should get. There a wide variety of sizes of these pots that one can chose from. The most appropriate size for a soup pot ranges between 6-qt. to 12-qt. You also need to consider things like the capacity of your cooktop, will it suit your family size or cooking requirements.  Then you also need to consider where you will store your pot when not in use.

A factor that distinguishes a stock pot and a soup pot is the size. A stock pot is bigger than a soup pot that is generally used by professionals for making a lot of stock or by families with a lot of members.

Quality

When it comes to selecting the best soup pot, quality is another very important consideration. Stainless steel utensils are always preferred over utensils made from other metals. The sole reason behind this is that the metal may react with the hot liquid or some of the foods and can ruin the flavor of your prized recipe.

With quality also comes durability! The pot should be durable so that it can be used for many more years to come. The base should be non-stick so that no food contents stick to the bottom and spoil your food. A pot is always better when it has high walls that can moderate the process of evaporation. The metal used should also save the body from getting hot spots.

Firm handles

Handles are another very essential feature that you should keep in mind when choosing a soup pot. Handles will make the cooking, as well as the post-cooking process very easy and convenient. The handles need to be firmly attached to the pot so that it is sturdy. Pots with heavy screws or rivets are usually the strongest. Also the handles that resist heat are always favourble!

Another important consideration when looking at the handles is to make sure they are the right size for you and will they be convenient to clean.

A Lid or cover

When shopping, a pot with a lid adds more value to your package. A firm lid that fits perfectly ensures that moisture and heat doesn’t escape, thereby allowing your food to simmer and maintain flavor, texture, and taste.

Some soup pots have tempered glasses with steam vents, and this is a bonus feature since you can see the contents inside. Glass lids are always beneficial as they also allow you to keep a check on your food while it is still cooking.

Versatility

When you are selecting a pot, you want to check which different types of cooktops they can be used on. Some may not be suitable for gas and others may not be suitable for a induction cooktop. Also consider if you would like to use your pot in the oven. Ideally you would want to invest in a pot that can be used on different types of cooktops, Your pot should outlast your oven and you don’t want to limit yourself in the future.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which is the best soup pot?

Stainless steel pots score the highest when it comes to rating the best soup pots.

Can I clean a stainless steel stockpot in a dishwasher?

Yes, you can clean a stainless steel stockpot in a dishwasher.

What is the best size of a soup pot for a large party?

If you have a party, you can select a large-sized soup pot that can hold up to 10-15 gallons of liquid in one go.

Can soup pots be used for cooking food other than soup?

Yes, a soup pot can be used for cooking any food item.

How can even distribution of heat be maintained while cooking in a soup pot?

There are multiple soup pots available in the market that have a thick layer that will ensure even distribution of heat in the entire pot.

Conclusion

The article entails advantages and disadvantages of different soup pots. We wrote this article to make the choice of the right soup pot for your kitchen easy and convenient. After looking at a number of characteristics, we hope you now have a clear picture of the available soup pots and which one is best for you. Make sure you also check our guide to the best manual meat grinders.