The Best Stock Pots: A Buyer’s Guide

Capacity: 6 Quarts

Material: Aluminum

The budget-friendly CAROTE 6QT Stock Pot is a versatile option for those who appreciate a good deal without compromising too much on performance. Crafted with PFOA and PFOS-free granite materials, this non-stick pot excels at preventing food from sticking, which translates to hassle-free cooking and effortless cleanup. It’s great for soups, chowders, boiling pasta, and even cooking rice as it heats up quickly and, most importantly, evenly. The 5mm thick, safe nonstick coating resists deformation, but avoid using metal utensils on it as it could scratch. While it’s not oven-safe, the granite design and wooden handle are stylish, and it offers a good bang for your buck. 

Features:

• Triple-ply enlarged heating area
• 5mm non-stick coating (without PFOA or PFOS)
• Die-cast technology for added durability 

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Easy to clean
• Quick and even heating

Cons:

• Requires use of non-scratch utensils
• Not oven-safe

Capacity: 8 Quarts

The MSMK 8QT Stock Pot isn’t just big in size, it’s big in features. The brand’s ‘Tuff Limestone’ coating includes silicon and artificial diamond for durability and some serious resistance. The pot is entirely non-stick, even when it’s been scorched, and it's compatible with all cooktops, including gas, electric, and even induction. Plus, it’s oven-safe up to 700°F. The heavy-gauge 4 mm stainless-steel bottom helps the pot to heat up evenly, great for ensuring that whatever you’re cooking is properly cooked through, all while the beautiful handles remain cool to the touch. And to top it all off, it’s environmentally friendly, made from recycled aluminum and the company is a climate-neutral family business! 

Features:

• Long-lasting non-stick performance with it’s ‘Tuff Limestone’ coating
• Heavy-gauge 4 mm stainless-steel bottom
• Heat-resistant stainless steel riveted handles
• Oven-safe up to 700°F

Pros:

• Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup
• Proven to last for 20 years, even with frequent use
• Compatibility with all types of cooktops, including induction

Cons:

• Pricey 
• Heavy composition, so it can take a while to heat up

Capacity: 5 Quarts 

Material: Ceramic & Hard Anodized Aluminum
The GreenPan 5QT Stock Pot has a healthy ceramic nonstick coating, which is an absolute game-changer in the kitchen, not only because you can cook your food with zero PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium, but also because it won't ever spew toxic fumes into your kitchen, even if you accidentally crank up the heat. The hard-anodized body is super durable, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. Beyond its functionality as a pot to cook up pasta, soup, veggies, and meat it’s also oven and broiler safe up to 600°F. And tempered glass lid means you can keep an eye on your cooking while keeping in mind that the lid is only oven up to 425°F.

What truly sets this pot apart is GreenPan's commitment to sustainability, using 65% recycled aluminum, employing 18% solar power in their factory, and emitting 60% less CO2 during the curing phase than their competitors. Plus, you can confidently wield metal utensils without fear of ruining the nonstick surface. 

‍Features:

• High-temperature tolerance (oven and broiler safe up to 600°F)
• Tempered glass lid
• Scratch-resistant body

Pros:

• Eco-friendly choice with sustainable manufacturing practices.
• Healthy ceramic nonstick coating ensures no release of toxic fumes
• Metal utensils can be used safely without damaging the nonstick surface

Cons:

• Handwash only
• Not suitable for induction stovetops
• Handles may get hot during cooking