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 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.
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 cuisinart soup maker 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.
In 2008, they began production of their own line of cast aluminum cookware featuring an Ecolon ceramic nonstick coating. The Slide nonstick surface proves to be completely nonstick, which makes cleaning with a soft sponge and soapy water easy. And the surface also holds up admirably when put through the dishwasher on a regular basis. The Unison gets top cuisinart griddler elite grades for its quick, even heating, quality construction, and the efficient, durable nonstick surface. Today, the brand still holds a preeminent position in this niche, and markets several lines of cookware. This attractive 4-quart soup pot is from the Unison line, and it is made of the same strong and durable anodized aluminum Calphalon started with.
One happy customer wrote, “It is wonderful. No sticking on the bottom and cleanup was a breeze. This is also a beautiful piece of equipment.” If you have a limited budget but are looking for a big pot, the Cook N Home 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot is a great choice. This basic 12-quart stockpot is made from stainless steel, polished to a mirror-like finish. Like many other stockpots, it features an aluminum disc in the bottom that is layered between stainless steel for better heat distribution.
There are just too many complaints regarding the poor quality of the porcelain coating to be attributed to anything but the production process. Customers also report issues with the lid being a poor fit that it is wobbly, allowing too much moisture to evaporate as a result. The carbon steel makes for a great lightweight vessel that is easy to lift and maneuver.