What Can You Use a Stock Pot For?

If you’re stocking up on kitchen cookware staples, don't overlook the versatile Stock Pot. Based on its name, it may seem like a piece of cookware that’s only good for one thing, but a Stock Pot  is one of the most important cookware items you can keep in your kitchen. So, what exactly is a Stock Pot and what else can you use it for besides simmering stock? Below we provide some tips for choosing which Stock Pot is right for you, plus discuss some of its many uses .

What Is a Stock Pot?

A Stock Pot is a tall, wide pot that is typically made from Stainless Steel used for stovetop cooking that involves large quantities of liquid. Other possible materials for a Stock Pot can include aluminum, copper, and Carbon Steel. These pots are usually equipped with lids and handles on either side for easy and safe transport. Stock Pot sizes can vary greatly, but some common sizes include 6, 8, and 12-quarts.

The term "Stock Pot" and "soup pot" are often used interchangeably, but these are actually two different types of cookware. A soup pot is equipped with a heavier bottom to withstand long-term heat exposure from lengthy simmers. Stock Pots have a similar size and appearance as soup pots, but they have a thinner bottom material that will allow for quicker boiling and more even heat distribution.

What Can I Use a Stock Pot For?

The great thing about a Stock Pot is that it can be used for so many different things in the kitchen besides making stock. Anytime you need a large pot with a lid, your Stock Pot will come in handy. Here are some of its most popular uses.

Stock Pots are ideal for steaming and boiling because they can hold a large volume of ingredients at once and bring water to a boil very quickly. Some Stock Pots come with a built-in metal steamer.  Whether you are looking to steam whole lobsters for a seafood boil or boil pasta for a weeknight dinner, a Stock Pot makes the task easier. Even if your Stock Pot doesn’t come with a steamer, you can purchase one separately.

Stock Pots are also great for whipping up one-pot dishes without the need to dirty other cookware. Many one-pot dishes, including pastas, can be made in a Stock Pot for added convenience and served out of the pot once sauce has been.

Making Stock or Broth

If you enjoy making your own bone broth, vegetable broth, or stock, a Stock Pot is perfect for just that (it's in the name, after all). The large capacity of these pots makes it easy to create a lot of stock or broth in one sitting, which you can then use to enhance the flavor of other recipes.

If you’re looking to preserve some of your favorite foods, such as homemade tomato sauce, then a  Stock Pot is an essential tool. To do this, place the food you want to can into a sterilized jar, then submerge the jar in a Stock Pot of boiling water to create an airtight seal. With a large enough pot, you can seal multiple jars at once to speed up the process.

Any time you need to cook for a crowd, a Stock Pot can come in handy, like when making corn on the cob for a large group. Standard-sized pots will only hold a few ears of corn at once, but a large stock pot can accommodate enough ears of corn for a larger crowd.

Ready to Shop?

With so many uses, having at least one Stock Pot in your kitchen is a must if you enjoy cooking and entertaining. When shopping for one, don't skimp on quality. Our selection of Stock Pots are made of a premium five-ply metal for even, consistent cooking every time, and are available in a wide range of sizes (from 6-  to 12-quarts) to suit your needs and any use you have for them.