for a 8 qt or larger (no more than 12 qts) stockpot. Our extended family is growing and we need a second stockpot for making soups/stews/Chicken and Dumplings so that we have enough leftovers to send off with Son and Daughter and still have enough for us. My initial leanings are to an 18/10 stainless w/ tri-ply design. We currently have a large SaladMaster, which we love, but not inclined to spend that kind of money on a utensil that will likely only be used several times per year. Will be used on a glass/electric cooktop. A dutch oven is not absolutely out of the question, but I fear that the larger sizes will be unwieldy for my petite Wife, and I also wonder how the glass cooktop would handle the heft.
Recommendations, please
- Thread starter Mr. Clean
- Start date
AllClad. You can get others. but you can't go wrong with AllClad
Are you dead set on the 12 qt limit? I have a 16 qt that I use at least once a month that I got from Costco, for I believe $45. Try ply stainless, (In fact it is made by All-Clad, but not advertised as such). Excellent quality and heft, semi-convenient size, and an unbeatable price. I'd venture to guess that I have made many thousands of gallons of stock, tomato sauce, and the occasional very large batch of braised short ribs in there, and it still looks/performs as if new.
I understand the space concern of a pot that large, as I live in a small apartment (~750 sq ft). That being said, with almost every other pot in the kitchen I always wish I had bought the bigger one, and not tried to save the money. Despite the fact that I typically only cook for myself, when I cook for others I need the space. It it MUCH easier to cook a little bit of something in a pan too big, than it is to cook too much food in a pan a little too small.
I understand the space concern of a pot that large, as I live in a small apartment (~750 sq ft). That being said, with almost every other pot in the kitchen I always wish I had bought the bigger one, and not tried to save the money. Despite the fact that I typically only cook for myself, when I cook for others I need the space. It it MUCH easier to cook a little bit of something in a pan too big, than it is to cook too much food in a pan a little too small.
Was going to recommend a Sitram stainless pot with aluminum disc bottom, but checking the price, it's gone WAY up. Paderno is similar.
- Thread starter
- #5
Kudos to you! A single man with a 16 qt stockpot!
Your recommendation falls far below what we would expect to pay, and your comment could be the understatement of this new year. Your comment regarding heft also caught my eye. What we don't want is some flimsy cheap feeling (which would likely result in a poorly performer) stockpot. The size is something of a consideration, but I would definitely have to look at it. Bad news, we don't belong to Costco. The local stores are not conveniently located.
- Thread starter
- #6
Not familiar with the Sitram brand, but will look into that option as well. Thank you.
Kudos to you! A single man with a 16 qt stockpot!
Your recommendation falls far below what we would expect to pay, and your comment could be the understatement of this new year. Your comment regarding heft also caught my eye. What we don't want is some flimsy cheap feeling (which would likely result in a poorly performer) stockpot. The size is something of a consideration, but I would definitely have to look at it. Bad news, we don't belong to Costco. The local stores are not conveniently located.
Amazingly, even if you buy the costco membership and the pot together, it is still a good deal.... But I understand the situation. One great place to look this time of year is Kohl's if you have one near you.... Usually the after Christmas sales are great there..
In the end, buy a quality pot, and buy it once.... if you try to save money on a cheap, thin aluminum pot, you may be buying it many times over. Buy a stainless pot the first time, sacrifice the money, and let your grandchildren fight over it. It may cost more up front, but you'll be happier in the long run.
Check out the "Update" line from A Cook's Wares. They're nice pans that are cheaper than All-Clad or the French brands.
- Thread starter
- #9
Yes, considerably so. Do you own any of their line?
My old (about 20 years) Calphalon stockpot still does full time duty. I really don't see any need for anything fancier or more expensive.
Of course, Calphalon itself has gotten fancier and more expensive over the years. I am just talking about the old style heavy gauge anodized aluminum pot with heavy metal handles and flat lid. To borrow a phrase from Louis Chevrolet, it is "brutal, but effective".
Tim
Of course, Calphalon itself has gotten fancier and more expensive over the years. I am just talking about the old style heavy gauge anodized aluminum pot with heavy metal handles and flat lid. To borrow a phrase from Louis Chevrolet, it is "brutal, but effective".
Tim