If you’re serious about soups, stocks, and stews, a dependable stockpot is essential in your kitchen. We put several top-rated models to the test—simmering, boiling, and browning—to see which ones delivered. Here are five standout performers, starting with three favorites that rose above the rest.
Best Overall: Cuisinart 12-Quart MultiClad Pro Stainless Stock Pot With Cover
Why We Love It:
The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro came out as the top contender thanks to its superior performance and thoughtful design. With a wider, shorter profile than most tall stockpots, it’s easier to stir, ladle, and scrape the bottom while cooking. It excelled at even browning, creating a rich fond without scorching the mirepoix—a sure sign of even heat distribution.
The pot’s tapered rim offers drip-free pouring, and the wide, ridged handles provide a secure grip—even when wearing oven mitts. Though it’s on the heavier side, the balance is excellent, making it feel stable and controlled even when full.
Minor Drawbacks:
The rigid handles might feel awkward if you’re carrying the pot with your bare hands, and its wider shape can make cleaning a bit cumbersome. However, for performance and build quality, this one is hard to beat.
Best Budget Pick: Vigor 12-Quart Aluminum Clad Stainless Steel Stockpot
Why We Love It:
The Vigor proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great stockpot. Its extra-wide handles offer a comfortable, secure grip, handy when maneuvering large volumes of liquid. While it’s lighter than the Cuisinart, it still performed admirably, delivering even cooking without scorching.
The shorter, wider profile makes stirring and scooping a breeze, and at under $50, it’s a steal for the quality.
Minor Drawbacks:
The aluminum-clad base doesn’t build up quite as much fond or browning as fully clad stainless steel models, and the thinner, rounded handles lack a bit of stability. Still, for big-batch cooking on a budget, it’s an excellent choice.
Best Compact Option: Misen 8-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot
Why We Love It:
Don’t have room for a 12-quart pot? The Misen 8-quart delivers big performance in a smaller package. Built with five-ply cladding and thick walls, it’s incredibly sturdy and warp-resistant. The flat, ergonomic handles are easy to grip with bare hands or mitts, and the pot is well-balanced, even when full.
It’s also oven-safe up to a blazing 800°F, making it virtually indestructible. If you cook in smaller batches or have limited storage space, this pot is a compact powerhouse.
Minor Drawbacks:
Naturally, the smaller size limits the volume that can be cooked. It’s not ideal for making gallons of stock at once, but it shines for weeknight soups or mid-sized recipes.
Also Great: All-Clad 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot
Why We Love It:
The All-Clad 12-quart stockpot offers professional-grade performance for the home cook. With its tri-ply bonded construction (aluminum core between layers of stainless steel), it heats evenly and responds quickly to temperature changes—ideal for delicate reductions and large-scale boiling alike.
Its classic, polished design and flared rims make for easy pouring with minimal mess. The stainless-steel handles are sturdy and comfortable, and its high sides are great for making large batches of broths or soups without taking up too much stovetop space.
Minor Drawbacks:
It comes at a premium price, and the polished exterior requires a bit of maintenance to keep it looking pristine. Still, if you’re looking for a long-term investment piece, this is a top-tier option.
Best Lightweight Performer: Tramontina 16-Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot
Why We Love It:
If capacity is your priority, the Tramontina 16-quart stockpot is a fantastic choice. Despite its larger size, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle. The satin-finish stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek, professional look, and the pot includes a tri-ply base for improved heat conductivity and even cooking.
Perfect for home canning, lobster boils, or cooking for a crowd, Tramontina’s large volume and solid performance make it a great addition to any kitchen arsenal.
Minor Drawbacks:
Since it only has an encapsulated tri-ply base (not fully clad sides), it doesn’t brown as evenly as higher-end models like All-Clad or Cuisinart. However, for sheer size and value, it’s hard to beat.
Final Thoughts:
From space-saving designs to heavy-duty workhorses and budget-friendly gems, these five stockpots each bring something valuable to the table. Whether you’re simmering Sunday sauce or prepping broth for the week, one of these tested picks is sure to be the right fit for your kitchen.