Stock pots come in many sizes. Some are as small as six quarts and others may be as large as 20 quarts. If you need something even larger, commercial stock pots are available. While a stock pot should be larger than the soup pot that you use since you will make more stock than soup, it is quite possible to use the same pot for both soup and stocks.
Most homes do well with a stock pot that is in the range of 6 to 12 quarts. These pots are also useful for many other cooking needs. Most pots will be found with a round base and straight sides.
It is important that your stock pot has a heavy thick bottom that will prevent burning. If you plan to use the pot for sups, this is especially important. Otherwise the starches from the soup may begin to sick as the soup simmers. A thin bottomed pot can cause these starches to begin to scorch and ruin the entire pot of soup.
Stock pots can be made of many kinds of materials. Some of those include copper, aluminum, stainless steel or cast iron. Additionally, you may find some that are coated using nonstick materials. These choices may have different benefits and will affect the cost of the pot.
The material your pot is made of will affect its ability to transmit the heat from the burner or element of your range to the food. Some pots do an effective job at transferring heat up the side of the pot so that everything cooks evenly at both the top and bottom of the pot.
You will also want to ensure that the handle to your pan is firmly attached. You do not want to always be afraid that the handle will someday let go when you are transporting boiling liquid from one point to another. Handles need to be attached using heavy screws or rivets.
It may be difficult to choose the stock pot that you want to buy, but if you choose wisely, the pot can last for many years and serve your family well.
